check out our IRS AUDITS & EXAMINATIONS
An audit is a conversation with consequences. Have it with counsel.
From the first Information Document Request to the closing conference, we represent businesses and individuals through the full IRS examination process — correspondence, office, and field audits alike.
WHAT WE DO
Audit defense, from first contact to closing letter.
Most audits do not start with a dramatic letter. They start with a polite request for records and a deadline. What happens next — what gets produced, what gets explained, what gets challenged — determines almost everything about how the matter ends.
We step in early, take over the communication, and run the examination the way it should be run: producing what is required, framing the issues correctly, and preserving every defense the client may need later.
Matters we handle
- Schedule C and small-business examinations
- Partnership and S-corporation audits, including BBA proceedings
- Real estate and passive activity loss audits
- Employment tax and worker classification exams
- Cryptocurrency, foreign asset, and FBAR examinations
- Conservation easement, ERC, and other “campaign” audits
- Sales tax and Texas state tax audits
HOW IT WORKS
Our process
Intake & assessment
We review the IDR, the return, and the underlying records. We tell you what the agent is likely looking at — and what they are likely to find.
Strategy
Every audit has a defensible posture. We identify yours, document the position, and prepare the supporting analysis before producing anything.
Representation
We file the power of attorney and become the point of contact. The agent talks to us. You go back to running your business.
Resolution
Closing agreement, no-change letter, or proposed adjustments. If the result is wrong, we are already positioned to take it to Appeals.
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an IRS audit typically take?
Correspondence audits usually take three to six months. Office and field audits often take a year or longer. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, how quickly information is exchanged, and whether the case moves to Appeals or litigation. Cases involving multiple years or complex transactions can stretch longer.
Can I ignore an IRS audit notice?
No. If you ignore an audit notice, the IRS will typically assess tax based on the information it already has — which usually produces the worst possible result for the taxpayer. The assessment becomes legally enforceable, and the IRS can then pursue collection. Responding promptly preserves your rights and your ability to challenge the proposed changes.
What is the difference between a correspondence audit, an office audit, and a field audit?
A correspondence audit is handled entirely by mail and is usually limited to one or two specific items on a return. An office audit requires you to bring records to an IRS office and is typically broader. A field audit is the most comprehensive — an IRS revenue agent examines records at your home, business, or representative’s office and may look at the entire return.
Do I need an attorney for an IRS audit?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation matters in audits where the dollars at stake, the legal issues, or the risk of penalties are significant. An attorney can communicate with the IRS on your behalf, control the flow of information, identify defenses, and preserve privilege over sensitive discussions.
Can you represent me if my audit is already underway?
Yes. We routinely take over audits already in progress. The first step is filing a Power of Attorney with the IRS so the agent communicates with us instead of you, then evaluating what has already been exchanged and what defenses remain available.
What happens if I disagree with the audit results?
You have the right to appeal an audit determination through the IRS Office of Appeals before paying. If Appeals does not resolve the case, you can petition the U.S. Tax Court to have a judge decide the issues — still without paying first. We handle each of these stages.
Can the IRS charge penalties in an audit?
Yes. Common audit penalties include the 20% accuracy-related penalty and, in cases involving intentional misstatements, the 75% civil fraud penalty. Penalty defense is often where careful representation produces the biggest dollar impact — many penalties can be reduced or eliminated entirely with the right legal argument.
Received an audit notice?
The sooner we are involved, the more we can do. Schedule a call with an attorney to talk through your matter.