You stop by the mailbox after work and thumb through the mail as you walk into the house. A chill runs up your spine as you see the IRS return address on an envelope and there isn’t a check in the window. You are being audited and need some advice.

What now?

How do you respond to this and should you be having a heart attack right about now? While many people lose it as soon as they believe that the IRS is going to be asking for their records and proof, the fact of the matter is that you shouldn’t panic. The best audit advice is to stay calm and gather the information that you need carefully, accurately and without worry. If you have kept a file folder, as I mentioned in a previous blog, then you should have everything at hand.

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This could save you a lot of headaches

Some people have a tendency to just set the letter aside, hoping it will go away, but it won’t.Take the time to respond to it. Give the IRS a call and find out what is going on and when they want to come and see your paperwork. This simple phone call can help you find the right information before you react the wrong way. Remember, the problem is not the fault of the person on the other end of the phone, They are just doing their job and will not be intimidated by bluster. So, keep calm, be nice, play fair and be honest. Do you need some extra time to get your information in order? Need to dig out that box, organize it and hope that it’s all there? Then make sure to ask for a postponement of the audit. Even if they won’t reschedule, it never hurts to ask. This audit advice is very important: don’t wait until the last minute to do it! Call them up and ask for a small delay so that you can get things in order.

Try to laugh, if you can…

Lastly, it is important to realize that most audits are simply needed because of minor errors. You added or subtracted wrong. You entered the wrong information on the wrong line. That type of thing occurs everyday. So, you made a mistake. Fix it by providing a good attitude to the IRS auditor that comes to see you. I have personally been audited twice and both times it was simple math errors or putting a number in the wrong box. Coronary averted with the use of simple records to show the auditor. Keep your calm and make that call today for your appointment.