My tax preparer got convicted for tax fraud and now I'm being audited by the IRS - HELP!

I work with tax resolution cases and unfortunately see this situation more often than you'd think. First, don't panic - this isn't your fault and there are clear steps to address it. Since your preparer was convicted of tax fraud, you should request a copy of your original tax return from the IRS (Form 4506) to see exactly what was filed under your name. Then gather all your original documentation for that tax year - income statements, receipts, anything you provided to your preparer. I'd recommend speaking with the IRS directly about your situation. Explain that you're a victim of a fraudulent preparer, and ask about the IRS's "Innocent Spouse Relief" or similar taxpayer protections. Document every conversation with the IRS (date, time, agent ID number, what was discussed). A tax attorney is helpful but not always necessary at this early stage. A qualified CPA familiar with tax fraud cases might be sufficient and more affordable.

After dealing with a similar nightmare last year (my accountant didn't commit fraud but made serious errors), I found an amazing service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much stress. They specialize in analyzing tax documents and audit notices to break down exactly what's happening in plain English. I uploaded my audit letter and previous returns, and they identified exactly what triggered the audit and helped me understand what documentation I needed to respond with. Their analysis even found deductions my sketchy preparer had missed! The report they generated helped me respond to the IRS with confidence instead of panic.

Just wanted to update everyone. After seeing the recommendation, I tried taxr.ai with my audit notice and previous returns. It was incredibly helpful! The analysis showed that my former preparer had claimed business deductions that weren't properly documented and some education credits I wasn't eligible for. The report broke down exactly what the IRS was questioning and why, in simple language I could actually understand. I was able to take this information to a local CPA who helped me prepare a proper response. Because I understood what was happening, I felt much more in control of the situation. They even identified some legitimate deductions my fraudster preparer had missed! Still dealing with the audit, but feeling way less panicked now.

When I was in your situation last year, I spent WEEKS trying to get someone at the IRS on the phone. Constantly on hold, disconnected, repeat. Absolute nightmare. Then a friend recommended Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) - they have this system that somehow gets you through to a real IRS agent without the typical 2+ hour wait. Check out how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical but desperate. They got me connected to an actual IRS representative in about 15 minutes. I explained my situation with my fraudulent preparer, and the agent walked me through the process of documenting that I was a victim and setting up a payment plan for the legitimate portion I did owe. Having that direct conversation made all the difference.

I need to eat my words and apologize to Profile 19. After my dismissive comment, I was still struggling with my own tax situation and decided I had nothing to lose by trying Claimyr. I was SHOCKED when I got a call back with an actual IRS agent on the line in under 20 minutes. The agent was able to pull up my file, confirm which returns were affected by my fraudulent preparer, and walk me through the documentation I needed to submit. They even placed a temporary hold on collections while I gathered everything. Having that direct conversation saved me weeks of anxiety and uncertainty. Sometimes being proven wrong is actually the best outcome!

One thing no one's mentioned - REPORT YOUR PREPARER to the IRS if they haven't already. Use Form 14157 (Complaint: Tax Return Preparer). Even though he's been convicted, this creates a record linking your case to his fraud pattern. Also, request a copy of the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) directory entry for your preparer from that time period. This helps establish that you used a preparer who appeared legitimate and registered with the IRS.

Has anyone dealt with the California Franchise Tax Board in a situation like this? I had a similar issue last year, and while I resolved the federal part, the state side was a whole separate nightmare.

I went through something very similar two years ago when my preparer was caught in a scheme affecting dozens of clients. Here's what I learned that might help: Document EVERYTHING from now on. Create a timeline of your relationship with this preparer - when you started using them, what documents you provided, any red flags you might have missed. This becomes crucial evidence that you were acting in good faith. Contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778) - they have special procedures for victims of preparer fraud. They can sometimes pause collection activities while you sort things out and may expedite your case review. Don't ignore the audit notice deadline, but you can request an extension by calling the number on the notice. Explain your situation - they're usually understanding when there's documented preparer fraud involved. One thing that really helped me was getting a "verification of non-filing" letter from the IRS for the tax year in question, which shows what they have on file versus what was actually submitted. Sometimes fraudulent preparers file completely different returns than what they show you. The good news is that victims of preparer fraud often qualify for penalty relief, and the IRS has gotten better at handling these cases. It's stressful, but you're not automatically liable for everything just because it was filed under your name.