A business owner sent me an email about her tax issues: she owes lots of money, the IRS has filed lien notices, she can’t make her payments. Read more >>
February 23, 2018
Audits
Could I Go to Jail For Lying On My Taxes?
My client’s shaking, horrified. She lied on her tax return and worries the IRS will find out when they open the audit. She thinks she’ll end up in handcuffs if she even talks to the IRS. She won’t. But the IRS will be happy that she is scared. Read more >>
May 26, 2017
Fewer Tax Audits by IRS
I attended the USC Tax Institute, a gathering of tax geeks in downtown Los Angeles, last month. Among the more accessible topics was a presentation on tax audits given by Ted Meyer, a former territory manager for IRS auditors. Read more >>
February 18, 2016
Ministers, “Love Gifts” & Income Taxation
Churches and ministers receive many tax breaks: churches do not need to withhold social security taxes from their ministers’ pay; churches receive income tax-free; and ministers do not pay tax on the cash value of church-provided housing. But receiving a tax-free salary is not one of the breaks ministers receive. Read more >>
February 14, 2016
The IRS Appeals Officer & Process
When a taxpayer disagrees with the IRS auditor’s determination, the IRS assigns the matter to an appeals officer. This is a second, new IRS employee that the taxpayer can negotiate with. Read more >>
January 12, 2016
Investment Activity and Your Tax Return
Most people know that they can’t claim losses incurred by a hobby – say, for instance, their side hobby of breeding and raising Great Pyrenees dogs. No profit motive, no deduction Read more >>
July 10, 2014
The “Audit” That Isn’t An Audit
IRS has sent out tens of thousands of letters to small businesses asking them to explain the difference between the businesses’ receipts reported on the tax returns and reported by third parties. Read more >>
August 21, 2013
Tax Debt Lowered from $513,000 to $30,000!
“Impossible,” you’re probably thinking. But it’s not. Here’s why. Read more »
December 26, 2012