If you or your business is facing a tax controversy it is likely that you are nervous and stressed about what the outcome will be. Will you have to pay more money to the Internal Revenue Service? Will you be assessed penalties? When you are facing collections, an audit or a criminal investigation, you need to take the situation seriously. This means having someone on your side to handle these matters for you.
You may be tempted to seek that assistance from the individual who completed your taxes initially or, in the alternative, a certified public accountant. That urge should be resisted for several reasons. While those individuals may have a thorough understanding of the front end of tax matters, audits are most likely not their specialty or even something they deal with very often. Next, returning to the source of what potentially triggered the tax controversy in the first place is counterproductive. Last, and perhaps most important, the relationship you have with those individuals is not protected by the attorney-client privilege.
When, for example an individual or business faces an audit, working instead with an attorney who understands the audit process is a better option. Of course securing a good outcome is about more than just that. It also entails a commitment to achieve it. That commitment is illustrated through things such as a thoroughly reviewing documentation to become well acquainted with the situation. An understanding of the defenses that may be asserted and the ability to negotiate are also necessary.
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