You don't talk to the IRS. We do.

What should I do if I receive an IRS notice?

First: don't ignore it. The clock runs from the date on the notice, and many notices have a 30-day response window. Second: don't call them. The IRS phone system records everything and notes go in your file — sometimes against you.

Forward the notice to us. We'll triage it within one business day, file Form 2848 so they call us instead of you, and respond on the merits.

Can the IRS audit a return you didn't prepare?

Yes — we represent on returns prepared by anyone, including TurboTax or another CPA. Audit representation doesn't require we've prepared the return; it requires Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) and the records.

We've defended returns where the original preparer made mistakes. The conversation with the original preparer is separate from the IRS work.

How long does an IRS audit take?

Office or correspondence audits: 3–9 months from selection to close. Field audits or appeals: 9–24 months. Trust Fund Recovery cases can run 12–36 months depending on collection complexity.

Most audits we close at the examination level without going to Appeals. If we go to Appeals, win rate is meaningfully higher than at exam — Appeals officers can weigh hazards of litigation that exam can't.

What about Indiana DOR notices?

Indiana DOR notices we handle alongside federal — same triage, same POA-1 power of attorney filing, same written response. Indiana payment plans run through the INTIME portal and are generally easier to negotiate than federal installment agreements.