Illinois Sales Tax Audits | Sales Tax Lawyer in Chicago

Don't face your sales tax audit alone! Save time, save money, and enjoy peace of mind

Has your business received notice of an impending sales tax audit from the state of Illinois? Facing an Illinois sales tax audit can be a daunting and complex process, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Gordon Law Group, a trusted tax law firm based in Chicago, is here to provide you with the guidance and legal representation you need. With our extensive experience in handling sales tax audits and a deep understanding of Illinois tax laws, we are committed to helping you navigate your audit and achieve a favorable outcome.

Contact our sales tax attorneys online or call (847) 580-1279 for a free consultation.

John Nagle, Esq.
Manager – Tax Controversy

Why Choose a Sales Tax Lawyer from Gordon Law Group?

45 years of combined experience fighting IRS and Illinois tax audits
We’ve helped our clients save millions of dollars in audit examinations
You’ll get personalized support and clear, honest guidance

Contact Gordon Law Group for a free audit consultation.

Here are just a handful of the successful audit results we’ve helped clients achieve:

Saving millions of dollars in taxes and penalties
Obtaining a tax refund as a result of the audit
Reducing serious tax fraud penalties to much more favorable negligence penalties

Our experienced tax attorneys are here to help with your Illinois sales tax audit and relieve your stress!

What Triggers an Illinois Sales Tax Audit?

Sales tax audits are conducted by the Illinois Department of Revenue to ensure businesses comply with the state’s sales tax laws and regulations.

While the specific triggers for an audit may vary, there are several common factors that can increase the likelihood of being selected for a sales tax audit in Illinois:

Discrepancies in Sales Tax Returns: If your sales tax returns show inconsistencies or irregularities, such as large fluctuations in reported sales, significant changes in tax liability, or discrepancies compared to industry averages, it may raise red flags and trigger an audit.
Unreported Sales or Underpayment of Taxes: Failing to report all taxable sales or underpaying sales tax can draw the attention of tax authorities. They may compare your reported sales to other sources of information, such as your income tax returns, industry benchmarks, third-party data, or information obtained from other businesses.
Prior Audit Issues: If you have previously been audited and had unresolved issues or outstanding tax liabilities, it increases the chances of being audited again.
Industry Specific Risk Factors: Certain industries, such as construction, retail, and hospitality, are considered higher risk for sales tax non-compliance due to cash transactions, complex supply chains, or specific industry regulations.

If you’ve been selected for a sales tax audit, our experienced sales tax attorneys can help you get safely to the other side. Don’t wait—give us a call today at (847) 580-1279 to schedule your free consultation!

How Long Does a Sales Tax Audit Take?

On average, an Illinois sales tax audit can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The duration of a sales tax audit in Illinois can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of your business operations, the volume of transactions, and the cooperation of your company during the audit process.

During the audit, the Illinois Department of Revenue will typically request various documents and information to verify your sales tax returns and ensure compliance with the tax laws. The state may request documents such as:

Sales records
Purchase invoices
Tax exemption certificates
General ledger
Income tax returns
Fixed asset reports

It’s important to note that the audit process can be time-consuming and may require significant effort from your company’s personnel to gather the requested information and respond to the auditor’s inquiries promptly.

This is where the knowledge of a seasoned sales tax lawyer can be invaluable, as they can guide you through the process, help organize your records, and communicate with the auditor on your behalf.

Have questions about your Illinois sales tax audit? Contact Gordon Law Group for a free consultation!

What Happens After a Sales Tax Audit?

Once the sales tax audit is completed, the auditor will present their findings, which may include adjustments to your reported sales, taxes owed, penalties, and interest. At this stage, you have the right to dispute any discrepancies or disagree with the auditor’s conclusions.

If you believe the audit results are incorrect or unfair, it’s important to seek professional legal representation to advocate for you and protect your rights.

Gordon Law Group has a team of experienced sales tax attorneys who can carefully review the audit findings, identify potential errors or misinterpretations, and develop a robust defense strategy.

In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a settlement or installment agreement with the Illinois Department of Revenue to resolve any outstanding tax liabilities. Your attorney can help you explore these options and negotiate on your behalf to minimize the financial impact on your business.

If you want to dispute the results of an Illinois sales tax audit, give our attorneys a call today at (847) 580-1279. We have years of experience helping our clients lower their tax bills after an audit!

How to Prepare for an Illinois Sales Tax Audit

While facing a sales tax audit can be stressful, proper preparation can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Here are some essential steps to help you prepare for an Illinois sales tax audit:

Review Your Sales Tax Returns: Conduct an internal review of your sales tax returns to identify any potential discrepancies or errors. Make sure all sales and taxable transactions are accurately reported.
Organize Your Records: Maintain comprehensive and well-organized records of your sales, purchases, and related financial transactions. Ensure you have supporting documentation readily available to substantiate your reported figures.
Seek Professional Guidance: Engage the services of a qualified sales tax lawyer, like the attorneys at Gordon Law Group, who have defended dozens of sales tax audits. They can provide you with valuable guidance, negotiate with the Illinois Department of Revenue, and protect your rights throughout the audit process.

How Much Does It Cost to Fight a Sales Tax Audit in Illinois?

The typical cost to fight an Illinois sales tax audit using professional representation is between $10,000 and $20,000 per tax year; the cost depends on the scope of the examination and the complexity of your tax situation.

For a personalized quote, schedule a free consultation with a sales tax lawyer! You can contact Gordon Law Group online or call us at (847) 580-1279.

Take Action Now: Secure Professional Representation for Your Illinois Sales Tax Audit

Facing an Illinois sales tax audit can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. The experienced sales tax attorneys at Gordon Law Group are ready to provide you with the clear guidance, aggressive advocacy, and personalized attention your business needs.

Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to sales tax audits. Don’t risk the financial well-being of your company. Contact Gordon Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys! We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and chart a course of action to help you achieve a favorable outcome for your Illinois sales tax audit.

“Very responsive, knowledgeable and professional. [They helped] us through our sales tax and went above and beyond expectations.

Even after the issue was resolved, he even saved us more money by appealing the case.”

-Said S.

Ryan Stegenga, Associate Attorney

Contact Gordon Law Group

Submit your information to schedule a confidential consultation, or call us at (847) 580-1279

Illinois Sales Tax Audits | Sales Tax Lawyer in Chicago

Don't face your sales tax audit alone! Save time, save money, and enjoy peace of mind

Why Choose a Sales Tax Lawyer from Gordon Law Group?

What Triggers an Illinois Sales Tax Audit?

How Long Does a Sales Tax Audit Take?

What Happens After a Sales Tax Audit?

How to Prepare for an Illinois Sales Tax Audit

How Much Does It Cost to Fight a Sales Tax Audit in Illinois?

Take Action Now: Secure Professional Representation for Your Illinois Sales Tax Audit

Contact Gordon Law Group

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Contact Gordon Law Group