Seattle Tax Audits and Appeals Lawyer
If you have received an audit notice from the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) or the IRS, the law firm of Lana Kurilova Rich PLLC offers complete case management. We also represent our business clients during their employment and worker classification audits conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as two Washington state agencies: Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD), and Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L & I). We take charge to reduce your tax burden, appeal the audit finding, or find ways to abate the interest and penalties.
Bellevue, Washington, attorney Lana Rich brings an extensive background in tax law and business, representing small businesses, professionals and individuals in the Greater Seattle area and statewide. Call (425) 289-0629 for an initial phone consultation to discuss your questions about tax audits and appeals.
Washington State and Federal Tax Audit Representation
All these federal and state tax agencies, the IRS, the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR), the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), and the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) have a clear directive to go find more tax revenue. And once the auditors assess additional taxes, the aggressive collection process begins as each tax agency goes after tax delinquents. The taxing agencies of the State of Washington and IRS have an information sharing program where they essentially refer business to each other, meaning that they frequently tip each other off if an audit conducted by one agency reveals signs of non-compliance that could interest another agency. So if you are facing a federal audit, a state audit by one or more of the state taxing agencies is also likely, and vice versa, an audit by a state agency can result in an audit by one or more state agencies and the IRS. We provide the proactive representation to defend your position and avoid additional tax obligations. We sometimes represent clients who are undergoing more than one audit at the same time. We help reduce the associated stress of our clients. Once we take on your matter, in most cases, you may not need to speak to or see an auditor as we put that "barrier" between you and the taxing agency. You talk to us – we talk with the auditor.
Attorney Lana Rich conducts her own audit to determine your likely tax liability and penalties, and we have an in-house accountant who can help clients organize their supporting documentation. She can respond to all issues relating to state and federal income tax, employment taxes, and Washington sales and use tax. She is prepared to challenge the government's case regarding justified deductions, independent contractor versus employee status, income versus gifts, failure to file or failure to pay tax, and other issues that raise red flags for auditors.
Experienced Tax Audit Response and Assistance Obtaining an Installment Agreement
If there is an adverse audit finding, Ms. Rich can follow through with a formal appeal to the IRS or state agency, or negotiate for an offer in compromise or an installment agreement (payment plan) to satisfy the tax assessment. We are also prepared to go to the U.S. Tax Court when necessary to argue an unjust finding.
An audit notice should be taken seriously and it is important to get a professional involved at the earliest stage. We often receive calls after a taxpayer has already discussed his or her situation with the auditor and possibly revealed some potentially damaging information that could have been legally kept confidential. It can be difficult to "undo" any such damage. However, generally, it is not too late to seek professional advice even after you have undergone an audit on your own. Contact our Bellevue firm today to discuss your concerns and obtain tax audit representation from our experienced tax lawyer.
