{"id":354016,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:06","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/irs-audits.html"},"modified":"2025-03-17T18:52:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T23:52:57","slug":"irs-audits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/irs-audits.html","title":{"rendered":"IRS Audit Representation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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IRS Audit Representation<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

IRS audit representation involves authorized professionals, such as tax attorneys, who advocate on behalf of taxpayers during audits. This service is crucial for navigating complex tax laws, negotiating with the IRS, and ensuring taxpayer rights are protected. Tax attorneys, with their deep understanding of tax regulations and negotiation skills, can handle intricate tax issues, potentially reducing liabilities and penalties while also safeguarding taxpayer confidentiality and rights.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You open your mail only to find the dreaded notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It’s an audit. Does this mean you did something wrong? And what exactly are you supposed to do now?<\/p>\n

Take a breath.<\/p>\n

A tax audit<\/a> doesn\u2019t always stem from problematic circumstances. And it doesn\u2019t have to mean trouble ahead.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll clarify some of the potential reasons the IRS may have selected you for an audit. We also explore some of the benefits of tax attorney representation.<\/p>\n

But first, let\u2019s make sure we understand what an IRS tax audit is.<\/p>\n

What Is an IRS Tax Audit?<\/h2>\n

An IRS tax audit<\/a> is a review of your tax returns and financial information to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws. In an audit, the IRS will likely check your income, deductions<\/a>, and credits to see if you paid the right amount of taxes. It might also ask for more information or documents to verify your claims.<\/p>\n

The IRS conducts four main types of audits:<\/p>\n