You’re getting audited. Those are words that most Americans dread thinking about, never mind reading about in their mailbox. The experience doesn’t have to be that nerve racking however. Since 1884 both the IRS and various tax preparation firms have offered the services of an enrolled agent to the taxpaying public.
What Are Enrolled Agents?
Enrolled agents are Department of Treasury licensed tax experts who have earned the right to represent taxpayers when they meet with the IRS for an audit. They’ve achieved that right through experience and rigorous industry testing and background checks. They can be thought of in the same category as attorneys and CPAs when it comes to representing taxpayers before the IRS.
How to Find Enrolled Agents
Many leading tax preparation firms offer the services of an enrolled agent for a fee. The IRS on the other hand offers the services of an enrolled agent at no cost to the taxpayer. Both categories of agents may be members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Each taxpayer has to decide which type of enrolled agent makes the most sense for their circumstances.
Deciding on an Enrolled Agent
On the one hand a tax preparer that is also an enrolled agent will have a more in depth understanding of the details of the taxpayers return. IRS enrolled agents may not know the taxpayer’s history initially but they can spend the time to learn the details.
So tax payers that get that dreaded letter in the mail letting them know they are getting audited can feel comfortable in knowing that they have a federally licensed representative working with them to explain their circumstances to the IRS.
For more information about the services of enrolled agents visit the following website. http://www.naea.org/memberportal/
