Does the IRS audit small amounts?
James Williams
Published Apr 05, 2026
Typically, the IRS audits less than 1% of all tax returns filed in a fiscal year. For example, the IRS audited 0.6% of all individual tax returns filed in 2017 and 0.9% of corporate income tax returns, excluding returns from S corporations, or S-corps.
How much money triggers an IRS audit?
High Income Fewer than 1% of tax returns with $200,000 or less in income are audited. That percentage grows to 10% and higher for those earning above $1 million. Obviously, you don’t want to try to earn less money to avoid an audit!
The IRS expects that taxpayers will live within their means. They earn, they pay their bills, and maybe they’re lucky enough to save and invest a little money as well. It can trigger an audit if you’re spending and claiming tax deductions for a significant portion of your income.
How often does the IRS audit tax returns?
If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don’t go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed. Accordingly most audits will be of returns filed within the last two years.
What is the Statute of limitations for an IRS audit?
If an audit is not resolved, we may request extending the statute of limitations for assessment tax. The statute of limitations limits the time allowed to assess additional tax. It is generally three years after a return is due or was filed, whichever is later.
Why are I being selected for an IRS audit?
An IRS audit is a review/examination of an organization’s or individual’s accounts and financial information to ensure information is reported correctly according to the tax laws and to verify the reported amount of tax is correct. Why am I being selected for an audit? How am I notified?
Can you request a face to face audit from the IRS?
If you have too many books or records to mail, you can request a face-to-face audit. The IRS will provide contact information and instructions in the letter you receive. Depending on the issues in your audit, IRS examiners may use one of these Audit Techniques Guides to assist them.
