We represent and assist taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, representing taxpayers in audits, appeals and collection disputes, and can help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and to correct account problems. Please read below to familiarize yourself with the Examination Process.
An IRS audit is a review/examination of an organization's or individual's accounts and financial information to ensure information is being reported correctly, according to the tax laws, to verify the amount of tax reported is accurate.
Selecting a return for audit does not always suggest that an error has been made. Returns are selected using a variety of methods, including:
An audit may be conducted by mail or through an in-person interview and review of the taxpayer's records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or at the taxpayer's home, place of business, or accountant's office (field audit). The IRS will tell you what records are needed. Audits can result in no changes or changes. Any proposed changes to your return will be explained.
Should your account be selected for audit, you will be notified in two ways:
In the case of a telephone contact, the IRS will still send a letter confirming the audit. E-mail notification is not used by the IRS.
Your Rights as a Taxpayer, explains your rights as a taxpayer as well as the examination, appeal, collection, and refund processes. These rights include:
The length of each audit varies depending on the type of audit, the complexity of items being reviewed, the availability of information being requested, the availability of both parties for scheduling of meetings and your agreement or disagreement with the findings.
You will be provided with a written request for specific documents needed.
The law requires you to retain records used to prepare your return. Those records generally should be kept for three years from the date the tax return was filed.
The IRS does accept some electronic records. If records are kept electronically, the IRS may request those in lieu of or in addition to other types of records. Contact your auditor to determine what can be accepted to ensure a software program is compatible with the IRS's.
An audit can be concluded in three ways:
If you agree with the audit findings, you will be asked to sign the examination report or a similar form depending upon the type of audit conducted.
If money is owed, there are several payment options available.
A conference with a manager may be requested for further review of the issue or issues. In addition, Appeals Mediation Programs or an Appeal request may be filed.