Use Audit Guides to Gain the Upper Hand
Get in the know by learning what auditors watch out for
If you want to stay ahead of the IRS, you should get to know theagency's Market Segment Specialization Program (MSSP). Itprovides industry-specific manuals, known as "audit techniquesguides," to IRS auditors so they can do a better jobuncovering tax violations.
Rolled out nationally in 1993, the MSSP currently has 48 guides,covering such industries as architecture, used-car dealerships andmanufacturing.
Although the guides were designed for IRS auditors,entrepreneurs can use them to their advantage. They're readilyavailable to the public, and those who review the guides arecertain to do a better job complying with the tax laws, says MarkH. Ely, national partner in charge of tax-controversy technicalservices for KPMG.
