IRS Audit Representation From Licensed Tax Agents in Pasadena, CA
An audit letter can make you question every number you have ever written on a tax form. IRS audits can be stressful and confusing, but you do not have to face them alone. At Fresh Start Tax Relief Services in Pasadena, our experienced tax agents serve as your dedicated representatives, guiding you through every step of the IRS audit process. We are a women-owned business with decades of experience dealing with the IRS.
What We Do When You Are Audited
From the moment you bring us your audit letter, we take the lead. We protect your rights, handle all communication with the IRS professionally, prepare your documentation, negotiate on your behalf, and work to minimize penalties and liabilities. You stay informed throughout, but you do not have to sit across from an examiner or answer questions on the spot.
Types of IRS Audits
Not every audit looks the same, and the type affects how we prepare.
Correspondence Audits
Most audits are handled entirely by mail. The IRS asks for documents supporting specific items on your return, such as a deduction or a credit. A clear, well-organized response is often enough to close the matter.
Office Audits
An office audit takes place at a local IRS office. The examiner usually reviews several items and may ask follow-up questions. Preparation and organized records make a big difference.
Field Audits
A field audit is the most extensive. A revenue agent visits your home or business and reviews records in person. These are more common for businesses and complex returns.
Is a CP2000 an Audit?
A CP2000 is not technically an audit. It is an automated notice proposing changes when the income on your return does not match what employers, banks, and other payers reported. You generally have 30 days to respond, and a well-documented response can correct mistakes in the IRS's proposal.
How Far Back the IRS Can Look
The IRS generally has three years from the date you filed to audit a return. That extends to six years if income was understated by more than 25%. There is no time limit for a year with no return filed, or in cases of fraud.
Your Rights During an Audit
Every taxpayer has rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, including the right to be represented. Once you authorize a representative with IRS Form 2848, that representative can generally attend meetings and communicate with the examiner in your place. If you are ever in an interview and want to consult a representative, you generally have the right to pause it.
After the Audit
An audit ends in one of three ways. With no change, the IRS accepts your return as filed. With an agreed result, you accept the proposed changes. With a disagreed result, you can request a conference with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. If the IRS issues a notice of deficiency, you generally have 90 days to petition the Tax Court. Our certified letter from the IRS page explains that notice. If the audit results in additional tax, an accuracy-related penalty of 20% of the underpayment may also apply. Penalty abatement may reduce penalties in some cases, and a payment plan or Offer in Compromise can address the balance.
Serving Pasadena and Taxpayers Nationwide
We represent clients in Pasadena, Glendale, Arcadia, Alhambra, and across Los Angeles County, and we help taxpayers far beyond the area: "Not only do we service every single county in California, but we service taxpayers nationwide." Learn more about the Tax Superwomen on the Fresh Start Tax Relief home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can the IRS audit my returns?
Generally three years from the filing date. That extends to six years if income was understated by more than 25%, and there is no limit for unfiled years or fraud.
Is a CP2000 notice the same as an audit?
No. A CP2000 is an automated notice proposing changes when your reported income does not match IRS records. You generally have 30 days to respond.
Can someone attend the audit for me?
Yes. With a signed Form 2848, your representative can generally attend meetings and communicate with the IRS examiner in your place.
How are most IRS audits conducted?
Most audits are correspondence audits handled entirely by mail, with the IRS requesting documents to support specific items on your return.
What if I disagree with the audit results?
You can request a conference with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. If a notice of deficiency is issued, you generally have 90 days to petition the Tax Court.
Can an audit add penalties to what I owe?
Yes. An accuracy-related penalty of 20% of the underpayment may apply when an audit finds a substantial understatement or negligence.