Know what to expect in IRS tax audits
Explains the IRS audit process, the documentation an audit typically requires, and what taxpayer rights apply once an audit begins.
Many people recently received their W-2 forms in the mail, and may have started filling out their taxes. Some may be entitled to a return based on their state or federal taxes, while other individuals may be required to pay additional sums based on their income this past year.
Occasionally, the IRS will decide to take a closer look at the returns filed by individuals or businesses. If the agency moves forward with an audit , the taxpayers will be required to provide much more complete information to the IRS about issues where there may be questions about income or deductions claimed by the taxpayer. The process can be very complex and time-consuming, and it is important that those who have to go through the process understand what is about to happen.
Audits can happen if the person has prepared his or her own taxes, of if the individual has been working with an experienced tax professional. Any information submitted to the IRS needs to be correct, and the taxpayer will be held responsible for any mistakes or incorrect deductions.
If the IRS sees any of these issues, it will be an immediate red flag that will lead to a more in-depth review. People need to be sure that they keep proper documentation for any expenses that they are attempting to write off, as if this information is not available, it could lead to serious problems for these taxpayers.
If the agency decides to impose additional taxes or penalties based on the audit, the taxpayer will have the opportunity to contest these findings. This could eventually lead to further proceedings, including taking the matter into the U.S. Tax Court. If the taxpayer decides to continue with the process, he or she may be required to pay the amount that is owed while the case is pending.
The IRS will be looking very closely for opportunities to impose penalties should they decide to review your returns. It is extremely important that you have someone on your side, protecting your interests. If you have received a notice that the IRS is subjecting your return to an audit, you should contact an experienced tax law attorney as soon as possible.
Your attorney will be able to help you compile the information that you need for the process, in order to help you contest the agency's findings. If the IRS states that their review has uncovered issues of concern, you need to be sure that you are ready to protect yourself in the next steps of the proceedings. You need to be sure that you have taken advantage of all of your options before you simply pay any past-due amounts or penalties.
About Attorney Lana Kurilova Rich
- Washington tax attorney since 2003: Lana Kurilova Rich has been admitted to the Washington State Bar since 2003 and has focused her practice on tax law since opening Lana Kurilova Rich, PLLC the same year.
- Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.): Lana earned her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Washington School of Law in 2007 in addition to her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2003.
- Former Court of Appeals law clerk: Lana served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Elaine Houghton of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II.
- Bilingual: English and Russian: Born and raised in Russia, Lana is fluent in Russian and licensed to practice law in the Russian Federation in addition to Washington State.
- Federal, state, and international scope: Lana represents clients before the IRS, Washington State agencies (DOR, ESD, and L&I), and on cross-border tax matters including FBAR and Form 8938 compliance.
- Direct attorney communication: Clients work directly with Lana Kurilova Rich, not a routing desk. Calls and emails are returned promptly throughout the engagement.
- Pro bono Low Income Taxpayer Clinic: Lana has volunteered with the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic since 2006, helping qualifying taxpayers resolve IRS disputes at no cost.
- Integrated tax preparation and bookkeeping: The firm provides federal and state tax preparation alongside legal representation, reducing handoffs and accelerating resolution.
We invite you to contact our Bellevue, Washington, law office today by phone or by e-mail to discuss your case with our experienced tax lawyer. We are here to help.