Flat-style illustration showing a desk with an IRS audit letter, calculator, pen, coffee mug, and a file labeled “Audit Response.
My First IRS Audit — And Why Tax Problems Don’t Have to Ruin Your Life
When people hear I’m a CPA who helps taxpayers solve serious IRS problems, they often assume I’ve always had it together — that I’ve never faced tax trouble myself.
The truth is, my very first audit was personal.
It was 2003, and I learned firsthand just how stressful an IRS letter can be. That experience changed my life and shaped the way I help clients today.
How It Started
I was working as a New York State bank examiner at the time — auditing mortgage companies, reviewing compliance files, and living by the rulebook. Surely, my own tax return would be simple, right?
I itemized deductions, included my work-related expenses, and filed everything myself. Then came the notice:
“We’re examining your 2003 return. You owe $3,657.”
Just like that, my confidence disappeared. What I thought was a routine return had turned into an IRS audit.
The Audit Experience
The issue? I had claimed unreimbursed employee expenses, but I hadn’t disclosed that my employer had reimbursed part of my mileage. That small oversight triggered the audit.
The IRS wanted proof of:
- My employer’s reimbursement policy
- Receipts for mileage, travel, and even my Palm Pilot (remember those?) and computer bag
I remember the anxiety. I’d wake up thinking about it, lose sleep at night, and replay every decision in my head.
IRS problems aren’t just financial — they become emotional.
The Outcome
After weeks of back-and-forth with the IRS agent, I was able to show enough documentation to reduce the bill from $3,657 to $315.
That wasn’t just a financial win — it was a lesson in how easily good people end up in tough tax situations.
From that day forward, I made a commitment: I would help others face their IRS problems with the same persistence I brought to my own. Learn more about my tax audit story here.
What This Means for You
Here’s what I learned — and what every taxpayer should know:
- Even honest mistakes can trigger audits.
- Documentation is everything. Keep receipts, mileage logs, and employer reimbursement records.
- Respond promptly to any IRS notice — ignoring it makes things worse.
- Don’t face it alone. A qualified tax professional can often reduce penalties and negotiate fair outcomes.
Why Tax Problems Don’t Have to Define You
I’ve seen how IRS problems can drain people — financially, emotionally, even physically.
But I’ve also seen hundreds of cases turn around.
When you take the right steps, get compliant, and communicate early, there’s almost always a solution.
That’s why I founded W. Scully, CPA, P.C. and Tax Resolution Experts of America — to give taxpayers a clear, trustworthy path out of the stress and uncertainty that I once felt myself.
✅Next Step: Don’t Face the IRS Alone
If you’ve received a notice, are being audited, or feel overwhelmed by tax debt, help is available, just ask Lisa.
At W. Scully, CPA, P.C., we help clients:
- Respond to IRS audits
- Negotiate fair settlements
- Stop garnishments and levies
- Reclaim peace of mind
👉 Click to book a confidential consultation today:
👉 Or call us directly at (718) 938-4601 or visit W. Scully, CPA, P.C.
You don’t have to face the IRS alone — take it from someone who’s been there.
Learn more about your risk of IRS audit by clicking here now.
Audit proof your tax return by watching this video.
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