Tax Relief Counsel:

Maryland Tax Audit Attorney

Ramy Shabana provides dedicated legal representation to individuals and businesses facing tax audits in Maryland. Tax Relief Counsel strives to protect our clients’ rights and interests with tailored strategies and advocacy.

Trusted Maryland Tax Audit Lawyer

At Tax Relief Counsel, we offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout the audit process. Our personalized approach ensures that we understand the unique circumstances of each client, allowing us to develop personalized strategies to address their specific tax audit issues effectively.

We handle all aspects of the audit, from gathering necessary documentation to representing clients in meetings with tax authorities. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and uncertainty associated with tax audits by providing knowledgeable legal counsel and advocacy.

Whether you’re facing an audit related to income tax, sales tax, business taxes, or any other tax matter in Maryland, you can trust Tax Relief Counsel to be your dedicated advocate, working tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Understanding Tax Audits in Maryland

Tax audits in Maryland encompass various types of taxes, including sales and use tax, income tax, property tax, and business taxes. The Comptroller’s Office oversees tax audits and ensures compliance with state tax laws and regulations.

The first kind is a use tax audit. Use tax is imposed on goods purchased from out-of-state vendors where Maryland sales tax was not paid at the time of purchase.

Compliance Requirement: Maryland businesses must pay use tax on items purchased from out-of-state suppliers to ensure compliance with state tax laws.
Audit Focus: During a use tax audit, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office reviews purchase invoices to verify that Maryland use tax was paid on all applicable items.
Potential Errors: Common errors in use tax audits include overlooking out-of-state purchases and failing to accrue and file use tax returns for taxable items.

The second kind is a sales tax audit. Sellers and certain businesses collect Maryland sales tax on taxable items and services sold within the state.

Compliance Requirement: Depending on the schedule set by the Comptroller that varies by payment amount, sellers are required to file monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual sales tax returns
Audit Focus: Maryland sales tax audits typically cover a three-year period, focusing on a sample period of three to four months to identify errors and discrepancies
Audit Documentation: Auditors may request bank statements, invoices, sales receipts, and other documents to verify reported tax liabilities

Working with Tax Relief Counsel can help you mitigate risks and achieve favorable audit outcomes for any type of audit.

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Tax Audit Process

The process of a Maryland tax audit typically involves several key steps:

Notification

The taxpayer receives a notice from the Comptroller of Maryland informing them that their tax return has been selected for audit. This notice typically outlines the scope of the audit, requested documentation, and instructions for scheduling meetings or providing information.

Document Submission

The taxpayer is required to gather and submit relevant documentation to support the information reported on their tax return. This may include income statements, expense receipts, bank statements, invoices, and other financial records.

Examination and Interviews

Auditors from the Comptroller’s Office review the submitted documents and may conduct interviews with the taxpayer or their representatives to gather additional information or clarify discrepancies.

Analysis and Findings

The auditors analyze the information provided and compare it to the taxpayer’s reported income, deductions, credits, and other tax-related items. They may identify errors, discrepancies, or areas of concern during this process.

Adjustments and Recommendations

Based on their findings, the auditors may propose adjustments to the taxpayer’s tax liability. These adjustments may involve additional taxes owed, refunds due, or changes to tax credits or deductions.

Final Report

Once the audit is complete, the Comptroller’s Office issues a final report detailing their findings, adjustments, and recommendations. This report outlines any changes to the taxpayer’s tax liability and may include instructions for resolving outstanding issues.

Resolution

The taxpayer has the opportunity to review the audit findings and respond accordingly. They may agree with the proposed adjustments and pay any additional taxes owed, or they may choose to appeal the findings if they believe they are incorrect or unjustified.

What Happens If I Disagree with the Findings of a Maryland Tax Audit?

If you disagree with the findings of a Maryland tax audit, you have the right to appeal the assessment. Within 30 days of receiving the notice of assessment, you can file an appeal for an informal hearing with the Comptroller of Maryland.

What Is an Informal Hearing?

During an informal hearing, you or your representative will meet with a hearing officer assigned by the Comptroller. The purpose of the hearing is to present evidence and arguments to show why you believe the tax assessment is incorrect.

You can introduce documents and witnesses, and the hearing officer may issue subpoenas for additional records or witnesses if needed. The hearing officer will review all provided documentation and evidence. This type of hearing typically lasts between one and three hours.

After the hearing, if a settlement is not reached, the hearing officer will issue a notice of final determination summarizing the adjustments made to your taxes. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal to the Maryland Tax Court for a de novo review within 30 days of receiving the notice of final determination.

Your tax attorney can guide you through this process and represent your interests every step of the way.

How Can Our Tax Audit Lawyer Help You?

Ramy Shabana is prepared to put his experience with state, federal, and offshore tax matters to use in your case. As your skilled tax audit lawyer, he offers tailored assistance with:

Pre-Audit Compliance Review
Thoroughly assess your records and operations to ensure compliance and readiness for the audi
Pre-Audit Tax Minimization
Provide solutions to recover missing documents and develop strategies to minimize exposure periods
Legal Audit Representation
Guide you through the audit process, minimizing disruption to your life and business operations
Audit Analytics
Use advanced analytics to challenge revenue assumptions and identify opportunities for reducing assessments
Penalty and Interest Abatement
Proactively seek to minimize penalties and interest through strategic requests and exploration of offsets
Appeal
Assist you in appealing audit findings, ensuring your rights are protected, and advocating for a fair resolution

Whether your tax audit is domestic or international, you can trust our experience to mitigate your risk throughout the process.

Why Choose
Tax Relief Counsel?

As a virtual law firm, Tax Relief Counsel is available to answer clients’ questions and support individuals and businesses worldwide. Remote document sharing and signing make progressing in your case convenient and accessible. In addition to leveraging modern technology, we help clients by offering:

Strategic Advocacy

We craft innovative strategies tailored to your specific audit situation, improving your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.

Holistic Approach

Beyond mere representation, we offer comprehensive support from start to finish, addressing all aspects of your audit with precision.

Cutting-Edge Strategies

Our tax attorney stays ahead of the curve with deep knowledge of Maryland tax laws and the latest audit defense tactics.

Proven Results

Countless clients have benefited from our meticulous approach, achieving favorable resolutions even in the most challenging cases.

Testimonials

Zouheir

Ramy and his team did an amazing job! We were a difficult case to deal with he was very patient and tried his best to make this a smooth process for us. We can’t thank Ramy and his team enough for going above and beyond. We would definitely recommend Ramy.

Marinela

Consummate professional. Efficient. A pleasure to work with him and his assistant. Thank you.

Steve

I have used Tax Relief Counsel/IRS Law services for both International and Domestic matters. Mr. Shabana is a true professional that demonstrated a wide base of knowledge and experience in Tax Law. He is dedicated to his client and an honest, trustful, reliable attorney. Working with Mr. Shabana has been a positive experience both financially and personally.

FAQs

What steps should i take if i receive notice of a Maryland tax audit?

Upon receiving a notice of a Maryland tax audit, it’s crucial to take prompt action. First, carefully review the notice to understand the audit scope and timeframe. Next, gather all relevant financial records and documentation requested in the notice.

Consider seeking professional assistance from a tax attorney experienced in Maryland tax audits to guide you through the process. Respond to the audit notice within the specified timeframe and cooperate fully with auditors while protecting your rights.

Is there a statute of limitations for Maryland tax audits?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for Maryland tax audits. Generally, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office has three years from the date of filing or the due date of the return (whichever is later) to initiate an audit.

However, certain circumstances, such as fraud or failure to file a return, may extend this limitation period. It’s essential to consult with a tax professional familiar with Maryland tax laws to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific situation.

Have Questions?
Get a Free Case Review!

Contact Tax Relief Counsel to discuss your Maryland tax audit situation and find the relief you deserve!