Tax Examiner how-to

How to Review a Tax Return

Systematic reviews catch errors.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Systematic reviews catch errors. In short: check; review; compare, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check income against third-party reports.

  2. Review deductions and credits.

  3. Compare to prior years.

  4. Identify issues.

  5. Request documentation.

  6. Calculate adjustments.

Safety reminders for tax examiners

  • Protect taxpayer information
  • Follow security protocols for field visits
  • Stay calm in tense conversations
  • Follow ethics rules

Audit · Correspondence audit · Field audit · Deficiency · Penalty · Installment agreement: see the full tax examiner glossary.

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