Audit Defense
IRS Audit Defense - Expert Representation During Your Audit
Every Document Reviewed Before the IRS Sees It
We go line by line so nothing works against you
THOROUGH
You Never Walk Into That Audit Alone
We attend, respond, and represent. You stay out of it
HANDS-OFF
Your Rights Stay Protected Throughout
We make sure the IRS follows procedure. Every step
PROTECTED
Sarah Okonkwo
IRS Enrolled Agent - 12 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Audit Notice Received
CP2000 Discrepancy - $31,200 Flagged
Day 1
Agent Assigned
Sarah Okonkwo stepping in immediately
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
Audit Paused. Documentation Review Started
Day 2
Linda Torres
Tax Resolution Specialist - 10 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
CP2000 Notice Reviewed
$14,800 Discrepancy Identified by IRS
Day 1
Response Strategy Prepared
Supporting Records Compiled and Organised
Day 2
IRS Response Letter Submitted
Discrepancy Challenged with Full Documentation
Day 3
Marcus Webb
IRS Resolution Attorney - 15 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Field Audit Opened
Three Tax Years Under IRS Review
Day 1
Power Of Attorney Filed
Client Removed From All IRS Contact
Day 1
Audit Defense Package Submitted
Evidence Presented. IRS Meeting Attended by Our Team.
Day 4
What happens when an audit notice is ignored
The IRS does not wait. It escalates.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
The Audit Notice Arrives
CP2000, CP3219A, or an audit letter. Most people freeze. This is your best window to respond strategically.
act now
Document Requests Follow
The IRS asks for bank records, receipts, returns. Every unanswered request adds pressure.
escalating
Audit Meeting Scheduled
Office or field audit date issued. Showing up unprepared at this stage can make things significantly worse.
critical
Findings Issued
The IRS concludes the audit and issues additional tax, penalties, and interest. At this point, your options narrow fast.
urgent
You Call Us, We Step In
Your enrolled agent reviews the notice immediately. We contact the IRS, handle all communication, and build your defense.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What an IRS Audit Actually Means
Most people panic.
Most of that panic is based on myths.
Getting audited does not mean you did something wrong. It does not mean you owe more. And it definitely does not mean you have to face it alone.
Common Myth
"An audit means the IRS thinks I am a criminal."
"I have to go in and explain everything myself."
"If the IRS audits me, I automatically owe more money."
"Once the audit starts, there is nothing I can do about the outcome."
The Reality
Most audits are triggered by computer-flagged discrepancies, not suspicion. A missing form or an unusual deduction is enough to trigger a review.
You have the right to representation. An enrolled agent can attend in your place, respond to all requests, and handle the IRS directly.
Audits do not always result in additional tax. With proper documentation and strong representation, many audits close with no change at all.
The outcome of an audit depends heavily on how it is managed. Good preparation and professional representation change results.
Not sure what your audit notice means? Let’s look at it together.
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Do you qualify?
Let's figure it out.
One question. Then we will show you exactly where you stand.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Case Outcomes
Real audits.
Real outcomes.
What actually happened for our clients
Our process
What happens after you contact us
Audit Review
You call or fill out the form. An enrolled agent reads your audit notice, identifies what the IRS is asking for, and explains exactly where you stand. No paperwork. No commitment.
We Take Over
We file a power of attorney. From that moment, the IRS talks to us. We review your documents, prepare your defense, and handle every request.
We Resolve It
We attend meetings, respond to findings, and push back where needed. We keep you updated at every step until the audit is fully closed.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another firm telling you to call the IRS yourself
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to work with a team that actually gets levies released?
Testimonials
Trusted Help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises.
We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Learn More
Resources That Help You Understand IRS audits
If you just got a notice and you are still figuring out what it means, these are the right places to start.
Ignoring a missed IRS payment plan payment doesn’t make the notice disappear....
You owe the IRS money you don’t have sitting in your account,...
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
One more thing
An Unanswered Audit Notice Gets Harder to Fix
The IRS sets deadlines on audit responses. Miss them and your options get smaller. The longer it sits, the worse the outcome tends to be. A free case review costs you nothing and tells you exactly where you stand.
confidential • No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Straight answers. No runaround.
What is audit defense and why do I need it?
Audit defense means having a qualified tax professional represent you during an IRS audit. Instead of handling IRS requests on your own, you have someone guiding the process, managing communications, and helping present the information the IRS is requesting. Professional representation can make a stressful situation much easier to navigate.
Do I have to attend the audit meeting myself?
In many cases, no. A properly authorized representative can often communicate with the IRS and handle much of the audit process on your behalf. The level of involvement required depends on the type of audit and the information being reviewed.
What types of audits does Tax Hardship Center handle?
We assist with a wide range of IRS audits, including mail audits, office audits, and more detailed examinations involving businesses or multiple tax years. We also help taxpayers respond to audit findings and explore available appeal options when necessary.
How long does an IRS audit usually take?
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the audit and the information being requested. Some audits are resolved within a few months, while others may take longer. Providing complete and accurate documentation often helps move the process along more efficiently.
What happens if I ignore an audit notice?
Ignoring an audit notice can lead the IRS to make decisions without considering your side of the story. This may result in additional taxes, penalties, or other consequences. Responding promptly usually provides the best opportunity to protect your interests.
Can a professional actually change the audit outcome?
Professional representation can help ensure that information is presented clearly, accurately, and with proper supporting documentation. While no outcome can be guaranteed, effective representation may help resolve issues that could otherwise lead to unnecessary adjustments.
What documents do I need to provide for an audit?
The documents depend on what the IRS is reviewing. Common requests include income records, receipts, bank statements, and documents supporting deductions or credits claimed on your return. Reviewing the notice carefully helps determine exactly what is needed.
What is the difference between a correspondence audit and an office audit?
A correspondence audit is typically handled through the mail and focuses on specific items on a return. An office audit requires a meeting with the IRS and often involves a broader review of records. Each type has different requirements and preparation needs.
Can I appeal if I disagree with the audit findings?
Yes. Taxpayers generally have the right to challenge audit findings if they believe the IRS made an error or if additional supporting information is available. The appropriate option depends on the circumstances of the case.
How much does audit defense cost?
The cost varies based on the complexity of the audit, the number of issues involved, and the level of representation needed. Most firms provide an initial review so you can understand your options before deciding how to proceed.