IRS Letter 6323 is an initial letter notifying you of an audit. Receiving it means the Internal Revenue Service has selected your tax return for examination.
A local tax audit lawyer can serve as your professional advocate and help mitigate the ramifications of the audit. A Washington DC attorney from Pontius Tax Law can handle all communication with the IRS upon receipt of Letter 6323, ensure your rights are protected, and that you do not inadvertently provide information that could harm your case.
What Should Taxpayers Know About IRS Letter 6323?
IRS Letter 6323 is a notice the IRS sends to inform a taxpayer of its intent to start an audit. The letter will outline:
- Who is being audited: It will specify if the audit is for your personal or business tax returns.
- The tax periods (time scope) under audit: This typically covers a one- to three-year period, but can be extended up to eight years if fraud is suspected.
- The specific issues identified: The letter should list the items on your return the IRS intends to examine. While the agent is not strictly constrained by this list, it provides a starting point for the investigation.
- The assigned IRS agent: The letter will include contact information for the agent handling your case, including their location.
- A deadline to respond: This deadline is typically anywhere from 10 to 30 days, but the exact timeline will be detailed in the letter.
After receiving Letter 6323, you should collect all records related to the items the IRS is auditing so your DC attorney can review them carefully. This may include receipts, invoices, bank statements, and other financial documents. It is important not to ignore the letter, as failure to respond could result in penalties or expanded investigations. The IRS has specific procedures for audits, and responding appropriately from the beginning is key to a favorable resolution.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Letter 6323?
Taxpayers in Washington DC have the right to retain an attorney to manage communications after receiving IRS Letter 6323. A lawyer can act as your official representative in all correspondence and communication with the IRS agent. We know how to manage the conversation and provide only the specifically requested information, which can prevent the audit from unnecessarily expanding into other tax years or issues.
A lawyer can ensure that the IRS adheres to all proper procedures and respects your taxpayer rights throughout the investigation. Your legal team organizes and presents your documentation effectively to support your tax return claims and challenge incorrect assumptions made by the IRS.
If additional tax is owed, a lawyer can negotiate a favorable outcome, which may include setting up an installment agreement (payment plan), requesting penalty abatement for reasonable cause, or submitting an Offer in Compromise to settle the debt for a lesser amount.
Contact a Washington DC Tax Attorney To Guide Your Response to IRS Letter 6323
When you receive IRS Letter 6323 in Washington DC, reach out to us to determine what to do next. An attorney can serve as your authorized representative to engage with the IRS, explore options for resolving any issues during the audit, and navigate the complex process. Contact Pontius Tax Law today to discuss the solutions that are most appropriate for your situation.