Maryland IRS Audit Attorneys

As federal and state governments struggle with deficits, the IRS and state taxing authorities have stepped up tax investigations and tax audits. They are conducting more field audits (in-person meetings with taxpayers) and more paper audits (reviewing tax returns and then sending a notice of balance due by mail) for businesses and individuals.

If you received a notice of balance due, a notice that the IRS is taking collection action against you, or a notice of an audit or tax investigation, act immediately to obtain legal representation. Contact an IRS audit defense lawyer at Kundra & Associates.

Aggressive, Knowledgeable Defense in IRS Audits

The audit defense attorneys at Kundra & Associates work exclusively in the area of tax law, representing business and individual taxpayers in tax controversies, IRS and state audits, and tax court litigation. We advise on both civil and criminal tax matters.

We defend clients in Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area, as well as national and international businesses and persons affected by U.S. tax laws. No matter the kind of audit problem you face or how desperate your situation, there are always options.

The Audit Process

Dealing with the IRS is intimidating, whether you are an individual taxpayer or a company. One of the first significant advantages of working with a tax attorney is the ability to leave the details up to a skilled and experienced tax lawyer. Often, your presence is not needed during the audit. This can be a tremendous advantage as you may say or do things that unnecessarily arouse suspicion. The investigation can be intimidating and it is hard not to have the process personally affect you. Your attorney has worked with the IRS many times before and understands how best to represent your interests. If possible, never meet with an IRS representative without your attorney present.

The IRS auditor will look for two things:

• Proof that the information you provided to the IRS on your tax forms was accurate and complete (free of under-reporting of income and over-reporting of expenses) by a review of receipts and records; and
• Clarification of the legality of claims made on your return (verification of allowable exemptions, eligibility for the credits you claimed, positions you took, etc.).

The result of your audit may be that your tax attorney has explained all information to the satisfaction of the IRS and there is no change in your tax bill. Alternatively, the IRS may deny certain claims made on your return and present you with a report citing interest and penalties. You may pay the bill or file a protest. It is important to remember that you do not have to accept the adjustments of the auditors. Other venues of review are open to you.

If you failed to file a tax return, the IRS will often create a "substitute for return" (SFR) from third-party tax information submitted on your behalf. If you do not timely protest the IRS' prepared return, they can begin an enforcement action on the dollar amount they propose. It is important that IRS notices are responded to timely to preserve valuable rights.

If your company was guilty of a tax violation, the IRS will try to determine if you can be held personally liable as a "responsible party." You may be asked to appear in person before an IRS agent for an interview. You should bring an experienced tax attorney with you whether you are the employer or otherwise affiliated with the company.

Protesting an IRS Finding or Tax Bill

There are several stages of defense possible after the IRS agent issues his or her Revenue Agent Report (RAR). These include:

• Asking for a managerial review of the findings
• Filing a protest to the IRS Office of Appeals
• Taking your case to the U.S. Tax Court

Maryland IRS Audit Lawyers

The law offices of Kundra & Associates handle tax cases in all stages of review and adjudication. Our in-depth understanding of U.S. tax law allows us to face the IRS as equals. Our strong negotiating skills put clients in the best position to achieve a favorable outcome.

If you have been contacted by the IRS, it is time for you to contact a Washington, D.C., tax litigation attorney at Kundra & Associates for effective resolution of your audit issues.