Frequently Asked Questions

Do not ignore the notice and do not call the IRS yourself. The first step is to carefully read the notice to understand what the IRS is examining and when they need a response. Then contact a tax professional immediately. Most audit notices have a 30-day response deadline, and how you respond in the beginning can significantly impact the outcome. I can review your notice, assess your situation, and handle all IRS communications on your behalf.

Yes. IRS audit representation is a federal matter, and I represent clients in all 50 states. Most IRS matters are handled through correspondence, phone, and secure online communication, so your physical location does not limit my ability to represent you. If in-person representation is required at an IRS office in your area, I coordinate accordingly.

The timeline varies depending on the type of audit. A correspondence audit (conducted by mail) typically resolves in 3 to 6 months. An office or field audit can take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and the responsiveness of both parties. Tax Court proceedings can add additional time. I keep you informed throughout the process and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

Most engagements are flat-fee or hourly, depending on the complexity of the case, with a clear fee estimate provided before any work begins. The free 30-minute strategy session lets me assess your situation and quote a fee before you commit to representation.

You have several options. You can request a conference with an IRS manager, file an appeal with the IRS Office of Appeals, or petition the U.S. Tax Court. The Tax Court allows you to dispute the IRS determination before paying the assessed tax. I can represent you at every stage of the dispute process, from informal conferences through Tax Court litigation.

Yes. I help clients file delinquent tax returns for prior years, including situations where the IRS has filed a substitute return on your behalf. Filing accurate back tax returns is often the first step in resolving IRS collection issues, reducing penalties, and getting back into compliance. I handle individual and business returns for current and prior tax years.

Yes. I prepare tax returns for sole proprietors, partnerships, S-Corporations, and C-Corporations. I also advise on entity selection and restructuring, such as determining whether an S-Corp election would reduce your self-employment tax burden. Business tax services include estimated tax planning, retirement plan optimization, and multi-state filing considerations.

Every adult should have at least a basic estate plan, which includes a will, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance directive. If you own real property, have minor children, have assets over $100,000, own a business, or have specific wishes about your medical care, a full estate plan is particularly important. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a spouse should also prompt a review of your estate plan.

A will takes effect only after death and must go through probate, which is a court-supervised process. A revocable living trust takes effect immediately, allows you to manage assets during your lifetime, and transfers assets to beneficiaries upon death without probate. Trusts offer privacy (they are not public record), can reduce delays and costs, and provide more control over how and when assets are distributed. I help clients determine which approach, or combination of approaches, is right for their situation.

Basic estate plans, including a will, powers of attorney, and advance directives, are available as a flat-fee service quoted during your consultation. Estate plans involving trusts, business succession planning, or tax minimization strategies are also quoted as flat fees based on complexity. I provide a clear written fee estimate before any work begins.

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate. In Michigan, a simple probate case can be completed in 5 to 7 months, while complex estates involving disputes, real property in multiple counties, or business interests can take 12 months or longer. I guide personal representatives through every step, including filing the petition, notifying creditors, inventorying assets, and distributing the estate according to the will or Michigan intestacy law.

Michigan does not legally require you to hire an attorney for probate, but it is strongly recommended. The personal representative has a fiduciary duty to the estate and its beneficiaries, and mistakes can result in personal liability. An attorney ensures that deadlines are met, creditors are properly handled, tax obligations are satisfied, and distributions are made correctly.

A special needs trust (also called a supplemental needs trust) holds assets for the benefit of a person with a disability without disqualifying them from means-tested government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). There are two main types: first-party trusts funded with the beneficiary's own assets (such as an inheritance or personal injury settlement) and third-party trusts funded by family members. I help families establish the right type of trust and ensure it is properly administered.

Medicaid planning involves structuring assets and income to qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits while preserving as much wealth as possible for your family. Michigan has specific rules regarding the look-back period (currently 60 months), exempt assets, spousal protections, and allowable transfers. Planning strategies may include certain types of trusts, annuities, property transfers, and spend-down approaches. Early planning is critical because the look-back period means that transfers made years before applying can still affect eligibility.

Yes. The free 30-minute strategy session lets me assess your situation, explain your options, and provide a clear fee estimate before any work begins. There is no obligation to proceed. Call (734) 210-0706 or use the online contact form to schedule.

I handle tax controversy, business and personal tax preparation, business advisory, family business transitions, and Michigan estate planning under one practice. You work directly with me from start to finish — no call centers, no junior associates handling your file. The combination of Big 4 consulting depth and small-firm rates is the core of what Maule Law offers.