Tax Audit in Staunton, Virginia

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Tax Audit Lawyers in Staunton

A "tax audit" is a procedure in Staunton, Virginia where a taxpayer's tax return is investigated in detail, to ensure that everything on it is accurate. There are many different reasons why you might be audited, but it's typically because there is something suspicious about your tax return. This doesn't necessarily mean that you did anything wrong; it just means that the tax authorities aren't clear about what is going on with your financial situation, and want to investigate further to clear things up, and ensure that nothing illegal has happened.

In Staunton, Virginia the procedure of being audited is relatively simple. If you are chosen to be audited, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you as much. It's important to verify the authenticity of this letter, because sometimes con-artists will pose as tax authorities, and conduct fake audits of unsuspecting taxpayers, then claim that they owe the government more money. If the victim pays, the scammer takes the money and runs. To verify that a letter is authentic, you should contact the nearest branch of the relevant tax authority. Do not simply call the number provided to you in the letter, since it will probably lead to the scammer. Use a phonebook or the Internet to find the actual number you should call.

After confirming that the audit you're facing is truly legitimate, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Initially, you should assemble all of the proper documents you have in your possession. This should include your tax return, W-2 forms, and records of any expenses that you claim as deductions. You should bring these documents, and any others that the auditor requests, to the meeting. At the meeting, the auditor will ask you a list of questions, which you should answer honestly and to the best of your knowledge.

Reasons For a Tax Audit in Staunton, Virginia

There are plethora of reasons why Virginia's government, or the federal government, might conduct a tax audit.

A taxpayer can be chosen for an audit at random, even if the tax authorities don't suspect any wrongdoing. The idea behind these random audits is to keep taxpayers on their toes. So, if you are audited for this reason, and know that you've done everything thoroughly in filing your taxes, you will likely be fine.

Nonetheless, some people in Staunton, Virginia are audited because the government suspects that they are underreporting their income. For instance, if you report that you only make ,000 per year, and then go out and buy an expensive sports car, the IRS and state tax authorities are going to want to discover where the money to buy that car came from.

If you claim such a considerable number of deductions that your tax liability is unusually low, you may well be subject to an audit in Staunton, Virginia. A deduction is an allowable reduction in your taxable income, requiring you to pay taxes on a smaller portion of your income. Specific business expenses and charitable donations are customary sources of tax deductions. However, some people add invalid deductions to their tax returns to reduce their tax burden. If the IRS is suspicious about your deductions, you should make sure you have appropriate documentation to back them up.

How Can A Staunton, Virginia Tax Lawyer Help?

If you find yourself being audited in Staunton, Virginia, and are sure that you have done everything right in preparing your taxes, then the audit will likely be over rapidly, with no penalties imposed. In cases like this, if anything is found to be wrong with your tax return, it is likely the result of an honest mistake, and the auditor will be aware of this, and will likely give you an opportunity to correct your mistake, without suffering any penalties, with the possible exception of being made to pay interest on any back taxes you owe.

Nonetheless, if the situation is more complicated, you may need to hire a Staunton, Virginia tax attorney. A tax attorney can help you through your audit, and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

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Life in Staunton

The city of Staunton is located in Augusta County, Virginia. It is a relatively older community comprised of about 23,000 residents. It was incorporated in 1871. Staunton was first settled by merchants, and its economic beginnings can be traced to the fields of trade, industry, and transportation. The city is locally known for being the birthplace of former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Currently Staunton is an ideal tourist destination, as it has five separate districts with many sights to see. The arts and culture contribute greatly to Staunton's atmosphere, as can be seen by the American Shakespeare Center. The Center is home to the only replica of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre in existence. Strict building codes have preserved much of Staunton's unique early-American architecture. This makes it a popular location for film and T.V. settings.

Staunton residents can enjoy many of the city's outdoor festivals and parades, such as the 4th of July Celebration. Country music is a favorite for many locals, as the city has produced many top-notch artists. The city is a genuine reservoir of American culture and history. Besides President Woodrow Wilson, Staunton has been the hometown of several lawyers, senators, and legislators throughout history.

Staunton lawyers typically file their cases at the Staunton General District Court located in the city. Many lawyers in Staunton, Virginia frequently participate in the city's many community service and outreach programs.

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