Nobody wants to receive an IRS audit notice, but if you do — don’t panic. Audits don’t always mean you did something wrong, but they do require immediate and strategic action to avoid further risk.

At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we help Asheville taxpayers respond to and survive IRS audits — with full legal representation by a federally licensed Enrolled Agent.

What Is an IRS Audit?

An audit is the IRS’s way of verifying the accuracy of your tax return. It can range from a simple letter asking for documents to a full-blown in-person review of your income, expenses, and bank accounts.

There are three main types of audits:

  1. Correspondence audit (by mail)

  2. Office audit (at an IRS office)

  3. Field audit (at your home or business)

Common Audit Triggers in Asheville

  • High deductions or losses for your income level

  • Missing 1099s or underreported income

  • Home office or business vehicle deductions

  • Large charitable contributions

  • Cash-based businesses (contractors, salon owners, food service)

  • Real estate losses and rental write-offs

  • Prior-year audit history or amended returns

How Polaris Defends You During an Audit

✔ We represent you — you never talk to the IRS
As licensed Enrolled Agents, we handle all correspondence and meetings with the IRS.

✔ We prepare your defense and documentation
We help gather receipts, ledgers, mileage logs, or reconstruct missing records.

✔ We ensure the IRS follows proper procedures
We protect your rights and prevent overreach or illegal assessments.

✔ We seek to close the audit with minimal changes or penalties

Should You Amend Your Return Before the IRS Notices?

If you discover a mistake before the IRS does, amending proactively can reduce penalties and show good faith. We help evaluate when it’s best to amend versus wait for IRS contact.

What Happens If You Ignore an IRS Audit Letter?

Failing to respond can lead to:

  • The IRS assessing tax without your input

  • Automatic disallowance of deductions

  • Liens, levies, and interest

  • Referral to collections or even criminal investigation

Audit Help for Asheville Taxpayers in All Industries

  • Gig economy and self-employed workers

  • Rental property owners and real estate professionals

  • Construction, trades, and cash-based businesses

  • Retirees with RMD or IRA issues

  • Professionals with Schedule C deductions

Trusted by Taxpayers Across Western North Carolina

We serve:

  • Asheville

  • Hendersonville

  • Black Mountain

  • Fletcher

  • Arden

  • Swannanoa

  • Woodfin

Facing an IRS Audit? Call Polaris Before You Respond

Let us take the lead and protect your finances, your records, and your peace of mind.

📞 704-947-3178
Schedule a consultation

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