Tax Controversy Services in Chicago

When tax authorities challenge your position or question your filing decisions, you need a licensed independent CPA firm with proven dispute resolution experience. Lewis CPA is ready to defend your interests and resolve disputes efficiently, protecting your business’s finances and reputation.

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4000+ Happy Clients
We service 1,000+ businesses and 3,000+ individual clients, many of them located nationwide.
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39 Years of Experience
Since 1986, we’ve provided comprehensive tax and accounting solutions for individuals and businesses.
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Serving 52 States
With our technology stack, we provide remote accounting services for you and your business, regardless the location.

Understanding Tax Controversy and Dispute Resolution

Tax disputes can emerge from various circumstances, often catching businesses and individuals off guard. Tax controversy situations always require immediate attention and a strategic response.

At Lewis CPA, we understand that tax disputes arise from the inherent complexity of tax law and the subjective nature of many tax positions. What starts as a simple inquiry can quickly escalate into a formal examination, assessment, or collection action, making professional representation essential from the earliest stages.

Our Comprehensive Tax Controversy Services

Our tax controversy and dispute resolution practice encompasses the full spectrum of dispute resolution services:

IRS Audit & Examination Representation

We provide strategic guidance and direct representation during IRS audits and examinations to help ensure fair treatment, accurate issue resolution, and minimized tax exposure.

Appeals & Administrative Proceedings

From formal appeals to alternative dispute resolutions, we advocate for you to challenge and resolve unfavorable IRS or state tax determinations.

Tax Collection Defense & Settlements

Our team helps negotiate installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, and other collection alternatives to resolve outstanding tax debts as soon as possible.

Penalty & Relief Advocacy

We help you seek relief from tax penalties and represent cases involving innocent spouse claims, working to reduce or eliminate financial liabilities.

State and Local Tax Dispute Resolution

We manage multistate audits, nexus issues, sales and use tax disputes, property tax appeals, and unclaimed property audits across various jurisdictions.

Transfer Pricing & International Tax Controversy

We support documentation, defend transfer pricing arrangements, and resolve cross-border tax issues and global compliance disputes.

Tax Risk Management & Audit Readiness

Proactively assess risk exposure, develop audit strategies, and prepare documentation to mitigate the chance of disputes and guarantee compliance readiness.

Ready to Resolve Your Tax Dispute?

Let Lewis CPA's experienced controversy and dispute resolution team protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact Us Today

Tailored Tax Controversy Solutions Across Key Sectors

Different industries face unique tax challenges, so each solution must be unique. Our tax controversy professionals understand the specific issues that affect each sector. Lewis CPA provides targeted controversy services to businesses and individuals across diverse industries, ensuring our approach aligns with industry-specific regulations and common dispute areas.

Payroll tax disputes, income tax examinations, and collection issues affecting cash flow and operations.

R&D credit documentation, equity compensation issues, and early-stage compliance challenges.

Multi-state tax obligations, apportionment disputes, and franchise fee deductibility questions.

Depreciation disputes, like-kind exchange challenges, and passive activity limitations.

Estate and gift tax controversies, international reporting requirements, and complex investment structures.

Our Tax Controversy Process

Lewis CPA follows a systematic methodology that maximizes your chances of favorable resolution while minimizing costs and business disruption.

Our Expat Tax Planning Process.
  • Initial Assessment and Case Strategy

    We thoroughly analyze your situation, review all relevant documentation, and develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to your circumstances and the applicable law.

  • Authority Engagement and Representation

    Our tax professionals serve as your primary point of contact with tax authorities, handling all communications and negotiations to protect your interests throughout the process.

  • Evidence Development and Position Support

    We gather supporting documentation, prepare technical memoranda, and build compelling arguments that substantiate your tax positions using experience and current regulations.

  • Negotiation and Resolution

    Through skilled negotiation and alternative dispute resolution techniques, we work to achieve settlements that minimize your exposure while avoiding lengthy litigation.

  • Implementation and Compliance

    Once there’s a resolution, we ensure proper implementation of agreements and help establish procedures to prevent similar issues.

Why Our Clients Trust Us with Their Most Complex Disputes

Lewis CPA combines deep technical skill with strategic thinking to deliver results that protect our clients' interests. Here are only a few ways we stand out.

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Decades of Experience

We've handled every type of tax controversy scenario. No matter the challenge, we either know the solution or exactly how to develop the right strategy.
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Remote Services Available

Geography doesn't limit access to quality representation. We provide comprehensive remote services, allowing you to benefit from our team regardless of location.
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Solutions-Driven Approach

Tax controversy isn't just about avoiding penalties — it's about protecting your financial future and developing compliance strategies tailored to your situation. 
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Cost-Effective Resolution

Our efficient processes minimize professional fees and potential tax assessments while maintaining quality representation.

Client Reviews

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There is nothing better than having a longstanding relationship with a financial advisor you can trust and who knows your history. We also consider it “insurance” in case the IRS ever comes knocking at our door. It doesn't matter how simple or complex your tax situation looks - Susan and her team can help! We will forever be loyal customers.
Mark Seitz
5.0
Susan S Lewis, Ltd. has done our taxes for the last 12+ years. Sue and all on her staff are attentive, prudent, and efficient. The advice and guidance are well informed and gear for your personal and professional needs. If you want peace of mind that things will be handled with the utmost care, Susan S Lewis, LTD is the business that you can rely on! A VERY satisfied client.
A Sejna
5.0
Susan and her colleagues have completed my taxes for the past decade. The team really makes you feel comfortable and takes the time to thoroughly explain the process. They ask questions and offer suggestions. I highly recommend them to anyone who is seeking professional, consistent and honest experience.
Ricky LaPorte
5.0
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Don't Let Tax Disputes Disrupt Your Success

Contact Lewis CPA today to discuss your tax controversy needs and learn how our dispute resolution professionals can protect your interests.

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FAQs

  • How long do tax controversy cases typically take?

    It depends, as the timeline varies based on the complexity of issues, the jurisdiction involved, and the cooperation of all parties. Simple matters may resolve in weeks, while complex cases can take months or years. We work diligently to achieve a resolution as quickly as possible.

  • What documentation should I preserve during a tax dispute?

    It’s important to maintain all original records supporting your tax return positions, including receipts, contracts, correspondence, and financial statements. Don't destroy any documents once a dispute begins, even if they seem unfavorable.