Why should I pay someone if I can do it myself.

The IRS recently announced that they will increase the number of random audits performed. The purpose of these audits is to establish taxpayer “norms”. Unfortunately those taxpayers being audited are left on the side of the road after having been picked clean.

If you get selected for one of these audits I strongly suggest you retain the services of a qualified CPA. Why? Well the obvious answer is that it puts food on my table, but more importantly a CPA will serve as your advocate. CPAs deal with these types of engagements regularly and we do not have an emotional attachement to the process. Many a taxpayer has represented themselves in these examinations and have spent more money in additional taxes and penalties then they would have spent hiring the services of a qualifed professional.

Remember, a taxpayer who represents himself in front of the IRS has a fool for a client.