An IRS Audit is a formal review or examination of an individual’s or business’s tax return and financial records by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that the reported income, deductions, credits, and tax calculations are accurate and comply with U.S. tax laws.

Why Audits Happen Audits may be triggered by:

• Random selection through statistical formulas
• Discrepancies in reported income (e.g., mismatched W-2 or 1099 forms)
• Unusual deductions or credits compared to income levels
• Related examinations (e.g., audits of business partners or investors)
• Suspected non-compliance based on prior issues or specific IRS initiatives

What It Means for You

• An audit does not automatically imply wrongdoing; it’s a verification process.
• The IRS will request documentation to support items on your tax return.
• Audits can result in no change (your return stands as filed), an agreed change (you accept adjustments), or a disagreed change (you dispute the findings and appeal).

Types of IRS Audits

The IRS conducts several types of audits, each varying in scope and complexity. Understanding which one you’re facing is the first step in an effective response.

Correspondence Audit: The most common and least severe. Conducted entirely by mail, it typically focuses on one or two specific items, such as deductions or credits. You respond with documentation via mail.

Office Audit: You are asked to bring specific records to a local IRS office. This audit is more involved, often covering a broader range of issues on your return.

Field Audit: The most comprehensive type. An IRS agent visits your home, place of business, or your accountant’s office to examine your records. This is often used for businesses or complex individual returns.

Taxpayer Compliance Assurance Program (TCAP): A pre-filing audit where the IRS reviews your records before you file your return to resolve issues proactively.

How We Assist

Facing an audit alone can be overwhelming. We provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire process to ensure your rights are protected and you achieve the best possible outcome.

Our assistance begins the moment you receive an audit notice. We immediately analyze the scope, advise you on your rights and obligations, and develop a strategic response plan. We handle all communication with the IRS, interpret their requests, and ensure deadlines are met. Our goal is to resolve the audit accurately, efficiently, and with minimal stress to you, whether that leads to a "no-change" letter, a negotiated settlement, or appealing an unfavorable decision.

Representation

You have the legal right to be represented by a qualified professional before the IRS. We act as your authorized representative, standing between you and the IRS.

With a valid Power of Attorney (Form 2848), we can speak directly to the IRS agent on your behalf, attend all meetings and hearings without you being present, and negotiate settlements. This representation is crucial—it ensures your case is presented by someone who understands tax law and procedure, prevents you from making inadvertent statements that could harm your case, and allows you to avoid the direct stress of dealing with the auditor.

Document Preparation

Proper documentation is the foundation of a successful audit defense. We guide you in gathering, organizing, and presenting the precise records the IRS is requesting.

We help you identify which documents are relevant—such as receipts, bank statements, invoices, logs, and prior-year returns—and ensure they are complete and legible. We then prepare a clear, professional submission package, often with a summary or reconciliation, to make the auditor’s review straightforward. A well-organized presentation not only saves time but also builds credibility and can limit the scope of the auditor’s inquiries.

Response Drafting

Every written communication with the IRS during an audit is critical. We draft precise, strategic responses to all IRS notices, information requests (IDRs), and proposed adjustments.

Our responses are carefully crafted to be factual, compliant, and protective of your interests. We provide clear explanations supported by your documentation and relevant tax law. If we disagree with an IRS position, we draft a formal protest or appeal letter outlining our legal arguments. This skilled drafting is essential for clarifying misunderstandings, defending your positions, and creating a clear record for potential appeals.