Surviving the Audit #3: Appeal the Results

Sometimes in the IRS audit process the appeal can be the most important step. An appeal can be a valuable tool if there has been any evidence of misconduct, or if the taxpayer simply disagrees with the audit’s findings.

In those instances, meet with the agent’s supervisor to see if a compromise can be reached. Often in these cases representation can be a valuable asset. The representative must be designated to practice before the IRS. This group can include tax attorneys, accountants, or enrolled agents. They must also have received written power of attorney from the taxpayer being audited.

If this is still insufficient the taxpayer has the right to appeal the case within the IRS or bring it before the Tax Court. However, these are rarely used options. In most instances the case will be settled out of court./br>

Pay the Amount Owed Promptly

Perhaps the most important and least discussed aspect of the IRS audit process is payment. If the audit finds that you owe money, it is strongly advisable that you pay the amount as quickly as possible. Interest and penalties can escalate at a surprisingly rapid pace, so the sooner the money is paid to the IRS, the better your situation will be in the long term.

If you do not have the cash on hand to pay the amount all at once, there are plans available. The IRS has a number of different options, such as installment plans or even compromises on tax debts, for those who cannot afford to pay.

However, they are unlikely to make these options available to those who can afford to payment. They can also negatively affect your credit and are therefore not ideal options if there are other choices available.