4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Tax Lawyer for IRS Audit Representation
IRS audit representation is where a tax or legal expert represents you during an IRS or state income tax audit. Your representative must have permission and credentials to practice before the state or IRS. Categories of experts allowed to represent you include enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys.
Sometimes, the audit is a letter that requests more information about your taxes. You then mail forms that prove your income and deductions to the IRS. In such a case, you don't need professional representation. Nonetheless, when the IRS invites you to meet with an agent and discuss your taxes, you'll need expert services.
Discover why you should get a tax lawyer to represent you in an IRS audit representation.
1. To Save Time
The IRS tax audit can be long and stressful, especially if your case is complex. The process can get intense and deprive you of sleep, but not if you get a tax lawyer's representation. The tax lawyer understands the documents and has the expertise to negotiate a resolution without litigation. The result is a speedy process and quick resolution of your tax issues with effective strategies.
2. To Avoid Errors
When the IRS summons you for an audit, you must provide accurate information to support your case. You are prone to mistakes in document preparation, and some errors are too costly. Sometimes, the audit process requires you to file new or amended returns. With a tax lawyer's IRS audit representation, you don't have to agonize over errors that affect your audit outcome since they'll handle the process.
3. To Increase the Chances of a Favorable Income
IRS audits have different expected outcomes, and some results are outright unfavorable. For example, high penalty fees and criminal charges. A tax lawyer prevents or reduces the penalties and charges you might face. If you encounter tax liability, the tax attorney negotiates for favorable repayment terms.
4. To Protect Your Rights
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights authorizes you to get IRS audit representation to fight your case when the call for an audit arises. For example, a tax lawyer comes in handy to fight for your protection if you want to protect your income and assets. Also, if the auditor becomes over-inquisitive, your tax attorney can stop the audit process and appeal for better treatment.
Conclusion
Tax audit requests can slap you when you least expect it. The IRS works within a specific time frame, and you might not effectively achieve all the processes within the set time. You will have less duress and a better outcome if you work with an IRS tax problems attorney who understands the process in detail.