CPA in Boston, Quincy, Randolph & Cambridge

Massachusetts DOR Payroll Tax Audit Help | CPA in Boston, Quincy, Randolph & Cambridge

Massachusetts DOR Payroll Tax Audit Help

Owning and running a small or medium-sized business in Massachusetts can be rewarding — but if you’ve received a notice from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) about a payroll tax audit, it can quickly turn from rewarding to overwhelming. I’ve spent more than 20 years as a CPA helping business owners just like you in Boston, Quincy, Randolph, Cambridge, and across the South Shore handle payroll audits and keep their companies strong. This page is here to give you clarity, encouragement, and the professional guidance you need.

I’m not just a voice on the phone. I’m your neighbor CPA — someone you can meet in Quincy, in Boston, in Randolph, or Cambridge. We can sit down in my office space, or I can roll up my sleeves and meet you at your place of business. While much of the work today can be handled electronically, I know there are times when nothing beats sitting face to face and going through the records together. My goal is simple: protect your business, reduce stress, and give you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best.

Why Payroll Tax Audits Happen

Massachusetts DOR conducts payroll audits to ensure businesses are collecting, reporting, and remitting the correct reemployment and withholding taxes. Common triggers include:

• Late or missing filings of payroll returns
• Discrepancies between W-2s, 1099s, and state filings
• Unemployment insurance claims that don’t match payroll records
• Complaints or tips from former employees
• Random selection or industry-targeted sweeps

In my experience, most business owners who get audited are not trying to cheat the system. More often, they’ve been overwhelmed, short-staffed, or working with incomplete bookkeeping. Maybe your bookkeeper left, maybe you relied on payroll software without realizing certain state filings weren’t going through, or maybe you were focused on running the business and the paperwork piled up. These are real-life stories I’ve seen in Quincy shops, Cambridge tech start-ups, and family businesses in Randolph. The DOR doesn’t always see that human side — but that’s where I come in.

The Stakes: Why Payroll Audits Matter

When the DOR audits payroll, the stakes are high. Penalties and interest add up quickly, and if they decide you misclassified workers as independent contractors when they should have been treated as employees, the financial hit can be serious. Some businesses even face liens or levies that disrupt cash flow. In the worst cases, the issue escalates toward the IRS, adding another layer of stress and complexity.

The key is to get ahead of the audit. When I step in early, I can guide you on exactly what to provide, how to organize it, and how to communicate with the DOR in a way that protects you. The difference between a stressful, drawn-out process and a manageable one often comes down to preparation and having an experienced CPA on your side.

My Approach: Hands-On, Professional, Neighborly

Every audit is different, but my approach is consistent: combine deep technical expertise with a practical, approachable style. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Initial Review: I look at the audit notice, your prior payroll returns, and any correspondence you’ve received. This sets the stage.
2. Fact-Finding: We gather payroll records, bank statements, contractor agreements, and bookkeeping files. If your records are messy or incomplete, don’t worry — I’ve helped businesses rebuild records from scratch, even going to banks in Quincy to retrieve statements that were years old.
3. Audit Defense Strategy: I frame the narrative, highlight good-faith efforts, and make sure the DOR sees you as a business owner trying to comply, not evade.
4. Representation: I handle the conversations, document submissions, and meetings with the DOR on your behalf.
5. Resolution: Whether it’s negotiating penalties, setting up payment plans, or clearing up misunderstandings, I push for the best possible outcome for you.

This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about protecting livelihoods. I’ve had clients call me in tears after getting an audit letter, and I’ve watched those same clients breathe sighs of relief months later when the audit closed far better than they expected. That’s why I do what I do.

Full-Service CPA for Payroll Audits and More

While this page focuses on Massachusetts DOR payroll audits, my services go far beyond that. With over two decades in practice, I’ve guided business owners through:

• IRS payroll tax problems, including Trust Fund Recovery Penalty cases
• Sales tax audits by the Massachusetts DOR
• Income tax issues for small business owners and entrepreneurs
• Representation before the IRS and state agencies
• Day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation support

The reality is, payroll audits don’t exist in a vacuum. If the DOR is asking questions about your payroll, chances are they might also be looking at sales tax or income tax filings. By working with a full-service CPA, you get continuity and protection across all fronts.

Local Presence, Real Accessibility

I know the South Shore and Greater Boston area well. I’ve met clients in Quincy offices near Hancock Street, sat with business owners in Randolph industrial parks, and helped tech founders in Cambridge near Kendall Square. I’ve visited small restaurants in Dorchester, contractors in Brockton, and shops in Somerville. Wherever you are in this area, I want you to feel like you have a trusted neighbor CPA on your side.

You don’t need to worry about whether we can connect — we can meet in my office space, I can come to your location, or we can handle everything electronically. Some clients like the personal touch of in-person meetings, while others prefer the efficiency of email and secure file uploads. I’m flexible, because the goal is to make this as stress-free as possible for you.

Why Choose Me Over Bigger Firms?

You may have seen ads for national firms offering “audit defense” or “tax relief.” The difference is, with me, you’re not a case number — you’re a neighbor. I take on only a handful of cases at a time so I can give each one the attention it deserves. You’re not passed from department to department; you’re working directly with me, a CPA who has personally handled thousands of IRS and state cases since 2004.

Business owners in Boston and the South Shore appreciate that they can call me directly, not a call center. I know the local DOR offices, I understand the culture of Massachusetts business, and I tailor my strategy accordingly. That’s a huge advantage when you’re dealing with something as personal and stressful as a payroll audit.

Success Stories from the South Shore

One Quincy restaurant owner came to me after receiving a payroll audit notice. The owner had relied on a payroll software service that failed to submit certain Massachusetts filings. The DOR assessed thousands in penalties. We worked together to reconstruct filings, show good-faith efforts, and negotiate a settlement that cut the penalties dramatically. Today, that restaurant is thriving, and the owner tells me they sleep better knowing I’m on call.

Another case in Randolph involved a contractor who paid his crew as 1099s without realizing Massachusetts applies one of the strictest worker classification standards in the country. The DOR wanted to reclassify years of payments as wages. We presented evidence of independent business operations, insurance, and multiple clients. The audit outcome was far more favorable than expected, saving him from financial collapse.

I share these stories because they show that while payroll audits can feel like the end of the world, with the right representation, you can get through it — and sometimes come out stronger.

Protecting Your Business for the Future

An audit isn’t just about the past — it’s also a chance to strengthen your systems going forward. After resolving your audit, I’ll help you put in place better payroll processes, ensure filings are timely, and review worker classifications. Many clients tell me the audit was stressful, but also the wake-up call they needed to tighten up compliance and avoid future problems.

That’s another benefit of working with a local CPA: I’m here not just for the crisis, but for the long haul.

Take the First Step Today

If you’ve received a payroll tax audit notice — or even if you just suspect one might be coming — don’t wait. Every day that passes increases penalties, interest, and stress. Reach out today so we can review your situation together. My process is simple: we start with a conversation, review the audit letter, and build a plan. From there, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how I’ll help protect you.

Next steps:

• Visit my About Me page to learn more about who I am and how I work.
• Schedule a call so we can talk through your situation confidentially.
• Decide whether you’d like to meet in person in Quincy, Boston, Randolph, or Cambridge — or handle it electronically.

With over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen almost every scenario. And I know one thing for sure: you don’t have to face the Massachusetts DOR alone. Let’s get started and put this behind you.