I was thinking more along the lines of identity theft. Yes, I witness a huge difference between clients dealing with auditors by themselves or with representation and without representation they often get abused.
My most recent case was a single grandmother raising her grandson on a budget that was hundreds short each month and she owed taxes from 9 years ago. The agent threaten her and made demands for immediate information or he would garnish her pay. I took over, had them forbear for 1 month and resolved it by getting them to realize she was uncollectible. The notes the agent made regarding his threats to the taxpayer was like reading Clinton testimony.
Interesting thought about identity theft... It may have been, but every other EIN (the 7 fictitious ones) had my corporate name correct. You’d think that alone would flag a “we’ve got a records problem” issue but apparently not!
I’m also glad that - since the very first meeting with my Revenue Officer - I have had my CPA, lawyer, or both present. The two times neither could make it, I set up a video camera and recorded the meeting. The IRS RO really did NOT like that! But I’ll be damned if it’s ever going to be “he said/she said”. There WILL be a witness (CPA or lawyer) or a recording to prove what happened/what was said.
Folks, find a GOOD CPA or lawyer and make sure they are always present!