Why should I have a taxpayer representative?

If you have to deal with a tax agency, it is important to have an experienced professional on your side who knows the tax collection and audit processes and what is likely to occur at each stage. The prospect of incurring additional taxes, penalties and interest can be upsetting and stressful. The audit process itself can even seem threatening. Equally important is the representative's role as a buffer between the taxpayer and the taxing authority.

I have been dealing with IRS, N.M. Taxation & Revenue Dept. and other states' tax authorities for over 25 years and know that, in most cases, it is not a good idea for taxpayers​ to represent themselves. 

My view is not a reflection on my clients' inherent capabilities to learn and understand complex or new situations or the quality of their records. It is knowing the unique rules, processes and culture of the IRS and state tax agencies. Someone who has not encountered those circumstances can find it difficult to know what to expect at every stage of their case. Frankly, there will be surprises that even an experienced representative may not always be able to anticipate.

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