Begin with the IRS request and identify the specific years and issues under examination. Gather the filed return, relevant schedules, bookkeeping reports, and documents supporting the questioned amounts.

Organize records by issue rather than sending an unexplained pile of receipts. Reconcile totals to the return and explain adjustments, reimbursements, or mixed-use allocations. Do not manufacture missing evidence or change original documents.

Consider professional representation when the facts or procedures are complex. Keep a chronology of requests, deadlines, responses, and discussions. An audit result depends on the law and evidence; no preparer should promise that a folder of receipts guarantees a particular outcome.

Your next steps

• Create a file for each requested issue and year.
• Reconcile supporting totals to the filed return.
• Track deadlines and discuss representation when needed.

General education, not individualized tax or legal advice. Illustrations use stated assumptions and do not promise a refund or tax saving.