Dealing with the IRS can feel like navigating a maze, and receiving an audit notice adds another layer of complexity. If you believe the IRS made a mistake in your audit, or if new information has come to light, you have the option to request a reconsideration. This essay will provide an overview of the IRS audit reconsideration process and offer a comprehensive look at an irs audit reconsideration letter sample, empowering you to take the next steps.

What is an IRS Audit Reconsideration and Why Does it Matter?

An IRS audit reconsideration is essentially a formal request to the IRS to review their previous decision on your tax audit. This process is crucial because it allows you to present evidence or arguments that may have been overlooked or were not available during the initial audit. It's your opportunity to correct potential errors and ensure your tax liability is accurate. There are several common reasons why you might request a reconsideration:
  • New information has emerged since the audit concluded.
  • You believe the auditor misinterpreted your documentation or the tax laws.
  • You discovered an error in your original tax return that impacts the audit outcome.
  • You were unable to provide all necessary documentation during the original audit.
To initiate a reconsideration, you generally need to submit a formal request, often in the form of a letter. The IRS will then review your submission and decide whether to reopen the audit or adjust the assessment. The IRS audit reconsideration letter sample below will give you a clearer picture of what this request looks like. Here's a simplified breakdown of the reconsideration process:
  1. Identify the reason for reconsideration.
  2. Gather supporting documentation.
  3. Draft and submit your reconsideration letter.
  4. Wait for the IRS to respond.

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: Incorrect Tax Calculation

Sample Letter for Incorrect Tax Calculation

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration of the tax assessment resulting from the audit of my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit was conducted by Revenue Agent [Agent's Name, if known] and concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. The notice of deficiency I received is dated [Date of Notice]. I believe there was an error in the calculation of my tax liability. Specifically, upon reviewing the audit findings and my records, I have identified that the IRS incorrectly applied [Explain the specific calculation error clearly and concisely. For example: "the standard deduction instead of the itemized deductions I had elected," or "a tax rate higher than applicable to my income bracket," or "penalties and interest that were not warranted based on the circumstances."]. Attached to this letter are the following supporting documents:

  • A copy of the IRS audit report and notice of deficiency.
  • [List specific documents supporting your claim, e.g., "Amended Schedule A showing my itemized deductions," "Tax tables for the relevant year," "Documentation proving the correct tax rate applicable."].
I kindly request that you re-examine my tax return and the audit findings with these corrected calculations and supporting documentation in mind. I am confident that a review will show a discrepancy in the amount of tax assessed. I am available to discuss this matter further and provide any additional information you may require. You can reach me by phone at [Your Phone Number] or by email at [Your Email Address]. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: Missed Information

Sample Letter for Missed Information

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] - New Information Provided Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is a formal request for reconsideration of the audit findings for my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. During the original audit, I may not have been able to present all relevant information that would have clarified my tax situation. Since the conclusion of the audit, I have discovered and gathered additional documentation that I believe is crucial for an accurate assessment. This information was not previously provided due to [Explain briefly why the information was not provided, e.g., "an oversight on my part," "difficulty in locating the documents at the time," "it was inadvertently misplaced."]. The new information I wish to submit includes:

  1. [Describe the first piece of new information and its relevance. For example: "Receipts for business expenses totaling $[Amount] that were not previously submitted."].
  2. [Describe the second piece of new information and its relevance. For example: "Statements from [Bank Name] confirming the source of income reported."].
  3. [Describe any other new information.].
Attached are copies of these newly discovered documents for your review:
  • [List the specific documents you are attaching, e.g., "Copies of receipts for business expenses," "Bank statements from [Bank Name]," "Cancelled checks."].
I request that the IRS reconsider the audit outcome in light of this new evidence. I believe this information will demonstrate that the original assessment was not accurate. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you have any questions or require further clarification. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: Misinterpretation of Tax Law

Sample Letter for Misinterpretation of Tax Law

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] - Potential Misapplication of Tax Law Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration of the audit findings for my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit was conducted by Revenue Agent [Agent's Name, if known] and concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. I respectfully believe that the interpretation and application of [Specific Tax Law or Regulation, e.g., "Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code regarding depreciation," "the rules for claiming dependent credits," "the classification of independent contractors"] during my audit may have been incorrect. While I respect the auditor's expertise, upon further research and consultation, I believe there is an alternative interpretation that would result in a different tax outcome. My understanding of the relevant tax law, [Cite the specific IRS code section or publication, e.g., "Internal Revenue Code Section X," "IRS Publication Y"], leads me to believe that [Clearly explain your interpretation and how it differs from the IRS's. For example: "the equipment purchased should have been fully expensed under Section 179, as it meets all the qualifying criteria," or "my childcare provider met the definition of a qualifying individual for the credit, despite the auditor's concerns about XYZ."]. To support my position, I have attached the following:

  • A copy of the IRS audit report and notice of deficiency.
  • Copies of relevant IRS publications or tax code sections.
  • [Any other supporting documentation, e.g., "Letters from my tax professional," "Legal opinions."].
I kindly request that you review the audit findings in light of this potential misinterpretation of the applicable tax laws. I am hopeful that a re-evaluation will lead to a revised and accurate tax assessment. I am available to discuss this matter at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: Factual Error in Audit Report

Sample Letter for Factual Error in Audit Report

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] - Factual Error in Audit Report Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to request a reconsideration of the audit findings concerning my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit was conducted by Revenue Agent [Agent's Name, if known] and concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. Upon careful review of the audit report, I have identified a factual error that directly impacts the assessment. Specifically, the report states [Quote or accurately describe the incorrect statement from the audit report. For example: "that I claimed a deduction for $[Amount] for [Specific Expense], when in fact the deduction claimed was $[Amount] for [Correct Expense]."]. This discrepancy is not a matter of interpretation but a simple factual mistake in the report. To correct this error, please refer to the following:

  • The original tax return filed for the tax year [Year].
  • My accounting records, which clearly show [Describe what your records support. For example: "the correct amount of the deduction for [Correct Expense]."].
Attached are copies of the following documents to substantiate the correct facts:
  • The original IRS audit report.
  • My original tax return for the tax year [Year].
  • [Any other relevant documentation, e.g., "Invoices for the correct expense," "Bank statements showing the transaction."].
I kindly ask that you amend the audit findings to reflect the correct factual information. I believe this correction will lead to a significant adjustment in the tax liability assessed. I am available to discuss this matter further and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: New Evidence After Audit

Sample Letter for New Evidence After Audit

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] - Presentation of New Evidence Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to request a reconsideration of the audit findings for my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. Since the conclusion of the audit, I have obtained new evidence that was not available or presented during the original examination. This evidence is critical to a correct assessment of my tax liability and was discovered on [Date of Discovery, if applicable] due to [Briefly explain how you came to possess this new evidence. For example: "a recent court ruling," "an updated assessment from a third party," "the retrieval of lost documents."]. The new evidence consists of:

Description of Evidence Relevance to Audit
[Describe the first piece of evidence. For example: "A corrected W-2 form from my former employer, [Employer Name]."] This W-2 shows a revised income amount that is $[Amount] lower than what was originally reported and audited.
[Describe the second piece of evidence. For example: "An affidavit from [Witness Name] confirming [Key Fact]."] This affidavit supports my claim regarding [Explain how it supports your claim.].
I have attached copies of this new evidence for your review:
  • [List the specific new evidence documents being attached.].
I believe that this newly presented evidence will significantly alter the outcome of the audit and reduce my tax liability. I respectfully request that the IRS reopen my case to consider this information. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require any further details. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: Incorrect Exclusion of Income

Sample Letter for Incorrect Exclusion of Income

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] - Incorrect Treatment of Income Exclusion Dear Sir or Madam, I am formally requesting a reconsideration of the audit findings for my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. I believe there was an error in how certain income was treated during the audit. Specifically, the IRS determined that [Describe the income the IRS considered taxable. For example: "the funds I received from [Source] were taxable income," or "my unemployment benefits were fully taxable."]. However, I believe this income should have been excluded from taxation under [Cite the relevant tax law or regulation, e.g., "Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code concerning the sale of a principal residence," "the provisions for certain types of grants or scholarships."]. During the audit, I may not have fully articulated or provided all the necessary documentation to support the exclusion of this income. Upon further review and gathering of relevant information, I am now able to demonstrate why this income should be considered tax-exempt. The supporting documentation I am providing includes:

  • [List the documents that support the exclusion of income, e.g., "Documentation confirming the funds were a gift," "A copy of the scholarship award letter with terms," "Proof that the sale of my principal residence met the exclusion requirements."].
I respectfully request that the IRS reconsider this aspect of the audit and apply the correct tax treatment for this income. I am confident that with this additional information, the tax assessment will be revised. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this matter further. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

IRS Audit Reconsideration Letter Sample: Errors Related to Dependents/Credits

Sample Letter for Errors Related to Dependents/Credits

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address of the IRS office that handled the audit] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Request for Audit Reconsideration - Tax Year [Year] - Audit Case Number [Case Number] - Disputed Claims for Dependents/Credits Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration of the audit findings for my federal income tax return for the tax year [Year]. My Social Security Number is [Your SSN]. The audit concluded on [Date of Audit Conclusion]. I believe there was a misunderstanding or misapplication of the rules regarding my claims for dependents and tax credits during the audit. Specifically, the audit disallowed [Specify the disallowed dependents or credits. For example: "my claim for the Child Tax Credit for my daughter, [Daughter's Name]," or "my eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit."]. I believe I met all the necessary requirements for these claims. The audit may not have fully considered [Explain why you believe the claims are valid and what might have been overlooked. For example: "the documentation I provided for my daughter's residency and dependency," or "the specific income and household composition requirements for the EITC."]. To support my continued eligibility for these dependents and credits, I have gathered the following:

  • [List documents that support your claims, e.g., "Birth certificate of [Daughter's Name]," "School enrollment records," "Proof of residency," "Documents detailing my income and household expenses."].
I respectfully request that the IRS re-examine my case with this additional information in mind. I am confident that upon review, my eligibility for these dependents and credits will be re-established. I am available to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]

In conclusion, navigating an IRS audit can be challenging, but understanding the audit reconsideration process provides a pathway to resolve any perceived errors. By carefully reviewing your audit outcome, gathering all relevant documentation, and clearly articulating your case in a well-written letter, you can effectively request a reconsideration. The irs audit reconsideration letter sample provided in this essay serves as a template to guide you in crafting your own request, ensuring you present a strong and clear case to the IRS. Remember, accuracy and thoroughness are key in these situations.

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