Tax Surprise / Audit Wake-Up Call

Many owners' first thought is, “How could this happen?” There are multiple tactical paths here.

Our Approach

1. Over-communicate.
   The IRS can become an ally when you engage with them, and they can be scary when you don’t. We’re happy to play a role directly.

2. Clean up.
   Acceleration is often required above what your existing team can handle. We know where to go for this.

3. Resolve.
   Whatever the outcome, it must be incorporated in the projection, usually in the short and long term.

Result

A New Era

The one thing we know for sure is that you will never allow this to happen again, and if it does, for a reason you can’t control? You’ll be utterly prepared. Here are some steps:

1. Clear understanding of total tax exposure.
   You’ll have a precise dollar amount for what is owed, why it’s owed, and what options exist to manage or reduce it.

2. Filed and reconciled financials that withstand scrutiny.
   Your books and tax filings will be cleaned up, current, and audit-ready, setting a foundation for both compliance and credibility with financial partners.

3. An IRS or state tax agreement in place.
   Whether it’s a payment plan, penalty abatement, or other negotiated outcome, you’ll have an official resolution path documented and in motion.

4. Updated financial forecast that includes tax impact.
   Your near-term and long-term projections will fully account for tax payments, ensuring there are no surprises in cash flow or runway.

5. A permanent compliance system installed.
   You’ll leave with recurring systems (monthly, quarterly, annual) for tax prep, filing, and cash reserving—so this never becomes a fire drill again.

6. Confidence in how to handle any future IRS contact.
   You’ll know who to call, what to say, and what steps to take, turning what was once a panic moment into a practiced protocol.