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Auto Dealerships - Audit Technique Guide - Uncle Fed's Tax*Board

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able to tell at a glance whether there is sufficient equity to finance any dealership losses. The<br />

agent should be able to quickly add all equity accounts and compare them to losses reported to<br />

determine if these arrangements are feasible. Sure, there may be assets included in these equity<br />

accounts that may not be liquid, but this method will give the agent an idea where they stand in<br />

relation to financial status.<br />

Taking this analysis one step further, determine if in having sufficient funds and equity to finance<br />

losses, there is sufficient cash or its equivalent to justify asset acquisition, to maintain the debt<br />

service stated or maintain certain life-styles.<br />

A side benefit to this method of analysis is that it enables the agent to see the "big picture." For<br />

instance, previous flow charts prepared have shown a flow of funds from a related non-key entity<br />

to finance the losses of several dealerships. Reviewing the flow chart and corporate balance<br />

sheets an agent could determine that one entity had a $35 million increase to retained earnings.<br />

This was a material increase on this tax return. Questioning of the principal shareholder indicated<br />

this increase was due to the sale of various pieces of real property. The corporation then<br />

transferred $15 million to one dealership to finance the losses incurred.<br />

The lesson here is the use of this method enables the agent to determine material areas to further<br />

pursue. Whether a material issue exists or not can be determined in a very short period of time.<br />

This type of analysis will steer the agent away from "verification audits" and prove more efficient<br />

and time effective. Probability of material adjustments can be determined quickly. If there is no<br />

issue the case can be closed with less time then is currently being experienced and the agent can<br />

move on to the next case, conserving the valuable resources of both the Government and the<br />

taxpayer.<br />

1. Type C Return Information<br />

Profit and Loss from Form 1120S<br />

Gross Receipts $ 100,000,000<br />

Cost of Sales $ 90,000,000<br />

Gross Profit $ 10,000,000<br />

Interest $ 50,000<br />

Other Income $ 50,000<br />

Total Income $ 10,100,000<br />

Deductions:<br />

Officer Compensation $ 100,000<br />

Salaries and Wages $ 5,000,000<br />

Repairs/Maintenance $ 100,000<br />

1-8

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