Our Fees
We typically charge on an hourly basis for IRS audit representation and related cases. This is because it’s very difficult to predict how much time will be required for any given audit. There are a number of factors that impact how long an audit will take to resolve, including the quality of your supporting documentation and the level of scrutiny given to your return by the auditor.
Here are some guidelines for how much IRS audit defense usually costs:
- Simple Audits:For a simple audit, the cost is typically$2,000 to$3,000. A simple audit is one that does not involve a Schedule C business or rental property. It usually focuses on Schedule A items, such as unreimbursed employee expenses or charitable contributions.
- Moderate Audits:For a moderately complex audit, the cost istypically $3,000 to $6,000. A moderately complex audit is one thatfocuses on a Schedule C business or rental property. It typically involves substantiation for business expenses and unreported income.
- Complex Audits:For a complex audit, the cost is typically $7,500+. This usually involves a small to medium size business and may have issues related to business expenses, unreported income, or payroll issues (such as workers misclassified as independent contractors).
- Appeals:Our fees for going through IRS appeals typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.
- US Tax Court: Our fees for taking a case to US Tax Court typically range from $7,500 to $15,000.
For IRS audits and related cases, we generallyrequest an upfront retainer of $1,500 to begin working on a case. Additional retainer payments will be required as the case progresses and legal fees are billed.
Cheaper Options
If the costs outlined above are more than you are willing to pay, you might consider our self-help courses that will teach you how to do any of the above listed services by yourself.
Click Here is more information on our self help courses.
FAQs
Appeals: Our fees for going through IRS appeals typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. US Tax Court: Our fees for taking a case to US Tax Court typically range from $7,500 to $15,000.
How much is audit defense? ›
With TaxAudit, you should never have to meet the IRS or state taxing authority! An Audit Defense Membership can be purchased each tax year for a nominal, one-time fee of only $49.99 — rather than fees over $150/hour that other tax professionals charge. Become a member today!
How much does it cost if the IRS audits you? ›
If charged as a flat fee, your total tax audit representation cost could be anywhere between $2,500 and $10,000 per tax year under examination. It may go even higher if your case goes to the U.S. Tax Court.
Is paying for audit defense worth it? ›
Because pre-paid services tend to be generic, we recommend working with an audit defense professional if and only if you get an audit. Though an audit defense isn't free, it can be well worth the money, especially when going head-to-head against the IRS.
How much are IRS representation fees for audit? ›
Types of irs represenation Fees:
Every power of attorney will charge a different hourly rate, but most rates are between $200 to $400 per hour. Highly experienced attorneys or attorneys working in big firms in large cities can charge more than $1,000 per hour.
What is the average cost of an audit? ›
Audit costs: $5-60k
Your firm's size will also impact the audit fee. The bigger your company, the more you're likely to pay. Of course, the CPA firm you hire will influence the price as well.
Can I buy audit defense after I filed? ›
If you missed it this year or want to get Audit Defense for past years, you can purchase memberships through our TurboTax® Audit Defense site. From the homepage, click the “I want ongoing audit protection.” Click the “Get Audit Defense” button.
Who gets audited by IRS the most? ›
The IRS generally audits a larger share of high-income taxpayers than those with lower incomes, as illustrated in Figure 1. However, those who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—who typically have low incomes—are much more likely to face an audit than all but the highest- income taxpayers.
Do you have to pay for an IRS audit? ›
If you're able to justify the items being reviewed on your return, the IRS will conclude the audit without imposing any charges or penalties.
Is an IRS audit a big deal? ›
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst), being audited by the IRS could be a 10. Audits can be bad and can result in a significant tax bill. But remember – you shouldn't panic. There are different kinds of audits, some minor and some extensive, and they all follow a set of defined rules.
10 Things Not to Say in an Audit Report
- Don't say, “Management should consider . . .” ...
- Don't use weasel words. ...
- Use intensifiers sparingly. ...
- The problem is rarely universal. ...
- Avoid the blame game. ...
- Don't say “management failed.” ...
- 7. “ ...
- Avoid uunnecessary technical jargon.
How long does audit defense last? ›
The Statute of Limitations for the IRS is typically three years from the date of filing or the due date, whichever is later, and is typically four years for States. Expiration Date of Membership: The Expiration Date of Membership is based on the Acceptance Date.
What is the $1 million tax audit defense? ›
$1 Million Tax Audit Defense™. With Protection Plus, you have an entire tax audit defense department you can rely on. If our client receives a tax notice, audit, or inquiry, they will provide up to $1,000,000 in services to reach a resolution.
Why are audit fees so expensive? ›
Auditors listed changes to ICFR first, followed by acquisitions and the impact of 2022 economic uncertainty. “Mergers and acquisitions result in complex accounting and auditing work, translating to increases in audit effort and higher fees,” according to FERF's survey report.
Why are audit fees so high? ›
The main driver for this increase was regulatory pressures and the ongoing skills shortages. The value of audit fees paid by the UK's 500 biggest businesses climbed from £1.05bn in 2019/20 to £1.12bn in 2020/21 before hitting £1.27bn in 2021/22.
How much are Big 4 audit fees? ›
Rank | Firm | Audit fees in millions |
---|
1 | PwC | $4,664.9 |
2 | EY | $4,272.2 |
3 | Deloitte | $3,809.1 |
4 | KPMG | $2,737.9 |
6 more rowsAug 4, 2023
Is TurboTax audit defense free? ›
The easiest way to get audit defense is to purchase it when you file your taxes with TurboTax®. If you missed it this year or want to get Audit Defense for past years, you can purchase memberships through our TurboTax® Audit Defense site.