IRS Tax Audits – Tax Audit Defense – Former IRS Managers, Agents – IRS Tax Audit Representation

December 10, 2012
Written by: Fresh Start Tax

Mike Sullivan

 

Have former IRS Agents and Managers who know the system keep IRS in check.

We have over 60 years of direct IRS work experience in the local, district and regional offices of the IRS.

Call us for a no cost consultation 1-866-700-1040. We are affordable and trustworthy.

On staff are former IRS Appeals Agents who have worked thousands of IRS tax audit cases.

Do not be alarmed if you have been audited by the IRS. If you have nothing to worry about it is okay that you go into the IRS on your own. If you have doubts call us and we will give you a free opinion on your individual case.

 Facts and General Information about IRS Tax  Audits:

  • The IRS audits a total of 1,391,581 tax returns a year.
  • The IRS field agents complete more than 310,000 audits by office or business visits a year.
  • The IRS completes over 1,081,152 correspondence audits a year.
  • IRS has installed new software tracking systems with the development of the CADE 2 computer to spot and recognize tax audits more proficiently
  • There is a 1% chance you will get audited by the IRS

IRS Tax Audit

An IRS audit is a review or examination of an organization’s or individual’s accounts and financial information to ensure information is being reported correctly, according to the tax laws of the US to verify the amount of tax reported on the tax return is accurate and correct.

The IRS Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights and Claims for Refund explains the full tax audit process in much more detail.

The Tax Audit Selection Process

Selecting a tax return for audit does not always suggest that an error has been made. Returns are selected using a variety of methods, including:

1.Random selection and computer screening.

Sometimes returns are selected based solely on a statistical formula.

2. Document matching.

When payor records, such as Forms W-2 or Form 1099, don’t match the information reported. 1.3 million audits are conducted this way each and every year.

3. Related examinations.

Tax returns may be selected for audit when they involve issues or transactions with other taxpayers, such as business partners or investors, whose returns were selected for audit.Also other States may ask the IRS to look into tax issues and cases where they believe suspicious activity may be present.

While these are only three methods there are usually 12 different methods employed by the IRS to pull returns for audits.

Tax Audit Methods

An  tax 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.

IRS Tax Audit Notification

Should the IRS select you for audit, you will be ONLY  two ways you will be notified:

1. By mail or,
2. By telephone

In the case of a telephone contact, the IRS will still send a letter confirming the tax audit. E-mail notification is never used by the IRS.

Your Rights During an Audit

Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, explains your rights as a taxpayer as well as the examination, appeal, collection, and refund processes.

These rights include:

a. A right to professional and courteous treatment by IRS employees,
b. A right to privacy and confidentiality about tax matters,
c. A right to know why the IRS is asking for information, how the IRS will use it and what will happen if the requested information is not provided,
d. A right to representation, by oneself or an authorized representative,
e. A right to appeal disagreements, both within the IRS and before the courts.

Tax Audit Length

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.
Tax Records Needed

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.
Audit Determinations

An audit can be concluded in three ways:

1. No change: an audit in which you have substantiated all of the items being reviewed and results in no changes.
2. Agreed: an audit where the IRS proposed changes and the taxpayer understands and agrees with the changes.
3. Disagreed: an audit where the IRS has proposed changes and the taxpayer understands, but disagrees with the changes.

What Happens When You AGREE With The Audit Findings?

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. Publication 594, The IRS Collection process, explains the collection process in detail.

Fresh Start Tax LLC will work out a settlement agreement is you will owe funds to the IRS so do not be worried. We have settled thousands of cases since 1982.
What Happens When You DISAGREE with the Audit Findings?

A conference with a manager may be requested for further review of the issue or issues. In addition, Fast Track Mediation or an Appeal request may be filed.

IRS Tax Audits – Tax Audit Defense  – Former IRS Managers, Agents – IRS Tax Audit Representation 1-866-700-1040

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