IRS Audit Lawyer In Los Angeles, California
An IRS tax audit can feel overwhelming, especially when individuals or businesses are unsure why their return was selected. While audits are relatively rare, the IRS uses specific criteria to flag returns for review. Even minor errors can trigger closer scrutiny and once the process begins, it can quickly become complex. This is why working with an IRS audit and appeals lawyer is essential for proper legal guidance to protect financial interests and avoid costly mistakes.
Robert T. Leonard of the Law Offices of Robert T. Leonard, APC, offers over 30 years of experience in tax law and audit defense. He is a seasoned and knowledgeable attorney who understands how the IRS operates and how to respond effectively. In addition to representing clients, he frequently leads seminars on emerging topics in accounting and tax law, keeping him at the forefront of industry developments.
Why Am I Being Audited By The IRS?
Many taxpayers are audited due to how their returns are scored by an internal IRS system known as the Discriminant Inventory Function or DIF. This system assigns a numeric value to each tax return after processing, based on the likelihood that the return contains errors or underreported income.
While the exact formula is not publicly disclosed, the system is designed to identify returns that fall outside typical ranges. Returns that receive higher DIF scores are more likely to be selected for further review. The system flags patterns such as:
- Deductions that are disproportionately high compared to total income
- Business expense claims that exceed expected norms for the industry
- Repeated losses reported on business schedules
- Significant inconsistencies between reported income and third-party data
Although DIF scoring is crucial, it is not the only reason audits occur. A taxpayer may also be selected due to related investigations, issues involving business partners or preparers or reports submitted to the IRS by third parties. Because the reasons are not always clear, working with an IRS audit lawyer helps ensure the response is thoughtful, complete and aligned with IRS expectations.
Types Of IRS Audits We Handle
The IRS conducts several types of audits, each with its own level of complexity and scope. Understanding the differences helps taxpayers prepare appropriately and avoid missteps during the process.
IRS Correspondence Audits
These audits are conducted through the mail and involve requests for additional documentation.
While they may appear straightforward, incomplete or incorrect responses can expand the scope of the audit. Attorney Robert helps ensure that all communications are handled carefully and with proper legal strategy.
IRS Field Audits
Field audits are more intensive and involve IRS agents visiting a home, business or accountant’s office.
These audits examine financial records in detail and may cover multiple years. He prepares clients thoroughly and manages interactions to protect their interests.
IRS Office Audits
Office audits require the taxpayer to meet with an IRS examiner at a local office. These meetings focus on specific items within a return but can quickly broaden if issues arise.
He represents clients in these proceedings, making sure responses remain accurate and well-controlled.
IRS Taxpayer Compliance Measurement Program Audits
These audits are highly detailed and used by the IRS to measure overall compliance. They require extensive documentation across many areas of a return. Attorney Robert guides clients through the process step by step, helping reduce stress and avoid unnecessary complications.
Do I Need A Lawyer For An IRS Audit?
Facing an IRS audit without legal guidance can expose taxpayers to unnecessary risk. Even small mistakes in documentation or communication may lead to additional scrutiny, penalties or expanded investigations.
Attorney Leonard helps manage every aspect of the audit, from gathering records to communicating with IRS agents. He helps ensure that responses are accurate, complete and aligned with legal standards, reducing the likelihood of escalation. With proper representation, clients are better positioned to resolve audits efficiently while safeguarding their financial future.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Robert T. Leonard, APC?
Our founding attorney, Robert T. Leonard, offers focused and experienced representation for individuals and businesses facing IRS scrutiny. As an experienced California IRS tax audit lawyer, he provides steady guidance tailored to each client’s situation.
Key reasons clients turn to The Law Offices of Robert T. Leonard include:
- Over three decades of experience handling complex IRS audit matters
- Deep understanding of both audit procedures and appeals processes
- A calm, methodical approach that helps reduce client stress
- Ongoing involvement in legal and accounting education through seminars
His approach centers on clarity, preparation and strong advocacy. For those facing the uncertainty of an IRS audit, having a knowledgeable IRS audit and appeals lawyer can affect both the process and the outcome.
Personal Attention and Custom-Tailored IRS Audit Examination
At the Law Offices of Robert T. Leonard, we understand that IRS audits can have serious implications for you, your family and your company. Accordingly, we provide you with direct attention from an experienced lawyer who will give you sound advice and potent legal strategies that these matters require. At your first consultation, you will meet with an experienced attorney, and you will continue to work with him directly until the conclusion of your IRS audit. You will never be passed off to a less experienced associate or non-lawyer advocate.
Did You Just Receive a Notice of Audit Examination? Talk to an IRS Tax Audit Attorney Today
Call us at 818-485-2115, or contact us online, to arrange a confidential consultation with Mr. Leonard. Initial consultations are offered free of charge. From our Westlake Village office, we serve clients in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, as well as those across California and throughout the United States.
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Hi, I’m , I’m an attorney and CPA (inactive) and I specialize in tax litigation and tax controversy matters. When a taxpayer receives an IRS notice of audit examination, there is usually a lot of anxiety and that is followed by numerous questions.
There are two important questions that a taxpayer should address. The first question is: do they need representation? That depends. If it’s a correspondence audit whereby they just mail in documents to the IRS, then they probably don’t need representation. However, if it’s an office audit, that is where they meet with the revenue agent at the IRS office or if its a field audit, where the revenue agent meets with them at their place of business or residence, then they do need representation for a number of reasons.
Here are just a few: a representative should be able to reduce the scope of the audit, meaning that the number of issues on the tax return or the years involved. The representative will know what documents to provide and not provide, and the taxpayer will not need to be interviewed by the revenue agent, so they won’t be in a position to make matters worse. Second question: who should they hire? They should hire a tax attorney who specializes in audit representation. With a tax attorney their conversations will be protected because of the attorney-client privilege. They don’t have that same privilege with their CPA (inactive), or an enrolled agent, or a tax return preparer. And it’s critical to have that privilege. Further, they need an experienced tax attorney. This is a serious matter most likely causing sleepless nights and they need the best representation available.
As part of my representation I understand the importance of communicating with my clients. They want to know what the strategy is and they want updates. They want telephone calls returned promptly. I provide that service. I know how to listen carefully to my clients.
Contact me if you’ve received an IRS notice of audit examination, let’s discuss your particular situation and the best way to resolve the problem.
I can be reached at 818-485-2115. I look forward to your call.