If you have IRS Problems, one piece of mail you do not want to receive is a notice from the IRS saying that you are being audited. If this happens to you, do not panic. With the following helpful tips you can breeze through your audit and hopefully leave some of your IRS Problems behind:

● Ignoring the notice will not make it go away! The notice will ask you for a response within a certain amount of time (usually 30 days). If you do not respond in time, your next correspondence from the IRS could be a bill.

● Follow the directions. The notice will detail what items you will need to bring to the audit.

● Get organized. Even if organization is not one of your priorities, it will be helpful if you organize the documents needed for the audit. This will indicate to the auditor that you are an organized person. Have all the necessary papers together with your adding machine tape attached. This will save the auditor time.

● Records missing? If you determine that necessary records are missing, request duplicates now! Having missing documentation will delay the audit process. You will need all the records to support your case. Do not expect the auditor to request the records for you. This is your responsibility.

● Only bring requested records to the audit. Do not take any extra documentation to the audit. If a question arises about information that was not requested just tell them that information is at home. Hopefully the issue will be dropped.

● Leave your attitude at home. It will not help your situation if you go to the audit angry. Remain calm. If you are courteous and polite, the audit will be a piece of cake and the auditor will be more likely to see things your way.

● Do not bring original documents. Make copies of the requested documentation to present to the auditor. If you give your originals to the auditor and they get lost there is nothing you can do to get them back. If you do not have the opportunity to get copies made, ask the auditor to make copies for you. Do not leave the audit without the originals.

● Do not say too much. If possible, only respond to questions with a "yes" or a "no". Supplying the auditor with more information than is necessary may give him a reason to request even more documentation. For example, if you have just purchased a new car or a new home it might indicate to him that you have increased your income. This could be a red flag to the auditor for the need to check you out even more.

● Understand your rights. As a taxpayer you do have rights. The best case scenario would be to settle at your audit but if necessary, know that you have the right to appeal.