---
title: Tax Planning - 12 Ways to Avoid an IRS Tax Audit in 2012
description: Part of good tax planning means knowing how to avoid an IRS audit. Check out these 12 red flags.
image: https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-15865552-jpg/images/irs_red_flags.jpg
---

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# MONEY matters

Mark Zaifman's thoughts on money, global economic trends and politics

# Tax Planning - 12 Ways to Avoid an IRS Tax Audit in 2012

** [Mark Zaifman](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/blog/author/mark-zaifman)   |   ** Mon, Feb 06, 2012 @ 02:41 PM

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![IRS red flags](https://www.spiritusfinancial.com/hs-fs/file-15865552-jpg/images/irs_red_flags.jpg) 

It's that time of year again - time to start thinking about taxes - and tax deductions.

Consumer advocate **[Clark Howard](http://www.clarkhoward.com/)** recently posted a list of the [**12 red flags that will get you audited by the IRS**](http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/personal-finance-credit/12-red-flags-will-get-you-audited-irs/nHSFC/), which is the short and sweet version of Kiplingers [**IRS Audit Red Flags: The Dirty Dozen**](http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/12-audit-red-flags-the-irs-looks-for.html).  Both articles are must reads - if you are short on time, go to Clark's edited version - but if you have the time, check out Kiplingers article which goes into more depth and explanation. (don't miss the **New Tax Changes for 2012** link at the end of the article - it's available on the Kiplingers site for $6.)

My 2011 blogpost on **[tax deductions](http://spiritusfinancial.com/blog/bid/52837/IRS-Audit-Red-Flags-Tax-Deductions-to-Know-About)** is worth revisting - in it, you'll find relevant links including **[The Most-Overlooked Tax Deductions](http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/the-mostoverlooked-tax-deductions.html)** and if you are a business owner **[Business Expense Tax Deductions](http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2007/01/businesstaxopedia.html)**.

 

*As an FYI, my background is in tax accounting, so if you'd like a complimentary consultation, don't hesitate to contact me through the link below.*

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Image credit [RVW](http://www.flickr.com/photos/rvw/)****

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