Audit Defense and Support Services
Facing a tax audit by a state revenue agency can be a daunting experience, and it’s important to understand that audits can happen for various reasons. And while that fact doesn’t do much to relieve the stress and apprehension that often comes with it, it’s crucial to be aware of why you might be audited. Because it’s not just about tax compliance; there are numerous triggers for an audit that you may not anticipate, and failing to handle the tax audit correctly can lead to risks and potential financial consequences. And there’s that anxiety again.
If a client is being audited, we assist with early, middle or late-stage audits, protests, etc. We work directly with auditors on our client’s behalf to achieve the best possible result. Each audit situation is unique and we work with each client to tailor a tax audit defense or solution. Our team has years of prior experience working as state tax auditors, so we bring an especially helpful perspective to our clients.
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Being audited? Let Miles Consulting help in navigating the tax audit process with you. We specialize in managing the auditor’s questions, mitigating potential issues, and even finding opportunities for refunds. So, you’ll never have to go at it alone. In our experience, handling an audit yourself is rarely the best approach. Take advantage of our tax audit support services to make a significant difference in the outcome of the audit. Call us before you get too far into the process.
Our Sales Tax Audit Defense and Support Expertise
Expertly Handling Auditor Questions
Auditors are thorough and inquisitive by nature, meticulously examining a business’s financial records, transactions, and tax documentation. Businesses turn to us for tax audit support when they encounter auditor inquiries. Our deep understanding of tax laws ensures that responses to these inquiries are accurate, complete, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. This not only helps businesses respond confidently to auditors but also minimizes the risk of compliance issues arising from inadequate responses.
Uncovering Refund Opportunities
Businesses often overpay or make errors in remitting sales tax due to the complexities of tax regulations. We specialize in identifying potential refund opportunities. Through a meticulous examination of financial records, we pinpoint areas where a business may have overpaid or made errors in their tax payments. Uncovering these refund possibilities can significantly bolster a business’s financial health by recouping overpaid taxes and ensuring that future payments are more precise and cost-effective. Remember that an auditor is less likely to focus or spend time on a refund opportunity. However, an audit does provide an opportunity to find offsets to liabilities or net refunds.
Minimizing Tax Liability
We are not just about looking backward; we are also forward-thinking. We work closely with businesses to devise proactive strategies aimed at reducing future tax liabilities. By optimizing tax planning, identifying exemptions and credits, and ensuring compliance, we help businesses operate more efficiently, minimize their tax burden, and save money over the long term.
Ensuring Compliance
Compliance with sales tax regulations is not optional; it’s a legal imperative. We assist businesses in adhering to tax laws, ensuring that they follow every requirement to the letter. By helping businesses stay on the right side of the law, we mitigate the risk of penalties and legal repercussions, safeguarding a business’s reputation and financial stability.
Building Confidence and Trust
Audits can be stressful and intimidating, but with us as your advocate, businesses gain a sense of confidence and trust. Our tax audit support and guidance reassure businesses that their financial affairs are in capable hands. This not only reduces the anxiety associated with audits but also fosters a sense of trust that every aspect of the audit process is being handled with precision and accuracy.
Strategic Planning
Our insights and recommendations go beyond audit support. We actively contribute to a business’s strategic planning by offering guidance on tax-efficient business operations. Our input helps businesses make informed decisions, aligning their financial operations with tax regulations and long-term business goals.
What Our Clients Say About Us
As a Tax Professional for a Fortune 500 company in the SF Bay Area, I’ve worked with Bill Loew’s team for over 10 years in the areas of Audit Defense, Reverse Audits and Tax Research. In addition to their technical expertise, the Miles Team is friendly, professional, and highly motivated to help clients achieve significant tax savings. Bill and the Miles Team continue to be a trusted and valued business partner that assist me in efficiently and effectively manage the growing complexities of multi-state sales/use tax compliance obligations.Tax Director
Sales tax isn’t an area of competency for most CPA’s. In talking with Monika and the Miles Consulting team, you can see their breadth of knowledge and experience in sales tax consulting. They are also quick to respond, are helpful, organized, and great at taking cumbersome compliance work off our plate.Corporate Controller, Technology Company
Our experience with the Miles team is that they engage in detailed research, close reading of the law and a savvy navigation of the gray areas where the law meets the business operations. This is often tricky and you have to be aware of risk mitigation, particularly in the SaaS industry, where things can be a little unclear with respect to sales tax. Tax Director, SaaS Company
Frequently Asked Questions About Audit Defense and Support
Audits can vary in duration depending on complexity and scope. We work to streamline the audit process for clients by providing organized documentation, prompt responses to auditor inquiries, and proactive strategies to help expedite the overall timeline.
Comprehensive documentation, such as financial records, transaction details, and compliance records, is essential for audit defense. We assist clients in gathering, organizing, and presenting these documents effectively to support their case during the audit.
Our preparation services include assessing potential risks, reviewing past compliance, organizing financial data, and developing audit defense strategies. We guide clients through each step of the preparation process to ensure they are well-equipped for the audit.
Our team utilizes its experience and industry knowledge to establish positive relationships with state revenue agencies. By fostering communication and collaboration, we aim to streamline audit procedures and enhance cooperation for more effective audit outcomes.
Legal compliance reviews are integral to audit defense strategies. We conduct thorough assessments of clients’ compliance with tax laws and regulations, identifying areas of potential risk and opportunity. This proactive approach helps clients mitigate compliance issues and optimize their audit defense.
Our follow-up support includes post-audit reviews, compliance monitoring, and guidance on implementing audit recommendations. This ongoing support helps clients maintain compliance, address any outstanding issues, and improve their overall risk management practices for long-term success.
We understand that every audit scenario is distinct, with its own challenges and opportunities. Our team leverages its experience and expertise to tailor solutions that specifically address each client’s needs, ensuring a nuanced and effective approach to audit defense.
We offer proactive assistance from the outset of an audit, helping clients prepare documentation, understand auditor requests, and strategize responses. Our early-stage involvement sets the foundation for a thorough and successful audit defense.
In cases where a client disagrees with audit findings, we provide robust support in lodging protests, negotiating with auditors, and presenting compelling arguments to resolve disputes in favor of our clients.
Our team acts as a liaison between clients and auditors, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the audit process. We handle auditor inquiries, document requests, and discussions to streamline the audit experience for our clients.
Our team’s background as former state tax auditors provides a unique perspective and insight into the audit process. This firsthand experience enables us to anticipate auditor actions, comprehend audit methodologies, and advocate for our clients with informed expertise.
We specialize in navigating complex audit situations, including multi-state audits and assessments involving intricate tax matters. Our deep understanding of tax laws and regulations allows us to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to the complexities of each audit scenario.
We conduct a thorough examination of financial records and transactions to uncover potential areas where clients may have overpaid or made errors in their tax remittances. By identifying refund opportunities, we help clients recoup overpaid taxes and enhance their financial outcomes.
We work closely with clients to ensure they adhere to all sales tax regulations and requirements during the audit process. By meticulously following regulatory guidelines and providing guidance on compliance best practices, we help minimize the risk of penalties, fines, and legal repercussions.
Yes, we act as authorized representatives on behalf of our clients, interacting directly with auditors, responding to inquiries, and managing audit proceedings to alleviate the burden on our clients and ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to audit defense.
We offer comprehensive tax audit support in organizing, compiling, and presenting relevant documentation to auditors, ensuring that clients have all necessary information readily available and accurately articulated to support their audit defense.
We offer educational resources, informative materials, and guidance sessions to help clients navigate the audit process with confidence and clarity. Our goal is to empower clients with knowledge and understanding throughout the audit experience.
We leverage advanced compliance automation tools and software to streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting for our clients during audits. These technologies enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in audit-related activities.
We work closely with clients to understand their specific audit circumstances, goals, and concerns. Based on this collaboration, we develop customized audit defense strategies that align with each client’s unique needs and objectives for a successful audit outcome.
We employ proactive tax audit support strategies, data analysis, negotiation tactics, and advocacy skills to optimize audit outcomes and secure favorable resolutions for our clients. Our focus is on protecting our clients’ interests and minimizing financial risks during the audit process.
Yes, we offer post-audit support and ongoing guidance to help clients implement recommended compliance measures, address audit findings, and enhance their risk management practices. Our post-audit support includes assisting clients in implementing best practices, addressing any audit findings, and developing strategies to enhance their overall compliance and risk management framework.
We provide ongoing monitoring of tax laws and regulatory changes, keeping clients updated on relevant updates and ensuring they remain compliant with evolving tax requirements even after the audit process.
Our services are designed to provide cost-effective solutions for clients facing audits, with a focus on maximizing value and efficiency in achieving optimal audit outcomes while minimizing financial risks.
We have a track record of success in helping clients navigate audits, resolve disputes, and achieve favorable outcomes. Testimonials and success stories from satisfied clients attest to the value we bring in delivering effective audit defense strategies and support.
Clients have expressed satisfaction with our personalized approach, expert guidance, and successful outcomes in audit defense situations. They appreciate our commitment to their success, attention to detail, and dedication to mitigating risks and maximizing opportunities during audits.
