The LTR 692 is the IRS scheduling an appointment related to your audit. It might be the initial appointment at an IRS office, a follow-up meeting, or a contact letter from the examiner assigned to your case. Whatever the specific purpose, it means an IRS employee wants to meet with you or your representative to discuss your return.
Preparing for the Appointment
The letter typically identifies the tax year under examination and may list specific issues or documents the examiner wants to review. Start your preparation by pulling your complete tax return for the year in question, including all schedules and attachments. Then gather documentation for every item the examiner identified.
Organize your documents by issue. If the auditor is looking at three items, create three folders. Label each one. Tab key documents within each folder. The more organized you are, the faster the appointment goes and the better impression you make.
Your Right to Representation
You don't have to attend the appointment yourself. A properly authorized representative (attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent) with a signed Form 2848 can attend on your behalf. In most cases, this produces better results. Professionals know what to say, what not to say, and how to present documentation in the most favorable light.
If you choose to attend, you have the right to have your representative present. You can also request that the appointment be rescheduled if you need more time to prepare or if the scheduled date doesn't work.
What to Expect
At an office audit, the examiner will review your documents, ask questions about specific items, and may request additional documentation. The appointment typically lasts one to three hours. The examiner will tell you at the end whether additional information is needed or whether they have enough to make their determination.
Don't volunteer information that isn't requested. Answer questions directly and concisely. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so and offer to look it up. Don't guess.
If You Need to Reschedule
Call the number on the LTR 692 as soon as possible. Rescheduling in advance is routine. Missing the appointment without notice is a problem. If you don't show up and don't reschedule, the auditor may close the case based on the information they have, which means they make decisions without your input.
If you've received an LTR 692 and want professional representation at your audit, call us at (813) 229-7100.