See Also:
Auditor
Audit Committee
How to Choose an Independent CPA/Auditor
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Are You Collecting the Data You Need to Run Your Business?Managed Sales And Use Tax Audit Programs ¶
A managed audit is an agreement with a state’s taxing authority in which a company self-examines its own books and records. A managed audit agreement allows the company, or an outside audit firm of its choosing, to conduct a self review with guidance from the taxing state, but on its own time table.
In states that allow a self-audit, the ability to participate is usually reserved for companies that have been previously audited and that meet certain other criteria, such as type or size of business, records kept, and transactions under review. While voluntary, managed audits generally provide a company more control over the process and tend to be shorter in duration.
As an incentive to undertake and manage a self-audit, the state may offer an incentive such as a reduction in interest and/or penalty abatement on any deficiency uncovered. Although not all states offer financial incentives in their managed audit programs, in those that do, the rewards can be well worth the costs associated with a self-administered review.
In addition to reduced penalty and interest assessments, other benefits can include:
• closed audit periods at the end of the managed audit process;
• resolution of questions about taxability at the field audit level, during the audit process, not afterwards in administrative appeals;
• less on-site time for state auditors and less disruption of regular business;
• reduction in protested audits;
• increased understanding of the audit process and the application of sales and use tax to the business, resulting in lower audit assessments in the future.
While it may sound advantageous to undertake such an effort, a company will want to have an understanding of the increased expectation as well. For example, under a general audit, the taxpayer is not obligated to point out a known liability the auditor fails to uncover. Under a self-audit, a similar failure to disclose information could lead to a presumption of fraud.
Other aspects to consider include the company’s ability to provide the manpower and knowledge required for the self-audit to work effectively and economically. Even a managed audit requires employees to divert time away from their regular activities and job duties. An economic analysis comparing the internal cost of the audit versus the potential savings from reduced penalty and interest on uncovered liabilities should be conducted before a managed audit agreement is negotiated.