Yes, multiple people that I've known have been audited by the IRS. All were small business owners who did their own taxes (vs having them done & submitted by a CPA). At the end of all the audits, the IRS ended up writing a check to the businesses. (If you can find more overlooked deductions the exceed the overlooked taxable items, they must make the adjustments in your favor.)
One good friend got audited five years in a row; maybe the local bureau chief was just sure he was up to something. The last time they were writing a check to him, it was going to be for less than $2, and the agent asked if they really wanted it — "Of course I damn well want you to write that check!".
I've had a career mostly in small businesses, and always had a CPA do it with never an audit. I strongly suspect that it not only likely gets me more proper deductions that I'd miss, but also gets a lot of points in avoiding an audit, since the CPA is also putting their license on the line by signing it. I'd recommend the practice, just find a good one who charges flat rate (they do exist, just takes some looking).
One good friend got audited five years in a row; maybe the local bureau chief was just sure he was up to something. The last time they were writing a check to him, it was going to be for less than $2, and the agent asked if they really wanted it — "Of course I damn well want you to write that check!".
I've had a career mostly in small businesses, and always had a CPA do it with never an audit. I strongly suspect that it not only likely gets me more proper deductions that I'd miss, but also gets a lot of points in avoiding an audit, since the CPA is also putting their license on the line by signing it. I'd recommend the practice, just find a good one who charges flat rate (they do exist, just takes some looking).