A Field Audit is one in which an IRS auditor comes to the taxpayer’s home or business to conduct the audit. These audits are typically carried out by the top IRS auditors and are generally requested only when a serious discrepancy has been detected. Moreover, Field Audits are usually conducted only for individuals or businesses that have relatively high incomes. Because these are the most serious types of audits, it is especially advantageous for the target of the audit to enlist the services of a licensed CPA who specializes in audit representation.
A tax professional with audit experience will not only know how to get the required financial documentation in order but will also know how to communicate effectively with the IRS representative. They will know how to answer that auditor’s questions accurately but without giving extraneous information that could be damaging. In addition, the tax code is so complicated that an inexperienced individual is unlikely to know how it applies to the tax items that are being scrutinized. Since there is often a lot a stake in a Field Audit, it may be worthwhile to make an initial investment that will increase the chances of a more favorable outcome.