We’re proud to share that Brandon Burger recently gave an insightful presentation to the California Society of Tax Consultants, covering a topic that’s becoming increasingly important for tax professionals: BBA Audits, also known as the new audit regime for partnerships.
What are BBA Audits?
The Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2015 introduced a new way for the IRS to audit partnerships. These audits differ from traditional audits in their unique procedures and challenges. Brandon’s presentation focused on helping tax professionals understand how this system works, when to opt out of it, and what steps to take if a client is audited under this regime.
Key Topics Covered
- Who Can Opt Out of BBA Audits: Not every partnership is required to be audited under the BBA regime. Brandon explained which types of partnerships can opt out, and when it might be a good idea to do so.
- Audit Procedures: The process for handling BBA audits differs significantly from what many CPAs and tax preparers are accustomed to. Brandon laid out the steps and timelines involved.
- Modifications: He discussed ways to modify the proposed audit adjustments, which can help reduce the overall tax liability.
- Post-Audit Strategy: Perhaps most importantly, Brandon shared strategies for navigating the complex procedures that follow an audit, and how to be proactive in avoiding costly mistakes.
Helping CPA’s and Tax Preparers Stay Ahead
The goal of the presentation was to provide tax professionals—primarily CPAs and tax preparers—with practical, up-to-date knowledge, enabling them to better advise their clients. Brandon highlighted common pitfalls, shared strategic insights, and answered many thoughtful questions from attendees.
A Strong Turnout and Great Engagement
The event had a strong turnout, and the level of engagement from attendees was impressive. Many questions were asked throughout the session, which reflects just how relevant and timely this topic is in today’s tax landscape.

