--- title: "IRS audit: Definition and Sources | Tax Glossary" description: "An IRS audit is a review of a taxpayer's books, accounts and financial records to confirm that a tax return is correct." url: https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/irs-audit publisher: Wallace CPA phone: +1-877-682-1171 quote: https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/contact --- IRS notices # IRS audit An IRS audit is a review of a taxpayer's books, accounts and financial records to confirm that a tax return is correct. The IRS defines an audit as a review of books, accounts and financial records to check that the return reports information correctly under the tax laws. It also checks the tax amount. Most audits begin with a letter by mail. Selection does not always mean a problem exists. The IRS may pick a return by random screening or by comparing it with similar returns. The letter lists what to send and when. Missing the due date can make things worse. Keep clean records, such as those from good [bookkeeping](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/bookkeeping), and consider a signed [Form 2848](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/form-2848-power-of-attorney) so a CPA can respond for you. See the [IRS notice guide](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/guides/irs-notice-what-to-do). [Wallace CPA can helpIRS problem resolution](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/services/irs-problems) ## Related terms - [Form 2848 power of attorney](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/form-2848-power-of-attorney) - [IRS CP2000 notice](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/irs-cp2000-notice) - [Bookkeeping](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/bookkeeping) - [Penalty abatement](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/penalty-abatement) ## Sources 1. [IRS: IRS audits](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/irs-audits) ## Talk to Wallace CPA Call the Southlake office and say what you need: a return, an IRS letter, your books or a new business. Have the notice or last year's return nearby if you have one. [Call (877) 682-1171](tel:+1-877-682-1171)[Send a message](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/contact) 180 State Street, Suite 225, Southlake, TX 76092