An IRS letter is rarely as bad as it reads, but the wrong response can turn a narrow inquiry into a full examination. A CPA or enrolled agent with audit experience starts by filing Form 2848 so the IRS communicates with them, not you. They classify the audit type (correspondence, office, or field), request the exam workpaper, and supply only what was asked. If you disagree with the result, they file a protest to IRS Appeals before any tax court petition. Speed matters: most letters have a 30-day response window, and silence triggers escalation.
What's typically involved
We're expanding this page with the full playbook for irs audit help: elections to make, common mistakes generalists miss, fee expectations, and the specific credentials to look for. In the meantime, the matching form below routes your situation to a CPA whose practice fits.
What CPA work looks like at the fee level
| Service | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| CPA hourly rate | $150 to $450 / hour |
| Schedule C (sole proprietor) | $190 to $800 |
| Single-member LLC return | $300 to $1,500 |
| S-corporation return (1120-S) | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Partnership return (1065) | $1,000 to $5,000+ |
| C-corporation return (1120) | $1,500 to $4,000+ |
- Disorganized records ("shoebox" engagements) typically increase fees by 1.5x to 2.0x.
- Each additional K-1 partner usually adds roughly $300 to $500.
- Ranges reflect entity type, bookkeeping state, and complexity. Quotes vary by region and CPA experience.
Full table with methodology lives in the 2026 CPA Compass Fee Benchmark.
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Frequently asked questions
Related: how to find the right CPA · 2026 fee benchmark · CPA cost guide