If the IRS decides it needs more information on you than what they currently have at their disposal, they may decide to audit you.
The word alone can seem terrifying, and it is often something taxpayers try to avoid at all costs. However, they are not always as terrifying as you may believe, so you should not panic right away.
Field audits
The Motley Fool discusses what happens if you get audited. In many cases, it is a relatively simple process that you can complete through the use of mail alone. However, they may sometimes require documentation that you cannot mail, which will require you to do a field or in-office audit instead.
A field audit is the most comprehensive form of audit. If your tax return ends up triggering numerous red flags or brings several questions to light, then this is what you may have to deal with. IRS representatives in this case may either visit your place of work or your home in order to ensure that you have reported everything on your tax return accurately.
In-office audits
An in-office meeting requires you to go to your local IRS office instead. You can bring an accountant or even personal legal representation if you feel like you need to.
In either of these cases, it can feel daunting and scary to come face to face with personnel from the IRS, especially since most people will go their entire lives without this sort of encounter.
The most important thing is to remain calm and to stay polite. This way, you can avoid arousing suspicion or angering an IRS agent.