IRS Audit Process

Oakland County Tax Audit Attorney – (248) 919-8029

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes certain that taxes are correctly reported by examining tax returns in-depth, a process also called auditing. If your tax return is selected for an audit, you need to know how to react appropriately. Otherwise, you could end up in serious trouble with the IRS, which is essentially every taxpayer’s worst nightmare.

At Tax Resolve, our tax audit lawyer in Oakland County can act as your legal guide throughout your tax audit. Our law firm is backed by decades of legal experience, all focused on tax laws, audits, appeals, and more. You can arrange for in-person services if you live in the Oakland County area, or you can meet with us remotely, no matter what state you call home.

The moment the IRS announces that you are being audited is the moment you should get our help. Call (248) 919-8029 for a FREE case review.

Why Was Your Tax Return Chosen?

The IRS can be unpredictable in how it chooses what tax returns to audit. Whether you are a first-time taxpayer with low income or the head of a multinational corporation, you can be blindsided by an IRS tax audit.

There are three ways tax returns are selected for audits:

• Random: The IRS utilizes a computer system that gives numeric scores based on the potential for change in income and the potential of unreported income. If your return received a high score, it becomes more likely to be selected for a random audit. Ultimately, every single taxpayer can be audited at random.
• Inspection: Some returns are chosen deliberately for inspection because the IRS thinks there is an error with how it was filed. If the information you provided does not match your other forms, such as your W-2 or Form 1099, you may face an audit and be accused of tax fraud. If you were deliberately selected for an audit and further inspection, then you should connect with a tax audit attorney as soon as possible.
• Association: If a business partner has been accused of tax fraud, then it is highly likely the IRS will pull your tax returns as well for an audit. In a way, you have been marked as “suspicious by association.” Protect your good name and the reputation of your business by teaming up with our tax audit lawyer.

How are Tax Audits Conducted?

The examination will be conducted either by mail or in-person at an IRS office, your home, your place of business, or an accountant's office. You can request a time change or a location change if the one the IRS has selected is inconvenient. The notification letter you received will tell you what records you need to bring, and you can either attend the examination alone or have legal representation at the audit. During the audit, the IRS may suggest changes to your tax filing, which can accept or appeal. It is also possible to record the meeting if you provide sufficient notice to the IRS.

As your legal representative, our Oakland County tax audit attorney can help you fully prepare for your tax audit. Our legal team will advise you about what documents to bring in addition to what the IRS requests. We can also act entirely on your behalf during the audit if you would like to defer all inquiries from the auditor to your attorney. This is recommended if there is a chance you could be investigated for tax fraud, as saying the wrong thing can increase suspicions.

Understanding & Using Your Rights as a Taxpayer

Although you may be nervous about an upcoming audit, it is important to remember that you have rights. Our Oakland County tax planners will help you prepare your documents for the IRS and continue to assist you with the audit. If the IRS is requesting more information, you have the right to know why and how they will use it. In addition to privacy and confidentiality, you are also able to appeal the adjustments made by the IRS to the IRS or the Tax Court. If the courts accept your case, you may even be able to appeal the taxes in the U.S. Court of Appeals or to the Supreme Court.

Resolve Your Tax Audit with Tax Resolve

With more than 33 years of experience, Tax Resolve is well-equipped to represent your best interests during a tax audit. Our clients come first, and we always act as if we were representing ourselves. The IRS can be intimidating, but with our help and personalized representation, you can stand up for yourself and stop worrying about a tax audit.