The New York Department of Taxation and Finance has reached out to you about an audit, a tax assessment, a collection action, or another very specific New York state tax problem. Your first instinct is probably to call your CPA – after all, they help with your taxes. But before reaching out, be aware that they might not have the experience you need. 

Taxes are incredibly confusing for the average person, which is why the IRS allows taxpayers to seek outside assistance for help with filing taxes, paying taxes, and addressing tax issues. But not all tax advice is created equal—and following bad advice could land you in serious trouble with the IRS.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has numerous strategies for collecting unpaid taxes. One of the steps they may take is to assign an IRS revenue officer to your case. This typically occurs when other methods of collecting owed tax debt are ineffective. If you receive a notice stating a revenue officer is assigned to your case, take this seriously. 

The IRS has a lot of power, and its decisions can have a significant impact on your financial life, especially if you have unpaid taxes, unfiled tax returns, or are undergoing an audit. Luckily, IRS determinations are rarely absolute and final, which means there’s usually a way to challenge the decision. 

Worried that catching up on your back taxes will put you on the IRS's radar and make you more likely to face an audit? Well, that's a common fear, but fortunately, it's unfounded. The IRS does not audit late-filed returns at higher rates than returns filed on time.