How do I respond to an IRS audit letter without making things worse?

First, confirm it's real: legitimate IRS audits arrive by mail, never by an initial phone call, email, or text, and they reference specific tax years and items. Most individual audits are 'correspondence audits' asking you to mail documentation for one or two items, like a deduction or a credit. Respond by the deadline, send copies (never originals) of only what's requested, and include a clear cover note tying each document to the question. Don't volunteer extra information or years. Be organized and polite; auditors are more flexible with taxpayers who make their job easy. For a field or office audit, or anything involving large sums or a business, consider hiring a CPA or enrolled agent to represent you so you don't inadvertently expand the scope. Keep the audit trail of your correspondence.