Why Am I Being Selected for an Audit?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 62: In this episode, Timalyn explains why the IRS selects certain taxpayers for audits and reassures listeners that being chosen does not automatically mean anything is wrong. Following up on last week’s episode, , Timalyn continues her audit series by breaking down how audit selections are made and why it is important not to panic if you receive an IRS notice. Contrary to common fears, receiving an audit notice does not mean jail time or that you did something wrong. Many audits are selected at random or flagged through a computer system that looks for unusual patterns or...
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What is an IRS Audit?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 61: In this episode, Timalyn breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in tax: the IRS audit. After 60+ episodes of educating taxpayers, she’s kicking off a brand-new series that explores what an audit really means — and what it doesn’t. Many people fear a suit-wearing IRS agent knocking at their door, but as Timalyn explains, that’s highly unlikely. Instead, most audits today are conducted through correspondence and notices, not surprise visits. So, what is an audit? An IRS audit is simply a review or examination of your accounts and financial information to ensure you...
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Your Right to Appeal IRS Decisions
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 60: In this episode, Timalyn explains your right to appeal unfair IRS decisions and why you shouldn't give up. We are celebrating three years and 60 episodes of the Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens podcast! Provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in December, and many taxpayers are worried about IRS mistakes - especially after recent budget cuts and workforce reductions. Does this mean you have to accept wrongful IRS decisions? Timalyn says absolutely not. She explains that the IRS has an Independent Office of Appeals that provides fair, impartial review of...
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Is the IRS Going Away?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 59: In this episode, Timalyn addresses whether or not the IRS is here to stay. We have seen significant changes at the IRS within the past few months as they went through a work force reduction. We have also seen them lose $40 billion of the $80 billion that was promised to them in funding by the Biden Administration. Does this mean that they are going to go bye bye? Timalyn doesn't believe so. She believes that this smaller force will make it more difficult for taxpayers to handle their IRS issues on their own. She also fears that some taxpayers will receive unfair treatment, as well...
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How Long Do You Have to Pay Taxes?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 58: In this episode, Timalyn explains how much time you have to pay your tax bill and how much time the IRS legally has to collect. Your tax balance is due on the due date of the return. However, when the IRS sends you a will give you 30 days to pay before the IRS uses any enforcement. This includes things like an or . If you can pay the debt off within 180 days you may qualify for a short-term installment agreement. This agreement can be arranged using your online IRS.gov account to set up an online payment agreement (OPA). If the amount is over $50,000 you will have to...
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Why Do I Owe Taxes This Year?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 57: In this episode, Timalyn explains the reason you likely owe taxes this year. She highlights 5 common reasons that people owe each year. It is ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayer to ensure that they are withholding enough taxes. The top 2 reasons that people owe the IRS is because their withholding and/or estimated tax payments are off. Timalyn has created a series on her YouTube channel to walk you through the process of correcting your withholding for a W-2 job, pension, or your social security. You can find this series below. If you are self-employed or...
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What If I Can't Pay My Taxes?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 56: In this episode, Timalyn explains that all hope is not lost if you can't pay your taxes in full. You do have options! First, take a deep breath! Make sure that you have your tax return filed on time. This will help you avoid any additional penalties, such as the . Payment Arrangments You may qualify to pay your balance over time. If you owe less than $50,000 and have been tax compliant you may qualify to set up an OPA yourself using the IRS website. An OPA is an . If the balance is $10,000 or less and you haven't owed in the past 3 years or defaulted on an...
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The Failure to File Penalty
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 55: In this episode, Timalyn explains what the failure to file penalty is and why it is adding so much to your tax bill. She will not only talk about what it is but how it's calculated, and how to potentially get it removed. Can't File Your Taxes On Time? You can avoid the failure-to-file penalty by filing a timely tax return or tax extension. If you're an individual needing to file an extension you can do so by filing Form 4868. Timalyn will have a video to walk you through filing the 2024 4868 on her YouTube channel, coming out on March 31st. The Failure to File...
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Is Unemployment Taxable?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
In Episode 54 Timalyn discusses unemployment tax and how it affects a taxpayer's tax liability. Some forms of unemployment are not taxable such as workers compensation. The topics covered in this episode are: What is unemployment? Is unemployment taxable? What's workers compensation? How is unemployment reported? What is Form 1099-G? If you'd like to work with Timalyn directly, you can book a call with her at www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com . As we conclude Episode 54, we’d like to encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You’ll be able to...
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Is Severance Pay Taxable?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
In this episode, Timalyn discusses severance pay and the tax implications of receiving a severance package. She breaks it into 3 sections: What is severance pay? Is severance pay taxable? Why is my severance pay taxed at a higher rate? How to lower the taxes on your severance pay. If you are already facing a tax debt that you can't pay in full Timayn mentions episode 18 - as a resource for you to use to stop the IRS from using enforcement such as tax levies to collect from you. If you'd like to work with Timalyn directly you can book a call with her at . As we conclude...
info_outlineEpisode 62: In this episode, Timalyn explains why the IRS selects certain taxpayers for audits and reassures listeners that being chosen does not automatically mean anything is wrong.
Following up on last week’s episode, What Is an IRS Audit?, Timalyn continues her audit series by breaking down how audit selections are made and why it is important not to panic if you receive an IRS notice.
Contrary to common fears, receiving an audit notice does not mean jail time or that you did something wrong. Many audits are selected at random or flagged through a computer system that looks for unusual patterns or differences compared to similar tax returns.
The IRS also uses related examinations, which means if your return is connected to someone else who is being audited, such as a business partner or investor, your return may also be reviewed.
Timalyn explains that:
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Your tax return may be selected because it differs from statistical norms within your industry.
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Amended returns do go through a screening process, but do not always lead to an audit.
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IRS audit notices are always initiated by mail and never by phone.
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Scammers often use phone calls to impersonate the IRS and gather personal information.
If you’d like more information on amended tax returns, you can check out episode 40: What is an Amended Tax Return? Timalyn also has a video on her YouTube channel that will walk you through How to fill out a 1040-X Amended Tax Return.
Timalyn shares real-life examples to help you understand why the IRS may request certain documents and emphasizes the importance of submitting exactly what is requested. Submitting more than what is asked for could lead to unnecessary scrutiny.
In this episode, you will also learn:
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How to respond when you receive a request for documentation
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What kind of records should you keep and for how long
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Why receipts should be clear and specific when used to support deductions
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The value of working with a skilled bookkeeper and having accurate financial records
Timalyn closes with an important reminder. As a taxpayer, you have rights. That includes the right to professional and respectful treatment from the IRS, the right to understand what the IRS is requesting and why, and the right to be represented during the audit process.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you do not have to face the IRS alone. An Enrolled Agent, CPA, or tax attorney can represent you and help make sure your audit is handled properly and professionally.
Need Tax Help Now?
If you are currently facing an audit or have received a notice, schedule a consultation with Timalyn through her website 👉 www.bowenstaxsolutions.com
As we close Episode 62, make sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. Follow Timalyn on social media to stay informed, empowered, and tax-literate. Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America’s Favorite EA, and she’s here to fill the tax literacy gap — one taxpayer at a time.
Thank you for listening to today’s episode. For more information about audit support and tax relief services, visit: https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com. Got feedback or an episode suggestion? If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.