If you’ve received a notification from the IRS, you may urgently need the help of a best-in-class CPA firm. Our accountants know the tax regulations in and out and can stand by your side.
Accountants Who Defend Against IRS Audits
Small businesses and individuals can be subject to an IRS (Internal Revenue Service) audit at any time. California residents can also be subject to an FTB (Franchise Tax Board) audit. Both Federal and California laws can be arcane and very difficult to navigate without an expert accounting firm (CPA firm) familiar with taxes.
IRS audits can be very scary. A powerful agency of the US government wants to inspect your books and taxes. Fortunately, our CPA firm can help substantiate the facts and minimize your tax liability to the full extent of the law.
IRS Audit Defense – Helping You During Audits
FTB Audit Defense – Knowledge of California Laws
Tax Peace of Mind Before, During and After Audits
More on IRS Audit Defense
The Internal Revenue Service can be quite scary. Even more frightening can be an IRS audit. Parallel to an IRS investigation, many San Francisco businesses fear the California equivalent of the IRS, that is the FTB (California Franchise Tax Board). If you’re facing a potential audit from either the IRS or the FTB (or both), our accountants can help. Taxes are complex, as are the tax law and regulations. Of course, for our on-going clients, we stand ready to defend our work vis-a-vis an IRS audit.
They say, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” That’s our attitude when it comes to an IRS audit defense. Our SF-based accountants will work hard to get to the bottom of an IRS questions, understand the truth, including any mistakes that were made, and then work to defend your rights and minimize your taxes against and IRS audit. You have rights. You don’t give those up in an IRS audit, and the IRS isn’t really a “bad guy.” They work hard to enforce the tax laws, and we work just as hard to minimize taxes to the fullest extent of the law.
Thus, if you are facing an IRS audit, please reach out to our team of San Francisco-based accountants. We offer a consultation service, and we can investigate what the issues are and give you an estimate on potential costs for IRS audit defense. Facing an IRS audit or an audit by the Franchise Tax Board in California is never fun, but it is a legal fact of tax life.
As a top San Francisco CPA accounting firm, one of our top priorities is keeping informed of the latest Federal and California tax issues—so you don’t have to. We work hard to present your situation in the most accurate way to the IRS and/or FTB tax authorities, so that even if you face an audit, you pay the least amount of tax you can within the confines of the law. If issues arise, we will help you to get the best outcome even if additional taxes are due.
Questions and Answers on IRS Audit Defense
Q. When do IRS audits usually happen?
A. There are several reasons why an IRS audit can occur; for instance, when a business is cash-heavy, there is a noticeable change in expenses, or recent tax filings are incomplete. Sometimes, an individual or business owner is shocked about an audit. The smartest move is to speak to a CPA specializing in IRS audits. Safe Harbor’s CPAs have been managing audit defense for decades and are familiar with the red flags that trigger an IRS audit.
Q. What happens if you get audited and owe money?
A. IRS audit penalties are common. If you received a notice in the mail, expect a penalty to be attached. Tax penalties can happen for many reasons. A small business or corporation could make a mistake and underpay estimated individual taxes. If you’ve received a penalty letter from the IRS, contact us. Our accountants could help remove or reduce an IRS audit penalty quickly. Then we will work with you moving forward to help avoid future audit letters. To learn more about Internal Revenue Service Penalties, visit the topic-focused IRS page at: https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties.
Q. How many years can an IRS audit go back?
A. Usually, an IRS audit can go back three years. Extra years may be added depending on the severity of the errors. It may be difficult and confusing to sort through past returns and expenses if this happens. That’s why you need a CPA at your side. Once an audit begins, the IRS has three years from your tax filing to conduct and complete an audit. And remember, the IRS doesn’t use phone or email to contact a person about an audit. They only contact a business or individual by mail. It’s most likely a scam if you receive a call or email message from someone claiming to be with the IRS.
Q. Can I get a tax audit protection?
A. You have the right to appeal your audit, but there is no protection once you’ve received an audit letter from the IRS. The wisest move is to plan ahead before submitting a tax return. If you are a high-net-worth individual, self-employed, or run a business in San Francisco, investing in a professional CPA team to handle the monthly financials and tax returns may be the best path to protection from an IRS audit.
We work pro-actively with our on-going clients to minimize their audit risks. The best protection is to use a professional CPA firm for your tax issues. We work hard to minimize taxes to the greatest legal extent. And, if you are facing an IRS audit, we stand by our clients’ side.