The IRS averages approximately 300,000 EITC audits per year out of the universe of 25 million. The total universe of tax year 2015 returns in income categories of $1 to $5 million, $5 million to $10 million and $10 million and over was 478,772.

What are the chances of getting taxes audited?

In 2018, for those who made less than $25,000, there was just a 0.69 percent chance of being audited, only 0.48 percent for those making between $25,000 and $50,000 and a 0.54 percent chance for taxpayers making between $50,000 and $75,000.

How often does the IRS audit previous tax years?

However, this may extend to six years or even longer if your tax return has a very significant error or is fraudulent. Although the goal of the IRS for quickly auditing tax returns is within the past three years, most tax audits are completed within the most recent two years.

Is there Statute of limitations on IRS audits?

If you never filed your tax return or file the late coming to statute of limitations does not begin to run until the returns filed. Therefore, if you wait until the day before the three-year statue limitations expires to file your tax return the IRS still has three more years to audit you.

What happens to my tax return after an audit?

What happens after an audit. Your audit can end in one of three ways: No change: Your return was fine after all and your audit simply ends. Agreed: The IRS proposes changes to your return, like saying you actually owed a tax bill, and you agree to the changes. If you owe money, you can make payments or set up a payment plan.

When do you receive an IRS audit letter?

Many taxpayers are taken by surprise when they receive an audit letter in the mail after they’ve already been audited the previous year, or the year before that. This is why everyone who files a yearly return should know what the IRS looks for in selecting returns for audits and what its limits are where audits are concerned.