When you’re facing an IRS audit, collection action, or complex California Franchise Tax Board dispute in Orange County, you need more than a tax preparer, you need an experienced tax attorney who understands both federal and state tax law. The Law Office of Pietro Canestrelli provides comprehensive tax representation to Irvine residents and businesses, combining former IRS agent experience with California Board Certified Tax Specialist expertise.
Orange County’s unique economic landscape, from the tech companies along the 405 corridor to the thriving small business community throughout Irvine, Newport Beach, and surrounding cities creates distinctive tax challenges. Whether you’re a software executive dealing with stock option taxation, a real estate investor managing multiple properties, or a business owner navigating California’s complex tax obligations, our team provides the strategic guidance and aggressive representation you need.
Why Irvine Residents and Businesses Need Specialized Tax Representation
Irvine consistently ranks among California’s most prosperous cities, with median household incomes well above both state and national averages. While this economic success reflects the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of Orange County residents, it also creates unique tax challenges:
High-Income Audit Risk
The IRS has dramatically increased audit rates for high-income taxpayers. Under recent enforcement initiatives, individuals earning over $500,000 face audit rates exceeding 15%—and Irvine has one of the highest concentrations of such taxpayers in California. If you receive an audit notice, having experienced representation can mean the difference between a routine examination and a devastating tax bill.
Stock Compensation Complexity
Irvine’s tech sector—home to companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Edwards Lifesciences, and numerous startups—means many local residents receive significant stock compensation. ISOs, NSOs, RSUs, and ESPPs each have different tax implications, and mistakes can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Learn more about optimizing stock market tax strategies.
California’s Aggressive State Tax Enforcement
The Franchise Tax Board has intensified enforcement in recent years, with penalty notices up 32% in 2025. Orange County businesses face scrutiny from the FTB, Employment Development Department (EDD), and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)—often simultaneously. Our guide on California tax bureau compliance explains what businesses need to know.
Tax Services We Provide to Irvine Clients
IRS Audit Defense
Receiving an IRS audit notice triggers immediate anxiety for most taxpayers—but it doesn’t have to. Our approach to audit defense draws on Pietro Canestrelli’s experience as a former IRS agent, providing insight into how auditors think and what they’re looking for.
We handle all types of IRS examinations:
- Correspondence audits: Simple document requests handled entirely by mail
- Office audits: Examinations conducted at an IRS office
- Field audits: Comprehensive reviews conducted at your home or business
- TCMP audits: Detailed line-by-line examinations
For comprehensive guidance, see our article on avoiding IRS audits and what to do if you’re audited.
California FTB Audit Representation
California state audits differ significantly from federal examinations. The FTB uses different rules, focuses on different issues, and has unique penalty structures. Common FTB audit triggers in Orange County include:
- Residency audits (especially for taxpayers who claim to have left California)
- Business income reporting
- Pass-through entity tax elections
- Stock option exercise and sale timing
Our team handles FTB audits from initial notice through appeals, protecting your rights and minimizing your liability.
Tax Debt Resolution
Owing money to the IRS or FTB creates enormous stress. Collection notices, threats of levies and liens, and wage garnishment can feel overwhelming. We help Irvine clients resolve tax debt through:
- Installment Agreements: Structured payment plans that stop collection action
- Offer in Compromise: Settlement programs that may reduce what you owe
- Currently Not Collectible Status: Temporary relief when you can’t pay
- Penalty Abatement: Removal of penalties based on reasonable cause
- Innocent Spouse Relief: Protection from liability caused by a spouse
If you owe more than $10,000, our guide on handling significant IRS tax debt explains why professional representation matters.
Business Tax Planning and Disputes
Irvine’s business community ranges from solo entrepreneurs to multi-million dollar enterprises. We provide:
- Entity selection and formation guidance (business formation and quarterly taxes)
- EDD payroll tax audit defense
- Worker classification dispute resolution
- Sales and use tax audit representation
- Business succession and sale planning
Our article on the role of a tax attorney in protecting your business explains how we help Orange County business owners.
Tax Controversy and Appeals
When you disagree with an IRS or FTB determination, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process offers opportunities to resolve disputes without litigation, but it requires strategic presentation of your case. Our appellate experience includes:
- IRS Appeals Office conferences
- FTB protest and administrative appeal procedures
- Collection Due Process hearings
- Tax Court representation
Learn about your appeal rights in our comprehensive guide to IRS appeals.
Serving All Orange County Communities
While our office is conveniently located for Irvine clients, we represent taxpayers throughout Orange County, including:
- Newport Beach
- Costa Mesa
- Tustin
- Santa Ana
- Anaheim
- Huntington Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Mission Viejo
- Lake Forest
- Rancho Santa Margarita
We also serve clients throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire.
Local IRS Office Information
Orange County taxpayers may need to interact with the IRS through several local offices:
Laguna Niguel IRS Office
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Santa Ana IRS Office
(For specific appointments and services)
However, you don’t have to face the IRS alone. When you retain our firm, we communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf, attend meetings in your place when possible, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Why Choose Pietro Canestrelli for Tax Representation
Former IRS Agent Experience
Understanding how the IRS operates internally provides invaluable advantages in tax controversy work. Pietro Canestrelli’s experience as a former IRS agent means:
- Knowledge of IRS procedures, priorities, and pressure points
- Understanding of how agents evaluate cases and make decisions
- Relationships with the tax professional community
- Insight into negotiation strategies that produce results
California Board Certified Tax Specialist
The State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization recognizes attorneys who demonstrate exceptional competence in taxation. This certification requires:
- Substantial experience in tax law
- Passing a rigorous written examination
- Favorable evaluations from judges and fellow attorneys
- Ongoing continuing education in tax law
Fewer than 350 attorneys in California hold this certification—ensuring you receive representation from among the state’s most qualified tax practitioners.
Track Record of Results
Our success is measured in results for clients: audits defended, penalties abated, tax debts resolved, and businesses protected. While we can’t guarantee outcomes, our approach consistently delivers favorable results across a wide range of tax matters.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
We understand that reaching out about tax problems takes courage. Here’s what happens when you contact our office:
- Initial consultation: We’ll discuss your situation, review any notices you’ve received, and assess the scope of the issue
- Case evaluation: We’ll gather necessary information about your tax history and current circumstances
- Strategy development: We’ll explain your options and recommend the approach most likely to achieve your goals
- Representation: Once retained, we handle all communications with the IRS and FTB, keeping you informed throughout the process
- Resolution: We work toward the best possible outcome, whether that’s a successful audit defense, negotiated settlement, or favorable appeal decision
Throughout the process, our goal is to reduce your stress while protecting your financial interests.
Common Tax Issues We Resolve for Irvine Clients
Crypto and Digital Asset Tax Problems
Orange County’s tech-savvy population includes many cryptocurrency investors. New reporting requirements and increased IRS scrutiny make accurate crypto tax reporting essential. See our cryptocurrency tax guidance for more information.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Whether you’ve missed one year or several, we help clients come back into compliance while minimizing penalties. Our article on late filing consequences explains the importance of taking action.
Collection Actions
Bank levies, wage garnishments, and property liens require immediate response. We work to release levies quickly and negotiate resolution plans that protect your assets.
Employment Tax Issues
Business owners facing payroll tax problems need immediate attention—the IRS takes employment tax violations extremely seriously. We defend against Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessments and negotiate resolution strategies.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re facing an IRS audit, FTB dispute, or any tax controversy in Orange County, the Law Office of Pietro Canestrelli provides the experienced, aggressive representation you need. Our combination of former IRS agent experience and California Board Certified Tax Specialist credentials ensures you receive top-tier representation.
Don’t face the IRS or California tax authorities alone. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and resolve your tax issues.
