Texas tax assessments can financially destroy viable businesses. Therefore, skillful representation and advice is crucial to minimizing audit assessments. This course discusses strategies for handling Texas tax audits. First, we discuss the pre-audit phase and analyze the initial reconciliations and controls auditors will perform. Second, we discuss techniques to apply during the audit itself, including tips on how to manage an on-site visit and how to communicate with auditors. Third, we address how best to challenge an adverse tax assessment, including new options for taxpayers that were created by 2021 legislation. Finally, we discuss the mechanics of the oral hearing process and strategies that tax professionals and businesses employ to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

• Prepare for an upcoming audit to minimize an adverse assessment
• Properly advise clients when facing large tax assessments
• Effectively represent clients in contested administrative hearings
• Review choices in challenging audits and refund claim denials
• Identify defenses to personal assessments for corporate tax debts 

After completing this 4-hour course, you’ll gain a working knowledge of the important provisions of Texas sales and use tax rules. Lacy Leonard will share her knowledge and experience about the application of the tax rules to businesses and the transactions conducted in the state of Texas.

• Determine whether transactions are subject to sales and use tax, exempt or nontaxable
• Identify key sales and use tax terms and the corresponding definitions
• Ascertain whether a taxpayer location requires a sales tax permit
• Determine the amount of sales tax that applies to a transaction
• Differentiate between taxable and nontaxable services
• Identify common issues that arise during sales and use tax audits
• Identify the date that remote sellers must obtain permits and collect sales and use tax