Author Archives: Russ

When 68 Minutes of Hold Time Is an Improvement

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Russ

So after the debacle on Tuesday I called back yesterday afternoon. The hold time was far better: 68 minutes. That’s almost a 7% improvement! On the other hand, the representative I spoke with was quite helpful. Indeed, most of the … Continue reading →

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Today’s Example on Why Removing Disclosure Authorization from IRS eServices Is a Miserable Idea

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Russ

Today I needed to order a transcript for a client. I had a signed Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization). I couldn’t enter the form electronically using Disclosure Authorization as I didn’t have past information for the taxpayer. So I faxed … Continue reading →

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Go Directly to Jail. Do Not Pass Go….

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Russ

Usually when you’re sentenced to prison for a tax crime, you get a few days (or weeks) to get your affairs in order. That wasn’t the case on Friday for former New York State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. Let’s first … Continue reading →

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IRS Scandal Update for June 16th

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Russ

Quite a bit of news on the IRS scandal this week: Eliana Johnson of National Review Online debunks the idea of “rogue agents in Cincinnati.” I never thought it was rogue agents. If you’re a religious organization, are you allowed … Continue reading →

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IRS Scandal Update for June 9th

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Russ

Another week has gone by, and some Democrats want the world to believe that the IRS scandal is resolved. It’s not. Here’s the news I’ve seen over the last week. Peggy Noonan has an excellent op-ed in the Wall Street … Continue reading →

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IRS Makes It Official: Disclosure Authorization Gone from eServices on August 11th

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Russ

Buried in this week’s “e-News for Tax Professionals” was the following story: E-Services: Disclosure Authorization and Electronic Account Resolution Applications Retire in August ________________________________________ Due largely to low usage, the IRS will retire and remove the Disclosure Authorization (DA) and … Continue reading →

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IRS Reportedly Will Close eServices’ Disclosure Authorization Program

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Russ

The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) is reporting via its Facebook page that the IRS has decided to “retire” two products from eServices: Disclosure Authorization (DA) and Electronic Account Resolution (EAR). Apparently the IRS, which is already cementing its … Continue reading →

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Mexican Land Trusts Aren’t Trusts

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Russ

One of the things that I am asked at least once a year is about question 8 at the bottom of Schedule B of Form 1040: “During 2012, did you receive a distribution from, or were you the grantor of, … Continue reading →

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The Answer Is in Washington

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Russ

A lot has happened with the IRS scandal. A week has gone by, and there haven’t been any new Congressional hearings (because Congress was out of session last week). That will change this week. The White House is still stating … Continue reading →

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The Big Questions Remain Unanswered (IRS Scandal Update)

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Russ

NBC News reported that they were shown proof that others besides two (or four) rogue Cincinnati IRS employees were involved in the scandal. The entire story should be read, as it appears to put an end to the first explanation … Continue reading →

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