Audit

Audit

An examination of a company's accounting records and books conducted by an outside professional in order to determine whether the company is maintaining records according to generally accepted accounting principles. See: accountant's opinion.

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audit

An examination of an organization's financial documents in order to determine whether the records and reports are valid and the information is fairly presented. An independent audit is usually conducted by a Certified Public Accountant who then issues an opinion as to whether the statements accurately and fairly represent the firm's operations and financial position. See also external audit, internal audit.

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Audit

1. The process of reviewing activities to identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, and otherwise achieve organizational objectives. Audits may investigate potential theft or fraud and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies. They also help ensure the accuracy of reports. Audits are an essential part of a company's efficiency.

2. In taxation, the process of the tax collection agency reviewing the reports of an individual or company to see if all income, deductions, and/or credits reported accurately reflect reality. This is done to ensure that each individual or company pays his/her/its full tax liability. Audits are conducted on a random basis, or when something appears remiss on a tax return. See also: Tax avoidance, Tax evasion.

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Audit. An audit is a professional, independent examination of a company's financial statements and accounting documents following generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

An IRS audit, in contrast, is an examination of a taxpayer's return, usually to question the accuracy or acceptability of the information the return reports.

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Audit

An IRS examination and verification of a taxpayer's return or other transactions with tax consequences. An office audit is an audit by the IRS that is conducted in the agent's office. A field audit is conducted by the IRS on the business premises of the taxpayer or in the office of the tax practitioner representing the taxpayer.