Texas sales-and-use-tax audit support and pre-audit review for contractors — from someone who spent years running these audits for the Comptroller. Fixed fees, full transparency, no surprises.
You can run profitably for years and have no idea you've been handling it wrong — until an audit notice shows up and the number has penalties and interest stacked on top. By then, the cheapest ways to fix it are already gone.
Most owners never get a straight answer before that day, because the people who understand how Texas sales tax audits are built are usually the auditors — and they work for the state. I used to be one of them.
Single-state, owner-operated. If you do most of your work in Texas and you're under audit — or you'd just like to know where you stand before you ever are — that's exactly what I do.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
Outside my lane: multi-state sellers, franchise tax, federal income tax, payroll. If that's you, I'll point you to the right person — for free.
Texas contractor audits often turn on details that are easy to miss: residential versus nonresidential work, lump-sum versus separated contracts, repair versus new construction, tax-paid purchases, resale and exemption certificates, consumable supplies, equipment rentals, subcontractor charges, and sample projection issues.
I review the records, invoices, contracts, and audit workpapers to identify where documentation, taxability treatment, or sampling assumptions may affect the audit result.
I know how these audits are built, how samples are chosen, and what an auditor looks for first — because I did it. That's the whole product, not a sales line.
Every price is on the site. No "call for a quote," no surprise hourly bills. You know what it costs before you commit.
When authorized, I handle routine communication with the auditor and keep you updated on material developments, deadlines, document requests, proposed adjustments, and anything that could affect the audit timeline or result.
I review potential underpayments, but I also look for overpayments, available credits, and refund opportunities that may offset exposure. Many firms take 30–40% of any refund. With me, that scan is built into the work.
You tell me your situation; I tell you honestly what I'd do — including whether you need to hire anyone at all.
Not under audit yet? That usually starts with a $350 Exposure Snapshot: what you'd owe if audited tomorrow, what's driving it, and what you might claim back.
Some options, including voluntary disclosure in appropriate cases, may only be available before the state contacts you. Waiting can make the choices more expensive.
First question: do you have an audit notice in hand? No notice — start with a Snapshot or Compliance Review. Notice in hand — start with Triage or Audit Response Support, and let's talk soon.
A fast written read on where you stand: your estimated exposure, the issues driving it, and a scan of anything you've overpaid and can claim back. Credits toward a full Compliance Review.
The full version: documented review of your invoicing, contracts, and records, a fix-list, a refund review, and a clear strategy — including whether voluntary disclosure fits.
A 60-minute working call and written memo on your notice and the auditor's approach, plus a checklist. Credits toward a larger engagement if you want me to take over.
Audit Response Support — Lite $1,500 · Standard $2,500–3,500 · Plus $4,500–6,500, scaled to the size and complexity of the audit. Taxability Review $500–1,500 on a specific contract or job. Quarterly Retainer $400/mo for ongoing advisory. Every engagement includes regular updates, clear communication about material developments, and transparent handling of auditor communications.
Note: Frontline Sales Tax Advisors provides non-legal sales tax consulting and audit-support services. I am not a licensed Texas attorney or CPA and do not provide legal advice, legal representation, litigation strategy, CPA attest services, or attorney-client privilege. If your matter requires an attorney or CPA, I'll tell you.
I'm Patrick Fulker. Before Frontline, I was a sales tax auditor for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — reviewing records, selecting samples, identifying taxability errors, and developing audit adjustments. That experience is the entire reason this firm exists.
The contractors who get hurt in a sales tax audit usually aren't dishonest — they just never had anyone explain how Texas actually treats their work: residential versus nonresidential, lump-sum versus separated billing, what's taxable labor and what isn't. I started Frontline to do the opposite of the vague-quote, blanket-POA approach: publish my prices, put my transparency commitments in writing, and keep you in the room the whole time.
Straight about what I am and what I'm not: I'm a former Comptroller sales tax auditor — not a licensed CPA or a licensed Texas attorney. For Texas sales tax representation, Comptroller Form 01-137 authorizes an accountant, attorney, or other agent to represent you. If your situation needs a CPA or lawyer, I'll tell you and point you to one. And I won't take a case I personally worked on while at the Comptroller — I screen every new client against that line.
I do not provide federal income tax advice, franchise tax advice, payroll tax advice, CPA attest services, litigation strategy, legal advice, or legal representation. If your matter needs a CPA, bookkeeper, or Texas attorney, I'll tell you directly and help point you in the right direction.
Whether you've got a notice in hand or you just want to sleep better, the first conversation is free and the pricing is published. No pressure, no surprises.
Book a free 15-minute callThe first conversation is free and runs about 15 minutes. Tell me a little about your situation and I'll reply personally — usually within one business day.
Prefer email? Reach me directly at patrick@frontlinesalestax.com.