What to Expect During an Audit

• The Audit Contact Letter is sent to the taxpayer, identifying the Revenue Agent assigned to the case. 
• A return contact page should be filled out with the entity’s contact information and sent to the Revenue Agent.

A preliminary conference is held to discuss the following:

• The entity’s business activities
• Determine the audit period
• Confirm location, date, and time to begin field review
• Arrange a plant tour (if applicable)
• Answer any taxpayer questions

At this conference we also will explain the process to the taxpayer and make sure all questions are answered.

The assigned Revenue Agent reviews all taxes applicable to the entity. Audit work papers are compiled by the Revenue Agent which will list the taxes examined and any pending assessment. At the conclusion of the review, preliminary workpapers are given to the taxpayer for review.

After a reasonable amount of time to review the preliminary workpapers, a closing conference is held to review and finalize the audit.  During this meeting the following may be discussed:

• The taxpayer may present additional support to adjust audit findings
• Rhode Island General Laws and Regulations applicable to the audit review
• Any questions or concerns
• Any corrective actions that should be undertaken by the taxpayer

A Notice of Assessment is generated after the close of the examination and mailed to the taxpayer. As with all Notice of Assessments, the taxpayer retains the right to protest the assessment, if requested within 30 days.

While most taxpayers resolve any issues with the Division of Taxation on their own, taxpayers have the right to designate a representative and have a tax professional (accountant, attorney, enrolled agent, etc.) represent them in tax matters. If you decide you would like to have a designated representative, you will need to submit a completed Power of Attorney form to the Division of Taxation.

Please use the Power of Attorney Form (RI-2848) on our Other Forms page.

Taxpayers are entitled to many rights during an audit; this includes the right to designate a representative and the right to appeal the findings of the audit (see Power of attorney and other authorizations). We encourage you to discuss any real or perceived violations of your rights with the auditor or the auditor's supervisor. You may refer to our Taxpayers Rights page for a list of your rights and responsibilities and additional information about what you should expect during an audit.

If you would like to have designated representative, please submit a completed Power of Attorney Form (RI-2848) found on our Other Forms page.

The statute of limitations is the amount of time imposed by Rhode Island Law to issue an assessment for additional taxes, penalties, and/or fees.

Generally, the time limit of 3 years from the date you filed your return establishes the statute of limitations.  However, the statute does not apply for the period if you:

• Did not file a return
• Had an excessive underpayment
• Have an underpayment due to non-remittance of trust funds
• Are found to be fraudulent 

Tax evasion or fraud occurs when taxpayers intentionally try to avoid taxes they owe. Tax evasion and fraud may look like:

• failing to file a return,
• failing to report total income,
• failing to remit monies collected, and
• selling untaxed liquor, motor fuel, and cigarettes.

You can report Tax fraud here.