The first reaction by most taxpayers when they find out they are being audited by the IRS is crippling fear.  An audit occurs when the IRS has reason to believe that the tax you paid is not what should have been collected.  The IRS wants to investigate how you calculated your tax due for the year.  If you have received a letter in the mail from the IRS, take a deep breath and don’t immediately panic.  You might not even have to meet in person with the IRS, depending on the type of audit.

Rather than ignoring the problem (which will only make it worse), consider hiring Clergy Financial Resources to help, with our Tax Resolution Services.

Tax Resolution Services can help you to:

• file missing tax returns for the last six years
• set up an installment agreement on unpaid taxes
• request the abatement of penalties
• request a stop to wage or bank garnishments
• ask for a removal of tax liens, which can affect your credit
• see if you qualify for an offer in compromise to settle your tax debts for less than the full value
• request a stop to collections if you can’t afford to pay anything
• represent you or act as a consultant for examination or collections
• assist you with resolving payroll tax debt and trust fund tax problems

There are three main categories of IRS audits: a correspondence audit, a field audit, and an office audit.  A correspondence audit happens via the mail.  The field audit happens in person in your place of work or home.  An office audit happens in person at your local IRS office.  

Don’t be alarmed if you’ve received a letter from the IRS. Not every letter means an audit. Most are routine and can be resolved in a few simple steps. 

Please complete the following two steps, uploading documents and scheduling your complimentary review. During this review, we’ll identify the best resolution to address your tax concerns with the IRS or state.  

Step 1 – Upload or fax (888) 876-5101 the following documents

• Tax Return(s)
• IRS or state correspondence
• Other documents needing review

Step 2 – Schedule an appointment – Click Here

 After uploading your documents, please schedule an appointment using the link above or feel free to contact us. The meeting scheduler will display an up-to-date calendar and let you pick a convenient time. We will contact you at the scheduled time with the phone number provided.

For more information or if you prefer to make an appointment over the phone or need additional assistance, please use the contact information below.

Clergy Financial Resources
11214 86th Avenue N.
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Tel: (763) 425-8778 
Email: cfr@clergyfinancial.com
Fax: (888) 876-5101

The most common type of IRS audit is a Correspondence Audit. This type of audit is exactly as it sounds.  The IRS requests certain supporting documents and files through the mail from the taxpayer.  While responding to these requests might sound simple, hiring us to assist with crafting the right response and ensuring the proper documents are provided is imperative.  Allowing a seasoned professional to handle the communication with the IRS should make the audit process more efficient and will cut down on the number of back and forth communications with the IRS.  The longer the audit drags out, the greater amount of interest that will be applied to proposed adjustments (if any) that arise out of the audit.

Another type of IRS audit is an Office Audit.  These audits occur in person as well.  However, the taxpayer is required to meet in the IRS office with an agent at a specific date and time.  These types of audits are generally for complex tax issues or larger tax concerns.  These audits often occur because the IRS suspects the taxpayer of big tax issues.  Oftentimes, the IRS will attempt to get the taxpayer talking about a number of issues that might open up additional tax questions.  Because these audits occur in person and inside the IRS office, taxpayers should have representation at these meetings.  Keeping the responses brief and allowing a third party to handle most of the communication at these meetings is a great best practice.

Taxpayers should handle an IRS audit notice with care and concern.  As mentioned, just because a taxpayer receives a notice does not mean they will have to meet in person with an IRS agent.  Understanding the different types of IRS audits is essential to crafting the correct plan of action for a taxpayer.