medical expense documentation question

There are two schools of thought on this one. One says just do it, meaning deduct it and not draw attention to the entry. IF they want to audit they will; actually they will regardless of whether or not you do attach documentation. The other camp of course says play it safe and send in documentation. Actually if IRS gets a paper return with such statements, nobody takes the time when processing to read them anyway. They just enter the figures and file away the paperwork. Which means it gets lost anyway. So my attitude is forget about trying to prevent an audit. Just do it. ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com (Jane) posted:

The description of the huge room, with desks manned by clerks shuffling papers was chilling. A wonderful argument for e-filing. Of course, it doesn't cost a lot to make a few copies ... but don't have a lot of faith that it will be carefully preserved and related to your filing. So definitely save all originals in your tax file ... and be prepared to send copies when you receive the routine "letter audit" that will probably be prompted by your exceeding the norms for medical expense in your income bracket. That's the point at which your attached copy will be more likely useful. (Again, always a "copy.") Good luck.

Bill

You can attach copies of your proof if you wish, but chances are it will be ignored. Later the IRS might contact you for proof, and that's when you send it.

-- ArtKamlet at a o l dot c o m Columbus OH K2PZH

Attaching documents to a tax return is a waste. When the return is received and processed, any attachments are simply filed away with the original return. No one involved in selecting returns for audit has pjysical access to these documents so they do not influence the classifier. Possibly some one will look at the file before you are notified of the audit and survey the return out -- but I wouldn't want to depend on it. Lanny K. Williams, CPA Nawarat, Williams & Co., Ltd. Income Tax Services for Expatriate Americans

Don't scare him, Bill. There's certainly no certainty that such a mail audit will happen. ChEAr$, Harlan

Thanks everyone. Actually I spoke to a friend who works for the IRS and she said I should attach the papers - copies only, of course. Doesn't mean I'll avoid an audit, but it won't hurt. I'm not concerned about an audit denying any costs. They are all absolutely valid. My concern is that I am physical unable to go to an IRS audit. Anyway - guess I'll worry about that if/when it happens.

Then worry no more. If that medical item is the only thing they might be concerned with, you will be contacted via good old snail mail asking to mail in copies for proof. I doubt you would be asked to physcially bring it in. Unless... of course.... you are one of the 13,000 or so IRS will be auditing shortly. ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

They'll come to you if they need to. That's usually a bad idea, because the IRS agents are good at observing your lifestyle, and will see if you seem to be spending more money than you're paying taxes on. If you aren't, there's no problem. And more likely, long before an actual audit, they'll just ask for documentation by mail. Seth