An IRS Exploratory is having a CPA find out where you Stand with the IRS! An IRS Exploratory will not call any IRS attention to any IRS case. When there appears to be several unknowns with the IRS (missing tax returns, outstanding balances, what is the IRS planning to do, etc.),   the IRS Exploratory is the 1st step to complete.  In other words, you will find out where you stand with the IRS with an IRS Exploratory. Upon the completion of the IRS Exploratory, the below findings will be written and discussed relating to the overall findings. An IRS Scope/Exploratory includes the following:   IRS Statute of Limitation dates and/or Assessment dates for each and every tax year (if any). IRS balances due by year and amount (if any). Tax returns unfiled for any and all tax years (if any). IRS Liens filed for each and every tax year (if any). IRS income information (SUPOL and/or IRS EARP, etc.) information is requested if taxpayer has outstanding tax returns. Reconciling IRS tax returns on file to Taxpayer provided tax returns. Determining what tax returns have been filed by the IRS for the Taxpayer (if any).  Tax returns filed by the IRS are generally referred to as an SFR’d (substitute for return) return.  The IRS may file a tax return for a taxpayer when there is reported income and a tax return is required but not filed. IRS account status is generally within one of the following (not all inclusive):       1) IRS ACS Collections (ACS),       2) IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC),       3) IRS Revenue Officer (RO),       4) IRS Taxpayers Advocate Office (TAO),       5) IRS Installment agreement,       6) IRS Uncollectible Status (53 Status),       7) Bankruptcy,       8) All Clear Status All returns filed and paid. Determining what types of IRS enforced collection activity is present (if any). IRS Enforced collection activity includes (not all inclusive):       1) IRS Bank levies,       2) IRS Wage Levy’s (Wage Garnishments),       3) IRS Vendor Levy’s, and       4) IRS Seizures.