Federal, state and local tax examinations
Respond to a tax audit with organized records and experienced representation.
Professional support from the first information request through meetings, proposed adjustments, resolution decisions, and required follow-up.
Is this the right fit?
Bring in representation before the response becomes fragmented.
Audit work is most effective when the notice, periods, issues, records, and communication history can be reviewed before submissions are made.
Tell us what you need help with →Preparation changes the experience
An audit should begin with the scope—not a box of every document you have.
The agency’s notice defines the periods and issues under examination. Strong representation means understanding those questions, organizing relevant support, and avoiding incomplete or unnecessary responses.
We review the examination file, define responsibilities, prepare focused responses, and communicate with the agency when authorized under the agreed engagement.
How we help
Support throughout the examination process.
The scope depends on the tax authority, tax type, periods, issues, records, representation rights, and stage of the examination.
Notice & scope review
Identify the agency, periods, tax types, issues, deadlines, and requested information.
Document organization
Assemble relevant returns, records, schedules, and factual explanations.
Response preparation
Prepare focused written responses and supporting schedules for agreed requests.
Agency communication
Serve as the professional point of contact when authorized and included in scope.
Meeting representation
Attend or manage examination meetings according to the engagement and authorization.
Proposed adjustment review
Analyze examination findings, response options, payment implications, and follow-up obligations.
Clear scope
Define the representation before communicating with the agency.
Audit engagements must identify the authority, tax periods, issues, power of attorney, deadlines, and work already performed.
Representation may include
- Reviewing the examination notice and file
- Organizing responsive supporting records
- Preparing written explanations and schedules
- Communicating or meeting with the agency when authorized
- Reviewing proposed adjustments and procedural next steps
You remain responsible for
- Providing complete and accurate facts
- Preserving original records and correspondence
- Disclosing prior submissions and communications
- Responding promptly to information requests from our team
- Making final decisions about agreements, payments, or further proceedings
Important: Representation does not guarantee a no-change result, reduced adjustment, penalty relief, or any particular agency outcome. Additional legal counsel may be appropriate for litigation, criminal issues, privilege questions, or other matters outside the tax representation engagement.
A straightforward process
Build each response on a complete examination record.
The exact sequence depends on whether the matter is at initial examination, proposed adjustment, appeals, or collection stage.
Review the examination.
We identify the authority, periods, issues, deadlines, authorization, prior responses, and immediate risks.
Prepare the support.
Relevant documents, schedules, factual explanations, and open questions are organized around each request.
Represent and follow through.
Agreed communications and meetings are managed, proposed changes are reviewed, and next-step options are explained.
Connected expertise
The related pieces stay in view.
An audit may reveal preparation, accounting, or post-examination resolution work that requires a separate scope.
Team-led client service
Clear guidance from the right professional at each step.
Requests are reviewed and routed by need. Managers and advisors lead the technical work within their specialties, while operations and client-success professionals coordinate communication, workflow, and follow-through.
Meet the Mehdiani TeamCommon questions
Clear answers before the first conversation.
Early clarity about scope and documents helps protect the response process.
Should I contact the auditor before speaking with you?
Do not ignore a deadline, but avoid substantive discussion or document production until the notice and request are understood. We can help determine the appropriate immediate response and whether representation fits.
Can you represent me if another preparer filed the return?
Potentially. We first review the return, workpapers or available support, notice, prior communications, conflicts, deadlines, and whether the matter is within our expertise and authorization.
Will you attend the audit meeting?
When meeting representation is included in the engagement and permitted by the authorization, we can attend or manage the communication. The format depends on the agency and examination type.
What records should I gather?
Begin with the complete notice, filed returns, prior correspondence, and records directly related to the requested items. Do not upload or send sensitive records until our team provides secure instructions.
What happens if the agency proposes changes?
We review the factual and technical basis, calculate implications, explain response or procedural options, and identify deadlines. The next engagement step may involve further examination work, appeal, payment, or resolution.
Understand the investment
Start with published pricing.
Review the current fee schedule and use the estimator for a rough starting point. Final scope and fees depend on the facts, timing, records, and work required.
Consultation request
How can we help?
Give us the essentials. We will request sensitive records later through the secure upload process.