税务审计

An audit means we are reviewing your tax return to verify the information is accurate. Your letter should specify which tax year and which items we are examining. This is a correspondence audit, so everything can be handled by mail.

We need receipts, bank statements, and any records that support the deductions you claimed. For example, if we are questioning your charitable donations, provide donation receipts and acknowledgment letters from the organizations.

You have thirty days from the date on the letter to respond. If you need more time, call us before the deadline and we can usually grant a thirty-day extension. It is important not to ignore the letter, as that could result in additional penalties.

If we determine you owe additional taxes, we will send a notice with the amount due plus any interest and penalties. You can pay in full, set up a payment plan, or dispute the findings if you disagree.

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage taxpayers to bring a tax professional. You can bring a CPA, an enrolled agent, or a tax attorney. They can even represent you without you being present if you sign Form 2848, Power of Attorney.

The examiner will go through your return line by line for the items in question. They will ask you to explain certain entries and show supporting documentation. Be honest and only answer what is asked — do not volunteer extra information.

An office audit typically takes a few hours for the initial meeting. However, the overall process from start to resolution can take several months, depending on the complexity of your case and whether additional information is needed.

You have the right to professional and courteous treatment, the right to know why we are asking for information, the right to appeal our decision, and the right to representation. These are outlined in IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer.