Receiving an audit notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be alarming. Just because the IRS selected your tax return for review does not necessarily mean you did anything wrong. Still, an audit can lead to additional taxes, penalties, or interest if you fail to address it properly. Contacting an experienced San Francisco IRS audit notice lawyer promptly ensures you respond correctly and protect your financial interests from the start.
Allison Soares helps individuals and businesses throughout California resolve federal and state tax audits efficiently. Attorney Allison Soares has more than 15 years of experience representing clients before the IRS, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the Employment Development Department (EDD), and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Clients know her for her straightforward, results-oriented approach that prioritizes resolving audits, collections, and appeals quickly while protecting their rights and reputations.
Understanding an IRS Audit Notice
An IRS audit notice is a letter notifying you that the IRS is reviewing your tax return. The agency uses audits to verify the accuracy of reported income, deductions, and credits. It audits individuals and businesses for various reasons and performs different types of audits. Understanding the purpose and scope of your audit helps you respond appropriately from the beginning.
Why the IRS Selects Certain Returns for Audit
The IRS reviews tax returns for many reasons, including:
- Random selection,
- Discrepancies between reported income or deductions and other sources, and
- High deductions or unusual activity.
Large charitable contributions or complex business expenses can also cause additional scrutiny. Knowing what caused the audit allows your San Francisco IRS audit notice lawyer to prepare a focused and effective response.
Types of IRS Audits
Audits differ in complexity depending on how the IRS conducts them:
- Correspondence audit. The IRS sends letters and requests documents by mail, usually to verify deductions or missing forms.
- Office audit. You meet with an IRS agent at a local office to review records and answer questions.
- Field audit. An IRS agent visits your home or business to examine financial records directly.
An attorney can help you understand what the IRS expects from you during your audit and ensure you are fully prepared.
What to Do After You Receive an IRS Audit Notice
If you receive an audit notice, take these immediate steps:
- Read the notice carefully. Identify the tax year under review, what information the IRS wants, and the response deadline.
- Gather supporting records. Collect receipts, invoices, W-2s, 1099s, and any other documents that support what you reported on your return.
- Meet with a lawyer. Schedule a consultation with a San Francisco tax audit lawyer as soon as possible.
Responding promptly helps you avoid penalties and shows the IRS that you are cooperating, which can make the process smoother.
How a San Francisco IRS Audit Notice Lawyer Assists You
An IRS audit involves several phases. Having an IRS audit defense attorney in San Francisco manage your case helps you understand what is happening, stay organized, avoid mistakes, and reach a faster, fairer outcome.
Before the Audit: Preparing and Organizing Documentation
Your attorney reviews the IRS letter to determine which issues the IRS questions and how broad the audit scope is, meaning what specific items or years the IRS plans to examine. Your attorney can help you gather documents, organize them, and prepare a clear, concise written response for the IRS.
During the Audit: Representation and Communication
Your attorney serves as your representative. They will speak directly with the IRS, attend meetings or interviews on your behalf, and ensure that the IRS follows proper procedures and that you do not relinquish your rights. Your attorney can also negotiate a settlement that may allow you to pay less than the full amount or make payments over time.
After the Audit: Resolution, Appeals, and Prevention
If the IRS determines you owe additional taxes, your attorney can request an appeal, which is a formal process to challenge the findings. Once the IRS completes your audit, your attorney can help you strengthen your financial practices and reduce the risk of another audit.
State Tax Agency Coordination
An IRS audit often overlaps with state-level tax reviews. California agencies may also review your state filings if the IRS changes your federal return. Having one attorney coordinate responses ensures accuracy and consistency across all agencies.
Take Control of Your Tax Situation Today
An IRS audit can be intimidating, but you do not have to face it alone. Allison Soares, Attorney at Law, is an IRS audit attorney in San Francisco who helps individuals and businesses throughout California protect their rights, resolve tax disputes efficiently, and prevent future problems. With more than 15 years of experience representing clients before the state and federal tax agencies, Allison provides strategic, client-focused audit defense from start to finish.
If you have received an IRS audit notice, contact attorney Allison Soares for legal guidance from an experienced IRS audit defense attorney in San Francisco.
