IRS Audit & Appeals Attorney in Houston

An audit examines a tax return and the records supporting it. Selection does not automatically mean the return is wrong. The IRS may conduct the examination by correspondence or through an interview at an IRS office or another location. Read the IRS explanation of audits.

Our work may include:

• Reviewing the audit notice and identifying the issues under examination.

• Comparing the IRS request with the return and available records.

• Organizing relevant income, expense, deduction, and credit documentation.

• Preparing explanations and responses within the agreed representation.

• Communicating with the IRS after the appropriate authorization is in place.

• Reviewing proposed adjustments and discussing available next steps.

The approach depends on the tax years, issues, records, and stage of the examination. We explain the proposed scope before undertaking representation.

If the IRS proposes changes you believe are incorrect, an administrative appeal may be available. The IRS Independent Office of Appeals seeks to resolve tax disputes without litigation through an impartial review. Learn about IRS Appeals.

We can review the proposed adjustments, identify the points of disagreement, and assess the documents and legal arguments supporting your position. Where appropriate, representation may include preparing an appeal request or written protest and participating in the Appeals process.

The required procedure depends on your case and the letter explaining your appeal rights. Follow that letter’s instructions and deadline; there is no single appeal procedure that applies to every IRS notice. See the IRS guidance on requesting an appeal.

If you receive a Notice of Deficiency, seek prompt review. Continuing to discuss the matter with the IRS does not extend the deadline to petition the U.S. Tax Court. Administrative appeals and court proceedings require separate consideration. See the IRS explanation of deficiency-notice deadlines.

A proposed penalty deserves its own review. We examine the notice, the stated reason for the penalty, and the records relevant to whether it applies or whether relief may be available.

Penalty relief depends on the particular penalty and applicable requirements. It is not automatic, and no reduction can be promised. Read the IRS guidance on penalty relief.

For broader questions about federal tax balances, unfiled returns, or payment concerns, visit our Federal Tax Matters page.

An IRS dispute may involve more than one return or one set of records. Self-employment income, business expenses, ownership arrangements, and documents prepared by different professionals can require careful review.

With your authorization, we can coordinate with your CPA or tax preparer to understand the reporting position and obtain relevant records.

For clients whose tax questions also involve immigration or family sponsorship, we can identify where those matters intersect and discuss whether additional legal review is needed. Learn about our family immigration services.

1. Describe the Notice and Any Deadline

Tell us whether the matter involves an audit, proposed adjustment, penalty, or appeal. Include the notice name, relevant tax years, and any upcoming response date.

2. Discuss the Consultation

Our office will explain the next steps and any applicable consultation fee before an appointment is confirmed. The consultation provides an opportunity to discuss the issue, the documents available, and the assistance you are seeking.

3. Agree on the Scope of Representation

If you engage the firm, the engagement will identify the work covered, fees, and responsibilities. Responding to an audit and pursuing a later appeal may involve different stages of work.

Useful starting materials include:

• The complete IRS notice and its attachments.

• The relevant federal tax returns and schedules.

• Earlier IRS letters about the same issue.

• Copies of responses already submitted.

• Income statements, receipts, business records, or other documents related to the disputed items.

• Any examination report or explanation of proposed adjustments.

• A short timeline of communications and upcoming deadlines.

For your initial inquiry, provide a general description. Ask our office how to deliver tax records rather than placing Social Security numbers or full tax documents in a contact-form message.