When the IRS Comes Knocking: A Tax Attorney's Guide to Audits, Notices, and Protecting Your Rights Hardcover – March 26, 2026

When the IRS sends a letter, most people panic. They ignore it, hoping it will go away. Or they call one of those late-night TV companies promising to settle their debt for pennies on the dollar. Both responses are understandable. Neither is helpful.Written by a practicing tax attorney with over a decade of experience representing taxpayers before the IRS, this comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of the federal tax controversy process — from the moment you open that first notice to final resolution.You will learn:• How the IRS selects returns for audit and what triggers examination• Your ten fundamental rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights• How to decode any IRS notice and understand what it means• The differences between correspondence, office, and field audits — and how to prepare for each• How to navigate IRS Appeals, your best opportunity to settle• When a civil matter crosses into criminal territory — and the warning signs• The collections process: liens, levies, installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, and Currently Not Collectible status• Collection Due Process hearings and how to protect yourself• The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty and personal liability for payroll taxes• How to get back into compliance with unfiled returns• How to choose the right tax professional for your situationEvery chapter is grounded in the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS Internal Revenue Manual procedures, and relevant case law — cited throughout so you can verify every claim. Practical checklists, sample letters, deadline charts, and a complete glossary make this an essential reference you will return to again and again.Whether you are facing a simple CP2000 notice or a complex multi-year audit, this book gives you the knowledge to understand your options, protect your rights, and make informed decisions. You do not need a law degree to use this book. You need the willingness to read carefully and the determination not to let fear drive your decisions. Read more