Whether you've received your first IRS audit notice or are already working with an IRS Revenue Agent, we provide strategic CPA representation for individuals and businesses nationwide. From correspondence and office audits to complex field examinations and Appeals, we're here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
An IRS Audit Doesn't Have to Define the Outcome
Receiving an IRS audit notice can be unsettling, but an audit is not the same as an assessment—and it isn't a finding that you've done anything wrong. It is an examination of specific items on your tax return, and how that examination is handled can significantly influence both the process and the outcome.
Many taxpayers make the mistake of responding before they understand what the IRS is actually asking for. Providing incomplete records, volunteering unnecessary information, or missing important deadlines can expand the scope of the examination and make resolving the audit more difficult.

At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we represent individuals and businesses throughout the audit process. We help organize and evaluate your records, communicate directly with the IRS under a Power of Attorney, respond strategically to Information Document Requests, and work to keep the examination focused on the issues that matter.
During an IRS Audit, the IRS May:
- Request books, records, bank statements, receipts, and supporting documentation.
- Issue Information Document Requests (IDRs) seeking additional information.
- Interview the taxpayer or business representatives.
- Expand the audit to additional tax years if new issues are identified.
- Propose adjustments, penalties, and interest when documentation is insufficient.
- Issue examination reports that may be challenged through the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
The best time to develop an audit strategy is before responding to the IRS—not after.
Whether you've received a correspondence audit notice, an office audit appointment, or a field examination, experienced representation can help you navigate the process with confidence and protect your rights at every stage.
Our Three-Step IRS Audit Representation Process
An IRS audit should not be handled reactively. Before records are sent, explanations are given, or meetings are scheduled, you need a clear strategy. Our process is designed to help you understand the audit, control the flow of information, and position your case for the best possible outcome.
1. Review
We begin by reviewing your IRS notice, tax returns, transcripts, and the issues being examined. The goal is to understand what the IRS is asking for, what risks exist, and what should be addressed before any response is submitted.
2. Represent
Once engaged, we communicate with the IRS on your behalf under a Power of Attorney. We help organize records, respond to Information Document Requests, manage deadlines, and keep the examination focused on the issues that matter.
3. Resolve
We review proposed adjustments, challenge unsupported conclusions, address penalties when appropriate, and help you evaluate your options if the case needs to move to IRS Appeals or further review.
The best time to develop an audit strategy is before you respond to the IRS — not after the examination has already moved against you.
Types of IRS Audits We Handle
Not every IRS audit is the same. The type of examination determines the level of risk, the documentation required, and the strategy needed to protect your position.
Correspondence Audits
These audits are handled by mail and often involve specific items such as income mismatches, credits, deductions, or substantiation requests. They may seem simple, but a poor response can quickly lead to proposed tax, penalties, and interest.
Learn about correspondence audits →Office Audits
Office audits usually require a meeting with the IRS and a more detailed review of selected return items. Preparation matters: what you bring, how it is organized, and how questions are answered can affect the direction of the audit.
Learn about office audits →Field Audits
Field audits are the most serious type of IRS examination. A Revenue Agent may review business records, bank statements, accounting systems, payroll, inventory, and multiple years of returns. These audits require careful management from the start.
Learn about field audits →Not Sure What Kind of IRS Audit You Have?
If you have received an IRS notice, appointment letter, or Information Document Request, we can help you understand what it means and what steps should be taken before responding.
Schedule a ConsultationWhy Work With a CPA for an IRS Audit?
An IRS audit is not just a paperwork request. It is a formal examination of your tax return, your records, and the positions you reported to the government. The way you respond can affect the scope of the audit, the credibility of your documentation, and the final result.
At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we provide CPA-led representation for individuals and businesses facing IRS correspondence audits, office audits, field examinations, proposed adjustments, and Appeals. Our role is to step between you and the IRS, organize the facts, manage communication, and help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
What You Get When We Represent You
- CPA-led strategy from day one: Your audit is handled by an experienced CPA, not a call center or volume-based tax relief operation.
- Direct IRS communication: With a Power of Attorney in place, we communicate with the IRS on your behalf so you are not put on the spot.
- Transcript and return review: We review the audit notice, tax returns, transcripts, and underlying records before developing a response strategy.
- Organized, defensible documentation: We help prepare records in a way that supports your position and avoids unnecessary overproduction.
- Support through Appeals when needed: If the IRS proposes adjustments that are unsupported or incorrect, we help evaluate your options for challenging the result.
You do not need more stress, jargon, or guesswork. You need a professional who understands tax returns, accounting records, substantiation, IRS procedure, and how to manage an examination before it moves in the wrong direction.
If you have received an IRS audit notice, the most important step is to get experienced representation in place before you respond directly to the IRS.
Marc Boulanger, CPA
Founder, Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC
CPA-Led IRS Audit Representation for Individuals and Businesses
What Happens Next?
If you've received an IRS audit notice, don't wait until deadlines approach or records are requested. The earlier a strategy is developed, the more options you typically have throughout the examination.
1. Schedule an Initial Consultation
We'll review your IRS notice, discuss the issues under examination, explain the audit process, and answer your questions so you understand what you're facing.
2. Develop Your Audit Strategy
We evaluate the issues being examined, review your records and tax returns, identify potential risks, and develop a plan for responding to the IRS in a thoughtful and organized manner.
3. Represent You Throughout the Audit
From communicating directly with the IRS to preparing documentation, responding to Information Document Requests, and pursuing Appeals when appropriate, we remain with you throughout the examination.
Professional Credentials & Memberships
IRS audits require more than simply preparing tax returns. They require an understanding of tax law, accounting, substantiation, IRS procedures, and professional representation. Our practice is built on providing CPA-led guidance for individuals and businesses facing IRS examinations.
Licensed CPA
Certified Public Accountant providing professional tax representation and advisory services.
Circular 230 Representation
Authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.
Nationwide IRS Representation
Headquartered in California and representing taxpayers throughout the United States in federal IRS matters.
Professional Memberships
Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Audits
What should I do if I receive an IRS audit notice?
Do not ignore it, and do not rush to send records without first understanding what the IRS is asking for. Review the notice, identify the deadline, preserve all relevant records, and consider speaking with a CPA before responding directly to the IRS.
Can a CPA represent me in an IRS audit?
Yes. A CPA may represent taxpayers before the IRS. With a signed Power of Attorney, your CPA can communicate with the IRS, respond to document requests, attend meetings, review proposed adjustments, and help manage the audit process.
What are the main types of IRS audits?
The three main types are correspondence audits, office audits, and field audits. Correspondence audits are handled by mail. Office audits usually involve an IRS appointment. Field audits are more serious and often involve a Revenue Agent reviewing business records, bank statements, accounting systems, and multiple years of returns.
Should I talk to the IRS myself?
You are allowed to speak with the IRS yourself, but it is often better to have a representative involved before giving explanations, submitting documents, or attending meetings. A representative can help prevent overproduction of records, unnecessary admissions, missed deadlines, and expansion of the audit.
How far back can the IRS audit?
Many IRS audits involve returns filed within the last three years. However, the lookback period can be longer in certain situations, including substantial omissions of income, unfiled returns, or suspected fraud. The statute of limitations should be reviewed carefully before agreeing to extend the audit period.
What if I disagree with the IRS audit findings?
You are not required to accept proposed adjustments simply because the IRS has issued them. Depending on the stage of the case, you may be able to provide additional documentation, request managerial review, file a protest with IRS Appeals, or petition the United States Tax Court after a Statutory Notice of Deficiency.
Do you represent taxpayers outside California?
Yes. IRS audits are federal matters. Although Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC is headquartered in Orange County, California, we represent individuals and businesses nationwide before the Internal Revenue Service.
See Also: IRS Audit Resources
We maintain in-depth IRS audit resources for individuals and businesses who want to better understand the examination process, IRS notices, documentation requests, taxpayer rights, and Appeals options.