The State of Florida website says that a tax audit,

[S]hould be an educational experience to provide an understanding of your responsibilities and rights under Florida tax laws. It should not be a frustrating, time-consuming experience.

Although an audit is an enforcement tool to ensure tax compliance, it can help businesses identify and correct bookkeeping problems that could cause additional tax liabilities.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) wants to help you avoid penalties and interest that result when you do not pay your taxes correctly or on time.

The Purpose of the Florida Tax Audit

The DOR lists four purposes of a tax audit:

1. To Enforce Florida tax laws uniformly.
2. To Deter tax evasion.
3. To Promote voluntary compliance.
4. To Educate taxpayers.

Conspicuously absent, of course, is the true reason the DOR conducts audits: To collect additional revenues for the state.

A full 75% of all audits result in additional tax, penalty and interest revenue for the State of Florida.