IRS Audits & Notices
Getting a letter from the IRS and being audited can be one of the most intimidating experiences of your life. Not only do you have to deal with an IRS agent directly, you have to find your way through the maze of legal issues and procedural timelines, all while worrying about the IRS garnishing your wages or bank account.
The IRS can audit your tax returns for a variety of reasons and it is entirely possible that despite the audit there is nothing wrong with your tax return. IRS audits may center on technical questions over math errors, forgotten tax forms or the validity of the claims and deductions on your tax return.
We have the knowledge of the tax law and IRS procedures to effectively defend your rights and protect your assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know that the IRS is auditing me?
When your tax return is being audited, the IRS will send you a letter informing you of the audit and letting you know whether the audit will be conducted by mail or in person.
How will I know that the IRS is auditing me?
When your tax return is being audited, the IRS will send you a letter informing you of the audit and letting you know whether the audit will be conducted by mail or in person.
Will I go to jail?
While failure to pay taxes is against the law, generally it will be treated as a civil matter and no jail will be sought.
How long will the audit take?
Audits are not quick, and you will have to patient. On average, an audit will take 8 – 12 months to resolve, but it can be as long as 28 months.
How far back can the IRS audit my return?
The IRS can generally assess additional tax three years after the due date of the return or the date the return was filed, whichever is later.
What happens if I ignore the IRS audit and not respond?
Ignoring IRS letters is never a good idea. If you fail to respond, the IRS will assess the additional tax, penalties, and interest and then proceed to enforce payment.
What happens if I miss the response deadline?
You can request that the IRS reconsider the audit assessment. This is fairly common and involves preparing one complete response and sending it to the IRS for reconsideration.
Can I respond to the audit notice by fax?
Yes. Your IRS letter will have the fax number for the appropriate IRS unit. You should number the pages of your response and include your tax identification number on each page, so the tax examiner knows that the response is complete and belongs to your case.