There's no simple answer to your question, so lets consider why you might want to consult a tax attorney. Is the IRS auditing your personal return(s), or business return(s)? Did you prepare the returns yourself, or did someone else do them? If someone else, was the preparer an employee or an outside professional? Are you confident that you reported all reportable income and can substantiate all deductions? If you are confident that you reported all income properly and can substantiate all deductions, and you prepared your personal or business returns yourself (or if your business return was prepared by an employee under your direction), you probably don't need a tax lawyer at this time. If you are confident that you reported all income properly and can substantiate all deductions and your returns were prepared by an outside professional, you'll want to contact them and let them know you're being audited. They should be familiar with the process and can advise you about what to expect. Since it's their work that is also being audited, they should work with you through the process. A tax attorney should not be required for the audit in this case, either. Now for the tough one. If you aren't confident that you reported all income properly and can substantiate all deductions, or if you've been playing games with your returns by not reporting all reportable income or taking deductions that you either can't substantiate or are questionable, then yes, you want to consult a tax attorney immediately.