Staying Audit-Ready: IRS Scrutiny on Tax Incentives in 2024

With a Republican-controlled Congress and White House anticipated in 2025, businesses can look forward to potential relief from some burdensome tax provisions—most notably, the repeal of Section 174 capitalization requirements for research and development (R&D) expenses. However, the transition period into 2025 will likely see heightened IRS scrutiny on tax incentives like the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) and backlogged R&D claims. 

This guide offers practical advice for businesses to remain audit-ready while maximizing the benefits of tax incentives during this critical period. 

Compliance in a Changing Landscape

Heightened IRS Scrutiny on ERTC Claims

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) has been a lifeline for many businesses, but its complexity has made it a hot spot for errors and abuse. The IRS, citing widespread noncompliance, has signaled increased enforcement. Areas of focus include: 

• Eligibility Issues: Misinterpreting qualifications, such as improperly claiming disruptions that do not meet the IRS's definitions. 
  
  
• Payroll Calculation Errors: Double-counting wages or miscalculating qualified wages under multiple programs. 
  
  
• Fraudulent Claims: Unsubstantiated filings due to inadequate documentation or reliance on aggressive third-party claims processors. 

Anticipating the Repeal of Section 174 

Effective starting with tax year 2023, Section 174, which mandates capitalization and amortization of R&D expenses, has been a significant burden for businesses. Many companies have deferred addressing R&D-related claims, awaiting potential legislative changes. With the incoming Republican administration, the repeal of Section 174 is expected, but IRS scrutiny on previously deferred claims will remain high. 

Preparing for Audits: Key Steps

Conduct a Pre-Audit Checkup

Review your tax filings with a critical eye to identify potential vulnerabilities: 

• ERTC Claims: Verify that eligibility criteria, such as revenue reductions or operational suspensions, are thoroughly documented. Ensure payroll records match the reported credit amounts.
  
  
• R&D Claims: Gather detailed records of qualifying expenses, such as payroll for technical employees and costs directly tied to development activities. 

Reinforce Documentation Standards

Robust documentation is essential for defending tax claims during an audit. Key steps to take throughout the tax year include: 

• Generating Detailed Records: Maintain project descriptions, supporting data, and contemporaneous records for both ERTC and R&D claims. 

• Organizing Supporting Documents: Develop a clear system for managing payroll records, contracts, and expense reports.
  
  
• Storing Records Securely: Retain all relevant documentation for six years to address any future IRS inquiries. 

Stimulate an Audit

Conducting a mock audit can help uncover weak points in your compliance strategy:

• Use internal or external reviewers to examine claims for accuracy. 

• Identify discrepancies or omissions that could attract IRS attention. 

R&D Claims in the Context of Section 174

Preparing for Section 174 Repeal

While repeal is anticipated in 2025, businesses still need to comply with existing laws through 2024. Actions to take now include: 

• Filing Amended Returns: For businesses that delayed addressing Section 174, filing amended returns ensures compliance while preserving the ability to claim deductions retroactively if the repeal passes. 
  
  
• Evaluating Deferred Claims: Carefully review deferred R&D claims to ensure they meet IRS standards for qualifying research activities. 

Maintaining a Strong Documentation Trial

Proper documentation will be critical if the IRS scrutinizes R&D claims during this transitional period: 

• Project Justifications: Include technical reports explaining the uncertainties addressed by your R&D efforts and the specific activities you engaged in to eliminate those uncertainties.
  
  
• Expense Allocations: Clearly separate qualifying R&D costs from other business expenses, using detailed logs and cost-tracking systems. 

Staying Ahead of the Compliance Curve

Investing in Compliance Tools

Leverage technology to ensure accurate reporting and streamline audit readiness: 

• Payroll Software: Automate wage calculations and track expenses tied to ERTC claims.
  
  
• Expense Management Platforms: Ensure R&D costs are allocated and documented consistently with IRS requirements. 
  
  
• Audit Preparation Systems: Store and organize documentation for easy access during IRS reviews. 

Proactive Staff Training 

Educate your team on compliance best practices: 

• Train payroll and finance staff on ERTC eligibility and reporting. 

• Provide guidelines for accurately tracking and categorizing R&D expenses. 

Navigating the Path to 2025 

Responding to Legislative Changes 

Businesses should remain adaptable as Congress moves to repeal Section 174. Steps to take now: 

• Prepare for Transition: If the repeal passes, be ready to adjust your tax filings to reflect restored deductions for R&D expenses. 
  
  
• Monitor Developments: Stay informed on legislative updates to time your filings and claims appropriately. 

Building an Audit-Ready Culture 

The best defense against audits is fostering a culture of compliance. Encourage a proactive approach to tax incentive management by: 

• Regularly reviewing claims with tax professionals. 

• Maintaining open communication with advisors on emerging risks and opportunities. 

• Engaging consultants to guide your strategy as policies evolve. 

The transition period leading up to a Republican-controlled Congress and White House offers businesses a unique opportunity to align their tax compliance strategies with expected legislative changes. However, heightened IRS scrutiny through 2024 and into 2025 underscores the importance of staying audit-ready. 

By fortifying documentation practices, addressing deferred R&D claims, and leveraging expert guidance, your business can navigate the shifting tax landscape with confidence. Prepare today to secure the full benefits of tax incentives while minimizing audit risks in this dynamic environment. 

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