For its Insider Tips From the Pros package, Kiplinger’s spoke with dozens of experts in fields ranging from college aid to travel to glean insights they apply to their own financial lives and share with their own family and friends. Frank Degen, immediate past president of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, revealed these tips for avoiding a tax audit:
"Only about 1% of taxpayers are audited. What triggers an audit is generally something on the tax return that’s out of the ordinary," he says. "For example, if you have a side business and file a Schedule C, the IRS will flag large losses, particularly if they offset other income. The IRS is looking to see if your activity is a hobby as opposed to a business.
"On Schedule A, large charitable contributions could be a red flag because now you have to have a receipt for every item," he continues. "I don’t ask to see every receipt for charitable contributions, but I will specifically ask a client if he or she has receipts for all contributions.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Unreimbursed business expenses are another item you see people get flagged on," he says. "If your preparer isn’t asking serious questions about these items, you need a new preparer."
Discover even more ways to attract unwanted scrutiny in our popular collection of 14 Red Flags for IRS Auditors.
-
The Most Popular Apps for Retirement Planning in 2025A J.D. Power survey ranks retirement planning apps based on customer service and satisfaction. Does your financial app make the cut?
-
Don't Disinherit Your Grandchildren: The Hidden Risks of Retirement Account Beneficiary FormsStandard retirement account beneficiary forms may not be flexible enough to ensure your money passes to family members according to your wishes. Naming a trust as the contingent beneficiary can help avoid these issues. Here's how.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.
-
The Final Countdown for Retirees with Investment IncomeRetirement Tax Don’t assume Social Security withholding is enough. Some retirement income may require a quarterly estimated tax payment by the September 15 deadline.
-
Standard Deduction 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Really Know?Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
IRS in Turmoil: GOP Budget Cuts and Staff Shake-Ups Threaten Taxpayer ServicesIRS Republican lawmakers advance a controversial budget bill that would gut IRS funding further, risking your 2026 tax filing season.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
21 Last-Minute Gifts for Grandparents Day 2025 to Give Right NowHoliday Tips Last-minute gifting is never easy. But here are some ideas to celebrate Grandparents Day.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Taxpayers Age 65-PlusTax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are 10 Tax Breaks For Middle-Class Families in 2025Tax Breaks Working middle-income Americans won’t need to itemize to claim these tax deductions and credits — if you qualify.
