Episode #113
The Real IRS Playbook: What To Do Before, During, and After an Audit
Almost everyone gets a little nervous at the word audit, even people who've done everything right. Add in a growing wave of scams pretending to be the IRS, and it's easy to see why the fear is often bigger than the reality. In this episode of Your Wealth and Beyond, Andrew Rafal sits down with Jason Silver, a tax attorney and former IRS trial attorney with 31 years of experience, to separate what's real from what's a scam, and to walk through exactly what to do (and not do) if you ever get that letter. They also dig into what's different when a business owner gets audited, from worker classification to reasonable salary requirements to digital assets. This conversation is meant to feel like advice from a friend who happens to know the IRS inside and out, not a sales pitch. If anything here hits close to home, give us a call, we're happy to help. In this podcast interview, you'll learn: How the IRS actually initiates an audit, and the biggest signs that a call, text, or email claiming to be the IRS is a scam. The first call to make if you get a real IRS letter, and why calling the IRS yourself is almost always the wrong move. Why S corporation owners who don't pay themselves a reasonable salary are one of the most common audit triggers. What separates a legitimate independent contractor relationship from a worker classification problem. Why documentation, not just having receipts, but showing who, what, and why, matters more than almost anything else in an audit. What's changed with digital asset reporting since 2025, and what to do if you can't find the cost basis on old stock. Why amending a tax return the moment you spot a mistake can sometimes create a bigger problem than it solves. Find All Episode Resources Here: www.bayntree.com/128 Jason Silver's Contact Information: Silver Law, PLC Website: www.taxcontroversy.com Phone: 480-429-3360 This episode is for informational and educational purposes only. Bayntree Wealth Advisors and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. Jason Silver is an independent tax attorney and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bayntree Wealth Advisors; his contact information is shared for the listener's convenience only. Nothing discussed in this episode should be construed as legal or tax guidance specific to your situation. Please consult a qualified attorney and/or tax professional before making any decisions about your specific situation. Investment advice is offered through Bayntree Wealth Advisors LLC, a registered investment advisor. Insurance and annuity products are offered separately through Bayntree Planning Group LLC.
