In order for the law to be fair, the rules must be clear enough so that people can use them as a guide. Unfortunately, that is not really the case, many people believe, with IRS payroll audits of small businesses regarding suspected misclassification of employees. In Texas and across the […]
Category: IRS
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 […]
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 […]
In a tax system based on voluntary compliance, it is crucial that taxpayers the IRS offer sufficient security for personal data submitted by taxpayers. If the agency does not keep such data safe from snooping or hacking, it would fairly quickly threaten the integrity of the entire tax system. To […]
Common sense sayings often point to an undeniable deeper truth. Consider, for example, the well-worn phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” In the tax arena, it might seem at first glance that the Taxpayer Advocate Service is the exception that proves the rule. After all, the TAS […]
Summons. The word itself is enough to get virtually anyone’s attention, regardless of how much he or she knows about the law. That is entirely understandable. After all, the word “summons” is a long-standing legal term for requiring someone to appear in a court proceeding. In the context of tax […]
Given the complexity of so many tax laws, paid tax preparers are vital to many people and businesses. Recognizing this, the IRS has been pushing for the past three years to initiate a competency testing program for preparers. The agency naturally hopes that orderly regulation of preparers will make the […]
On June 28, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the individual mandate portion of the federal healthcare law. When the law takes full effect, filing a tax return will include providing proof of health insurance. Those without insurance will be subject to penalties that must be paid to the IRS. What […]
Even in a digital age, paperwork is important. To be sure, more and more records are electronic now. But when it comes to preventing or preparing for an audit by the IRS, it’s important to get good documentation of your financial transactions and keep it for a reasonable period of […]
Most Americans are familiar with the U.S. Supreme Court, in at least a general way. That is not the case, however, with the U.S. Tax Court. If you haven’t been involved in tax litigation, you may scarcely be aware of the Tax Court. But if you do find yourself in […]