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Level 3
posted Jun 1, 2019 2:46:11 PM

How accurate is the Audit Risk Meter?

My return showed a LOW risk, as it always does each year.  But just for a test, I made gigantic test/fake contributions to charity, and I added a few zeroes to other deductions.   

The Meter did not move!  I even test-donated 100% of my salary to charity, and it moved a smidge to the right.

I have to think that someone who claims they gave their whole income to charity would raise a red flag, but TurboTax's Risk Meter says no.

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 2:46:11 PM

The IRS randomly reviews a small percentage of returns regardless of audit risk. Additionally, the IRS's focus on audit risk factors changes periodically and is not made public. As a result, a low reading is no guarantee you won't be audited, nor does a high reading necessarily mean that you will be audited.