IRS Representing Yourself

IRS Representing Yourself

So you are under audit with the IRS or the Franchise Tax Board. Thinking about representing yourself. I suggest that you think again. As a former IRS agent, some of the easiest adjustments came from individuals representing themselves. Simply put, I would ask questions and then listen to responses. Within the first 15 minutes, I would have enough information in my arsenal to make the person turn over some more tax dollars.

I remember the contractor that I visited at his onsite office location. As I walked through the office, I saw a computer in the office. I said, “Nice computer”. The contractor then responded that he never knew how to really use the computer except for playing games.

Unknowingly, this contractor just admitted that he was not entitled to $3,000 worth of deductions.

Just in case you are still set on representing yourself, then I suggest these strategies for handling the IRS audit:

You should understand the procedures for the IRS audits and appeal procedures,
Do not volunteer information to the IRS and pretend to be helpful,
The IRS will be focused on certain items in your return, stick with the issues under audit, and provide the agent with proper documentation for the expense or income item claimed,
Do not allow the IRS to go on fishing expeditions into areas that fall outside the audit.
If your return was prepared wrong, discuss the situation with a qualified professional. We all make mistakes. If the mistake was innocent, then admit the mistake and go on.

We hope you found this article about “IRS Representing Yourself” helpful.  If you have questions or need expert tax or family office advice that’s refreshingly objective (we never sell investments), please contact us or visit our Family office page or website www.GROCO.com.

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Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner of GROCO.com.  GROCO is a premier family office and tax advisory firm located in the San Francisco Bay area serving clients all over the world.

Alan L. Olsen, CPA, Wikipedia Bio

GROCO.com is a proud sponsor of The American Dreams Show.

The American Dreams show was the brainchild of Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA. It was originally created to fill a specific need; often inexperienced entrepreneurs lacked basic information about raising capital and how to successfully start a business.

Alan sincerely wanted to respond to the many requests from aspiring entrepreneurs asking for the information and introductions they needed. But he had to find a way to help in which his venture capital clients and friends would not mind.

The American Dreams show became the solution, first as a radio show and now with YouTube videos as well. Always respectful of interview guest’s time, he’s able to give access to individuals information and inspiration previously inaccessible to the first-time entrepreneurs who need it most.

They can listen to venture capitalists and successful business people explain first-hand, how they got to where they are, how to start a company, how to overcome challenges, how they see the future evolving, opportunities, work-life balance and so much more..

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In an increasingly complex and difficult world, we hope to help you find your personal path in life and build a strong foundation by learning how others found success and happiness. True and sustainable success and happiness are different for each one of us but possible, often despite significant challenges.

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