Tax Audit Defense Representation

We Represent Individuals & Businesses In Audits Conducted By The IRS & State Tax Authorities

Receiving notice of a tax audit—whether from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)—can be one of the most stressful experiences for any individual or business owner. Insufficient response or inadequate representation could cause significant financial and legal consequences. The Los Angeles tax audit defense attorneys and CPAs at Moskowitz LLP provide skilled, strategic defense throughout every stage of the audit process.

At Moskowitz LLP, our team of tax audit attorneys and in-house CPAs work together to advocate for the clients’ rights, effectively communicate with the tax authorities, and pursue the most favorable resolution possible. Led by tax lawyer Steve Moskowitz, we bring over 30 years of experience in tax law, accounting, and audit defense to every case. Whether your matter involves the IRS or the multiple tax agencies in the State of California, we approach every audit with precision, strategy, and a deep understanding of how to protect taxpayers under the law.

OUR LOS ANGELES OFFICE is located at 10940 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90024, several blocks off the I-405. Call (213) 320-1880 to speak directly with a Los Angeles tax audit representation attorney today.

Recent Review:

“Want to give a Very High recommendation to Steve MoskowitzLLP and his staff – Jialin; Mary; and Sheri. They addressed my tax issues with outstanding results, saving me a substantial amount of taxes due, far exceeding my expectations.”
Verified Google Review from Bruce Conroy

A Recent Client Success Story

When a self-employed taxpayer tried to handle an IRS audit on his own, he submitted three separate responses over nearly two years—yet the threatening notices continued to arrive.

When he came to Moskowitz LLP, our legal and accounting teams immediately reviewed the IRS correspondence and identified key procedural flaws in how the case had been handled. We drafted and submitted a single, targeted response supported by both factual documentation and legal authority.

The result? The audit was officially closed with no additional liabilities for the tax year in question.

This is one of many examples of how our collaborative attorney CPA approach allows us to resolve complex audit matters efficiently and successfully often achieving results that self-represented taxpayers or standalone preparers cannot. What Is a Tax Audit?

A tax audit is a government examination of your financial records to verify the accuracy of your tax return. Whether initiated by the IRS or FTB, the California Tax Department and Fee Administration (CDTFA), or the California Employment Development Department (EDD), an audit can lead to substantial tax assessments and penalties if not handled properly.

Audits vary in complexity:

• Correspondence Audits: The IRS requests documentation by mail to verify specific items. Although less invasive, correspondence audits can still lead to costly assessments.

• Office Audits: Conducted at an IRS office, these involve more complex issues or multiple tax years.

• Field Audits: The most intrusive form, where agents visit your home or business to examine records in person.

Our team of Los Angeles tax lawyers and CPAs manage every step of this process—analyzing the scope of the audit, gathering documentation, and communicating directly with the IRS or FTB on your behalf.

Cases We Handle:

• Accounting Reconstruction
• Sales Tax Audits
• Payroll Tax Audits
• Utah Tax Audits
• IRS Audit Appeals
• Franchise Tax Board Protest of Notice of Proposed Assessments
• Utah State Tax Commission Appeals with the Commission Appeals Unit
• Removal of Business Expenses
• Passive Activities v. Active Participation
• Collection Cases (Improper Levies, Liens, and other collection activity)
• Solar Credit
• Depreciation Deduction Removal
• Tax Basis Calculation (Real Estate Basis, Employee Stock Options, Shareholder Basis, Investment Basis)

How to Respond to a Tax Audit

Responding effectively to an audit requires care, legal knowledge, and strategic communication. While you must cooperate with the IRS, FTB, CDTFA, and EDD’s requests, giving too much information—or the wrong information—can broaden the inquiry and lead to further issues.

Federal law prohibits false or misleading statements during an audit. Even unintentional errors can be misinterpreted, potentially leading to civil penalties or criminal allegations.

Our Los Angeles tax audit lawyers act as your representative in all communications with auditors. We prepare responses, attend meetings, and advocate on your behalf—protecting your legal rights while minimizing exposure.

California Tax Audits

California’s tax authorities, including the FTB, CDTFA, and the EDD, often conduct audits by mail. These agencies may request documentation like an IRS correspondence audit and then issue proposed assessments.

If you disagree with the state’s findings, you have multiple levels of appeal:

California’s tax authorities, including the FTB, CDTFA, and the EDD, often conduct audits by mail. These agencies may request documentation like an IRS correspondence audit and then issue proposed assessments.

1. Department or FTB Appeal: An internal review of the initial findings.
2. Office of Tax Appeals (OTA): A hearing before an independent panel of administrative law judges.
3. Judicial Review: Filing a petition in California Superior Court if administrative relief is denied.

Our attorneys handle state tax audits and appeals at every level, providing comprehensive representation from the initial inquiry through administrative or judicial review.

What to Expect from Moskowitz LLP

When you hire our firm, you can expect:

• Comprehensive review of your tax filings and documentation
• All communications handled directly by our team—no contact required with auditors
• Legal and accounting coordination to build a strong defense
• Negotiations to limit or eliminate proposed tax adjustments
• Representation in appeals or Tax Court if necessary

We focus on protecting your rights, reducing financial exposure, and resolving the audit efficiently and favorably.

Why You Need a Team of Tax Attorneys and CPAs

Audit defense involves more than understanding tax law—it requires the technical expertise to reconcile accounting data with legal arguments. At Moskowitz LLP, our attorneys and CPAs collaborate on every case to identify discrepancies, build evidence, and argue effectively against improper assessments.

Our CPAs analyze the financial details, while our attorneys apply the legal framework and negotiate with the IRS or state agency. This team-based approach allows us to uncover opportunities for relief and avoid costly missteps.

Contact a Los Angeles Tax Audit Representation Attorney Today

If you’ve been contacted by the IRS or California tax authorities, you don’t have to face it alone. Early intervention by experienced professionals can make the difference between resolution and escalation.

Call the Los Angeles tax audit attorneys and CPAs at Moskowitz LLP today at 213-320-1880, or submit a secure online consultation request.

Moskowitz LLP — Over 30 years of experience successfully defending taxpayers in IRS and state audits across California.