IRS Audit Representation
Being audited by the IRS can be stressful and intimidating. You don't have to face it alone. We'll represent you and handle all communication with the IRS.
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Types of IRS Audits
The IRS conducts different types of audits depending on the issues involved.
Correspondence Audit
The most common type. The IRS sends a letter asking for documentation to support specific items on your return.
Usually involves verifying deductions, credits, or income items.
Office Audit
You're asked to meet with an IRS examiner at an IRS office to review your return and provide documentation.
More comprehensive than correspondence audits.
Field Audit
An IRS agent comes to your home or business. This is the most thorough and serious type of audit.
Usually reserved for complex returns or potential fraud cases.
Why Professional Representation Matters
Many taxpayers make costly mistakes during audits because they don't understand their rights or how to properly respond to IRS requests. Professional representation protects you.
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We Handle All Communication
The IRS contacts us, not you. No stressful phone calls or letters to deal with.
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Protect Your Rights
We ensure the IRS follows proper procedures and doesn't overstep their authority.
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Avoid Costly Mistakes
One wrong word can trigger additional scrutiny or expand the scope of the audit.
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Negotiate Outcomes
We negotiate with the IRS to minimize any adjustments or additional taxes owed.
How We Handle Your Audit
Review the Notice
We analyze the audit notice to understand exactly what the IRS is questioning.
Gather Documentation
We help you collect the records needed to support the items being audited.
Represent You
We attend meetings and handle all communication with the IRS examiner.
Resolve the Audit
We negotiate the best possible outcome and handle any appeals if needed.
Don't Panic — Most Audits End Well
Being audited doesn't mean you're in trouble. The IRS audits returns for many reasons, and most audits result in little or no additional tax owed when you have proper documentation and representation.
The key is responding correctly and on time. With professional representation, you can navigate the audit process with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers an IRS audit?
Several factors can increase your chances of being audited. Common triggers include claiming deductions that are disproportionately high relative to your income, unreported income that doesn't match the W-2s and 1099s the IRS has on file, home office deductions, unusually large charitable contributions, and reporting round numbers that suggest estimates rather than actual figures. Self-employment income also draws extra scrutiny because of the potential for underreporting. Beyond specific red flags, the IRS uses a computer scoring system called the Discriminant Information Function (DIF) that compares your return to statistical norms — and some returns are simply selected at random.
What are the most common types of IRS appeals?
Most IRS appeals involve protesting a wrongful assessment or challenging an aggressive collection action. The appeals process covers a wide range of situations, from disputing the amount of tax the IRS says you owe to contesting liens, levies, or proposed penalties. The rules governing your appeal rights are found throughout Title 26 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Internal Revenue Manual, Treasury Regulations, Revenue Rulings, and other IRS guidance. Each type of dispute has its own procedures and deadlines, which is why having an experienced representative is so valuable.
What's the difference between amending a return and appealing an IRS determination?
These are two distinct processes. Amending a return means you are correcting your own filing — perhaps you discovered a missed deduction, forgot to report income, or made a calculation error. You initiate this by filing Form 1040-X with the updated information. An appeal, on the other hand, is when you challenge a decision the IRS has made about your return — such as disallowing a deduction or assessing additional tax after an audit. In an appeal, you're not saying your original return was wrong; you're saying the IRS's adjustment is wrong.
Should I always file an appeal?
Not necessarily. If the IRS's determination is correct, filing an appeal just to delay the process only postpones the inevitable and can result in additional interest accruing on any balance due. However, many taxpayers make the opposite mistake — they miss appeal deadlines or fail to realize they have the right to challenge the IRS's findings. If you believe the IRS got it wrong, an appeal is often worthwhile. Appeals Officers are generally more experienced and independent than the examiners who conducted the original audit, and they have the authority to negotiate settlements that the examination division cannot.
Can I attend the audit meeting myself or should I send a representative?
As an Enrolled Agent, we have the legal authority granted by the U.S. Treasury to represent you before the IRS without you being present. In most cases, we recommend that you let us attend on your behalf. During an audit, even a well-intentioned answer to a casual question can inadvertently open up new issues and expand the scope of what the IRS examines. A trained representative knows exactly what information to provide — and, just as importantly, what not to volunteer.
How long do I have to respond to an audit notice?
You typically have 30 days from the date printed on the notice to respond. This deadline is critical — if you miss it, the IRS may proceed with making assessments based solely on the information they have, which almost always results in a higher tax bill than if you had responded with proper documentation. Some notices have shorter or longer response windows, so always check the specific deadline on your letter. If you've received an audit notice, contact us right away so we can review it and ensure a timely response.
What if I disagree with the audit results?
You have the right to appeal. The IRS Independent Office of Appeals is a separate organization from the examination division that conducted your audit. Appeals Officers review your case with fresh eyes and have broad authority to settle disputes based on the merits of your position and the likelihood of the IRS prevailing if the case went to Tax Court. In many situations, the Appeals Office can negotiate a significantly better outcome than what was proposed by the original examiner. If you disagree with your audit results, we can help you prepare and file a formal protest to protect your rights. We may also be able to help with penalty abatement if penalties were assessed as part of the audit.
Related Tax Relief Services
Depending on your situation, these services may also help:
Penalty Abatement
If the audit results in additional penalties being assessed, we can help you request abatement to reduce or eliminate those penalties based on reasonable cause or other qualifying factors.
Unfiled Tax Returns
If the audit reveals unfiled returns from prior years that need to be addressed, we can prepare and file those returns to bring you back into full compliance with the IRS.
IRS Payment Plans
If the audit results in a balance due that you can't pay in full, we can negotiate an installment agreement with the IRS so you can pay over time in affordable monthly payments.
Got an Audit Notice? Let's Talk.
Don't wait until it's too late. Get professional representation and protect yourself.