IRS representation – Do it yourself or seek professional help?

Periodically we are asked this by clients. Very rarely is the answer “do it yourself”.  Like any game, we must know the rules and how to play it.

We have assisted several clients after an attempt at self-representation. Many of these are returns we did not prepare. Everyone likes their guy or gal until the heat is on. This is not to say never do it yourself, just usually. We should all have an idea as to what is at stake on the return. A meeting with the preparer or another trained eye can usually determine areas of exposure. The trap is one wrong answer and Pandora’s box could be opened causing expansion of the audit. One big advantage of having a representative is truly saying, “I do not know and we will get back to you”. Intimidation is another issue. Not knowing the rules or how to argue them leaves someone at a disadvantage. Go to an IRS office sometime and notice many people in it do not have representation and it likely does not work well for most of them. We know when the IRS is unreasonable and needs to be stood up too, whereas you probably do not. We buy insurance hoping to never use it; audit representation could be the insurance to avoid the big claim. Better safe than sorry! Learn more, at www.gyldecauwerblog.com or Tel: 909/948-9990