The question of what amount of tax that a person or company needs to submit to the government is central to any successful financial plan. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has broad powers to pursue parties for underpayment or a failure to pay entirely.
One major tool that the IRS possesses is the ability to audit a taxpayer’s returns. This process may involve the IRS examining your finances to ensure that you are paying every cent that you owe to the government. If an audit results in a recommended change, you have the choice to accept this recommendation or reject it. When you reject a recommendation, you can file an appeal with a seasoned tax attorney.
A Washington DC IRS audit and appeals lawyer could help individuals and businesses in their dealings with the IRS. This could include submitting paperwork upon initial notice of an audit and providing legal representation during all potential appeals.
Notification of an IRS Audit
Taxpayers that earn an income beyond the standard deduction must file tax returns. Not only is providing the proper payment amount the right thing to do but it is also a requirement under the law. However, it is understandable that taxpayers will want to lessen their tax liabilities. If the IRS believes that an underpayment has occurred due to an error, then they may initiate an audit.
Taxpayers always receive notice of an audit through the mail. This notice will include contact information for the local office as well as a request for more information. In some situations, an audit may proceed entirely through the mail. In this instance, a local IRS audits and appeals lawyer could help to identify the necessary documentation and submit it appropriately. In other scenarios, the IRS may elect to conduct the audit in person. A tax audit attorney could also represent the taxpayer at these meetings.
Appealing an Audit’s Outcome
The IRS has the sole authority to determine the outcome of an audit. In the best-case scenario, the agency might agree that a taxpayer’s paperwork is correct and decide to drop the examination. In other cases, the two sides might agree that an underpayment has occurred and work towards a payment plan. If the IRS identifies an apparent underpayment that the taxpayer disagrees with, then an appeal could be necessary.
Taxpayers have the right to seek an appeal of an IRS decision in an independent forum. The IRS Office of Appeals operates separately from the office pursuing the audit. In these appeals, taxpayers have the right to introduce evidence and obtain representation from an attorney. A Washington DC tax audit and appeals lawyer could help to determine if an appeal is necessary and take every required step to protect a taxpayer’s legal rights.
Find Support with a Washington DC IRS Audit and Appeals Attorney
Parties who are facing the prospect of an audit need to move quickly to protect themselves. Whether through the mail or in person, the IRS can demand that you provide additional information concerning your tax returns. An unfavorable outcome in these cases can result in the IRS demanding additional tax payments.
Fortunately, a Washington DC IRS audit and appeals lawyer might be able to help. During an audit, an attorney could assist parties in understanding the process and submit the necessary paperwork. If this still fails to bring a positive outcome, an IRS lawyer could file an appeal within the agency. Contact a lawyer today to let them help you.
