Receiving an IRS audit notice is an intimidating experience and a very serious matter that needs to be dealt with proactively, ideally with the assistance of an experience IRS tax audit attorney.
IRS audits come in several varieties and get started in several ways including correspondence audits done by mail with an out-of-state IRS office, receiving a CP2000 notice concerning discrepancies between your filed tax return and the information the IRS has received, or a letter from a local Revenue Agent wanting to start the audit examination. Regardless of the type of IRS audit, an IRS audit should not be ignored.
Whatever the reason might be for your tax return(s) having been selected for audit, the IRS audit file will remain open until it is resolved. If you do not participate in the audit, the IRS will resolve the case entirely in their favor, often by zeroing out any expenses or deductions that are being audited or including any potential income that the IRS might have identified.
Dealing with IRS Audits
The tax attorneys at the Steburg Law Firm provide valuable assistance to their clients in resolving IRS audits. Their understanding of tax law, tax accounting and IRS procedures allows them to be an advocate for their client while providing their clients with a clear understanding of the IRS rules that apply to their personal situation.
By obtaining a power of attorney to represent their clients before the IRS, the tax audit attorneys at the Steburg Law Firm can interpose themselves between the taxpayer and the IRS, reducing stress and anxiety to the client and facilitating controlled communication on behalf of the client with the IRS. This is particularly important if the taxpayer is aware of errors or controversial reporting positions that are in the filed tax return now being audited.
Audit Outcomes
There are many procedural steps involved in finalizing an IRS audit. Sometimes audits result in no change to the tax return that was filed. The more common outcome, particularly if a taxpayer is trying to represent themselves, is for the IRS to propose an adjustment to the tax return which results in an additional tax liability. With proper representation, the IRS’s audit position and the taxpayer’s tax return position are reconciled and fine-tuned through back-and-forth negotiation to get to the best obtainable results under the facts and law of the case.
However, in many cases the auditor and the taxpayer can’t reach an agreed result for the examination. If that is the case, professional representation by Steburg Law Firm will allow the taxpayer to evaluate further alternatives which may include appealing the IRS’s proposed examination to the IRS Appeals Division.
Taxpayers often have the right to appeal the IRS’s proposed exam adjustments. Even going further down the IRS procedure options, taxpayers will usually have the right to contest an IRS assessment by filing a petition with the US Tax Court. The tax attorneys at the Steburg Law Firm are experienced and knowledgeable in the legal and procedural methods to help their clients obtain the right result for their case.
The Steburg Law Firm represents clients in who are facing IRS business or income tax audits. Founder and principal, Anita L. Steburg is a tax attorney who deals with every tax matter as directly and proactively as possible.
How to Choose the Best Tax Attorney for My Situation
An IRS audit is a worrisome situation as soon as you receive notice. Yet, when it happens, you may turn to an attorney expecting a solution. No matter if your tax return is perfect or if you know there are gaps, it is essential to have a highly experienced audit attorney by your side. Our tax attorney in San Jose, CA, is trusted, experienced, and ready to guide you.
Before you hire a tax attorney, be sure you know as much as possible about this person and what they can do for you. Here are some key questions to ask.
- Do they have experience with audits related to the specific areas of concern you have, such as missing income or mistakes?
- What type of audit help have they provided other clients in the past that was effective?
- Does the audit attorney have time to help with your case? If so, what can you expect from that process? What will they do for you?
- What does the attorney believe will be the outcome in your case? They cannot tell you what will happen, but they can provide you with some insight into what to expect during the process.
- How do they propose handling the situation? Be open and honest with them about what you’re facing so you can get truly accurate information.
How the Steburg Law Firm Can Help
Without a doubt, you need a professional you feel you can trust. Our team at Steburg Law Firm recognizes that audits are difficult experiences. We aim to do all we can to alleviate your frustrations. When you turn to our audit attorney in San Jose, CA, we will provide fair, accurate information based on what the law says. If you elect to work with us, you can expect us to offer exceptional information and support to you that’s fair.
Let our tax attorney go to work for you. Set up a consultation to discuss your case with us today. Your privacy is protected when you talk to your attorney.
