Audit Representation and Reconsideration

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Many taxpayers’ greatest fear is having their tax return audited by the IRS. It need not be so. You only need to understand as you start an audit that the burden of proof is on you, the taxpayer, to prove the numbers on your return are correct. If you have kept good records, it will help immensely. Two things you should know going into an audit that our firm can help with:

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First, it is best not to have your original tax preparer represent you in your audit. There is a built-in conflict of interest during an audit, because at the same time the IRS is reviewing your return for errors or understatements of income, the IRS is looking to see whether your preparer complied with his due diligence requirements in preparing the returns. Because due diligence fines can be substantial for the preparer it will undoubtedly be will be his primary concern.

 

Second, even though the IRS has made a final audit determination and the taxpayer has moved into the collection phase (where payments to the IRS have started), the IRS may permit Audit Reconsideration (re-opening the audit) if the taxpayer contends the amount assessed in incorrect.

 

By having Tax Relief Assistance’s qualified Enrolled Agents review your return, we can determine if there is a mistake on the original audit and begin the process of filing for audit reconsideration. This process of file for audit reconsideration involves filing of specific forms within very short time window.