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Client Testimonials — Brotman Law, San Diego’s premier tax defense and strategy law firm.

Last updated July 2026

Read all of the good things some of our happy clients have to say about Brotman Law.

Brotman Law saved my life. I had dealt with other parties that were mishandling my situation, and I was about to get levied, and that’s when I found Brotman Law. I am marveled at what the team did. They are heroes in my mind.

Happy Client From New York

My experience was very good. Michael and Peter set out the expectations, performed the work, met with me to discuss, then we moved to phase two. Peter always followed up extremely promptly and clearly.

Jeremy From San Diego

It’s difficult to find an attorney that’s honest and direct, and based on my personal experience, Sam is a rare resource that people can rely on. I would happily hire Sam (or refer him to friends and family) in the future for any federal or state tax support.

Happy Client From San Diego

Lawyers are typically hard to get a hold of, but I was able to get a hold of Sahar almost every day. I knew they were handling it, and I didn’t get the feeling of being with a large firm and my matter getting lost in the shuffle. They had the resources and power of a big firm, but with boutique attention.

A. Adams From San Diego

The team was successful in their efforts on my behalf. They always replied promptly and were professional in every regard.

Happy Client From Illinois

Sam’s team successfully closed our EDD case and got us an outcome I didn’t think was possible. Brotman Law helped us reduce our potential liability by 97%. I will refer anyone who has difficulty with tax matters in the future to this firm.

EDD Audit Client From Arizona

Sam Brotman is an aggressive, smart and ethical tax attorney. He solved my tax problem and secured the long-term financial future of my business and my family. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is doing battle with the IRS.

Michael From Irvine

I had a large debt and was terrified because I had no idea how I was going to get out of this. Then I met Brotman Law, and the letter they wrote got my innocent spouse appeal accepted. Anybody I know going through tax issues, I will send to Brotman Law!

Carol Kelly

Everyone at Brotman Law was professional, responsive, friendly, and I felt safe working with them. I am more than happy with how my matter was resolved. It was very easy and pleasant to work with Sahar throughout the process. I would highly recommend Brotman Law to anyone looking for a firm. They are real problem solvers.

Oleg Shlyakhter

Sahar was immensely patient and proficient in documenting our case to the IRS, resulting in full abatement of penalties and interest. We are deeply grateful for the knowledge and efforts of Sahar and the team at Brotman for delivering with a winning strategy.

Happy Client From Santa Monica

When you’re working with a law firm, you don’t know if you are going to have someone personable, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was easy for me to just pick up the phone or email knowing someone would respond quickly, and we got a great outcome.

Shawna Reeds From Ontario

With the hundreds and thousands of dollars I owed, there was absolutely no way in my lifetime I could ever pay this debt, until I met Sam Brotman!! Through some of the most challenging and frustrating times, Sam continued to promise he’s here and everything will be fine. I want you to know you are in the best of the best hands with Sam!

Dave C.

The Audit Process Step by Step

Here’s what happens from the moment you receive an audit notice to resolution:

Notice received

The IRS sends a letter explaining what they’re examining and what documentation they need

Power of Attorney filed

We sign Form 2848, which means the IRS talks to us, not you

Document review

We review every document before anything goes to the IRS. We provide exactly what’s needed — nothing more

Examination

The IRS reviews your records. For office and field audits, we attend all meetings in your place

Proposed adjustments

If the IRS wants to make changes, they issue a written proposal. We review it line by line

Negotiation or appeal

We challenge anything we disagree with. If we can’t resolve it at the exam level, we take it to appeals

Resolution

Case closed. We make sure you understand the outcome and what it means going forward

Appeals & Next Steps

If you disagree with the audit results, you have the right to appeal. The IRS Office of Appeals is independent from the examination division, and they settle the majority of cases they hear.

We’ve won over 100 appeals by building cases that are thoroughly documented and legally sound. The key is presenting a clear, well-organized argument that makes it easier for the appeals officer to rule in your favor.

If appeals doesn’t resolve it, the next step is Tax Court. We’re prepared for that too, but in our experience, most cases settle well before they get to trial.

How to Prevent Future Audits

Once your audit is resolved, the last thing you want is another one. Here’s what we recommend to minimize your risk:

Keep meticulous records — especially for deductions and business expenses
Report all income — even if you didn’t receive a 1099
File on time, every time
Use actual calculated figures rather than round numbers — while not a major audit trigger on its own, it’s a best practice that signals accuracy in your records
Work with a qualified tax professional who understands your situation
Consider a proactive tax strategy engagement to optimize your structure and reduce risk

Want to make sure this doesn’t happen again? After resolving your audit, we can help restructure your taxes to minimize future risk. It’s the other side of what we do — and it’s just as important as the defense. Learn about our tax strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Testimonials FAQs

How long do I have to respond to an IRS audit notice?

Typically 30 to 60 days from the date on the notice. However, some notices have shorter or longer deadlines. Don’t wait — contact us as soon as you receive any correspondence from the IRS.

Can the IRS audit me if I used a CPA to prepare my return?

Yes. Using a CPA doesn’t prevent an audit. You are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your return, regardless of who prepared it. However, having professional representation during the audit is critical.

What if I can’t find the documents the IRS is requesting?

We can often reconstruct records using bank statements, third-party records, and other sources. The sooner you engage us, the more options we have to build your case.

Will an audit affect my future tax returns?

Not directly. However, if the IRS made adjustments, those changes may affect carryforward items like losses or credits. We’ll review the impact and make sure your future returns reflect the correct figures.

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