Recent reports indicate that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is facing significant workforce reductions and funding cuts, which are expected to impact on its ability to enforce audits, particularly targeting large partnerships such as hedge funds, private equity funds, and other alternative investment partnerships. While the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA) introduced a centralized partnership audit regime to streamline audits, resource limitations at the IRS have slowed down implementation and reduced audit activity.
Why This Matters for Fund Managers
The slowdown in IRS enforcement provides a temporary reprieve for alternative investment firms that might otherwise face increased audit scrutiny. However, this reduced activity does not eliminate compliance risks entirely. Fund managers should remain proactive, as audits may resume or increase once the IRS secures additional funding. For deeper insights into how the IRS identifies audit targets, explore our analysis on The IRS Audit: How Do They Know?
Key Considerations for 2025
- Reduced Audit Activity: Due to funding constraints, the IRS has reduced new audit activities and halted major audits targeting large partnerships. This gives hedge funds and private equity managers more time to review compliance practices.
- Push-Out Election Complexity: Although audit activities have slowed, fund managers should ensure that partnership agreements are updated to reflect BBA compliance and that they are prepared for future audits when IRS enforcement resumes.
- Potential Future Funding: The situation could change if Congress restores or increases IRS funding, leading to a resurgence in audits. Firms that remain unprepared may face significant compliance challenges when enforcement ramps up again.
Action Steps for Fund Managers
To mitigate risks and prepare for possible audit resumption, fund managers should:
- Review and update partnership agreements to clarify how audit adjustments will be handled.
- Maintain accurate tax documentation and ensure compliance with BBA requirements.
- Educate investors about potential future audit risks and how the push-out election can be used to mitigate entity-level tax liabilities.
Looking Ahead
While IRS audit activity is currently slowed by funding challenges, hedge fund managers and alternative investment firms should stay informed about future developments. Proactive compliance and preparation can help mitigate unexpected liabilities when audits eventually resume. Take proactive steps to avoid penalties and future audit challenges by scheduling a consultation with us.