What Are the Best Sources for Tax Audit Help?

There are many sources of tax audit help a person can seek. For example, a person might turn to his accountant or tax preparer for help. Likewise, a tax lawyer may help a taxpayer deal with an audit and even represent him if matters end up in court. Tax preparation software creators sometimes offer tax audit help as well. Additionally, the Internet can be a good source of information about audits.

When a person is facing a tax audit, his accountant or tax preparer may prove a good source of help. An accountant or tax preparer will have first-hand knowledge of the taxpayer's unique situation. Based on the details he knows about the taxpayer, he can likely provide valuable information about gathering documentation and dealing with an audit. If desired, these professionals may even help the taxpayer through the audit.

A tax lawyer is another good source of tax audit help. These lawyers are usually well versed on tax laws in their jurisdictions as well as the tax audit process. A tax lawyer can help a person decide the best way to prove his income and deductions and figure out how to obtain hard-to-find documentation. The lawyer might go through the entire audit process and even represent a taxpayer in court if needed. For example, if a tax audit leads to criminal charges, a tax lawyer would defend his client and work toward an acquittal.

The Internet can be a good source of tax audit help as well. For example, a person can visit tax-related websites to get ideas for avoiding audits and how to handle them if they do occur. He can, for instance, find websites that detail the types of information a person can use to document purchases in the event that he is unable to produce a receipt. Such websites may also help put a taxpayer's fears to rest when it comes to figuring out what might happen during an audit. Likewise, such a website may provide insight into the types of fines and penalties a person can face if he is unable to prove his deductions.

Some tax filing programs also provide tax audit help. For example, a person can purchase tax preparation software and use it to prepare, save, and file his tax return. Many of the programs offer the option of filing online, though some people may use them to prepare a mailed-in return instead. In the event that a program user is audited, these programs often offer a range of audit support options and resources for the taxpayer.