Tax Audit
When you receive notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that you are being audited, your initial reaction may be to panic. A tax audit can be a terrifying experience for taxpayers — if it does not go your way, you could face serious tax penalties, interest payments, and even criminal charges.
How do you prepare for a rigorous inspection of your tax records and ensure you will be able to respond to any questions the tax auditor may have? The best way to prepare for this in-depth review of your tax affairs is to consult a Houston tax lawyer from Daniel Albert Law. Contact us today to speak with one of our qualified and experienced attorneys.
Your initial thought could be to call a certified public accountant (or “CPA”) to help you with tax return audit preparation. While an accountant may be familiar with the tax code, they may be unqualified to defend clients in the event of an audit.
A tax attorney not only has the tax knowledge to help you prepare for the audit, but they can also negotiate on your behalf throughout the audit and defend you in tax litigation if necessary. If any irregularities are discovered during the audit, you can be assured that you have someone on your side who can interpret the law in your best interests and safeguard your assets and freedom.
One of the most aggravating aspects of an IRS tax audit is feeling mystified by the terminology and procedures. A tax attorney can act as your interpreter, clarifying the auditor’s needs and the processes that will follow. Your attorney can also recognize when an auditor is digging deeper into your tax returns for probable criminal intent. If the auditor intends to pursue a criminal charge against you, this knowledge can be invaluable for you.
If your audit results in a negative finding, you may be liable for back taxes, fines, interest, and possibly criminal charges. Having a tax attorney on your side throughout the process can help your case in several ways.
An audit is often an interpretation of events. Your tax attorney can ensure that the facts are presented in the best light and that you are treated fairly under the law. The auditor must adhere to conduct rules and protocol — a tax attorney can identify any auditor misconduct or misrepresentation and defend your rights. Your tax attorney can guide you on responding to the auditor’s questions and what information you are legally required to disclose.
Negotiation strategies can reduce the tax liability during the process if you have a tax law specialist representing you. You do not want to wait until the auditor has made a final decision before you start defending your position. Having a tax attorney present can often show the auditor that you are serious about safeguarding your rights and — if necessary — defending the merits of your case.
Defending Your Case
When it comes to issues that may arise due to a tax audit, tax liability and other financial concerns are only the tip of the iceberg. If the auditor finds evidence of tax evasion, you will need the assistance of an experienced tax attorney to fight your case. Having a lawyer who has been there from the beginning can help you defend yourself and possibly negotiate terms before your case goes to court.
Call Our Houston Lawyers Today!
Our Houston tax attorneys at Daniel Albert Law have over 15 years of experience representing clients who are being audited by the IRS. If you have received a letter from the IRS, please call us at 832-930-3059 or schedule an appointment to speak with one of our IRS tax attorneys.