The last thing anyone wants is a letter from the IRS. For small business owners, though, it's not just a nuisance; communication from the IRS can bring with it very real stress, anxiety, and disruption to your daily operations. Fortunately, being aware of and understanding what might prompt an audit sets you up with a better chance of avoiding unnecessary attention in the first place. If you're a small business owner in D.C. or the surrounding area, here's what you should know about the most common IRS red flags and how to steer clear of them.

No one likes to think about being audited by the IRS. If you’re a small business owner and have concerns about the possibility of being chosen for an audit, take a deep breath and read on. Being aware of what triggers an audit enables you to be proactive. Here’s how to avoid a tax audit for your small business.