Field examinations involve returns with more complex issues, thereby requiring examination by someone more knowledgeable in the field of accounting and the Internal Revenue laws. Field examinations are conducted by Revenue Agents and are normally performed at the taxpayer’s place of business where the Revenue Agent can examine the taxpayer’s books and records and decide on the taxpayer’s correct taxable income and correct tax liability. The Revenue Agent is supposed to make an appointment with the taxpayer at a time and place that will be convenient for the taxpayer. The arrangement of the time and place can be done by telephone; however, the telephone contact cannot be used to verify items appearing on the income tax return.
Tips for Working with IRS Revenue Agents During an Audit – Part 2
If you haven’t read Part 1 of this blogpost, you might appreciate the background in that post. That post dealt primarily with the concepts of communication during the audit. However, the concepts below should be helpful even without the benefit of Part 1. This post focuses on the concepts of preparation and presentation during the audit.
Tips for Working with IRS Revenue Agents During an Audit – Part 1
Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sometimes a difficult and complicated process. Even more so now given the pandemic. Interactions with a Revenue Agent may not happen in person, but there will be contact with the IRS in some form. At times the procedure of communicating with the IRS is cumbersome, even for the most experienced tax practitioner. Experience shows that a taxpayer can be successful in dealing with the IRS at all levels with proper communication, preparation and presentation. This post will occur in two parts, the first part will discuss communication and the second part will discuss preparation and presentation.