Form 2848 Question

[gfizer]

A taxpayer has asked me to respond to an IRS examination report on his 2005 return which he prepared himself. As an unenrolled preparer, if I understand correctly, I can only be appointed as a representative if I prepared the return and it is under examination.

Is there any other way I can respond on his behalf other than preparing the response for him and having him notify me of any correspondence he receives?

Thanks.

[jainen]

>>Is there any other way I can respond on his behalf<<

You can not respond on his behalf. Even if you had prepared the return, you could not handle the case after the examination report was issued. You can advise him in various ways, but I wouldn't recommend you go so far as "preparing the response for him." If the appeal fails, he could turn on you and you would not be able to defend yourself in terms of professional conduct.

If you do not have experience or guidance, your help in IRS appeals will probably not be productive anyway. I suggest you work through an attorney or EA's office for this engagement.