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Are you audit bait?

By Bankrate.com

Will the IRS take a special interest in you? We tell you how to avoid an audit, how to prepare for one if it comes and how to appeal if the ruling goes against you. Plus, we look at Uncle Sam's new tax-enforcement efforts.

Increase your audit awareness.
	9 weirdest tax write-offs Did you hear the one about the ostrich? If you think these tax-reduction tricks are off the wall, just imagine the Internal Revenue Service's reaction. Don' t try these at home! PLUS: Turning in tax cheats

	Tempting the tax auditor Not all tax-avoidance attempts are wacky. Some are even legal. But they still could send up red flags to attract a tax examiner. QUIZ: Are you audit bait?

You're caught. Now what?
	Preparing for an audit You got that dreaded IRS letter? Don't panic, just prepare.

	Options when the auditor says pay up. Here's how you can appeal if your tax audit didn't turn out like you had hoped. PLUS: Your audit appeal rights

Who's on the hot seat?
	Audits from hell return! The IRS has resurrected its arduous random audit program. That means thousands of unlucky filers -- even those not suspected of tax evasion -- will get to explain their returns line-by-line to a tax examiner.

	Tax pros under the microscope Tax preparers suspected of misleading clients are getting a closer look from Uncle Sam. PLUS: Questions to ask your tax preparer

	-- Posted: March 24, 2003

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Tax Basics

Knowing how to file can save you money.

•	Filling out the W-4 form
•	What is my tax rate?
•	How to itemize deductions
•	Tax credits can lower bill
•	Death and taxes
•	Tax record-keeping


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