What are my chances of winning an IRS audit?

With professional representation and proper documentation, most audits result in either no change or minor adjustments. According to IRS data, about 15% of audits result in "no change" (you owe nothing additional). Another 70-75% result in some adjustments, but professional representation typically minimizes them significantly. The key is having a CPA or EA who knows how to present your case strategically and negotiate effectively.

Should I attend the IRS audit meeting?

No. Absolutely not. Anything you say can (and will) be used to assess additional taxes. Taxpayers who attend audits without representation almost always make the situation worse — they volunteer information, answer questions poorly, or inadvertently admit to things that trigger expanded audits. Let us handle it. That's what Power of Attorney is for. You never have to see or speak to the IRS examiner.

How much does audit representation cost?

$3,000–$8,000+ depending on complexity. Correspondence audits (by mail) are typically $2,500–$4,000. Office/field audits are $5,000–$10,000+ depending on the scope and duration. The investment is worth it: We routinely save clients tens of thousands in additional taxes and penalties. Example: If we reduce proposed adjustments from $30K to $8K (like the case above), you saved $22K minus our $5K fee = net $17K benefit.

What happens if I ignore the audit notice?

The IRS assesses the maximum proposed adjustments against you (no negotiation, no benefit of the doubt). They'll send you a final determination, and you'll owe the full amount plus penalties and interest. You also lose your right to appeal. Ignoring an audit is the worst possible response. Even if you have terrible documentation, professional representation can minimize the damage. Ignoring it guarantees maximum damage.

Can an audit expand to other years?

Yes. If the IRS finds significant issues (large understatement of income, fraud indicators, pattern of errors), they can expand the audit to other open years (typically 3-6 years, or unlimited if fraud is suspected). This is another reason why professional representation is critical — we control the information flow and prevent scope creep. Never volunteer information beyond what the IRS specifically requests.

How long does an IRS audit take?

Correspondence audits: 2-4 months from initial notice to resolution. Office audits: 3-6 months. Field audits: 6-12 months (sometimes longer for complex cases). The timeline depends on how quickly documentation is provided, how complex the issues are, and whether appeals are necessary. Professional representation typically speeds up the process because we know exactly what the IRS needs and how to present it efficiently.

What documentation do I need for an audit?

It depends on what the IRS is auditing, but common documentation includes:

• Business expenses: Receipts, invoices, bank/credit card statements, proof of business purpose
• Vehicle expenses: Mileage logs, maintenance records, proof of business use
• Home office: Floor plan, utility bills, mortgage/rent statements, proof of exclusive business use
• Charitable donations: Receipts, written acknowledgments from charities (required for $250+)
• Rental properties: Lease agreements, repair receipts, property management records
• Income: 1099s, W-2s, bank deposit records, sales records

Don't have perfect records? We can reconstruct documentation using alternative methods that the IRS accepts.

Can I negotiate the audit results?

Yes. Everything is negotiable with the IRS — if you know how. The audit examiner has discretion to accept alternative documentation, reasonable estimations, and arguments based on case law or IRS guidance. If the initial audit result is unfavorable, you can also appeal to the IRS Office of Appeals for an independent review. This is where professional representation pays for itself. We negotiate audit outcomes every day — we know what arguments work and what the IRS will accept.