An IRS audit lawyer in the East Bay takes over communication with the IRS, prepares your records for the examination, keeps the scope of the audit in check, and protects your right to appeal if you disagree with the result. For taxpayers in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville and across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, that means you do not have to face the examiner alone.
If you have an audit letter on your desk, call (415) 754-0115 to schedule a free consultation with attorney Bob Somal, or use the contact page. Bring the letter and the return being examined.
The first week after the audit letter arrives
Real IRS audits start with a letter, not a phone call, email or text. The letter identifies the tax year, the type of audit and the items under review, and gives a response deadline. Before doing anything else, verify the letter is genuine by checking the notice number and contact details against official IRS sources, not the phone number on a suspicious message.
What to do immediately
- Note the response deadline on your calendar.
- Locate the return in question and the records behind the items listed.
- Do not call the examiner to "explain" before you understand the issues.
- Do not alter, create or discard records.
How an East Bay IRS audit lawyer prepares for the examination
Much of an audit is shaped before the first meeting. The goal is to answer exactly what the IRS asked, with clear support, and nothing that invites new questions.
Reviewing the return before the IRS does
Your attorney reads the return with the examiner's eyes, spotting weak points, missing documentation and any issues outside the stated scope. Knowing those in advance shapes how the case is presented.
Organizing the response
The IRS usually sends an Information Document Request listing what it wants. Your lawyer assembles responsive records, writes explanations that connect documents to the numbers on the return, and addresses gaps honestly with reasonable reconstructions where the law allows.
Field audits at a home or business
For Tri-Valley business owners, field audits can be held at the business. An attorney can often arrange for the meeting to take place at a representative's office instead and prepare you if a tour or interview is required.
Common audit issues for Bay Area taxpayers
Audits frequently center on self-employment and gig income, home office and vehicle deductions, rental property expenses, stock compensation, and large charitable deductions. For small business owners, the examiner often compares bank deposits against reported income. Knowing which pattern applies helps your lawyer anticipate the next question.
Handling every contact with the IRS
With Form 2848 on file, your lawyer becomes the point of contact. The examiner calls your attorney, not you. That shields you from off-the-cuff answers, keeps a consistent record, and lets your attorney push back if requests go beyond what the audit needs.
Attorney-client privilege also matters here. Conversations with a lawyer about your tax situation are protected in ways that communications with a return preparer may not be, particularly if there is any question of fraud. If an accountant's help is needed, an attorney can structure that engagement to support privilege.
These are part of the firm's tax law services for IRS disputes, audits and appeals. For a broader overview of the audit stages, see our guide to IRS audit help in California.
Requests to extend the audit deadline
If the IRS is running short of time to assess tax, the examiner may ask you to sign a consent extending the assessment period, often on Form 872. Signing can give you time to gather records, but it also keeps the year open longer, and the consent can sometimes be limited to specific issues. A lawyer can explain the trade-off before you sign.
Protecting your appeal rights
If the examiner proposes changes you do not accept, the process does not end there. Appeal rights run on deadlines, and missing one can close doors.
The 30-day letter and Appeals
After an unagreed audit, the IRS typically sends a letter giving you a limited time to request a conference with the Independent Office of Appeals. Appeals officers are separate from the examiner and weigh the risks of litigation, which can open room for resolution.
The notice of deficiency and Tax Court
If the dispute continues, the IRS issues a notice of deficiency. You generally have 90 days to petition the U.S. Tax Court without paying the tax first. An attorney tracks these dates and builds the audit record so it supports the appeal.
Agreeing to part of the result
Audits are not all-or-nothing. It is common to accept some adjustments and contest others, which can narrow the dispute and focus an appeal on the issues with real merit. An attorney can advise which items are worth pursuing.
If the audit ends with a balance due
Not every audit ends in your favor. When tax is owed, your lawyer can discuss collection options such as installment agreements, currently not collectible status or an offer in compromise. A federal change must also generally be reported to the California Franchise Tax Board. Our article on IRS tax debt relief options explains how those alternatives compare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to meet the IRS examiner in person?
Often not. With a power of attorney, your lawyer can attend meetings on your behalf, though the IRS can require your presence in some circumstances, such as by summons.
How far back can the IRS audit?
Generally three years from when the return was filed, with longer periods for substantial understatements of income and no limit for fraud or unfiled returns.
Can a lawyer help if I already met with the examiner?
Yes. An attorney can step in at any stage, review what was said and produced, and take over from there.
Does your firm handle state tax audits too?
The firm's practice covers tax audits and appeals; call to discuss whether your specific matter is one we can assist with.
East Bay taxpayers do not have to navigate an audit on their own. Call (415) 754-0115 to schedule your free consultation. Bob Somal will review your letter, explain what the IRS is looking at and outline a plan. You can also reach the firm through our contact page.
Attorney Advertising. This article is general legal information for Bay Area residents, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every situation is different — please consult a licensed attorney about your specific circumstances.