Act Sooner Rather Than Later To Mount A Strong IRS Audit Defense

If you’re facing an IRS tax audit, we strongly recommend that you enlist our help as soon as possible. While many people normally wait until later in the process, we can better maximize your options if we get involved in the process as early as we can.

The law firm of Bendure & Thomas, based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, puts more than 40 years of experience in tax issues to work on your case. When you work with us, you gain the benefit of the years of seasoned legal judgment that come with that experience.

Navigating The Different Types Of IRS Audits In 2026

In 2026, IRS audits are no longer random or purely manual. Many are now driven by advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, which increases the chances of small businesses and high net worth individuals being flagged. This shift has created a growing sense of “why me?” among taxpayers.

The IRS still operates under three primary audit levels, but how cases are selected and handled has evolved under modern tax law. Each level comes with different risks, especially when AI tools identify inconsistencies, unusual deductions or patterns that suggest underreporting. The three main types of IRS audits include:

• Correspondence audits: These are conducted by mail and involve requests for documentation to verify specific items on a tax return. While they may seem minor, incomplete or poorly handled responses can trigger deeper scrutiny.
• Office audits: These require the taxpayer to appear at an IRS office with supporting records. These audits are more detailed and usually focus on multiple areas of a return, increasing exposure if inconsistencies are found.
• Field audits: The most serious level, where an IRS agent visits a home or business. These audits are comprehensive and target higher-income individuals or complex businesses, making professional representation essential.

AI-driven selection increases the likelihood of patterns being misinterpreted without proper context. What may begin as a routine review can quickly evolve into an eggshell audit, where the IRS uncovers potential indicators of tax fraud. Without careful handling, this can shift a civil matter into a criminal investigation.

Apart from helping you understand Michigan tax residency audits, we also:

• Manage all IRS communication: We act as the point of contact, preventing you from making statements or submissions that could be misinterpreted or used against you.
• Control the scope of the audit: We work to limit how far the IRS can expand its review, reducing the risk of additional years or issues being pulled into the audit.
• Identify and mitigate escalation risks: We take proactive steps to prevent a civil audit from turning into a criminal investigation.

With the stakes higher than ever, Bendure & Thomas helps ensure an audit remains manageable and does not become something far more damaging.

What Can Trigger An IRS Audit?

Receiving an IRS audit letter can be unsettling, especially when you are unsure what prompted the review. The IRS audit process can be initiated for several reasons, many of which are outside your control.

Common audit triggers include discrepancies between reported income and third-party data, and unusually high deductions or self-employment income. Filing late or failing to report all income can also raise red flags. In some cases, audits are random, based on statistical norms or algorithms.

Understanding these triggers helps you prepare and respond appropriately. If you have received an IRS audit letter, it is essential to consider an IRS audit defense immediately to protect your rights and financial interests.

What To Do After Receiving An IRS Audit Letter

Receiving an audit letter from the IRS can be unsettling, but your first steps are critical. The most important thing you can do is stay calm and act quickly. Do not ignore the letter or attempt to handle the matter informally. The IRS audit process is a legal proceeding, and how you respond, even early on, can directly affect the outcome.

Start by gathering all documents related to the tax year(s) in question, including returns, receipts, bank records and correspondence. Do not contact the IRS before speaking with a qualified tax attorney. Government prosecutors or investigators can later use anything you say during an audit against you.

At Bendure & Thomas, we handle all communications with the IRS on your behalf and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Our team will explain what triggered the audit, what the IRS is looking for and how to present your case in the strongest possible light.

What To Expect In A Tax Audit

An IRS tax audit may be conducted by mail or in person. The IRS will request documentation to verify the accuracy of your tax return. This may include receipts, bank statements and employment records. The scope of the audit can vary, from a single issue to a full review of multiple years.

During the audit, the IRS examiner will compare your records to your filed return. If discrepancies are found, you may face penalties or additional taxes. However, with a proper Michigan tax audit defense, you can challenge IRS findings and present evidence to support your position.

Being proactive and organized is key. A skilled Bloomfield Hills tax lawyer can help you gather the right documentation and communicate with the IRS while advocating on your behalf throughout the process.

The Importance Of Immediate Legal Representation

From the moment you receive an IRS audit letter, securing legal representation is critical. A knowledgeable tax attorney understands the complexities of tax law and can guide you through each stage of the IRS audit. Early intervention allows your attorney to assess the scope of the audit, identify potential risks and develop a strategic response.

Delaying action can lead to missed deadlines, miscommunication or unintentional errors that might worsen your situation. With a well-developed IRS audit defense, you gain help from an advocate who will protect your rights, negotiate with the IRS and work to minimize financial consequences.

Building an effective tax audit defense begins with swift, informed action. Partner with a legal team that knows how to defend your interests and resolve audits efficiently.

Why You Need A Lawyer Aside From A CPA

While many people turn to their CPA during an audit, they should understand that CPAs do not receive training to handle all aspects of tax disputes. CPAs focus on numbers and ensure that calculations add up, but audits often require professionals to make legal arguments, interpret tax code and defend procedural rights. That’s where a tax attorney makes a difference.

When you work with our firm, you will have one dedicated attorney throughout the entire audit process. We can speak directly with ground-level IRS agents, often persuading them to back off by framing legal arguments that CPAs or enrolled agents typically overlook, such as challenging the IRS’s burden of proof on whether a deduction was valid. If needed, we will represent you in court while your CPAs focus on financial matters.

Choosing a lawyer early can help prevent your audit from escalating into a criminal investigation or costly penalties. We are here to protect your financial interests and guide you every step of the way.

Looking Ahead To Protect You From An Audit That Escalates

Our experience includes work in criminal defense matters involving tax controversies, such as tax fraud. While we advise you during your audit, we also help you understand if any penalties are triggered or any criminal issues arise and, more importantly, how to handle them.

Our lawyers’ advice also includes a consideration of the options that best fit your circumstances. Not every option fits every situation. For that reason, whether we advise you to take your case to trial or to negotiate a settlement, you will rest easier knowing you are working with a firm committed to the kind of one-on-one legal guidance that makes such tailored advice possible.

For instance, reopening audits can be an option even if you have missed your 30-day deadline to appeal your case in the IRS appellate department. We can provide you with a candid assessment of whether such an option would be available to you in your situation, as well as other options such as offers in compromise.

Enlist A Strong Tax Audit Defense Team Today

The IRS is a powerful organization that has the power to put you behind bars for criminal tax violations. Accordingly, you should never take tax audits lightly.

Let us help you start building a strategic approach to the audit. Call 248-782-6869 or send us an email to start with a free consultation.