Tax Controversy & IRS Representation

IRS audits, penalty abatement, appeals, and back-tax resolution.

Dealing with tax disputes and IRS challenges can be overwhelming and stressful. At the Haigler CPA Group, LLC, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses navigate tax controversies with confidence and clarity. Our experienced CPAs provide expert representation and work directly with tax authorities on your behalf, whether you’re facing an audit, penalties, or unpaid taxes. With our comprehensive approach, we guide you through every step of resolving your tax issues and press for the best outcome the facts support.

Our Tax Controversy Services Include:

IRS Audit Representation

An IRS audit can be intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team has extensive experience handling IRS audits and will represent you throughout the process. We handle all communications with the IRS, review your records, and advocate on your behalf to resolve the audit efficiently.

Full representation during IRS audits
Examination of tax returns and documentation
Audit defense strategies
Resolution of tax adjustments or discrepancies

Penalty Abatement

Tax penalties can quickly add up, but in many cases, they can be reduced or eliminated with the right approach. We analyze your situation to determine if you qualify for penalty abatement and present your case to the IRS for relief.

Penalty reduction for late filings or payments
First-time penalty abatement requests
Reasonable cause penalty abatement
Interest reduction or elimination

IRS Appeals

If you disagree with the outcome of an IRS audit or other tax determination, our team can file an appeal on your behalf. We work to negotiate with the IRS Appeals Office, providing thorough documentation and presenting a strong case to resolve the issue favorably.

Filing of IRS appeals
Representation before the IRS Appeals Office
Negotiation and settlement of tax disputes
Mediation services for unresolved tax issues

Tax Debt Relief & Installment Agreements

If you owe back taxes or cannot pay your tax debt in full, we can help negotiate with the IRS to establish manageable payment arrangements or explore options to reduce your overall tax liability. Our tax debt relief services include strategies to reduce the financial burden while staying compliant with IRS regulations.

Negotiation of installment agreements (monthly payment plans)
Offers in Compromise (settling for less than you owe)
Requesting Currently Not Collectible status (temporary relief)
Tax lien and levy release negotiations

Unfiled Tax Returns

If you have unfiled tax returns, it’s important to take action before the IRS does. We help you bring your taxes up to date by preparing and filing prior-year returns and negotiating with the IRS to minimize penalties and interest.

Preparation and filing of delinquent tax returns
Reduction of penalties for late filings
Negotiation with the IRS for reasonable payment terms

State and Local Tax Disputes

Tax controversies aren’t limited to the IRS—state and local tax authorities can also challenge your filings. We assist clients in resolving disputes with state and local tax agencies, ensuring that all obligations are met while minimizing penalties.

State tax audits and appeals
Sales and use tax disputes
Payroll tax compliance issues
State tax debt settlements

This is for you if

You have received a notice or a letter from the IRS or the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
You are under examination, or expect to be.
You owe more than you can pay, or have penalties you think are unfair.
You have years that were never filed.

What sits outside this service

Criminal tax matters. Where a case becomes criminal, an attorney should lead and we work alongside them.
Representing you in United States Tax Court, which requires separate admission. We prepare the position and coordinate with counsel.

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Common questions

I received an IRS letter. What should I do first?

Read the notice number in the corner, note the response deadline, and do not ignore it. Many notices are automated proposals that a correct response resolves without an audit. The deadline on the notice is real, and letting it pass narrows your options.

Will you deal with the IRS directly, so I do not have to?

Yes. With a signed authorisation we handle the correspondence and represent you through the examination, so the communication runs through someone who does this routinely.

Can penalties actually be removed?

Sometimes. There are defined routes — first-time abatement and reasonable-cause relief among them — and whether you qualify depends on your filing history and the facts. No one can promise an outcome, and be wary of anyone who does.

I owe more than I can pay. What are the options?

Depending on your circumstances: an installment agreement, an offer in compromise, or currently-not-collectible status. Each has eligibility rules and financial disclosure requirements, and each has consequences worth understanding before you choose.

Do you handle South Carolina state tax disputes too?

Yes. State and local authorities run their own audits and appeals, including sales and use tax and payroll tax matters, and they are not resolved by settling with the IRS.

Next steps

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Talk to a tax expert

Tell us what you are dealing with and we will tell you how we would handle it.