IRS Audit Representation
Representation before the IRS and state tax agencies during correspondence, office and field audits.
How BATS handles irs audit representation
An audit letter is stressful, but most audits are narrow and can be resolved with the right documentation and a clear response. With your authorisation we deal with the examiner directly, prepare the response and protect your rights throughout, including appeals when needed.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- Individuals and businesses who received an audit letter
- Taxpayers in correspondence, office or field audits
- Anyone facing a state income or sales tax audit
- Businesses with payroll or worker-classification exams
Everything covered in this service
Power of attorney (Form 2848) so we speak for you
Review of the audit scope and records requested
Document organisation and written responses
Meetings and calls with the examiner
Review of proposed changes
Appeals and penalty relief requests
The paperwork behind irs audit representation
| Form 2848 | Power of attorney so we can represent you |
|---|---|
| Form 8821 | Authorisation to receive your tax information |
| Form 4549 | Report of proposed audit changes |
| 30-day letter | Proposed changes with the right to appeal |
| Notice of deficiency (90-day letter) | Final notice before you can petition the U.S. Tax Court |
| Form 12203 | Request for an appeals review in smaller cases |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- The audit letter (all pages)
- Returns for the years under examination
- Receipts, invoices, logs and bank statements supporting the items questioned
- Any earlier correspondence with the IRS
How it works, step by step
Read the letter
We review the notice, the years and issues under examination.
Take over contact
With your signed authorisation, the IRS contacts us instead of you.
Build the response
We organise records and present your position.
Resolve
We negotiate the outcome and appeal if needed.
Why clients choose BATS for irs audit representation
We speak to the IRS
With your authorisation, the IRS contacts us instead of you.
Transcript-first
We start from your IRS records so nothing is missed.
Honest options
We tell you which programs you actually qualify for.
Compliance going forward
We keep current filings on track so a resolution holds.
IRS Audit Representation FAQs
11 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
Do I have to meet the auditor myself?
Usually not. An authorised representative can attend meetings and handle communication for you.
How far back can the IRS audit?
Generally three years from filing, extending to six years for substantial understatements of income and with no limit for fraud or unfiled returns.
What if I disagree with the result?
You can request a conference with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, and we prepare that protest.
What kinds of audits are there?
Correspondence audits are handled by mail and focus on one or two items. Office audits take place at an IRS office. Field audits happen at your home or business and are usually broader.
What is a 90-day letter?
A notice of deficiency. You have 90 days (150 if it is addressed to you outside the U.S.) to petition the Tax Court if you disagree. Missing that deadline limits your options.
Will the IRS call or email me?
The IRS normally makes first contact by mail. Calls, texts or emails demanding immediate payment are almost always scams.
Can the audit expand to other years?
Yes. Examiners may review earlier or later years if they find similar issues, which is one reason careful handling matters.
How long does an audit take?
Correspondence audits often take a few months. Office and field audits can take longer depending on the issues and how quickly records are provided.
Who will represent me before the IRS?
Representation before the IRS is limited by Treasury Circular 230 to CPAs, enrolled agents and attorneys. Your case is handled by a credentialed representative who signs Form 2848 with you.
Will hiring you stop IRS collection?
Not automatically. Collection usually pauses once a resolution request, such as an installment agreement or appeal, is properly filed. We move quickly to get that protection in place.
What does resolution cost?
It depends on the number of years and the complexity of the case. We review your IRS transcripts first, then give you a written quote.
Often paired with this service
IRS Notices & Letters
Fast, accurate responses to IRS and state tax notices such as CP2000, CP14 and identity verification letters.
Learn moreIRS Representation & ResolutionIRS Penalty Abatement
Requests to remove failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and other IRS penalties through first-time abatement or reasonable cause.
Learn moreIRS Representation & ResolutionIRS Payment Plans & Tax Debt Relief
Installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, currently-not-collectible status and lien or levy release.
Learn moreIRS Audit Representation in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with irs audit representation
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.