Articles
Getting Relief From the IRS as an Innocent Spouse
Friday, May 4th, 2018
A common problem we see is where the IRS is pursuing one spouse for taxes attributable to his or her spouse, or ex-spouse. These are particularly difficult in divorce situations since not only are many divorces sufficiently traumatic in and of themselves but adding the IRS to the mix makes it explosive. It is possible, […]
IRS to End Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program
Tuesday, March 20th, 2018
On March 13, 2018, Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter announced September 28, 2018 will be the end of the IRS’s popular Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP), saying “Taxpayers have had several years to come into compliance with U.S. tax laws under this program . . . . All along, we have been clear that we […]
Should I Be Doing Any Special Year-End Tax Planning In Light of the Proposed Tax Legislation?
Wednesday, December 20th, 2017
Year-end tax planning with clients has been a staple in CPA practices for nearly as long as the tax code has been in effect. With all the discussion of the proposed tax bills, in all their iterations and negotiations, and the seemingly endless crystal ball commentary on their effects, many have questioned whether they should […]
Mandatory Retirement Account Distributions
Sunday, December 10th, 2017
You faithfully make your annual contributions to your IRA or 401(k) accounts. You’ve been doing this for years, maybe decades. Can you keep your retirement funds in your account indefinitely? Of course not. You generally have to start taking withdrawals from your IRA, Simple IRA, SEP IRA, or other retirement plan account when you reach […]
How Will an IRS Lien Affect Me?
Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
If you have an outstanding balance due the IRS that remains unpaid after the IRS gives notice and demands payment, then a federal tax lien automatically arises. The lien applies to all real and personal property of a taxpayer, including any after-acquired property. To protect its interest in a taxpayer’s property against other creditors, the […]
Deadline To Make Late Portability Election Fast Approaching. Don’t Miss Out On this Estate Planning Opportunity—Act Before January 2, 2018.
Monday, October 30th, 2017
A “Portability” election allows a spouse to use their deceased spouse’s unused estate tax exemption by transferring the unused portion to their own estate plan. This will save death taxes from the estate when they later pass. To utilize this benefit, a timely election is required to be made. Taxpayers (and trustees, executors and PRs) […]
If You Owe Money To The IRS, Your Credit Score May Be Going Up!
Tuesday, August 1st, 2017
For years, the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) have been including tax liens and civil judgments on credit reports—which obviously have had negative implications on credit scores. But recent efforts by consumer advocacy groups, citing numerous errors resulting from this practice, finally convinced these agencies to stop doing so. As of […]
Why Today’s Families Need Modern, Protective Estate Planning
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017
Blended families have become normal, with second and subsequent marriages often making up the modern American family. They may have children from a prior marriage and children together. Estate planning complications for these families can result in inheritance errors. This can harm family relationships, and, in a worst-case scenario, end in costly litigation that can, […]
How Long Can the I.R.S. Audit and Collect From Me?
Thursday, May 11th, 2017
There are two phases to a tax case: the first part is when the IRS conducts an examination to determine how much you owe (“examination”) and the second part is when the IRS tries to collect from you (“collection”). Of course, if you filed your tax return and did not pay all that was shown […]
Things to Consider Before Renting that Spare Bedroom
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
Owning rental property used to be an endeavor of the wealthy. But in the new sharing economy, legions of people have become mini-entrepreneurs. Thanks to Airbnb and other sharing sites, anyone can easily offer up a couch, a spare room or the entire house for a short-term rental (usually defined as fewer than 30 days). […]