Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Common IRS Audit Triggers for Small Businesses: How to Avoid Them

As a small business owner, the word 'audit' can be a source of anxiety. However, understanding the common triggers for an IRS audit and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of facing one. This article explores the factors that could lead to an IRS audit for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and provides practical tips on how to avoid them.

Discrepancies in Reported Income

One of the most common triggers for an IRS audit is discrepancies in reported income. The IRS cross-references your reported income with the 1099s and W-2s they receive from other businesses and individuals. If there's a mismatch, it could trigger an audit. To avoid this, ensure that your reported income matches the income reported by your clients, customers, and employees.

Excessive Deductions 

While it's perfectly legal to claim legitimate business expenses, excessive or unusual deductions can raise red flags. This includes high deductions for travel, meals, entertainment, and home office expenses. To avoid suspicion, only claim deductions that are necessary and ordinary for your business, and always keep detailed records to substantiate your claims. 

Large Cash Transactions 

If your business deals with a lot of cash, you may be more likely to be audited. The IRS requires businesses to report cash transactions over $10,000. Failure to do so can trigger an audit. To stay compliant, make sure to report all large cash transactions and keep meticulous records. 

Consistent Business Losses 

If your business consistently reports losses, the IRS may question whether your business is genuinely trying to make a profit. If you're not, your business could be classified as a hobby, and you could lose your business deductions. To avoid this, ensure your business activities are carried out in a businesslike manner with the intent to make a profit. 

Late or Incomplete Filing 

Filing your tax returns late or submitting incomplete or inaccurate forms can also trigger an audit. To avoid this, always file your tax returns on time and double-check your forms for accuracy before submitting them. 

Avoiding an IRS audit largely comes down to good organization and timely filing. Keep accurate records of your income and expenses, file your tax returns on time, and be honest in your reporting. If you're unsure about anything, it’s always a good idea to consult with our office. 

If you need help with organization, responding to a notice, or any other aspect of your business's finances, don't hesitate to reach out to our office. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you navigate the complexities of small business taxation and ensure your business stays on the right side of the IRS.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.


“We are always looking to grow our business. Should you have any clients, friends, business associates looking for high quality accounting services from a CPA firm, please have them contact us.”

This e-mail (including any attachments) is only for the exclusive use of the individual to whom it is addressed. The information contained hereinafter may be proprietary, confidential, privileged and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, the reader is hereby put on notice that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If the reader has received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail and delete all copies of this e-mail and any attachments.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: In order to ensure compliance with IRS Circular 230, we must inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this transmission and any attachments hereto is not intended or written to be used and may not be used by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding any penalty that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matter(s) addressed herein.

Richards Group PC, CPA We love to chat!
Please feel free to ask a question, our Ai chat assistant would love to help.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully