Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Attorney-Led Representation Through Every Stage of Your Audit
IRS tax attorneys — Beverly Hills, CA. National representation.
An IRS audit is not something you should navigate alone. What you say — and what you don't say — can significantly affect the outcome. IRS auditors are experienced at expanding the scope of an audit, identifying unreported income, and disallowing deductions that were legitimately taken. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, our IRS audit attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in correspondence audits, office audits, and field audits. We communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf, review your records before any examiner does, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific items under examination.
How We Help
Our Approach to IRS Audit Representation
Correspondence Audit Defense
The IRS initiates most audits by mail — questioning specific items on your return and requesting documentation. We review the notice, analyze what the IRS is actually asking for, prepare a targeted written response with supporting documents, and negotiate the outcome. Many correspondence audits can be fully resolved without ever speaking to an IRS agent.
Office and Field Audit Representation
Office audits take place at an IRS facility; field audits occur at your home or business. Both require preparation and experienced representation. We prepare you for what to expect, review all relevant records in advance, attend the audit on your behalf (you are generally not required to attend), and manage the entire examination process.
Scope Control
One of the most important jobs of an audit defense attorney is keeping the audit within its stated scope. Auditors sometimes attempt to expand examinations into additional years or additional issues. We know when to push back and how to prevent fishing expeditions.
Appeals and Tax Court
If the IRS proposes additional tax that we believe is incorrect, we file a formal protest with the IRS Office of Appeals. Appeals resolve the vast majority of disputed audit adjustments. When necessary, we represent clients in U.S. Tax Court to contest erroneous IRS determinations.
How It Works
The Resolution Process
Audit Notice Review
We analyze your audit notice to identify exactly what is being examined — income, specific deductions, credits, foreign accounts. Understanding the scope determines the strategy.
Records Review
Before the IRS sees anything, we review all potentially relevant records and documents. We identify strengths and weaknesses and determine the best approach for each issue.
IRS Examination
We represent you directly. For correspondence audits, we prepare and submit written responses. For office/field audits, we attend and manage the examination session.
Audit Conclusion
The IRS issues a Revenue Agent's Report with proposed adjustments. We review it, negotiate with the examiner, and determine whether to accept, partially accept, or appeal.
Appeals if Needed
If we disagree with the outcome, we file an administrative appeal. Appeals officers settle the majority of cases. Tax Court remains an option for unresolved disputes.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients resolve IRS matters. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend an IRS audit?+
Generally, no. You can be represented by an attorney who attends on your behalf. In most cases, we recommend that clients not attend audits directly — it reduces the risk of inadvertent statements that expand the scope of the examination.
How long does an IRS audit take?+
Correspondence audits can resolve in 30 to 90 days. Office and field audits typically take 3 to 12 months depending on complexity, the number of issues, and IRS workload.
What triggers an IRS audit?+
Common triggers include high income, cash-based businesses, unusually large deductions relative to income, rental property losses, foreign financial accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and random statistical selection.
What happens if I ignore an IRS audit notice?+
The IRS will assess the full proposed tax, penalties, and interest without your input. You lose the ability to present documentation or negotiate. Ignoring an audit is almost always more expensive than addressing it.
Can the IRS audit prior years based on the current audit?+
Yes. If the IRS finds substantial issues in the year under audit, they can expand the examination to prior years (typically up to 6 years, longer in fraud cases). Scope control is a key part of our audit defense strategy.
Related Tax Services
Further reading
Beverly Hills · Los Angeles · National
Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
9100 Wilshire Boulevard, 601 East Tower, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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