Okabe & Haushalter
Call Today! 310-543-7708
Call Today! 310-543-7708
Okabe & Haushalter

Los Angeles Tax Audit Representation

Tax Audit Representation

Your Rights As A Tax Payer

According to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS), every taxpayer has certain rights that must be upheld during the examination (audit) process. If you are under investigation by the IRS, an attorney from Okabe & Haushalter is ready to help you understand your rights and give you the high-quality legal assistance you need. The audit process may seem intimidating and confusing – that’s why we want help you have peace of mind about the examination process. According to the IRS, you have a right to be treated with professionalism and courtesy by any IRS employees working with you during the audit process.

Additionally, you have a right to privacy and confidentiality during the examination process. The IRS is obligated to tell you why you are being audited. In other words, you have a right to know why you are being questioned and the consequences if you do not relinquish the necessary information. If you disagree with any decision made by the IRS, you have the right to appeal this decision. You may do so in court or within the IRS. Finally, you have the right to hire a professional legal representative to guide you through the examination process and to make sure that your rights are protected.

Why Did The IRS Decide To Examine My Tax Records?

The IRS selects candidates for auditing in a variety of ways. If the IRS suspects that you participated in an illegal tax avoidance transaction, you will be audited. The IRS may examine your records if its computer system flags your records as potentially incorrect. In some cases, the IRS audits the tax records of large businesses or corporations annually – with not reasonable evidence of tax evasion or fraud. If your records are somehow related to another examination, you may be audited because of your association with another individual. For example, your tax records may be examined if your associate or business partner is currently under investigation for evasion, fraud or another tax-related matter.

The Examination Process

Generally speaking, the IRS examines tax returns to make sure that they are correct. If you have been audited, the IRS most likely suspects that you have made a mistake on your tax return. If the IRS concludes that this mistake was made intentionally (you evaded taxes, etc.), you may be charged with a crime. If you are being examined by the IRS, talk to a lawyer from our firm as soon as possible. We will fight aggressively to stand up for your rights during the examination process and, if you are charged with tax evasion or another offense, we will fight for you in court, too. You may be examined via mail transactions or personal interviews and personal reviews of your tax records. Office audits take place at the IRS office. Interviews may also take place at your home or business.

When the IRS decides to examine your tax records, you will receive a notification letter explaining which records and paperwork the IRS requires. You may act on your own behalf or be represented by someone else. If you decide to send a representative in your place, the representative must present proper, written authorization of their representation. If you do not agree with the changes proposed by the IRS, talk to a white collar crime lawyer from the firm about appealing the decision. Let us help you understand your legal circumstances and stand up for your rights. During the examination process, the IRS may become pushy and aggressive; don’t give up. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can make sure that your rights are protected.