Tax Representation
The IRS is in the business of taxing you and collecting it. They may attempt to be fair, but do you really believe they are on your side? It is your responsibility if you choose to represent yourself.
Under the law, the only persons who can represent you legally are:
- You Can Represent Yourself
- An Enrolled Agent - a tax accountant that the IRS has accredited like Paul D. Diaz, EA, MBA
- An Attorney if you need to litigate
- A CPA if you need financial statements
- Or in the case of an audit, the person who prepared your returns, plus any of the above.
What if you had your taxes prepared with one of those tax preparation software programs?
They say they will give you audit support. Do you think they will send an attorney, a CPA, or an enrolled agent based on that small fee you paid? Read the fine print; it says "audit support," which means they will help you represent yourself.
What if you had your return prepared by an ordinary tax preparer?
If they are not an attorney, a CPA, or an enrolled agent, then all they can do is assist you in representing yourself.
What if you had your return prepared by one of those tax franchises? Don't they claim that they will
Again, this means that they will assist you in representing yourself. However, they are not legally able to represent you. In addition, they may not even be open year around.
UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU TO REPRESENT YOURSELF SO HE CAN GET MORE MONEY!
You may call the phone number on the letter (be prepared to wait a long time to get assistance). When you get an agent (who is probably on the other side of the country), they may or may not be able to properly advise you (do you think they are on your side and care at all about you and about being fair?).
