Special Agent IRS Auditor

[candlesonya]

What is the name of your state? CA


I had a speical agent IRS Auditor contact me. He wants to review my last 3 years taxes because my tax preparer is under investigation.

Do I have to speak to him, since I'm not the one being audited?

Do I have any rights? He says it will take 3 - 4 hrs.

Any thoughts?

Thanks much,

[Snipes5]

Find yourself an Enrolled Agent or an attorney.

DO NOT, repeat DO NOT do this by yourself.

If you don't know where to find an EA, try your nearest H&R Block office, or [url]www.naea.org[/url]

Snipes

[candlesonya]

Can they audit me from this audit on my preparer?

Thanks

[Snipes5]

Maybe. I don't have the time to do the research on it, but it is not unusual for the IRS to review all the returns filed by a preparer, if the preparer is being charged with fraud.

A competent EA can look those returns over for you (often at no charge) and let you know if you have any reason to be concerned.

Incidentally, if the returns are wrong, they will need to be amended, and any additional tax paid if owed. The IRS will probably forgive any taxpayer penalties, however.

Also, being told they want to "review" your returns doesn't necessarily mean you are being audited. They are just checking what you have. Approach this carefully, but DO NOT be hostile.

Further, since your returns were filed, they can check them in the IRS system, they don't need to talk to you to do that.

Sometimes nervous taxpayers will say all kind of things, just because of nerves. Perhaps they are hoping your innocent comments will shed some light on how your returns were prepared.

Please hire a professional.

Snipes

PS Aside from the audit on your preparer, the can audit whomever they like, as long as you weren't audited for the same reason within the last three years. And since your preparer is being audited, they have a VERY good reason to audit you.