"Can I still be audited after filing my taxes?"
Yes, taxpayers can still be audited after filing their taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the authority to audit a taxpayer's tax return within three years of the date of filing, with some exceptions.
However, if the tax returns have significant errors or omissions, the IRS may audit a taxpayer's returns beyond the three-year statute of limitations. For instance, if a taxpayer did not report all their income or engaged in tax fraud, the IRS can go back six years, or even indefinitely if no return was filed, to investigate the matter.
In the event that a taxpayer is selected for an audit, the IRS sends a letter of notification outlining the details of the audit. The audit process can be time-consuming and complex, and a taxpayer may benefit from seeking legal advice during the process.
It is recommended that taxpayers keep copies of tax returns and supporting documents for at least seven years, in case of an IRS audit. If a taxpayer has been audited previously, they may want to take steps to ensure that their future tax returns are accurate and complete to avoid another audit.