What should I do if I receive an IRS audit notice in Tempe?

Step one: call KDA at 1 (800) 878-4051 before doing anything else. Do not respond to the IRS, do not call the number on the notice, and do not send any documents without professional guidance. IRS notices have strict deadlines — missing them can result in automatic assessments. KDA’s Tempe audit team will: review the notice, identify the issue, gather supporting documentation, prepare a response, and communicate with the IRS on your behalf. Most cases are resolved without you ever speaking to the IRS.

What triggers an IRS audit for Tempe taxpayers?

Common IRS audit triggers for Tempe taxpayers: (1) High deductions relative to income. (2) Unreported income (1099s that don’t match your return). (3) Large cash transactions. (4) Home office deductions. (5) Business losses for multiple years. (6) Cryptocurrency activity. (7) Rental property losses without real estate professional status. (8) Amended returns claiming large refunds. (9) Round numbers on deductions (suggests estimation). (10) Random selection (DIF scoring). KDA prepares returns that maximize deductions while staying within defensible parameters.

Can KDA help if I haven’t filed taxes in years in Tempe?

Absolutely. Many Tempe clients come to KDA after years of unfiled returns — often due to life events, overwhelm, or fear. We handle this compassionately and strategically: reconstruct income from IRS transcripts and bank records, prepare all delinquent returns with maximum deductions, request penalty abatement (often successful for first-time non-filers), negotiate installment agreements for any balance due, and establish systems to prevent future issues. The IRS is more lenient with voluntary compliance than forced compliance.

What is the difference between an IRS audit and a notice in Tempe?

IRS notices for Tempe taxpayers come in many forms: CP2000 (income discrepancy), CP2501 (proposed changes), CP504 (balance due), etc. These address specific items and are usually resolved with documentation. An audit (Form 4549 or Letter 2205) is a broader examination of your return. The distinction matters because: notices have shorter deadlines, audits have broader scope, and the response strategy differs significantly. KDA handles both for Tempe clients — call immediately upon receiving any IRS correspondence.

Does KDA represent Tempe clients before the Arizona Department of Revenue?

Yes. KDA represents Tempe clients before the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) in addition to the IRS. ADOR audits focus on: income tax compliance, TPT (Transaction Privilege Tax) audits for businesses, withholding tax issues, and use tax assessments. Our team knows Arizona tax law inside and out — we’ve resolved hundreds of ADOR matters for Maricopa County residents and businesses.

How long does an IRS audit take for Tempe taxpayers?

Typical audit timelines for Tempe clients: correspondence audits resolve in 2–4 months after response. Office examinations take 3–6 months. Field audits can take 6–18 months depending on complexity. Appeals add 6–12 months. KDA’s approach: respond thoroughly and promptly to minimize delays, but never rush a response at the expense of quality. We’ve found that well-prepared initial responses often prevent the audit from expanding in scope — saving months of additional examination.

What are my rights during an IRS audit in Tempe?

Every Tempe taxpayer has rights during an IRS audit: (1) Representation — you have the right to have a CPA, EA, or attorney present (KDA handles this). (2) Scope limitation — the IRS can only examine what’s stated in the audit notice. (3) Appeal — you can challenge any proposed assessment. (4) Confidentiality — your information is protected. (5) Finality — once resolved, the same year generally can’t be re-examined. (6) Reasonable time — you can request extensions for document gathering. KDA ensures full protection of these rights.

Can KDA help reduce IRS penalties for Tempe taxpayers?

Yes — penalty abatement is one of KDA’s most successful services for Tempe clients. Common penalties we get reduced or eliminated: failure-to-file penalty (up to 25% of tax owed), failure-to-pay penalty (up to 25%), accuracy-related penalty (20%), and estimated tax penalty. Methods: First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA) for clients with clean history, Reasonable Cause for those with legitimate circumstances, and statutory exceptions. KDA’s success rate on penalty abatement for Tempe clients exceeds 80%.

Does KDA offer payment plans for IRS debt in Tempe?

If you owe the IRS and can’t pay in full, KDA helps Tempe clients with: installment agreements (spread payments over up to 6 years), partial payment plans (pay what you can afford), Currently Not Collectible status (pause collections during hardship), and Offers in Compromise (settle for less — typically 10–20% of the balance for qualifying taxpayers). We also help stop wage garnishments, bank levies, and tax liens. The worst thing you can do is ignore IRS debt — call KDA at 1 (800) 878-4051.

What is an Enrolled Agent and why does it matter for my Tempe audit?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional licensed directly by the IRS — the only credential granted by the federal government for tax practice. EAs pass a comprehensive 3-part exam covering individual taxes, business taxes, and representation procedures. For your Tempe audit, this means: our EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, they know IRS procedures from the inside, and they can represent you at any level — from correspondence to Tax Court. KDA’s EAs have decades of combined audit experience.