Business & Financial Solutions
TAX HELP SERVICE AND PREPARATION
Your step-by-step guide to understanding the IRS examination timeline and preparing for a successful resolution
Few phrases trigger more anxiety than “IRS examination” or “tax audit.” If you’ve received that dreaded notice from the Internal Revenue Service, take a deep breath—you’re not alone, and you don’t have to face the IRS directly.
The most important thing to know: With professional representation from Business and Financial Solutions, you can have little to no direct contact with the IRS throughout the entire examination process. Our tax professionals can stand between you and the IRS, handling all communications, meetings, and documentation requests on your behalf.
At Business and Financial Solutions, our Maryland, Virginia, and Texas-based tax professionals have guided hundreds of clients through IRS examinations while minimizing their direct involvement with IRS agents. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during the IRS examination process, typical timelines, and how our team can represent you for a stress-free, positive outcome.
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand that not all IRS examinations are created equal. The type of examination you face will significantly impact your experience and timeline.
What it is: The most common and least intrusive type of IRS examination, conducted entirely through mail.
Timeline: 3-6 months, though it can extend longer depending on response times and complexity.
Process Overview:
What it is: A more in-depth examination requiring you to meet with an IRS representative at a local IRS office.
Timeline: 6-12 months from initial notice to resolution.
Process Overview:
What it is: The most comprehensive examination type, conducted at your home, business, or your tax professional’s office.
Timeline: 12-18 months or longer for complex cases.
Process Overview:
Understanding the typical timeline of an IRS examination helps reduce uncertainty and allows for better preparation. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
The IRS selects returns for examination through various methods, including:
Once selected, you’ll receive an official notice by mail specifying:
This critical phase is where you:
Pro Tip: When you choose BFS representation, our Frederick, Rockville, McLean, and Plano tax professionals handle all document preparation and submission, minimizing your stress and eliminating the need for you to interact directly with IRS agents.
With BFS as your representative, this phase involves:
What to expect when BFS represents you:
At the conclusion of the examination, you’ll receive:
At this point, you have three main options:
The single most important step you can take for a successful IRS examination is engaging professional representation. At BFS, we handle the entire process so you don’t have to interact with the IRS directly.
When you authorize BFS to represent you:
You’ll only need to work with your BFS professional to:
Having a BFS tax professional represent you offers significant advantages:
Our BFS tax professionals in Maryland, Virginia, and Texas specialize in audit representation and have helped countless clients achieve favorable resolutions without ever having to face an IRS agent.
Timely responses show good faith and help maintain momentum:
Your approach matters:
Once your examination concludes, you’ll need to:
Let’s clear up some frequent misunderstandings:
Myth: An examination means you’ve done something wrong. Reality: Many examinations result from random selection or simple discrepancies.
Myth: The IRS can examine any tax year they choose. Reality: Generally, the IRS has 3 years from the filing date to examine a return, with exceptions for substantial errors or fraud.
Myth: If you’re examined once, you’ll be targeted again. Reality: Prior examinations don’t automatically trigger future ones.
Myth: You should avoid communicating with the IRS. Reality: Prompt, professional communication often leads to better outcomes.
An IRS examination can be stressful, but with BFS’s professional representation, you can avoid direct interaction with the IRS entirely. Remember, you have the right to authorized representation throughout the examination process—you never have to face the IRS alone.
At Business and Financial Solutions, our experienced CPAs and tax professionals in Frederick, Rockville, McLean, and Plano specialize in IRS examination representation. We understand the nuances of tax law and serve as a complete buffer between you and the IRS, handling all aspects of your case.
Don’t face the IRS examination process alone. Contact our team today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can represent you fully, minimizing your stress and involvement while maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Q: Can BFS represent me so I don’t have to meet with or talk to the IRS at all? A: Absolutely. With proper authorization, our tax professionals can represent you completely, handling all communications, meetings, and document exchanges with the IRS. You can avoid direct contact with IRS agents entirely.
Q: How far back can the IRS go when examining my tax returns? A: Generally, the IRS has 3 years from your filing date to examine your return. However, this extends to 6 years for substantial underreporting (25%+ of income) and has no limit for fraudulent returns or unfiled returns.
Q: How does the representation process work if I receive an IRS examination notice? A: Simply contact BFS immediately, and we’ll guide you through signing a power of attorney form (Form 2848) that authorizes us to represent you. From that point forward, we’ll handle all IRS communications and requirements, providing you with regular updates while you avoid direct IRS contact.
Q: What are the most common triggers for an IRS examination? A: Common triggers include mathematical errors, unreported income, disproportionately large deductions relative to income, home office deductions, and self-employment with significant business losses.
Q: What specific benefits come with having BFS represent me during an IRS examination? A: With BFS representation, you gain expert knowledge of tax law, strategic communication with the IRS, professional handling of all documentation, attendance at all meetings on your behalf, negotiation expertise, and peace of mind knowing professionals are advocating for your best interests—all while you avoid stressful direct contact with the IRS.
Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Business and Financial Solutions provides professional tax, accounting, and financial advisory services from our offices in Frederick, Rockville, McLean, and Plano. Contact us today for personalized assistance with IRS examinations or any tax-related concerns.
