News IRS audit: What triggers it and what are red flags that increase the chance of being audited March 2, 2023March 17, 2023Elisabeth Buchwald, USA TODAYComments Off on IRS audit: What triggers it and what are red flags that increase the chance of being audited What triggers an IRS tax audit? Make sure to correctly report your income from a W-2 or similar tax form. If you don't it may trigger an audit.