Preparing for a tax audit requires a careful approach and collecting a large amount of documents. The specific list may vary depending on the type of audit (desk or field), the period and goals of the audit. However, there is a general list of basic documents that tax officials most often require.
Desk audit
Desk audit is conducted at the location of the tax authority and covers the audit of the reporting of a specific declaration (income tax, VAT, etc.). Documents are provided exclusively at the request of the FTS. Usually requested:
- Declaration to be verified.
- Primary accounting documents confirming the correctness of the calculation of the tax amount. - Constituent documents
of the company.
- Registration certificates.
- Accounting statements (balance sheet, statement of financial results, etc.).
- Interpretation of individual balance sheet items.
- Contracts, invoices, invoices, certificates of completion.
Field inspection
Field inspection involves a visit of the inspector directly to the organization and is carried out on a wide range of issues. The documentation for the defined period specified in the inspection decision is checked. The main categories of documents are:
- Constituent documentation (charter, constituent agreement, certificate of state registration).
- Orders of the manager on appointment of officials, regulations on remuneration, staff schedules.
- Internal accounting documentation (registers, statements, posting journals) .
- Inventory documents.
- Cash documents (cash journal, receipt and expenditure orders).
- Acts of reconciliation of settlements with counterparties.
- Contracts of sale, lease, provision of services, credit agreements.
- Documentation on the calculation of wages of employees.
- Tax registers and settlements for mandatory payments.
- Payment orders and bank statements.
Additional important points
- Preparation of documents: All submitted documents must be properly executed, stitched and numbered (if documents are provided in electronic form, and not on paper).
- Relevance of information: The information provided must correspond to reality and have confirmations (copies of checks, receipts, etc.).
- Correct execution: The absence of errors and corrections increases the confidence of inspectors and reduces the likelihood of fines.
In addition, it is recommended to conduct an internal audit yourself before checking, identify weaknesses and eliminate the identified shortcomings.
These measures will help your business pass the tax audit without serious consequences and minimize financial losses.
