10 Actions You Must Take in an IRS Field Audit

Author: Jim Buttonow

This course provides tax professionals with critical guidance for effectively representing clients during an IRS field audit—the most complex and resource intensive form of IRS compliance enforcement. Although field audits are less common, they carry significant financial, procedural, and stress‑related consequences for taxpayers when they occur. Clients expect their tax advisor to understand the rules of engagement, manage the audit proactively, and protect their interests at every stage of the examination.

In this course, you will gain a practical, step by step understanding of the IRS field audit process, including current audit trends, key terminology, and the IRS revenue agent’s approach to examinations. The course walks through the four phases of a field audit and highlights ten essential actions and best practices you must take to improve audit efficiency and outcomes. By applying these strategies, you will be better prepared to manage audit risk, minimize disruption, and guide clients toward a more successful audit resolution while strengthening your value as a trusted IRS representation professional.

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2029 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card

Publication Date: May 2026

Designed For
This course is designed for tax professionals who represent, or may be called upon to represent, clients during IRS field examinations.

Topics Covered

• IRS field audit trends, terminology, and audit concepts
• The four stages of an IRS field audit
• Preparing for an IRS field audit
• Managing the initial audit appointment
• Issue development and revenue agent interaction
• Resolution and conclusion strategies
• Best practices and proven tips for handling IRS field audits

Learning Objectives

• Analyze current IRS audit trends and compliance activity affecting field examinations
• Apply key concepts, terminology, and rules of engagement specific to IRS field audits
• Differentiate the four phases of an IRS field audit and the activities required at each stage
• Explain how to prepare clients for a field audit by identifying common issues and audit scope considerations
• Implement ten critical actions and best practices designed to improve outcomes in an IRS field audit

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None