Author Archives: Russ

IRS Announces Simple Notice Initiative; Boy, Is It Needed

Clients of ours received an IRS CP2000 alleging they owed additional tax.  The clients called us, and we reviewed their return; it turns out that the items the IRS thought weren’t included on their return were included (so we believe … Continue reading

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IRS Officially Announces Delay in Reporting Cryptocurrency Transactions on Form 8300

The IRS officially announced today that businesses do not have to report the receipt of digital assets on Form 8300 until the Treasury and the IRS issue regulations implementing the new law.  The IRS officially announced this in Announcement 2024-4.  … Continue reading

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Form 8300 and Cryptocurrency: Implementation Postponed

The IRS sent emails to two tax professionals regarding Form 8300 and cryptocurrency: Treasury has postponed the effective day of 12/31/2023 for filing 8300 forms regarding digital asset transactions (Cryptocurrency). The updated [form] as well as guidance on electronic filing … Continue reading

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Form 8300, Cryptocurrency, and Gambling: An Update

Last August I wrote a post noting that as of January 1, 2024 cryptocurrency is considered to be cash for Form 8300 reporting requirements.  Here’s what I wrote last August: A Twitter/X post from John Reed Stark reminded me about … Continue reading

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It’s Time to Start Your 2024 Mileage Log

I’m going to start the new year with a couple reposts of essential information. Yes, you do need to keep a mileage log: Yesterday was the first business day of the new year for most. You may have resolved to … Continue reading

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The 2023 Tax Offender of the Year

So many try every year for my award–The Tax Offender of the Year.  It’s not really something to be proud of; after all, to win this award you need to commit really big tax fraud or a series of Bozo-like … Continue reading

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An IRS Identity Protection Unit Saga: Part 5

When I last updated this saga (on September 22nd), I hadn’t heard a thing from the IRS or my request for the Taxpayer Advocate Office to take a look at the missing refund for my client (call him John Smith).  … Continue reading

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IRS Announces 2024 Standard Mileage Rates

This morning, the IRS announced the 2024 standard mileage rates for automobile usage.  Those rates will be: 67ȼ per mile for business use, up from 65.5ȼ per mile in 2023; 21ȼ per mile for medical purposes, down from 22ȼ per … Continue reading

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What’s $68 Billion and 1.1% Among Friends?

As the late Senator Everett Dirksen said, “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money.”  California is staring at a $68 billion budget deficit.  Ouch.  California depends on personal income tax revenues for 65.9% of … Continue reading

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Nominations Due for 2023 Tax Offender of the Year

It’s that time of year–the season of giving.  Unlike gifts for your family and friends (where everyone, hopefully, has been nice), I’m looking for the naughty.  Once again, I’m seeking nominations for this year’s Tax Offender of the Year.  To … Continue reading

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