#IRS #taxes #CPA #attorney #interview #federalinvestigation
Well, this is awkward.
My mom and I have been using the same CPA for years to do our taxes. It’s an established business, not a sketchy hole in the wall tax preparer. I trusted this person for years and had no reason not to.
## The Shocking Raid
I send my documents to the CPA via email. My mom is old school and goes in person with a stack of papers. Well, she had an appointment and went there bright and early. When she got to the office, she saw a 15-20 federal agents carrying boxes and turning the place upside down. Their vests and jackets said “IRS”. One of them was instructing clients to leave because they were executing a search warrant. We got no communication from the CPA or other employees. We think they might’ve been arrested.
## The Unexpected Interview
I received a call from an IRS agent requiring me to meet for an interview to discuss my 2022 and 2023 tax returns and said it’s in my best interest to cooperate quickly. They did not call my mom.
## Do I Need an Attorney?
Do I need an attorney for this interview? I know absolutely nothing about whatever is going on. My income is solely W-2 salary. Why do they need to interview me?
## The Importance of Legal Representation
In a situation like this, it is crucial to seek legal advice before proceeding with any interviews or communications with the IRS. Here are some reasons why having an attorney is essential:
– An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you do not incriminate yourself unintentionally.
– They can advise you on what information to provide during the interview and what not to disclose.
– An attorney can also help you navigate the complex legal processes and procedures involved in a federal investigation.
– They can represent you during interactions with the IRS, ensuring you have someone knowledgeable and experienced in your corner.
## Conclusion
Facing a federal investigation can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. It is always best to seek legal counsel to protect your rights and interests. Remember, having an attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of the situation. Stay composed, seek help, and navigate through this challenging time with the right support.
*Need* one? No, probably not.
Should you have one present? Probably a good idea. It’s usually ideal to have a attorney present when being interviewed by authorities.
Yes, the answer to this question is always yes.
Is this an IRS auditor or an IRS special agent? The former is just looking for inappropriate deductions or that you have receipts, the latter is actually investigating tax fraud. If it’s the latter, I suggest a lawyer be involved, as it’s likely they are investigating some sort of criminal activity that may extend to you.
If your income is solely W-2, and if you take the standard deduction (big assumption here), then what could you have done wrong? That said, if you’re here asking, you probably don’t know enough about “when to shut up” (No offense). Lawyer present = always better
You do not talk to any authority without a lawyer present. Even if you’re innocent. You don’t answer questions without a lawyer. If they had enough information to arrest you, they would have executed a warrant. This is fishing, and a lawyer will help. Authorities are allowed to lie to you to get you to confess to things. They also aren’t required to know the law. They can do and say a lot of things without proof or consequences. Getting a lawyer will help to ensure you are not getting railroaded for something a shady CPA did.
YES!!! Never talk to law enforcement without an attorney, even if you are not a suspect. Crazy things have happened and innocent people get convicted sometimes. It can be expensive but worth it, especially when the situation sounds quite shady.
Yes and I’d be wary of it being a scam just in case
Have another CPA review your tax filings for any irregularities, which would probably require you to request a transcript from the IRS.
Even though your CPA does taxes for you, it’s still your responsibility to ensure everything is accurate at the end.
Edit: Still get a lawyer to protect yourself and mother. There are no good outcomes coming out of investigation interviews.
sounds like IRS CID. since they got a warrant they already have something on the CPA, and are probably going through the whole client list to identify tax cheats.
you have a simple tax return that barely needed a CPA in the first place so it’s doubtful they find anything on you. whatever wrongdoing brought this investigation will involve clients with more complex tax returns.
that said, a lawyer is cheap enough, and the possible downsides are severe enough, to be worth bringing one imo. you’re still talking to federal agents in the course of a criminal investigation.
I would contact an attorney and see if they can be there with you. More than likely, they’re gathering further evidence against your CPA. You probably have nothing to worry about. Federal law has an adjustment (USSC Guidelines 3B1.3) that can explain more. You filed your taxes with someone who was qualified and you had reasonable expectation to trust. Probably, the IRS wants to notify you that regarding what, in general, happened and how this might affect you.
Lawyer. Anything you say can and will be used against you
Get an attorney.
I’d just say, “No thank you, I’m very busy”, and decline the interview.
You did nothing wrong and if there is a problem with your 22 or 23 return, they can request additional information in writing.
Any situation like, if you wonder if you need lawyer, get a lawyer. There are too many variables in what you describe that could otherwise go sideways.
I absolutely would retain an attorney and bring them with prior to any questioning.
You are flying blind here — you have no idea what the feds are even investigating.