Here’s one way to minimize the expansion of your audit:
Don’t file a tax return while an office (read here) or field (read here) audit is in progress. This rule does not apply if the IRS is conducting a correspondence audit (read here).
If you file your return during an office or field audit, the audit is likely to be expanded to include that return.
When April 15 rolls around, file a request for an extension to October 15. If the audit is still alive on October 15, consider not filing your tax return until the audit is completed.
If you’ve paid all taxes due, you won’t incur any penalties or interest for not meeting the extension deadline. If you owe money, send in your payment before October 15 with a letter requesting the payment be applied to that year’s tax account.
TIP:
If you didn’t read this in time and already filed your tax return, politely decline to give a copy to the auditor if he or she asks. But do not lie and say you haven’t filed the return.