Audit Defense

    IRS Audit Representation in Manassas, VA

    Receiving an audit notice is stressful—but with the right representation, most audits are manageable. We handle the documentation, develop the response strategy, and communicate with the IRS on your behalf.

    Serving individuals and businesses in Manassas, Northern Virginia, and the DC metro area—with remote-friendly service for clients anywhere.

    Book a Tax Fit Call

    What Audit Representation Typically Includes

    Audit representation is a comprehensive engagement focused on defending your return. Here's what we deliver:

    Audit notice review and scope assessment
    Response deadline tracking and management
    Comprehensive document checklist based on audit scope
    Document organization and preparation
    Response strategy development
    Formal response drafting and submission
    Direct communication with IRS auditors
    Audit meeting attendance (if required)
    Follow-up on IRS responses and requests
    Appeals representation if needed

    Received a notice that isn't an audit? CP2000 letters, documentation requests, and penalty notices are different from audits. We handle those too.

    Learn about IRS Representation for non-audit notices

    What to Do Immediately If You Receive an Audit Letter

    If you've received an audit notice, here's what to do before taking any action:

    1
    Don't panic—audits are stressful but manageable with the right approach
    2
    Note the response deadline (usually 30 days from the notice date)
    3
    Do NOT contact the IRS or send documents until you have a plan
    4
    Locate the return being audited and any supporting documents you have
    5
    Contact us for a Tax Fit Call to review the audit notice together

    Our 4-Step IRS Audit Representation Process

    Step 1

    Triage & Scope

    We review the audit notice, determine what the IRS is examining, and assess the scope of documentation needed.

    Step 2

    Document Checklist & Organization

    We provide a clear checklist of what's needed, help you gather records, and organize everything for the response.

    Step 3

    Response Strategy & Submission

    We develop the response strategy, draft formal responses, and submit everything with proper documentation.

    Step 4

    Follow-Up & Resolution

    We track IRS processing, respond to additional requests, and work toward final resolution or appeal if needed.

    Common Audit Topics (Where Documentation Matters Most)

    The IRS tends to focus on specific areas where documentation is often incomplete. Here are the most common:

    Business income and cash transactions
    Home office deductions
    Vehicle expenses and mileage logs
    Travel and entertainment expenses
    Large charitable contributions
    Rental property income and expenses
    Independent contractor payments (1099s)
    Employee vs. contractor classification
    S-Corp reasonable compensation
    Cost of goods sold and inventory
    Net operating losses (NOL carryforwards)
    Hobby losses vs. business losses

    Business Audits Often Tie Back to Books, Payroll, or Sales Tax

    For business owners, audits frequently involve examining whether your books support your return. The IRS looks at whether income ties to deposits, whether expenses have documentation, and whether payroll and sales tax match what you reported.

    We approach business audits with this in mind—coordinating the audit response with your overall compliance picture.

    Facing an IRS Audit?

    Let's review the audit notice together and develop a response strategy.

    Book a Tax Fit Call

    If the Underlying Return Was Built on Messy Inputs

    Sometimes audits reveal that the original return was built on incomplete or disorganized records. The best audit defense starts with accurate returns prepared from clean books.

    If we identify issues with how the return was prepared—or underlying bookkeeping problems—we'll recommend addressing those to strengthen your position and prevent future issues.

    Why Clients Choose Hollins & Hur for IRS Audit Support

    Systematic, calm approach. We don't panic—we assess, organize, and respond methodically to build the strongest case.

    Licensed CPAs and Enrolled Agents. We're authorized to represent you before the IRS and have the credentials to back it up.

    You don't face the IRS alone. Once we file Power of Attorney, we handle all communication—you stay informed without the stress.

    Remote-friendly service. Based in Manassas, serving Northern Virginia and beyond—everything works digitally.

    FAQs About IRS Audits

    Q

    What triggers an IRS audit?

    Audits can be triggered by random selection, discrepancies in reported income, unusually high deductions relative to income, or specific issues flagged by IRS algorithms. Business owners with cash-heavy industries, large charitable contributions, or home office deductions are sometimes targeted more frequently.

    Q

    Do I have to meet with the IRS auditor in person?

    In most cases, no. With proper representation, we handle everything by correspondence or attend meetings on your behalf. Many audits are correspondence audits handled entirely by mail. If an in-person meeting is required, we attend with you or instead of you.

    Q

    What if the audit finds I owe additional taxes?

    We review the audit findings carefully and advise you on your options. You may accept the findings, request reconsideration with additional documentation, or appeal the decision. We help you understand the best path forward based on the specifics.

    Q

    How long does an audit take?

    Timelines vary significantly. Simple correspondence audits may resolve in a few months. Complex field audits can take a year or more. We manage the timeline, respond promptly to requests, and push for resolution.

    Q

    Can you represent me if someone else prepared my return?

    Yes. We represent clients regardless of who prepared the original return. We'll review the return, gather documentation, and develop the best response strategy.

    Q

    What's the difference between an audit and a CP2000 notice?

    A CP2000 is an automated mismatch notice—not a full audit. It means the IRS received information (like a 1099) that doesn't match your return. We handle both, but CP2000s are typically simpler to resolve.

    Q

    What if I don't have all the documentation the IRS wants?

    We work with what you have. Missing documentation makes things harder, but there are often alternative ways to substantiate deductions or credits. We'll assess your situation and develop the strongest possible response.

    Don't Navigate an Audit Alone

    Let's review your audit notice and build a response strategy together.

    Book a Tax Fit Call
    Hollins & Hur logo

    Small business accountants in Manassas, VA serving Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, and small businesses across Northern Virginia & Washington DC. We provide bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, and advisory support so businesses can grow with confidence.

    Phone: (571) 222-4765

    Email: sales@hollinsandhur.com

    Gainesville • Haymarket • Manassas

    8506 Wellington Road, Suite 201

    Manassas, VA 20109

    © 2026 Hollins & Hur. All rights reserved.

    Hollins and Hur is the brand name under which Hollins and Hur Accounting and Tax and Nautilus Financials LLC and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. Hollins and Hur Accounting and Tax and Nautilus Financials LLC and its subsidiary entities practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations and professional standards. Hollins and Hur Accounting and Tax is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Nautilus Financials LLC and its subsidiary entities, which are not licensed CPA firms, provide tax, advisory and other non-attest services to its clients. The entities falling under the Hollins and Hur brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing the services under the Hollins and Hur brand. Our use of the terms "our firm" and "we" and "us" and terms of similar import, denote the alternative practice structure conducted by Hollins and Hur Accounting and Tax and Nautilus Financials LLC and its subsidiary entities.