IRS Resolution & Audit Support

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS. We have the same audit authority as CPAs but typically cost less and specialize in IRS matters. Tax Expert Today's team includes enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys, so we cover every angle of IRS representation. We represent you at audit appointments, respond to IRS notices, and negotiate resolutions. If the IRS contacts you, we can take over immediately rather than you handling it yourself. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

A CP2000 means the IRS found a discrepancy between your return and third-party data (like 1099s or W-2s). You have 30 days to respond. Don't ignore it. Review the proposed changes; if they're wrong, you reply with corrections and documentation. If correct, you can agree and pay. We intercede if the math is wrong or if you have legitimate business reasons the IRS missed. Most CP2000 cases are errors that can be fixed with one letter. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

The IRS audits roughly 0.4% of returns. Higher audit risk includes: large business deductions relative to income, home office or vehicle deductions with limited documentation, cash business income, large charitable donations without substantiation, and high net worth. Self-employed people in Florida and Texas face higher audit rates because of income concentration. Recent business losses also draw attention. If you're high-income, you're statistically more likely to face an audit. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

A 30-day letter means the IRS completed an audit and proposes changes. You have 30 days to respond: accept the findings, dispute them in writing with evidence, or request a conference with the Appeals Office. Don't just ignore the deadline. We advise whether disputing makes sense (it does about 40% of the time) and prepare your response. If you're considering dispute, we file the protest with IRS Appeals within the 30-day window. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) lets you settle a tax debt for less than you owe, typically 40 to 60 cents on the dollar. You're eligible if the IRS believes you cannot pay the full amount in the foreseeable future. The IRS looks at income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential. A single offer filed poorly kills your shot for years. We run financial numbers upfront to see if you qualify, then present a compelling case. Most clients qualify for payment plans instead, which are simpler. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

Short-term payment plans (under 180 days) are free. Long-term installment agreements cost $225 to $31 monthly depending on the amount and method. Direct debit plans (automatic monthly withdrawal) cost less than coupon payments. For large debts, the IRS may file a tax lien if you don't have a plan in place within 120 days. We negotiate payment terms based on your cash flow. Many clients negotiate monthly payments they can actually sustain. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

The IRS assesses penalties (failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, accuracy-related) routinely. You can request First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTPB) if it's your first penalty in three years, claiming reasonable cause or reliance on bad advice. For repeat penalties, you need a compelling story: illness, death in family, or CPA error with documentation. We write abatement requests with solid evidence. Success rates are 50 to 70% with proper documentation and a reasonable narrative. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

Bring documents supporting the items being examined: receipts, invoices, mileage logs, bank statements, loan agreements, and canceled checks. Bring your return and any preliminary IRS requests. Organize by category so you're not shuffling papers. Don't volunteer information beyond what's asked. Let your representative (us) do most talking. Most audits focus on 2 or 3 specific items, not your entire return. Preparation takes time but prevents surprises. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

Simple office audits take 2 to 4 months. Field audits (the IRS visits your business or home) take 6 to 12 months because there's more to examine. If you dispute and go to Appeals, add another 6 to 12 months. Total timeline from notice to closure is often 12 to 18 months. The IRS works slowly. We keep pressure on them to wrap up. The longer an audit hangs, the longer your uncertainty lasts. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

The IRS generally has 10 years from the time they assess a tax debt to collect it. The clock resets if you make a payment or sign an extension agreement. Once 10 years passes, the debt is legally uncollectable even if you still owe it. If you're in a negotiation or payment plan, don't let that clock run down by default. We track statute expirations and sometimes negotiate around them if you're near the end. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.

Yes. If you ignore an IRS debt and don't have a payment plan, the IRS can levy your bank account, garnish wages, or place a lien on your property. A wage levy sends your employer a notice to withhold 25% of your net pay. A bank levy freezes your account for 21 days, then the funds go to the IRS. These actions are reversible if you get a payment plan in place quickly. We file notices of federal tax lien to protect your rights if applicable. Every client situation is different, so call (239) 441-2005 to review your specific facts before acting on this guidance.