Every tax professional has experienced it.

A client calls in a panic after receiving an IRS notice. Another discovers someone fraudulently filed a tax return using their Social Security number. A business owner receives a state audit letter months after filing.

Although preparing an accurate tax return is the first step, today’s tax professionals are increasingly expected to help clients navigate what happens after the return is filed.

That’s where Protection Plus comes in.

Protection Plus is a third-party service that provides audit defense, identity theft restoration, tax resolution, and preparer protection programs designed specifically for tax professionals. Through the partnership between negozee and Protection Plus, members can offer these services to clients while reducing the administrative burden on their own tax office. (Tax Protection Plus)

What Is Protection Plus?

Protection Plus is a tax protection program that works alongside your tax preparation practice.

Instead of your office handling IRS correspondence, audits, and many post-filing issues alone, Protection Plus provides access to experienced Enrolled Agents (EAs), CPAs, and tax resolution specialists who work directly with taxpayers and taxing authorities.

The company specializes in helping resolve:

IRS notices
State tax notices
Tax audits
Tax inquiries
Identity theft cases
Certain tax resolution matters
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) compliance support (through BOI Protect) (Tax Protection Plus)

Why Tax Professionals Use Protection Plus

Most tax preparers are excellent at preparing tax returns.

However, responding to IRS correspondence can consume dozens of hours throughout the year.

Common situations include:

CP2000 notices
Identity verification requests
Earned Income Credit examinations
Letter 12C requests
State correspondence
Audit representation
Documentation requests

Instead of assigning staff members to every notice received, firms can rely on Protection Plus to manage much of the process.

This allows tax professionals to spend more time:

Preparing returns
Meeting new clients
Growing advisory services
Building their business

$1 Million Tax Audit Defense

One of Protection Plus’ most recognized features is its $1 Million Tax Audit Defense.

If an enrolled client receives an IRS or state notice, Protection Plus provides professional representation and tax resolution services valued up to $1 million, subject to program terms and coverage. Their specialists prepare responses, communicate with taxing authorities, and help guide the case through resolution. (Tax Protection Plus)

Coverage may include:

IRS audits
State audits
IRS correspondence
State notices
Tax inquiries
Professional case assessment
Representation before taxing authorities

For many smaller tax offices, this effectively gives clients access to a dedicated tax resolution team without the firm having to build one internally.

Identity Theft Restoration

Tax identity theft has become one of the fastest-growing concerns facing taxpayers.

Protection Plus includes identity theft restoration services designed to help affected individuals recover from tax-related and certain non-tax identity theft incidents.

Services may include assistance with:

Fraudulent tax return filings
Unauthorized bank activity
Credit issues
Identity restoration support
Credit monitoring benefits (depending on the program) (Tax Protection Plus)

Some programs also extend identity restoration benefits to members of the taxpayer’s household.

Preparation Guarantee

Even experienced tax professionals occasionally make legitimate preparation errors.

Protection Plus includes a Preparation Guarantee that may reimburse qualifying taxes, penalties, and interest resulting from a verified preparer error, up to stated program limits (commonly up to $2,500 under eligible plans). (Tax Protection Plus)

This additional protection can increase client confidence while helping firms manage the financial impact of an honest mistake.

BOI Protect

Businesses now face additional compliance responsibilities involving Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting.

Protection Plus offers BOI Protect, which provides assistance for qualifying FinCEN-related inquiries regarding BOI filings, with coverage advertised up to $1 million in services under applicable terms. (Tax Protection Plus)

This can be especially valuable for tax professionals serving:

LLCs
Corporations
Partnerships
Small business owners

How Protection Plus Works

Protection Plus generally offers two enrollment models.

1. Firm-Level Program

The entire tax office enrolls every eligible client.

Benefits include:

Consistent protection for all clients
Predictable pricing
Lower cost per return
Simplified administration

Many firms choose this model because every client automatically receives the same level of service.

2. Per-Return Program

Tax professionals offer Protection Plus as an optional add-on during tax preparation.

Clients can decide whether they want the additional protection for that specific return.

This approach allows firms to:

Offer clients more choices
Generate additional revenue from optional services
Customize offerings based on client needs

Protection Plus integrates with multiple professional tax software platforms, making enrollment part of the normal tax preparation workflow. (Tax Protection Plus)

What Happens When a Client Receives an IRS Notice?

When an enrolled client receives correspondence:

The client contacts the tax office or Protection Plus.
The notice is submitted for review.
Protection Plus specialists evaluate the issue.
A case assessment is prepared.
Qualified professionals communicate with the IRS or state agency as needed.
The client is guided through resolution.

This process helps reduce the amount of time tax professionals spend responding to notices themselves.

Benefits for Your Tax Office

Offering Protection Plus can create advantages beyond client protection.

Potential benefits include:

Increased Client Confidence

Clients often feel more comfortable knowing they have professional support if the IRS contacts them after filing.

Stronger Client Retention

Instead of seeking help elsewhere after receiving an IRS notice, clients return to the tax professional who enrolled them in Protection Plus.

Additional Revenue Opportunities

Depending on the enrollment model, firms may offer Protection Plus as a value-added service during tax season.

Reduced Administrative Work

Rather than handling every notice internally, many post-filing matters can be referred to Protection Plus specialists.

Who Should Consider Offering Protection Plus?

Protection Plus can be especially valuable for firms serving:

Individual taxpayers
Self-employed individuals
Small business owners
Independent contractors
Gig workers
Real estate investors
Clients with complex tax situations
Taxpayers who are concerned about identity theft

Even taxpayers with straightforward returns may appreciate having audit defense and identity theft restoration available if an issue arises after filing.

Is Protection Plus Worth Offering?

Many successful tax practices are expanding beyond tax preparation alone.

Today’s clients increasingly expect ongoing support—not just during filing season, but throughout the year.

Protection Plus helps tax professionals extend their services by providing:

Audit defense
Tax notice assistance
Identity theft restoration
Preparation guarantees
Tax resolution resources

For firms that want to improve client service while reducing the time spent handling IRS correspondence, Protection Plus can be a valuable addition to their practice.

Tony Martinez

What Is Protection Plus? A Complete Guide for Tax Professionals