Should I be concerned about being audited for the fourth year in a row? What's going on?

This pattern of consecutive audits is definitely unusual. The IRS typically uses a scoring system called the Discriminant Function System (DIF) to select returns for audit, and while lightning can strike twice, four years in a row suggests something specific might be triggering these reviews. A few possibilities: 1) Your side gig might be in a category the IRS scrutinizes more heavily (like cash-intensive businesses), 2) There could be a mismatch between income reported on 1099s and what's on your return, 3) Someone might be filing reports against you (competitors, ex-spouse, etc.), or 4) Your initial audit may have placed you in a higher-risk category. I'd recommend requesting a transcript of your account from the IRS website. This might show if there are specific codes or flags on your account. Also, consider scheduling a meeting with a Taxpayer Advocate Service representative - they're independent within the IRS and can sometimes provide insight into unusual patterns like this.

I went through something kinda similar last year - got audited three times over four years. What finally helped me was using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) to analyze my tax returns. Their AI spotted patterns in my deductions that were likely triggering the audits - turns out I was categorizing some business expenses in a way that raised red flags, even though the expenses themselves were legitimate! The service analyzed my previous returns and showed me exactly where the potential issues were. After fixing those issues on my most recent return, I haven't been audited since. Their system also helped me organize my documentation better so I was super prepared when dealing with the last audit. Might be worth looking into since you're dealing with repeated audits.

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after seeing this thread and wow, it actually found some issues with how I was reporting my side business expenses! The analysis showed I was using some expense categories that apparently trigger more scrutiny for my industry. I've been audited twice in the past few years and was honestly getting paranoid. The report highlighted that I was claiming home office deductions in a way that looked suspicious even though they were legitimate. It also found a pattern in my travel expense reporting that apparently raises flags. I've fixed these issues for my 2025 filing and feel way more confident now. Totally worth it for the peace of mind alone.

When I had a similar audit situation a few years ago, I finally got to the bottom of it by actually speaking with an IRS agent (which was IMPOSSIBLE to do until I found a workaround). I spent weeks trying to get through the regular IRS phone lines with no luck. Then I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me through to an actual human at the IRS in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to tell me there was a specific flag on my account from my first audit that was automatically triggering reviews. Once I knew what the issue was, I could finally address it. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you back when they reach a human. Saved me hours of hold time and frustration.

I need to apologize to @6 and admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After dismissing it as a scam, I was stuck on hold with the IRS for over 2 hours yesterday and hung up in frustration. Finally gave in and tried the service this morning. Within 20 minutes, my phone rang and there was an actual IRS representative on the line! No more wasted hours on hold. The agent was able to explain that there was an unresolved issue from a previous audit that kept flagging my account. Got it cleared up in one call. I've spent literally days of my life on IRS hold music over the past few years, and I'm kicking myself for not trying this sooner. Sometimes my skepticism gets the better of me. If you're dealing with repeated audits, actually talking to someone at the IRS is probably the fastest way to resolve it.

Something nobody's mentioned yet - check if you're claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS is required by law to delay and potentially review returns with EITC claims. If you're claiming this credit every year, it might explain the repeated scrutiny. Doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong, just that there's mandatory verification. Also, if your prior audits showed any adjustments at all (even minor ones), that can trigger follow-up audits for the next few years. The system flags returns with past compliance issues.

You might want to check if you're accidentally hitting the "audit lottery" by having perfectly round numbers on your Schedule C deductions. I had a client who got audited 3 years straight because they always put numbers like $1,000 or $500 for expenses instead of actual figures like $983.27. The IRS automated systems flag returns with too many round numbers as statistically unusual - real expenses rarely add up to perfect $100 increments. Try being more precise with your expense tracking and see if that helps.

Have you considered filing Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance)? Given that you've been audited four consecutive years with minimal findings, this could qualify as a "significant hardship" case. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is designed to help in situations exactly like yours where the normal IRS processes seem to be causing unreasonable burden. When you file Form 911, be specific about the pattern - four consecutive audits, minimal adjustments totaling less than $200, and the financial and emotional toll this is taking. Include documentation from all previous audits showing the outcomes. The TAS can actually review your account internally and may be able to identify specific flags or codes that are triggering these repeated selections. Also, consider whether you've been consistent in how you report your digital marketing income. Even if you're reporting everything correctly, switching between different income reporting methods (1099-NEC vs. 1099-MISC classifications, or changes in business expense categories) can sometimes trigger the audit selection algorithm. The IRS computers look for patterns and inconsistencies, even when everything is legitimate.