Can a CPA Represent Me in Front of the IRS?

Dimov Tax Services operates a Denver based accounting firm that provides expert CPA support, tax audit representation, payroll processing, and international tax solutions for individuals and businesses. Located at 1700 Lincoln St, they serve clients throughout the Denver area.

Dimov Tax Specialists

1700 Lincoln St

Denver CO 80203

(833) 829-1120

Yes, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can represent you before the IRS for all tax matters, including audits, appeals, and collections. As federally authorized practitioners, CPAs have unlimited representation rights as long as they file a valid Form 2848 (Power of Attorney). Unlike many tax preparers, CPAs are governed by state licensure and IRS Circular 230, giving them legal standing to speak on your behalf during audits or disputes.

How CPA Representation Works

To represent you, your CPA must complete and file IRS Form 2848, granting them legal authority to access your tax records, respond to IRS inquiries, and negotiate on your behalf. This authority includes:

• Discussing your account with IRS agents
• Handling audit correspondence and documentation
• Requesting transcripts, penalty abatement, or installment agreements
• Filing appeals or participating in settlement conferences

CPA-client communications are also protected under IRC Section 7525, which grants a limited form of confidentiality for tax advice in civil matters, similar to attorney-client privilege.

What CPAs Can and Cannot Do

Representation ActionCPAEnrolled Agent (EA)Attorney Communicate with IRS on your behalfYesYesYes Attend audits and prepare audit responsesYesYesYes File Power of Attorney (Form 2848)YesYesYes Represent in U.S. Tax CourtNoNoYes Provide financial planning or entity formationYesNoNo

Denver Examples of CPA Representation

• LoDo LLC: Received IRS audit for misclassified contractors. Dimov CPAs filed Form 2848, prepared supporting documents, and negotiated penalty reduction.
• Capitol Hill Artist: Faced scrutiny over Schedule C business expenses. A CPA reviewed deductions, documented mileage logs, and submitted statements to the IRS agent.
• Highlands Ranch Couple: Owed back taxes across multiple years. Dimov filed POA, halted wage garnishments, and negotiated an IRS payment plan.

How Dimov Tax Handles IRS Representation

Dimov Tax Specialists assign licensed CPAs who are authorized to represent clients before the IRS in any U.S. state. We manage the entire IRS process, from the initial notice to final resolution. Our representation includes:

• Filing Form 2848 to legally communicate with the IRS
• Transcripts and Forensics: Retrieving IRS records, reviewing returns, and calculating exposure
• Audit Defense: Providing documentation, financial statements, and legal reasoning
• Appeals and Hearings: Presenting your case to IRS appeals officers
• Negotiation: Setting up offers-in-compromise or installment agreements

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Regulatory Standards for CPAs

To maintain IRS representation https://storage.googleapis.com/cpa-denver-colorado/cpa-firm/can-you-sue-your-accountant-for-not-filing.html rights, CPAs must be:

• Actively licensed by their state board—in Colorado, that’s the Colorado Board of Accountancy
• In good standing with no disciplinary action
• Compliant with continuing education standards (80 hours every two years in Colorado)
• Ethically bound by IRS Circular 230

You can verify any CPA’s credentials at CPAverify.org.

When Do You Need CPA Representation?

• You've received an audit or collection notice from the IRS
• Your returns were flagged for inconsistencies or underreporting
• You owe more than $10,000 and need a resolution plan
• You are being asked to substantiate deductions or business expenses
• You want proactive representation to prevent escalation

Why Choose a CPA Over a Tax Preparer or Software?

Most tax software and seasonal preparers cannot represent you before the IRS. They can prepare your return, but if something goes wrong, you’re on your own. CPAs are legally authorized to speak for you, and their professional liability compels them to act with diligence and accuracy.

Conclusion: A CPA Can Represent You—Fully and Legally

A CPA doesn’t just help you with taxes—they can stand between you and the IRS. If you’re being audited, owe taxes, or need compliance support, a licensed CPA files the necessary documents, communicates directly with IRS agents, and works to protect your rights and finances. At Dimov Tax, our Denver-based CPAs combine federal authority with local responsiveness. If you're facing the IRS, don’t go it alone—let a licensed expert represent you every step of the way.