Tips for Preventing Tax Audits

A tax audit is an experience every sane business person strives to avoid. Unfortunately, there's no way to guarantee that the IRB won't pay you an unwelcome visit; the government's exact formula for choosing who is audited remains a well-guarded secret. And even if you are chosen for a tax audit, you may face a variety of different types.

Even if you can't be sure you'll avoid an auditor's attention, however, tax experts have identified some factors that may flag a return for closer scrutiny. It pays to be extra careful when filling out your tax return, and to keep the best possible records to document your business operations and expenses, if you fall into one of the following categories:
Self-employed people:

1. Corporate returns reporting income of MYR1,000,000 or more;
2. Individuals who claim a home office deduction;
3. Sole proprietors in businesses:

• Where income is mostly attained from tips, such as waiters and cab drivers; Involving large amounts of cash, such as auto salespeople;
• Involving a lot of travel, such as airline pilots and flight attendants;
• That are service-oriented, such as lawyers and doctors;
• Recreational-type businesses that could be classified as hobbies;
• Businesses using subcontractors instead of employees;
• Returns with large deductions relative to one's income for charitable gifts, travel, meals, and entertainment.

Whether your business is more likely to be an IRB target, experts say you can still reduce your risk of an audit by:

1. Answering all questions on your tax return;
2. Using exact numbers, not nice round numbers (use MYR4,892.18, not MYR5,000.00);
3. Double-checking your math for errors;
4. Preparing your report neatly and accurately;
5. Attaching explanations for any items that may appear questionable.

If you do get audited, the burden of proof lies with you (click here to see Preparing For A Tax Audit ) for more information.

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