[ return to list ]

New “Data Book” Spills the Beans

The IRS recently released the Internal Revenue Service Data Book 2005 containing a wealth of new information for taxpayers. The report actually covers the fiscal year from October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2005.

Key point: Generally, the national audit rate continues to climb, although the rate was down slightly for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income above $100,000. According to the new volume, the IRS conducted over 1.215 million audits of individual tax returns last year. That is a hike of almost 21% from the prior year—a steep jump in anybody's book.

The Data Book 2005 provides other valuable information, including the amount of tax revenue collected, the number of tax refunds and figures on electronic filing. It features state-by-state breakdowns in a wide variety of categories ranging from examination coverage to employee benefit plans to taxpayer assistance.

Where to get it: You can access the Data Book 2005 online at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/05databk.pdf. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy by writing the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954, calling 202-512-1800 or faxing 202-512-2250.

 

[ return to list ]