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No matter your reason for having to meet with the IRS, the prospect of having to show your face in front of federal agents or investigators would make anyone nervous. From simply walking into an office to discuss tax issues with an IRS representative, going to an appeals conference, or meeting with an agent for a field audit, there are some things you need to do in order to be as prepared as you can be. This blog will lay out three tips to prepare so your meeting goes smoothly — and in your favor as much as possible.
1. Gather all pertinent documents. If you are officially under audit, you will need to produce original documents that the IRS requests. For your own sake, though, you should make copies of everything you produce. Besides your tax returns that triggered an audit, you might have to have on hand your mortgage documents, pay stubs, receipts, invoices, or records related to any financial accounts. Before you turn anything over, you should show the IRS request for documents (an Information Document Request or a Subpoena) to your attorney. Your attorney should help you to go through the documents and determine which documents are responsive to what the IRS representative has requested, and which documents you are not required to turn over. Having and maintaining organized records gives you peace of mind so you aren’t scrambling to request documents from the IRS, past employers, banks, vendors, etc.
2. Behave appropriately and professionally with IRS agents. In addition to dressing professionally and interacting cordially with the federal government, you should have your documents neatly organized and easily accessible during the meeting. Try to accommodate the time that the IRS suggests for the meeting, but don’t feel obligated to attend if, for some reason, your attorney or other tax professional cannot be there. You might be feeling a little nervous during the meeting, but don’t let your emotions lead you to be rude or curt with the other side.
3. Bring an attorney with you. This is the most important advice when it comes to preparing to meet with the IRS. There is no advantage to speaking to the IRS directly, except to answer basic questions. The principle of “what you say can and will be used against you” also applies when you are face-to-face with the IRS. Your attorney should attend the meeting on your behalf, and you should stay home and wait to hear back on how it went.
Conclusion
When the IRS comes knocking on your door or sends you a piece of mail that indicates you are not in the agency’s best graces, try not to catastrophize or fear the worst. With the right attorney, you will be put in the best position to succeed and walk away from your meeting with no significant blemishes or scars. Weisberg Kainen Mark would be honored to represent you in any matter involving an IRS dispute. Call us today at 305-374-5544 to get started on a consultation with one of our firm’s experienced, knowledgeable attorneys.
Weisberg Kainen Mark, PL
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