The protest window
A written protest within 30 days preserves Appeals rights. For disputed amounts over $25,000, the protest requires specific content: facts, law, and position statement. Under $25,000 can use a simpler small-case request.
Why Appeals matters
Appeals is independent of the examination team. They consider hazards of litigation and can settle for less than the examiner's proposed amount. Most audit disputes resolve at Appeals rather than Tax Court.
Common questions
- What if I agree with part of the audit?
- Sign the agreed portion and protest the rest. Partial agreement is standard.
Related
IRS Audit Representation
Herman Viglione, EA, represents taxpayers in IRS and state audits. Correspondence, office, and field audits handled remotely nationwide.
Responding to an IRS Notice of Deficiency
The statutory Notice of Deficiency (90-day letter) is your ticket to Tax Court. Miss it and you lose the right to appeal before paying.
