Historical Tax Review & Audit Defense
Comprehensive forensic review of past tax returns, identifying errors and opportunities while defending your interests in IRS examinations and disputes.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Whether you're concerned about errors on past returns, facing an IRS examination, or simply want peace of mind about your historical tax compliance, comprehensive review of prior years provides both protection and opportunity.
ClearTax conducts detailed forensic review of historical tax returns, identifying errors requiring correction, missed opportunities for refunds, and potential audit risks—while providing expert representation if the IRS questions your prior filings.
Review & Defense Services
Comprehensive Return Review
Line-by-line examination of prior year returns identifying errors, missed deductions, improper positions, and opportunities for amended returns and refunds.
- •3-5 year historical return analysis
- •Error identification and quantification
- •Missed deduction and credit discovery
- •Amended return preparation and filing
Audit Risk Assessment
Identify positions on prior returns that could trigger IRS scrutiny, quantify potential exposure, and develop defensive strategies before examination begins.
- •High-risk position identification
- •Exposure quantification and probability analysis
- •Supporting documentation review and remediation
- •Voluntary disclosure considerations
IRS Audit Representation
Expert representation during IRS examinations, managing all communications with revenue agents and defending your positions through appeals if necessary.
- •Complete handling of IRS correspondence
- •Document production and information request responses
- •Revenue agent meetings and examinations
- •Appeals representation and negotiation
Prior Preparer Issue Resolution
Clean up problems created by previous tax preparers including incorrect positions, missed elections, and inadequate documentation—protecting you from resulting liability.
- •Prior preparer error identification and analysis
- •Corrective action development and implementation
- •Penalty abatement strategies (reasonable cause, reliance)
- •Professional liability claim support
When to Consider Historical Review
Change of Circumstances
Major life events (divorce, inheritance, business sale) that make you question past tax treatment
Prior Preparer Concerns
Doubts about quality of past tax preparation or suspicions of errors on prior returns
IRS Notice Received
Audit notice, correspondence examination, or other IRS inquiry about prior year returns
Increased Scrutiny Expected
Upcoming transaction or event (IPO, sale, litigation) that will invite review of historical filings
Compliance Uncertainty
Complex historical situations where you're unsure if proper positions were taken
Refund Opportunities
Potential missed deductions, credits, or opportunities to recover overpaid taxes
Need Historical Tax Review?
Contact us for comprehensive review of your prior year returns and expert audit defense if needed.
Request Review