Audit Representation
IRS Audit Representation -Let Us Handle the IRS For You
We Review Every Detail Before the IRS Does
Nothing goes to the IRS without us checking it first
THOROUGH
You Never Face the IRS Directly
We attend, respond, and represent you throughout
HANDS-OFF
Your Rights Are Defended At Every Stage
We make sure the IRS follows its own rules
PROTECTED
James Okafor
IRS Enrolled Agent - 11 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Audit Notice Received
Office Audit - Income Discrepancy Flagged
Day 1
Agent Assigned
James Okafor stepping in. POA filed.
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
All Communication Redirected. Audit Review Started.
Day 1
Linda Torres
Tax Resolution Specialist - 10 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
CP2000 Notice Reviewed
$14,800 Discrepancy Identified by IRS
Day 1
Response Strategy Prepared
Supporting Records Compiled and Organised
Day 2
IRS Response Letter Submitted
Discrepancy Challenged with Full Documentation
Day 3
Marcus Webb
IRS Resolution Attorney - 15 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Field Audit Opened
Three Tax Years Under IRS Review
Day 1
Power Of Attorney Filed
Client Removed From All IRS Contact
Day 1
Audit Defense Package Submitted
Evidence Presented. IRS Meeting Attended by Our Team.
Day 2
What happens when an audit notice goes unanswered
The IRS does not wait. Every missed deadline costs you.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
The Audit Letter Arrives
A CP2000, CP3219A, or audit appointment letter shows up. Most people freeze. This is still your best window to respond well.
act now
Document Requests Follow
The IRS asks for bank statements, receipts, returns. Every unanswered request narrows your options.
escalating
Audit Meeting Gets Scheduled
An office or field audit date is issued. Walking in without preparation is one of the most common and costly mistakes people make.
critical
IRS Issues Its Findings
The audit closes with additional tax, penalties, and interest assessed. At this stage, your window to push back is still open but it is closing.
urgent
You Call Us, We Take Over
Your enrolled agent steps in immediately. POA filed. IRS now deals with us. You stop dealing with them.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What IRS Audit Representation Actually Means
Most people go into an audit with the wrong assumptions
Getting audited is not a verdict. It is a process. And how you handle that process determines the outcome. Most people do not realise how much control they actually have.
Common Myth
"If the IRS is auditing me, I must have done something wrong."
"I have to attend the audit and answer their questions myself."
"An audit always ends with me owing more money."
"Hiring someone to help will make the IRS more suspicious."
The Reality
Most audits are triggered by algorithm flags, not suspicion. A missing form, a mismatched figure, or an unusual deduction can trigger a review with no wrongdoing involved.
You have the legal right to representation. A licensed enrolled agent can attend in your place and handle every question. You do not have to be in that room.
Many audits close with no change. The outcome depends almost entirely on how the case is prepared and presented. Good representation changes results.
Representation is a legal right. The IRS deals with enrolled agents and attorneys every day. Having one on your side signals you are taking it seriously, not that you have something to hide.
Got a notice and not sure what it means? Let us look at it with you.
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Where are you in the audit process?
Let's find out together
One question. Then we will show you what to do next.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Case Outcomes
Real audits.
Real people.
Real outcomes.
What our clients actually experienced
Our process
What to expect from the moment you reach out
Audit Review
You call or fill out the form. An enrolled agent reads your audit notice, identifies exactly what the IRS is asking for, and tells you plainly where you stand. No paperwork. No commitment.
We Step In
We file your power of attorney. From that point, the IRS deals with us and not you. We build your response, gather your records, and prepare your case.
We See It Through
We attend meetings, respond to findings, push back where needed, and keep you updated at every step until the audit is completely resolved.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another firm telling you to call the IRS yourself
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to work with a team that actually gets levies released?
Testimonials
Trusted Help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises.
We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Learn More
Resources That Help You Understand IRS Audit Representation
If you just got a notice and you are still making sense of it, start here. These guides will help you understand what is actually happening.
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
The letter came on a Tuesday. Nothing about Tuesdays usually feels dangerous....
You open the mailbox. There it is. An envelope with that unmistakable...
One more thing
The Longer an Audit Sits, the Harder It Gets to Fix
The IRS sets deadlines on audit responses. Miss them and your options shrink fast. Every unanswered request makes the case harder to manage. A free audit review costs nothing and tells you exactly what you are dealing with.
confidential • No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Straight answers. No runaround.
What is IRS audit representation and why does it matter?
IRS audit representation means having a qualified tax professional handle the audit process on your behalf. Instead of navigating IRS requests alone, you have someone who understands the process, manages communications, and helps ensure your information is presented accurately. Professional representation can make audits less stressful and easier to manage.
Do I have to attend the IRS audit meeting in person?
Not always. Depending on the type of audit and the authorization in place, a tax professional may be able to communicate with the IRS and handle much of the process on your behalf. The level of involvement required varies by case.
What types of audits does Tax Hardship Center handle?
We assist with correspondence audits, office audits, field audits, audit reconsiderations, and appeals. Whether the IRS is requesting documents by mail or conducting a more detailed review, we help taxpayers understand their options and respond appropriately.
How long does an IRS audit typically take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the type and complexity of the audit. Some audits are resolved within a few months, while others may take longer if multiple years or complex issues are involved. Providing complete documentation can help move the process forward more efficiently.
What happens if I miss the deadline on an audit notice?
Missing a deadline can limit your ability to provide information before the IRS makes a decision. In many cases, the IRS may proceed based on the information already available to them. If you missed a deadline, it is still important to act as soon as possible.
Can representation actually change what the IRS decides?
Representation can help ensure that records are organized, responses are complete, and supporting documentation is presented clearly. While no outcome can be guaranteed, proper preparation often helps taxpayers present the strongest possible case.
What documents will I need to provide during an audit?
That depends on the items being reviewed. Common requests include income records, receipts, bank statements, payroll documents, and records supporting deductions or credits claimed on your return. The audit notice usually outlines what information is needed.
What is the difference between a correspondence audit and an office audit?
A correspondence audit is handled through the mail and usually focuses on specific items on a tax return. An office audit requires a meeting with the IRS and may involve a broader review of records. More complex cases may involve additional types of examinations.
Can I appeal if I disagree with the audit outcome?
Yes. Taxpayers generally have the right to challenge audit findings if they believe the IRS made an error or if additional supporting information becomes available. The appropriate next step depends on the facts of the case.
How much does audit representation cost?
Costs vary based on the complexity of the audit, the number of years involved, and the level of assistance required. Most firms offer an initial review so you can better understand your options before making any decisions.