Free decision tree
Audit Notice Response Decision Tree
A controlled sequence for verifying a notice, assigning ownership, handling missing evidence, and submitting through the authorized channel.
Free, ungated, and browser-printable.
How to use this resource
Move through each decision in order. Stop and verify whenever identity, scope, deadlines, or submission instructions are uncertain.
| Decision | If yes | If no | Evidence to preserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the notice verified through an official channel? | Preserve the original and calculate deadlines. | Do not transmit records; verify contact and agency instructions. | Original message, envelope, official contact confirmation |
| Is one response owner and backup assigned? | Create the response register. | Assign accountable people before collection begins. | Owner, backup, escalation path |
| Is each request line understood? | Map scope, dates, owner and source. | Seek clarification through the verified contact. | Questions, answers and date received |
| Does responsive evidence exist? | Work from controlled copies and quality-check it. | Document the gap truthfully; never fabricate history. | Gap, immediate action, owner and correction evidence |
| Did a second person approve release? | Submit only through the authorized method. | Recheck scope, legibility, identifiers and redaction. | Reviewer, date, final index |
| Was delivery confirmed? | Retain the exact package and confirmation. | Follow up through the verified channel. | Timestamp, receipt and delivered file set |
Independent educational resource. It does not replace current agency instructions, legal advice, or professional advice based on your carrier’s facts.