IRS Representation & Audit Defense
Getting a letter from the IRS is stressful. Having an Enrolled Agent in your corner changes everything. Robert Johnson has unlimited practice rights to represent you before the IRS, so you don't have to face them alone.
What IRS Representation Means
IRS representation is the ability to act as a taxpayer's authorized advocate before the Internal Revenue Service. As an Enrolled Agent, Robert holds unlimited practice rights, meaning he can represent any taxpayer, on any tax matter, before any IRS office. This includes examinations, appeals, collections, and even the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
When you authorize Robert to represent you (through IRS Form 2848), he becomes your voice. All IRS correspondence goes directly to him. He handles the phone calls, the paperwork, and the meetings, so you can focus on your life and your business.
Types of IRS Notices
Not all IRS notices are created equal. Some are routine, like a simple math correction or a request to verify a deduction. Others are more serious, signaling an examination or proposing additional tax. Common notices include:
- CP2000: Income discrepancy between your return and what was reported to the IRS by employers, banks, or clients
- CP504: Intent to levy (seize assets) for unpaid taxes
- Letter 525: Audit notification, either by correspondence or in-person examination
- CP14: Balance due notice for taxes owed on a filed return
- Letter 1058: Final notice of intent to levy, requiring immediate action
Audit Defense
If you receive an audit notification, Robert will review the return in question, gather and organize the necessary documentation, and represent you throughout the examination process. In many cases, you don't need to be present at all. Robert handles the entire interaction. He understands IRS procedures, knows what examiners are looking for, and can effectively advocate for positions taken on your return. His goal is always to resolve the matter with the least amount of additional tax and penalties possible.
Payment Plans & Installment Agreements
If you owe taxes you can't pay in full, the IRS offers several payment options. Robert can negotiate installment agreements that fit your budget, apply for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status if you're experiencing financial hardship, or in qualifying cases, pursue an Offer in Compromise to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Every situation is different, and having a knowledgeable advocate ensures you get the best outcome available to you.
Penalty Abatement
IRS penalties can add up fast. Failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and accuracy-related penalties can increase your balance by 25% or more. But the IRS does grant penalty relief in many cases, particularly for first-time offenses (First Time Abatement) or when reasonable cause exists. Robert routinely secures penalty abatement for clients, saving them hundreds or thousands of dollars on top of resolving the underlying issue.
Why an Enrolled Agent Matters for IRS Issues
Not all tax professionals can represent you before the IRS. Chain-store preparers and unenrolled preparers have limited rights. They can only represent you for returns they personally prepared, and only at the examination level. Enrolled Agents, like Robert, have unlimited practice rights at every level of the IRS, including appeals and collections.
Get Help With an IRS IssueIRS Representation FAQ
It means Robert can act on your behalf in all dealings with the IRS. He can attend audit interviews, respond to notices, negotiate payment plans, and argue for penalty abatement, all without you being present. You authorize representation with a signed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).
No. Only Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. Other tax preparers (including those at chain stores) can only represent you for returns they personally prepared, and only during examination, not appeals or collections.
We strongly recommend having a professional review any IRS correspondence before you respond. Many notices are routine and easily resolved, but an incorrect response can escalate the issue, trigger additional penalties, or waive important rights. Let us review it first. There’s no charge for an initial assessment.
Simple notice responses often resolve in 30–60 days. More complex issues like audits, payment plans, or offers in compromise can take 3–12 months depending on the IRS backlog and the complexity of the case. We keep you informed throughout the process.
This is more common than you might think, and it’s fixable. We help clients get back into compliance by preparing past-due returns, negotiating with the IRS on any outstanding balances, and setting up payment plans when needed. The sooner you address it, the better the outcome.