The thought of an IRS tax audit can make anybody nervous. Nobody wants to receive a notice of audit and face the question of what they did wrong and what the outcome could be. After an audit, you may think you have no choice but to pay up and hope it never happens again.
Fortunately, things are not that dire. If you act promptly, you have the right to question the audit report and possibly have the result overturned in court. Your first step upon receiving a notice should be to prepare to appeal the IRS audit report and contact a Phoenix attorney at Dayes Law Firm.
How Do I Appeal an IRS Audit Report?
You receive an audit report after the IRS completes its audit. If you plan ahead, you should contact a tax controversy attorney when you first receive the notice of audit. Our team will prepare you for the audit itself and ensure your legal rights are protected during the somewhat invasive process.
After the audit, the IRS sends you a report that explains all proposed changes to your tax return based on what was found in the audit. The report will include changes to the taxes owed, penalties, and interest accrued, and if you decide to appeal, you should not accept the report. Advise your attorney of your decision. You will receive a “30-day notice” that explains your right to appeal and how to begin the process.
The Appeal Process
You must begin your appeal within 30 days. There are ways to request an extension (IRS Form 12203), but the sooner you begin the process, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Along with proof of receipt of the IRS report and a statement that you wish to appeal, your request must include:
- The items in the report you disagree with
- The reasons why you disagree
- Facts that support your reasons you disagree
- Any law or legal authority that supports your position
A Phoenix attorney’s assistance is essential for this portion of the IRS audit appeal process. After you file, you need to keep following up on your case until you are assigned a hearing officer.
The Hearing
Once a hearing officer is assigned, you will usually have about 60 days to prepare for your hearing. We can help you gather your documents and arrange files for the hearing officer and anyone else who may be involved in the case. Hearings are usually informal, but you are allowed legal counsel. The attorneys at Dayes Law Firm will handle your case through the hearing and help you with any settlements. The goal of the appeal process is to reach a settlement that both sides can agree to, and about half of all cases reach an agreement. Having legal representation greatly improves your chances of resolving your audit report issues.
Get Legal Advice on Appealing an IRS Audit Report in Phoenix
Appealing an IRS audit report is your legal right, and with the right representation it has a good chance of success. The attorneys at the Dayes Law Firm can give you representation and support during the audit and help you during the appeals process to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Our Phoenix office handles IRS cases throughout the United States. No matter where your audit was held, our attorneys can give you help with your audit appeal. Call us for a free consultation today.
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