An important responsibility of the IRS is to ensure that the tax returns submitted by taxpayers are accurate to then collect the taxes that fund the federal government. The process is handled through a series of audits overseen by the IRS.

If you have been audited and dispute the accuracy of the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision to the IRS. While appeals can succeed, the process can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced tax attorney. Let a Vienna IRS audits and appeals lawyer guide you through every step of the process.

Common Reasons for an IRS Audit

Audits happen for any number of reasons. Often, a single factor noted by a computer algorithm could trigger an audit. In other cases, an ongoing investigation by the IRS might be enough to require the start of an audit. Some of the primary factors that can lead to an IRS audit include:

  • Very high income
  • Overlooked income
  • Heavy use of cash
  • Self-employment
  • Numerous itemized deductions
  • Home-based businesses

One or more of these financial factors could trigger an audit, depending on the circumstances. When audits occur, the outcome is not always favorable or correct. The good news is that it is possible to appeal these decisions.

Notice of an Audit

Audits typically take place in order for the government to ensure a taxpayer is paying the amount that they owe. If there are signs from a taxpayer’s returns that something is amiss, it could lead the government to initiate an audit. Before the audit can begin, the IRS must formally notify the taxpayer.

There are steps the government must take to formally notify a taxpayer of an audit. This notice is sent by mail directly to the taxpayer and it will include an array of helpful information. The notice will provide contact information that allows a Vienna taxpayer or their attorney to contact the IRS regarding audits and appeals. The notice will also include a request for additional documentation. Once the notice has been sent, the audit could take place entirely through written correspondence. In certain cases, the IRS might choose to perform the audit in person.

Appealing the Audit Findings

The IRS is required to provide the taxpayer with a written report. In some situations, the IRS will close the audit by concurring with the taxpayer that everything regarding their tax obligations is in order. In other situations, they will inform the taxpayer that there is a problem.

Taxpayers have the right to appeal the audit decision made by the IRS. While this appeal is handled within the IRS itself, it is undertaken by the Office of Appeals. This office is completely separate from the individuals that made the initial audit decision.

During this process, a Vienna audits and appeals lawyer could help the taxpayer determine the correct amount of deductions and income to convince the IRS that the tax debt has been satisfied. With the help of legal counsel, it could be possible to have the original audit decision reversed.

Learn How a Vienna IRS Audits and Appeals Attorney Could Help

If you are going through an audit or are interested in making an appeal to the IRS, you could benefit greatly from speaking with an attorney. The appeals process could make a tremendous difference in your life but it is important to have an intimate knowledge of your tax history.

You could benefit from the experience of an attorney during your appeal. Call a Vienna IRS audits and appeals lawyer today if the amount of tax at issue in your audit is more than $50,000.

Attorney John Pontius

Pontius Tax Law, PLLC is a tax law firm that strives to resolve sensitive tax problems through trust, dedication and value. The law firm was founded by John Pontius with offices in Washington, DC,  Rockville, MD, Bethesda, MD, Fairfax, VA, and Alexandria, VA. Mr. Pontius represents individual and business clients with sensitive and serious tax matters before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. His client base is local, national, and international.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Pontius has represented businesses and individuals with complex tax issues in the following areas: FBAR examinations, offshore and domestic disclosures, FATCA, FIRPTA, tax planning, unfiled tax returns, release of tax liens and levies, trust fund recovery penalty, IRS and state audit examinations, as well as appeals, penalty abatement, U.S. Tax Court litigation, along with defense of tax fraud and evasion. If you require assistance from a tax lawyer, contact Mr. Pontius to discuss your situation.

TESTIMONIALS
Client Reviews
John helped us with a DC tax audit and succeeded in getting us a "no change" final decision. The issues were related to two flow-through entities and the use of carry-forward operating losses -- something that the DC auditors struggled to understand and with which they did not have any...
Paul A
Mr. Pontius is extremely professional and was able to take care of my tax returns which includes international bank accounts quickly and at a very reasonable price. Would definitely recommend.
Karl
I received a fee this past November from the IRS for over $800 because of an error I made on my 2016 taxes. I called my cousin, John Pontius, and he immediately knew what steps needed to be taken. Thanks to him, the fee was cleared. A 10 minute conversation...
A.K.
As an American citizen living in the Middle East my local banker informed me that I needed to file FBARs and report my worldwide income to the IRS. Through the recommendation of another attorney at an international law firm, I was introduced to John Pontius. Mr. Pontius efficiently and effectively...
Kareem S
John handled a difficult IRS lien for my client. He was excellent in getting the lien released so we could close on the property. I would highly recommend John .
Bobbie M
We were seeking tax advice with managing two properties, LLC, as well as some future financial planning. John responded to my call in a timely manner and was happy to answer our questions while referring us to specialists who can manage our accounts on a more regular basis.
Janelle M
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