The IRS has now begun processing tax returns for early filers. But whether you have filed your taxes or not, it remains important to keep informed about tax issues. This year, one of those issues is the status of professional tax preparers. Another is the possibility that the IRS, along […]
Author: Lawrence Brown
As tax season gets underway, concerns about possible delays in tax refunds remain. One reasons for this is the late date of the fiscal-cliff deal, which caused the IRS to delay until last week the date when it will begin processing tax returns. But the concerns about refund delays go […]
An IRS audit: To taxpayers, the words are usually about as welcome as the words “root canal” are to dental patients. They are not to be sought out, and so serve as a caution against an overly aggressive tax strategy. Keep in mind, however, that failing to take all of […]
It’s been over three weeks now since Congress and President Obama reached a deal to avert the fiscal cliff. Reaching the deal was a relief to many. But the complexity of the various provisions involved could cause considerable confusion as the new tax return season gets underway. The IRS has […]
Many people work out of their homes. Nationally, the number is quite high. The number of taxpayers who took the home-office deduction was over 3 million in 2010, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS is aware, however, that in the past the calculations required to claim the deduction […]
Many people work out of their homes. Nationally, the number is quite high. The number of taxpayers who took the home-office deduction was over 3 million in 2010, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS is aware, however, that in the past the calculations required to claim the deduction […]
The U.S. tax code is filled with detailed provisions whose origins are deep in the past. But the current application of such provisions is often alive and well – and the subject of tax litigation. To take just one example, consider the tax break for asset exchanges. When this provision […]
After several years of post-bubble struggles, the housing market is finally trending upward again. The waves of foreclosures have subsided somewhat, and traditional buyers and sellers are entering the market again. One potential wrinkle in this improving picture, however, is the possibility of federal gift tax gift consequences for relatives […]
Given the complexity of the federal tax code, professional tax preparers and other advisers play a very important role for many taxpayers. Many taxpayers rely on these preparers in order to file tax returns t hat are accurate and on time. The IRS is well aware of this and has […]
Tax evasion charges often come in connection with charges of other financial crimes. In a recent Texas case, authorities alleged that an electrician submitted fraudulent invoices to overbill the Beaumont school district. Prosecutors also charged the man with failing to pay federal income taxes. The overbilling accusations were for a […]