Washington, DC tax counsel · Nationwide IRS representation
Washington, DC IRS audit defense.
The firm has an office at 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 in Washington, DC and represents individuals and closely held businesses in IRS examinations nationwide.
Each matter begins with the IRS notice, the issues under examination, and the records that support the return.
Start with what the IRS is examining.
An IRS audit is a review of an individual’s or organization’s books, accounts, and financial records to determine whether the return reports information and tax correctly.
The IRS conducts audits by mail or through an in-person interview. The first contact arrives by mail and identifies the requested information and instructions.
IRS Statistics of Income ZIP Code files report return counts by income band. They do not report examination rates by ZIP Code.
Official source: IRS Audits
Official source: IRS SOI ZIP Code data
The work
How the firm approaches IRS audit defense.
Read the notice
Identify the tax years, issues, requested records, response deadline, and examiner communications.
Build the record
Review the return and relevant facts, then define the documents that answer the IRS request and support the reported position.
Prepare the response
Prepare written responses, prepare the taxpayer for an interview, and attend an authorized interview when the matter requires it.
Address what follows
Review any proposed changes and the available administrative or court options based on the actual notice and posture.
Representation and taxpayer rights.
IRS Publication 1 explains taxpayer rights and the examination, appeal, collection, and refund processes. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights includes the right to retain an authorized representative for dealings with the IRS.
Official source: IRS Publication 1
Official source: The Right to Retain Representation
Questions
Common questions.
What does an IRS audit attorney in Washington, DC do?
An IRS audit attorney represents individuals and closely held businesses during an Internal Revenue Service examination. The work begins with the IRS notice, the tax years and issues it names, and the records that support the return. Law Office of Alexander Powell, PLLC has an office at 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 in Washington, DC and represents those clients in IRS examinations nationwide.
How does the IRS start an audit?
The IRS conducts audits by mail or through an in-person interview. The first contact arrives by mail and identifies the requested information and instructions. An IRS audit is a review of books, accounts, and financial records to determine whether the return reports information and tax correctly.
What happens after an IRS examination?
An examination may end with no change, an agreement, or proposed changes the taxpayer disputes. The available next step depends on the document the IRS issues and the deadline it states. IRS Letter 525 may enclose an examination report and an opportunity to request review by the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. IRS Letter 3219, Notice of Deficiency, states the deadline to petition the United States Tax Court.
Does a Washington, DC tax controversy attorney handle IRS audits nationwide?
Federal IRS and U.S. Tax Court representation may extend nationwide. The firm has an office at 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 in Washington, DC. State-law tax controversies are limited to the District of Columbia and Maryland. Start with the paper notice. Supported IRS letter codes are on the IRS Letter Check page.
What is the difference between an IRS audit and an IRS collection case?
An IRS audit reviews books and records to determine whether a return reports information and tax correctly. A collection case concerns an assessed balance, a lien, a levy, or a payment option. A collection notice is not an examination letter. The paper notice and the agency that issued it control which path applies.
What may follow an examination.
An examination may end with no change, an agreement, or proposed changes the taxpayer disputes. The available next step depends on the document the IRS issues and the deadline it states.
The IRS may send IRS Letter 525 with an examination report and an opportunity to request review by the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. If the IRS later issues IRS Letter 3219, Notice of Deficiency, the notice states the deadline to petition the United States Tax Court.
Official source: Letters and notices offering an appeal opportunity
Official source: Taxpayer Advocate Service Letter 3219
Related pages
Related IRS audit resources.
- Tax controversy attorney DCThe Washington, DC tax controversy path from IRS notice to Tax Court and D.C. OTR.
- IRS AppealsRead how the firm approaches review by the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
- U.S. Tax CourtA Notice of Deficiency states a Tax Court deadline. Read how the firm approaches a Tax Court case.
- IRS collectionsRead how the firm approaches unpaid balances, liens, levies, and collection hearing rights.
- Information document requestsRead how the firm approaches Form 4564 and an IRS audit document production.
- Audit reconsiderationReview the eligibility and record for asking the IRS to reconsider an audit assessment.
- IRS Letter CheckLook up the code printed on a supported IRS letter.
- Practice areasReview the firm’s federal, District of Columbia, Maryland, and international-reporting scope.
- About Mr. PowellRead the verified trial, appellate, and tax-law record.
- Writing & MediaReview tax controversy writing, speaking, and public work.
A simple first step
Start with what you know.
Tell me what the IRS notice says it is examining and the deadline shown. Send only a high-level summary. Documents can be reviewed later, if needed.
Start here