Can You Spot These 5 Common IRS Audit Red Flags?
Don't let a simple filing mistake put your tax return in the crosshairs. Test your knowledge with this quiz before the IRS does.
Fear of an IRS audit is incredibly common, even if the actual odds of one are much lower than you think. After all, the federal tax agency audits only about one in 250 individual files (roughly .4%) each year.
However, getting selected isn't entirely random. Common red flags like disproportionate deductions, omitted income, or simple reporting mismatches can increase your chances of a manual review.
Think you can spot the warning signs? Take our quick five-question quiz to test your knowledge of IRS audit red flags.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
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.
Explore More
- What Are Your Chances of an IRS Audit? 15 Audit Red Flags
- 6 Tax Mistakes That Could Be Raising Your Bill
- These Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026
Join over half a million readers using Kiplinger's insights to make smart financial decisions. Profit and prosper with our expert guidance on investing, taxes and retirement, and more. Delivered daily.