Did You Know? - Part 2

Should I Cash In Retirement Accounts to Pay off IRS or Credit Card Debt?

Bankruptcy, Did You Know?, Pre-Bankruptcy Planning

In a word: NO!!! Please: NO! You should never sacrifice your financial security in retirement to pay current debt. Most importantly, bankruptcy allows you to erase credit card and (most) tax debt and keep your retirement accounts. So why would anyone cash in retirement accounts they will need in the future to pay off today’s debts, if today’s debts can be discharged in bankruptcy? Because most people don’t know better. Read more »
November 14, 2023

Best Restaurants for Lunch in Westlake Village

Did You Know?, John's Favorites & Recommendations

I go out for lunch a lot. I need to network, both to keep my name in front of other professionals who may hear of people needing my help, but also to get out of my office and have social interactions with someone other than Sebastian, my Feline Paralegal! Because I lunch so often, I feel qualified to share my list of the best restaurants for a business lunch in and around Westlake Village. Read more>>
February 28, 2023

Cost of Eggs in Ventura County

Did You Know?

Anyone who’s shopped for eggs in the past few months has no doubt been shocked by the cost of eggs doubling or even tripling, at least in Ventura County, where I live. Why am I buying eggs, especially since I have a flock of hens who give me eggs? Read more>>
February 3, 2023

Tales from the Tax Troll Trenches, Ch. 3

CA Franchise Tax Board, Did You Know?, IRS, Taxes

Regular readers know I occasionally post stories about the IRS and California Tax Agency’s more absurd shenanigans. Unfortunately, I see a LOT of shenanigans. Here are two recent Tales from the Tax Troll Trenches. Read more »
April 8, 2022

2021 Was Horrible for IRS Responsiveness: 2022 Will Be Worse

Did You Know?, In the News, IRS, Tax Collection Issues, Taxes in the News

The IRS’s 2021 responsiveness has been rightfully panned. Due to budget constraints, Covid work restrictions for IRS employees, and a huge work increase from administering much of the Economic Recovery Act, the IRS was pounded and thus taxpayers were, too. But, if last year was bad, this year will be worse Read more »
February 24, 2022

Faucher Family Farms Update

Did You Know?, In the News

Readers of my blog and newsletter know I have a side-gig in about a dozen hens. I love them and I love the fresh eggs they give me. That’s me with one of the girls. I’ve written about my flock before. Notice the nifty Faucher Family Farms shirt Karen got me for Christmas. Read more »
February 14, 2022

Tales From the Tax Troll Trenches: 3 Years to Assign Revenue Officer

CA Franchise Tax Board, Did You Know?, In the News, IRS

Readers of my blog know I like to unload on the IRS occasionally. Here’s another story from the Tax Troll Trenches Read more »
January 21, 2022

Sebastian Explains Why Disclosing All Assets is Key to a Positive Bankruptcy Outcome

Did You Know?

Sometimes my clients don’t believe me when I tell them they must disclose all their assets when going through Chapter 7 bankruptcy (or any other bankruptcy). With that in mind, maybe Sebastian, my Feline Paralegal, can explain things a bit better Read more »
December 10, 2021

Tax Debt Non-Dischargeable in Bankruptcy, Except When…

Did You Know?

Debtors can discharge their taxes in bankruptcy so long as they meet certain tests: the three-year test, the two-year test, the 240-day test and no fraud. I lay it out here. Read more »
June 17, 2021

IRS Processing Times Still Covid-Slow

Did You Know?, IRS

It’s late April. More than 13 months into the pandemic. Almost 40% of Americans have received at least one Covid vaccine. So, you’d think IRS processing times – which slowed to a virtual crawl when the pandemic hit – would be starting to improve, right? Guess again. Read more >>
April 26, 2021

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