Meaning
A verification process conducted by a government tax agency analyzes the financial records of a business to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. A revenue authority audit can target specific transactions, such as transfer pricing or research and development credits, or it can cover the entire tax return. The audit results can lead to tax adjustments and penalties if the company is found to have underreported its taxable income.
Selection Risk
The probability of being selected depends on the profile of the company and its industry. Companies with complex cross-border transactions or high levels of debt are more likely to face a revenue authority audit. This risk forces companies to maintain detailed documentation of all transactions to defend their tax positions.
Information Request
The auditor will issue formal requests for documents and explanation.
Compliance Determination
The audit concludes with a formal report that details the auditor’s findings and any proposed adjustments to the tax liability. If the company agrees with the findings, it pays the additional tax and the audit is closed. If the company disagrees, it can initiate a formal dispute resolution process to challenge the findings, which can delay the final resolution for months or even years.