Georgia tax audits have some similarities to IRS tax audits. However, Georgia also takes advantage of the information the IRS has access to in order to make sure your state tax return matches with your federal tax return.
How Returns Are Selected for Audit
Georgia selects returns for audits based on random selection, red flags, and information provided by the IRS. For example, if you file a federal tax return, but don’t file a Georgia state income tax return when required to do so, you may be flagged for a delinquent return.
Your Georgia return can also be flagged for an audit if the IRS makes changes to your return. You are generally required to amend your Georgia return to reflect these changes. If you fail to do, you may receive an audit notice from the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Like the IRS, Georgia audits must typically be initiated within three years of your tax return’s due date. There are exceptions to this time limit when you commit tax fraud or if you fail to file a return.
The Audit and Appeals Process
Most audits are limited to a specific issue or set of issues. You’ll be asked to provide documentation to support your income, deductions, or credits. If you want assistance, contact a Georgia audit defense attorney to discuss your case.
Once the auditor makes their determination, you still have the right to appeal their decision. You will first receive a proposed assessment that gives you 30 days to file a written protest. This option should only be used when you dispute the tax assessment and not when you simply can’t pay your tax bill.
You can also appeal your case to the Georgia Tax Tribunal. The Tax Tribunal is a separate office from the Department of Revenue that will independently review the tax assessment.
If you don’t dispute the tax assessment but are unable to pay your bill, you should act quickly to discuss your payment alternatives. You have a limited time before the Department of Revenue can begin seeking collection using enforced collection actions, such as bank levies.
Contact a tax attorney if you need audit defense help or need to resolve your Georgia tax problems.
Get help with a Georgia tax audit by calling The Gartzman Law Firm at (770) 939-7710. We can listen to your concerns and help you find the best tax resolution strategy for your case.