Do I have to provide information requested by an IRS auditor? No, you do not necessarily have to provide every piece of information requested by an IRS auditor, and you certainly do not have to provide additional unrequested information in an attempt to establish your trustworthiness.
There are specific laws, taxpayer’s rights and guidelines for an IRS audit, and there are many times where we must challenge an IRS auditor who is requesting information from our client. They do not necessarily have the right to just demand a lot of information and go on a fishing expedition to find something to nail a taxpayer with.
IRS audits should have a reason, some issue with the numbers that were reported or the accounting principles beneath them. No US taxpayer should face the IRS alone. The IRS knows how to ask questions to drive you into areas you shouldn’t allow them to go. They often ask for things such as an extension of the statute of limitations that are not in your best interests.
It may surprise you to learn you do not have to provide information requested by an IRS auditor. In fact, you do not have to communicate directly with the IRS during an audit? It is usually not in your best interests to do so. This is why it is important to work with the experienced, proven tax attorneys at Allen Barron. We stand up to the IRS, hold them to the rules of an audit and protect your interests to avoid “scope creep.” This is when the IRS attempts to get you to provide information which can be used against you to expand the scope of the audit.
Protect yourself. Never face the IRS without representation, especially in an audit. If you have received a letter of notification from the IRS or are in the process of an audit we invite you to contact us or call today to schedule a free consultation at 866-631-3470.
