172: IRS Audits Uncovered Part 2: Protests and Appeals Explained

Intro Summary] In this follow-up episode of Absolute Trust Talk, host Kirsten Howe welcomes back tax law expert Tony Kim to continue their deep dive into IRS audits and appeals. With 26 years of experience working for the IRS, Tony provides invaluable insights into what happens after an audit determination is made. He explains the role of a protest letter, how appeals officers function as mediators, and why IRS litigation can be risky for taxpayers. Throughout the episode, Tony emphasizes the importance of organization, professionalism, and strategic decision-making when dealing with the IRS. He also shares real-world examples of how cases are resolved at different stages of the appeals process. If you're facing an IRS audit or just want to understand your rights, this episode is packed with essential knowledge.   Time-stamped Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction 1:33 The protest letter: Here's what you need to know about how it challenges IRS decisions. 4:20 Appeals officers vs. revenue agents—who decides your case? 6:16 The power of appeals—why 90% of cases never reach court. Here's why. 8:50 Tax Court vs. District Court: Listen in as Kirsten and Tony discuss the key differences and taxpayer options. 10:44 The IRS attorney's role—can they make things better or worse? 14:31 Next, Tony is sharing important strategies for working effectively with the IRS—what really works? 19:38 How do you determine what to look for when selecting the right tax attorney? Tune in for key considerations. 23:37 Final advice—why staying engaged in your case is crucial!   Take the Next Step in Your Estate Planning Journey If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to help you with your own estate planning needs in California. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team at Absolute Trust Counsel. During this no-obligation conversation, we'll: Learn about your unique situation and goals Answer questions about our services Determine if we're the right fit to work together  Visit https://absolutetrustcounsel.com/scheduling/ or call 925-943-2740 to schedule your free discovery call today. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a couple second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits: The Absolute Trust Talk podcast is brought to you with the help of Q2Mark, led by Chief Marketing Officer Susie Hays. Since 2016, Q2Mark has partnered with Absolute Trust Counsel on all marketing communications—from brand development and website design to this podcast series with over 192 episodes, social media management, video production, and more. If you're business owner looking for comprehensive marketing support, visit Q2Mark.com.