IRS Audit Defense: Expert Representation & Protection

Overall, about 0.4% of individual returns are audited each year. However, your risk increases with:

• Income over $200K (1% audit rate)
• Income over $1M (2.4% audit rate)
• Self-employment income (higher scrutiny)
• Large deductions relative to income
• Cash-intensive businesses

Even if your chances are low, having professional representation ready can save you thousands if you're selected.

Timeline varies by audit type:

• Correspondence audit: 3-6 months (handled by mail)
• Office audit: 3-9 months
• Field audit: 6-18 months (most complex)

Having professional representation often speeds up the process because we provide organized documentation and handle all IRS correspondence efficiently.

While you can represent yourself, professional representation is strongly recommended because:

• Tax professionals know what the IRS is looking for
• We prevent you from volunteering damaging information
• We negotiate better outcomes (lower adjustments)
• You never have to meet with the IRS personally
• We handle all documentation and deadlines

Studies show taxpayers with representation achieve significantly better audit outcomes than those who go alone.

If you disagree with the IRS's proposed changes, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process includes:

• IRS Appeals Office: Independent review by IRS Appeals
• Tax Court: Formal court proceedings if Appeals doesn't resolve
• District Court or Claims Court: Alternative venues

We represent clients through the entire appeals process and have successfully overturned many adverse audit findings. Acting quickly is critical—you typically have 30 days to file an appeal.