IRS Representation

A CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent may represent you before the IRS. It is not uncommon for an individual or business to be audited or for the IRS to ask for additional information. This doesn't always mean that you or your tax preparer did something wrong. However, having a CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent assist you with the information the IRS is Requesting as well as with proceedings is your best bet at a successful outcome.

IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, includes a full list of taxpayers’ rights. 

It includes The Right to Retain Representation.

Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. Taxpayers have the right to seek assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic if they cannot afford representation.

What you can expect:

• You may select a person, such as an attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled agent to represent you in an interview with the IRS. You do not have to attend with your representative unless the IRS formally summons you to appear.
   
• In most situations, the IRS must suspend an interview if you request to consult with a representative, such as an attorney, CPA or enrolled agent.
   
• You may have any attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, enrolled actuary, or any other person allowed to represent taxpayers before the IRS submit a written power of attorney to represent you. The person must not be disbarred or suspended from practice before the IRS.
   
• If your income is below a certain level, you may ask a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic to represent you in your tax dispute before the IRS or a federal court. The services are free or for a minimal fee. Many LITCs offer services in languages other than English. Although LITCs get partial funding from the IRS, LITCs, their employees and their volunteers are independent of the IRS.

To find out more about the TBOR and what it means to you visit: http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov.

The IRS offers Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, in several languages.

• English
• Spanish
• Chinese
• Korean
• Russian
• Vietnamese

By making this important publication available in multiple languages, the IRS hopes to increase the number of Americans who know and understand their rights under the tax law. The IRS has more tax information in other languages too. See the “Languages” menu at the top of any IRS.gov page.

The IRS also is committed to protecting taxpayers’ civil rights. The IRS will not tolerate discrimination based on age, color, disability, race, reprisal, national origin, English proficiency, religion, sex, sexual orientation or status as a parent. This includes any contact with IRS employees and the staff or volunteers at community sites.

If a taxpayer faces discrimination, they can send a written complaint to the IRS Civil Rights Division.