Audit Defense Near Me: How to Protect Yourself During an IRS or CDTFA Audit
If you’re searching for audit defense near me, chances are you’ve received a notice from the IRS, California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB), or the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). And now you’re worried — rightfully so.
An audit can flip your life or business upside down.
But the key to surviving — and coming out ahead — is having a local expert who knows how to handle the agency, the paperwork, and the pressure.
In this blog, we’ll explain:
- What IRS, FTB, and CDTFA audits really look like
- California FTB audit triggers and how to avoid them
- What a local audit defense specialist can do for you
- IRS audit assessment process explained step by step
- how to survive an EDD audit if you employ workers
- Strategies for challenging IRS penalties
- What to do right now to protect yourself
What Triggers an IRS or CDTFA Audit?
IRS Audits:
- Income mismatch (e.g., 1099 not reported)
- High deductions or credits vs. income
- Unfiled returns
- Claims that don’t match national averages (red flags)
- Small business losses (Schedule C)
These cases often lead to an IRS audit assessment process where the agency recalculates your liability, adds penalties, and may enforce collection actions.
CDTFA Audits:
- Underreported sales tax
- Z-tape mismatches
- POS system irregularities
- Cash-heavy industries (restaurants, auto shops, nail salons)
- 1099-K / credit card data mismatch
If you run a business, defending against CDTFA sales tax audits can mean the difference between a manageable adjustment and a crushing tax bill.
IRS vs. CDTFA Audits: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | IRS Audit | CDTFA Audit |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Income tax | Sales/use tax |
| Who’s audited | Individuals + businesses | Retail businesses |
| Documents requested | 1099s, returns, deductions | Sales records, POS, bank deposits |
| Tactics | Correspondence or field audit | On-site visits, extensive probing |
| Penalties | Accuracy penalties, fraud | Penalties + forced assessments |
| Timeline | Slower | Aggressive and fast-moving |
Why "Audit Defense Near Me" Actually Matters
You could hire a national tax firm — but they’ll assign your case to someone who’s never seen a CDTFA audit in their life.
Local expertise means:
- Understanding state-specific rules
- Knowing which local CDTFA district office is handling your audit
- Preparing documentation that matches what these agents actually ask for
- Being able to show up (or Zoom in) with confidence and strategy
At Boulanger CPA, we represent clients in:
What a Real Audit Defense CPA Does
We don’t just “answer questions” for the IRS or CDTFA. We take control of the process.
Here’s what we do for our clients:
- Step in under Power of Attorney (Form 2848)
- Review all prior returns and filings
- Assemble and organize audit documentation
- Manage all correspondence with the auditor
- Attend all meetings or respond to all calls on your behalf
- Negotiate adjustments, penalties, and settlements
Worried Your Records Are a Mess?
You’re not alone.
Most people under audit feel unprepared. That’s okay — we help clients every day who:
- Never kept receipts
- Lost digital access to POS systems
- Used outdated software or bookkeeping apps
- Have only personal bank records (not business ones)
We know how to reconstruct and present your data in a way the IRS or CDTFA will accept — or at least respect.
Looking for Audit Help Near You?
You don’t need someone 1,000 miles away who doesn’t know the CDTFA or IRS protocols.
You need a local, licensed CPA who:
- Understands the real audit risks in Orange County
- Knows what to show, what to say, and what not to say
- Can stop the panic and give you a clear defense plan
Schedule a Confidential Audit Review
Whether you're facing an IRS, FTB, or CDTFA audit — we can help.
๐ Call
(657) 218-5700
๐ Or
Book Your Audit Strategy Session
Related Posts
- IRS Tax Relief Near Me
- CDTFA Sales Tax Audit Red Flags
- FTB Tax Relief Near Me
- What to Expect in a CDTFA Sales Tax Audit
- And don’t forget to explore more in Defend What’s Yours
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “audit defense near me” mean?
It means finding local, trusted professionals in Orange County who can represent you in IRS, CDTFA, or FTB audits to protect your rights and reduce liability.
Which agencies conduct audits in California?
The IRS audits federal tax returns, while California agencies like the CDTFA (sales tax), FTB (income tax), and EDD (payroll tax) conduct state-level audits.
Why should I hire a CPA for audit defense?
A CPA understands audit procedures, negotiates with auditors, and ensures that only required information is disclosed, reducing the risk of over-assessment.
What records do auditors usually request?
Typical requests include bank statements, tax returns, sales journals, invoices, payroll reports, and other financial documentation.
Can an audit increase my tax bill?
Yes. If discrepancies are found, you may owe additional taxes, penalties, and interest. Strong audit defense can minimize or overturn assessments.
How long do audits usually last?
Audits may last a few months to more than a year, depending on complexity and the agencies involved.
Does local expertise matter for audit defense?
Yes. Local CPAs know how California agencies operate and can provide tailored defense strategies for CDTFA, FTB, and EDD audits.
๐ฃ About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.
With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.
Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.
Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.
๐ Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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