Under U.S. law, taxpayers who have been audited by the IRS have a right to appeal the decisions handed down by the organization. The IRS Office of Appeals deals directly with taxpayers to resolve any disputes with the agency's findings–but the services and processes provided by this office are unknown to many taxpayers. To help you better understand your rights of appeal, tax attorney Lance S. Cox in Cincinnati, OH, shares three facts to know about appealing the findings of an IRS audit.

A Guide to IRS Audit Appeals 

1. A Successful Appeal Can Decrease or Even Eradicate Your IRS Bill

A successful IRS appeal can lessen or even eliminate what you owe. And contrary to what you might think about the IRS, the appeals office is surprisingly liberal with approving taxpayer appeals. On average, most taxpayers see about a 40 percent reduction in their bill to the IRS.

2. It's Free & Fast to Appeal

The IRS charges you nothing to appeal an auditor's decision. Also, the appeals process is surprisingly fast, at least in relation to other processes within government agencies. Hiring a tax attorney can help you better navigate your appeal. They’ll ensure all paperwork and documentation is accurate and complete, advise you on how to respond to questions, and make certain you know your rights and responsibilities under the law.

3. Interest & Penalties Continue to Accumulate

There are a few potential risks to be aware of when pursuing an appeal from the IRS. The biggest is that, should your appeal be unsuccessful, or the total monies owed reduced (as opposed to being eliminated entirely), you will still be responsible for the interest and penalties that have accumulated over the length of time it has taken the appeals process to play out. For those who had their appeal denied fully, this means that you will have a larger income tax bill than before you appealed. A tax attorney will make sure you understand all the benefits and potential drawbacks of filing an appeal.

Lance S. Cox is here to provide you with the highest levels of legal support and guidance throughout your appeal. He also offers assistance in estate planning and probate law matters. Call (513) 528-6000, visit his firm's website, or message them on Google+ to schedule a consultation with a tax attorney today.