If you’ve received an IRS audit letter and live in the Charlotte area, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. An audit doesn’t always mean you’re in trouble, but it does require serious attention. At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we represent individuals and small business owners throughout Charlotte, NC, offering the expertise of a licensed Enrolled Agent who can speak directly to the IRS on your behalf.

Why Was I Selected for an IRS Audit?

There are several reasons the IRS may choose to audit your tax return. Common audit triggers include:

  • High deductions that don’t match income level

  • Missing income (especially from 1099s)

  • Unusual business expenses

  • Home office or vehicle deductions

  • Schedule C (sole proprietorship) red flags

  • Mismatches between IRS records and your return

In Charlotte, we’ve seen a rise in audits targeting gig workers, real estate investors, and small business owners with inconsistent records. If you’re unsure what triggered the audit, we can help you identify the likely cause before responding.

What Are the Different Types of IRS Audits?

  1. Correspondence Audit – Conducted by mail. Usually targets one or two items on your return.

  2. Office Audit – You’re asked to visit a local IRS office (typically Charlotte’s district office).

  3. Field Audit – An IRS agent visits your home or place of business. This is the most comprehensive type of audit.

Each type requires a different level of preparation. Regardless of which one you’re facing, don’t go it alone. We handle the communication and documentation to reduce your exposure and protect your rights.

What Happens During an Audit?

Here’s a typical timeline for an IRS audit:

  1. Initial IRS Letter – Outlines what’s under review.

  2. Document Request – Includes a list of items (bank statements, receipts, logs, etc.) the IRS wants to examine.

  3. Audit Interview or Response – You or your representative respond via mail or meet with an auditor.

  4. Audit Results – You receive an audit report detailing adjustments, penalties, or refunds.

  5. Appeal (if needed) – If you disagree with the result, you may file an appeal or request reconsideration.

Polaris Tax & Accounting can handle all of this on your behalf—from document review to appeals—so you don’t have to deal directly with the IRS.

What If You Ignore the IRS?

Ignoring an audit notice can lead to:

  • Automatic assessments (without your input)

  • Penalties and interest

  • Loss of deductions

  • Levy actions

The IRS doesn’t forget—and in many cases, ignoring an audit results in a worse financial outcome. The sooner you act, the more control you retain.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re in Charlotte and received an audit letter:

✔️ Don’t panic — not all audits are bad
✔️ Gather your records — or let us request them for you
✔️ Schedule a consultation — we’ll handle the IRS on your behalf

Why Work With an Enrolled Agent?

Unlike many local tax preparers, Enrolled Agents (EAs) are federally licensed to represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and collections. We bring:

  • Direct communication with IRS officers

  • Experience with local Charlotte audit cases

  • Strategies to minimize penalties and protect deductions

Polaris Tax & Accounting: Charlotte’s Audit Defense Team

Whether you’re in Uptown Charlotte, Ballantyne, or surrounding areas like Huntersville or Matthews, our team at Polaris knows how to navigate the IRS system. We’ve helped countless clients through audits with clear outcomes and less stress.

📞 Call us today at 704-947-3178
📍 Serving Charlotte and all of North Carolina
🔗 Visit our Charlotte IRS Tax Help Page »

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