The IRS also keeps an eye out for cash-based businesses, and for mismatches between what others file about you and what you file. For example, if you neglect to include a payment for some freelance work during the year, and the payer reports that as a business expense, you are likely to get some scrutiny. This would also hold true if you neglect to report gains from an investment account, and the investment firm reports them.
Wealthier taxpayers seem to be more likely to get chosen for audit, perhaps because that gives the IRS a greater chance to recover significant sums. (Every year the government collects only about 83 percent of what it is owed, a gap of several hundred billion dollars at a time when the budget deficit is a flashpoint.)
According to IRS data, taxpayers making $1 million or more are more than 12 times more likely than the rest of the population to be examined. In 2010, about one in 100 Americans were audited. The IRS audited 3.8 percent of returns for those making $200,000 or higher, versus 12.5 percent of returns for those making $1 million or more.
As for the online monitoring, Zelinsky says it may be simply the application of new tools to old agency search standards. So while he is deeply frustrated by the IRS’ lack of transparency, he added, “If they are using social media to find cash based businesses, or looking for phony medical deductions or the other hot buttons, then I would applaud that.”
There is no surefire way to prevent an audit. But experts say one practice definitely improves your odds: Don’t do what the IRS does. Be open. About everything.
By the way, the agency declined to comment about this story.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/05/17/how-to-tell-if-the-irs-is-eyeing-you-for-a-tax-audit/
