If my return is accepted by the IRS electronically and i get my refund, can it later be audited or am i safe?

It's unfortunate when you see a "professional" (who can't spell "copyright" correctly) give an incorrect answer. Here are the stipulations for the IRS as far as auditing is concerned...

1. Generally, the IRS has 3 years to audit your return. This is why you also have 3 years to file an amendment (1040-X).

2. If the IRS suspects that you underreported your income by 25% or more (Adjusted Gross Income, so income after your deductions), they have 6 years to audit you (this is why most preparers recommend you retain your return for 7 years).

3. If you do not file, or file a false return, there is no statue of limitations. I.e. they can follow you to the grave.

it can be audited, and if you claimed too much and you got too much of a refund, they can demand the amount in contention back.

It can be audited at any time up to 7 years past the date your return was accepted by the IRS. Save all your W-2's and reciepts and things for at least 7 years. Some say throw out after 5 years, but my CPA says 7 years.

The IRS can question your returns for the past 7 years, forever if they have reason to expect fraud.

You can be audited on your 2006 return any time until April 15, 2010 (or 3 years after filing, whichever comes first).

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is a federal agency, and carries the weight of the entire US government.
The IRS can ask to see anyone's tax returns as far back as
7 years, if they choose to, it all depends on who is auditing
you, and for what money values, large or small, usually they go
after larger tax frauds, then the smaller values.
Celebrities in tax arrears are always good targets to zero in on,
as many times their tax assessments run into the millions of dollars, so it never pays to shirk or cheat on your taxes.

Processing your tax returns electronically has made it convenient
to report your tax earnings to the nearest federal tax centers, and
has cut down their costs on manpower, salaries, and benefits.
But that doesn't mean it will excuse you from having your tax returns being audited if they choose to do so.
But, for the average income tax-payer, they won't bother you, unless you show a remarked increase in income, and no
substantial exemptions or deductions.
You have to read the fine print on their Schedule C, and their
1040A, the fast track method of filing taxes, non-electronic.

There are those who choose to get paid for all their work under the table, (no paper trail to follow) due to their own personal
situations, home life, immigration problems, etc.
If the IRS gets wind of non-tax payers, or extensive tax evasion, they will send in their intelligence agents to ferret out these individuals one by one, and these agents are trained and armed
for individual combat (close quarters) if the situation arises.
They have full authority to arrest and apprehend, just like the FBI
does.

You spoke of can you get your refund, and later be audited, of course, remember, you are dealing with a government agency they have full authority to carry out policies and procedures, as
prescribed by their ruling authority, or oversight committee.

As far as being safe is concerned, depends, if a certain amount
of time passes, and no notification of an IRS audit has been sent to you, chances are there will be none coming.
But remember this, they can go back as far as 10 years for
tax research purposes, and that is by statute law.
Usually its 7 years, depending on the agent who does the audit.

Thats my message, good luck.

Donald H. Sites
sueanddon350@sbcglobal.net

NO!!!! you are not safe. I think that if they accept it and send you a refund it should be alright but that's not the way that it works. It will come back to haunt you.

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