Author Archives: Russ

RIP Google Reader

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Russ

I was a Google Reader user for the last few years. It worked exceptionally well. However, effective July 1st Google is retiring Google Reader. I’d love to tell you what the reason is for that decision…but I can’t. I’ve switched … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxable Talk | Comments Off on RIP Google Reader

Mandatory efiling of FBARs Effective July 1st

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Russ

Effective July 1st, all FBARs–Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts–must be efiled. You must use the BSA efile system to efile FBARs. This includes amended FBARs. (One exception would appear to be individuals coming into … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Mandatory efiling of FBARs Effective July 1st

DOMA Done, But Don’t File that Joint Return Just Yet

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Russ

The US Supreme Court ruled today that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. That makes it appear that same-sex couples should be able to file joint tax returns. There’s only one problem: The IRS computers likely would … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

Loving Appeal to be Heard on September 24th

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Russ

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia set oral arguments for September 24th in the IRS’s appeal of Loving v. IRS. This is the case that stopped the IRS’s scheme to regulate unenrolled tax professionals. While the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

Why Saying No to wsop.com If You Win the $111,111 “Free” Seat Is a Good Idea

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Russ

Tonight, wsop.com will be giving away a “free” entry into a $111,111 buy-in tournament that begins on Wednesday. To be eligible for the free entry, you had to sign-up in person for the new online poker site wsop.com at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged | 3 Comments

FBAR Deadline Is Now

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Russ

Almost every tax form uses a postmark deadline. For example, if you mail your tax return on April 15th (using certified mail, return receipt requested, of course), and the post office sends your return to Fresno via Fargo so it … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

Onwards and Upwards into the 20th Century!

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Russ

Not to sound like a broken record, but if today is a vision of the future, boy, do I want the past. I have another new client and needed to order transcripts. I called the IRS Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | Comments Off on When 68 Minutes of Hold Time Is an Improvement

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 →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Tax Evasion | Comments Off on Go Directly to Jail. Do Not Pass Go….