IRS REPRESENTATION
Got an IRS Letter?
Take a Breath. We Handle This Every Day.
An IRS notice or audit letter is stressful — but it is not the end of the world. Most IRS situations are completely resolvable when handled by an experienced tax professional who knows exactly what the agency is looking for and how to respond.
IRS audit representation across Washington State: we stand between you and the IRS. You do not have to face them alone.
Virtual statewide. In person at our Bothell office.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
What You Need to Know Right Now
Most IRS notices are not emergencies. But deadlines are real — and what you say to the IRS matters.
Most IRS Notices Are Routine
Many IRS letters are information requests that resolve with the right response and documentation.
Getting a Notice Does Not Mean You Did Something Wrong
The IRS sends many automated notices based on mismatches with third-party records, and many are resolved without additional tax.
Deadlines Are Non-Negotiable
Audit and notice letters have response deadlines. Missing one can cost you appeal rights. Contact us as soon as the letter arrives.
WHAT WE HANDLE
IRS Audits and Exams We Handle
As an IRS Enrolled Agent, we have unlimited practice rights before the IRS — in all 50 states.
Received a balance-due or collection notice instead — CP503, CP504, Letter 1058, a lien, a levy, or wage garnishment? That is collections, not an audit. See back taxes and IRS notices.
Audits
- Correspondence Audit
- Office Audit
- Field Audit
- National Research Program (NRP) Audit
- Business Audit
- Payroll Tax Audit
Appeals & Relief
- IRS Independent Office of Appeals
- Tax Court Petitions After a 90-Day Letter
- Innocent Spouse Relief
- Penalty Abatement Requests
- Taxpayer Advocate Service
- Washington DOR Audit Appeals
NOTICE GUIDE
Audit Notices — What They Mean
Received one of these? Here is what it means and how urgent it is.
CP2501
Respond promptlyInitial contact about a discrepancy between your return and IRS records. Earlier than CP2000 — respond now before it escalates.
CP2000
Respond within 30 daysThe IRS believes income was underreported based on third-party records, often a missing 1099 or an RSU sale. It proposes changes and asks you to agree or explain — do not ignore it.
Audit Letter (Correspondence, Office, or Field)
Follow the letter's deadlineThe IRS is examining specific items on your return and asks for documents, or schedules a meeting. We respond for you under a power of attorney (Form 2848).
30-Day Letter
30 day deadlineAfter an exam, the IRS proposes changes and gives you 30 days to agree or request a conference with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
Letter 531 — 90 Day Letter
90 day deadlineAlso called a Statutory Notice of Deficiency. You have 90 days to petition the Tax Court (150 days if the notice is addressed to you outside the United States) or the assessment becomes final.
WHY NOT ALONE
Why You Should Not Respond to the IRS Alone
Everything You Say Becomes Part of the Record
A professional representative controls what information is shared and how it is presented.
Deadlines Are Strict
Missing an audit or notice deadline can cost you appeal rights. We track every deadline and respond on time.
The IRS Can Expand the Scope of an Audit
What starts as a question about one year can expand to other years if issues surface. Representation keeps the exam focused.
Penalties Can Often Be Reduced
First-time penalty abatement and reasonable cause arguments can reduce IRS penalties — but only if properly requested.
HOW AUDITS WORK
What to Expect in an IRS Audit
The IRS generally has three years from the date you filed to assess additional tax. That extends to six years if you left out more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, and there is no time limit for a fraudulent return or a return that was never filed. Knowing which window applies shapes how we respond.
Most audits are correspondence audits handled entirely by mail. Office audits take place at an IRS office, and field audits happen at your home or business. With a signed Form 2848, we deal with the examiner directly — you do not have to attend meetings or take calls yourself.
If you disagree with the proposed changes, the 30-day letter gives you the right to request a conference with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. If the case is not resolved, the IRS issues a notice of deficiency, and you have 90 days to petition the Tax Court.
Washington businesses can also be audited by the Department of Revenue for B&O and sales tax. You have 30 days from the date the audit report is mailed to appeal it. Gas stations and convenience stores see this often — see our gas station tax page — as do trucking companies with Public Utility Tax and IFTA records. We represent clients in person through our Bothell tax preparation office and virtually statewide, including Kent. For background, read what triggers an IRS audit and the most common tax filing mistakes.
How We Handle Your IRS Situation
- 01
Contact us — do not respond to the IRS on your own before we review your notice
- 02
We review your notice or audit letter and assess the full situation and your options
- 03
We communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf under a power of attorney
- 04
We work toward the best possible resolution and keep you informed at every step
PRICING
What It Costs
Every audit is different, so representation is quoted after we review your notice. The consultation is free.
See all pricing →We never start work without agreeing on price first.
Common Questions
DO NOT WAIT
Do Not Face the IRS Alone
The sooner you contact us, the more options you have. IRS situations rarely get better on their own.
Last updated September 2026