Category Archives: IRS

Do Not Blindly Pay IRS Notices, Reason ∞

Posted on March 20, 2017 by Russ

One of my clients angrily sent me a message today. She received an IRS Automated Underreporting Unit (AUR) notice alleging that she did not include $50,000 of W-2Gs on her 2015 tax return. She’s a professional gambler, so I looked … Continue reading →

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The Other March 15th Deadlines

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Russ

Today’s the deadline for filing partnership and S-Corporation returns. An extension is available by filing Form 7004. Most (but not all) states grant an automatic extension. Do realize that if your state charges a tax for your entity (i.e. New … Continue reading →

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The Hidden Bitcoin Trap: FBAR

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Russ

A lot of my clients have invested in Bitcoins. For those who aren’t aware Bitcoins are a “cryptocurrency.” For tax purposes, Bitcoins are treated like stocks and bonds; realized gains (and losses) are reported on Schedule D. And that’s everything … Continue reading →

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Breaking Bad Hits an IRS Attorney

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Russ

In the television show “Breaking Bad,” a high school chemistry teacher turns to selling methamphetamine to help his family; that’s a decidedly illegal activity. An IRS attorney is accused of pursuing the same activity. Jack Vitayanon, an IRS attorney in … Continue reading →

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2017 Mailbag #2: The Case of the Deliberately Wrong 1099

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Russ

Our second mailbag post deals with an issue I’ve reported on before: an incorrect information return. Once again, there’s a twist. In 2015 I did some consulting for them and was paid $10,000; I received a 2015 Form 1099-MISC that … Continue reading →

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2017 Mailbag #1: The 1099 Doesn’t Show Up, So I Don’t Have to Report It, Right?

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Russ

It’s time for this year’s mailbag, and we’ll start with a common question: What happens if you’re expecting a 1099 and it doesn’t show up? There’s a twist as you will soon see: I did contract work for a company … Continue reading →

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It’s 1099 Time

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Russ

It’s time for businesses to send out their annual information returns. These are the Form 1099s that are sent to to vendors when required. Let’s look first at who does not have to receive 1099s: Corporations (except attorneys) Entities you … Continue reading →

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My E-Services Follies

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Russ

The IRS is trying to become a bit more security conscious. As part of their efforts, the IRS is having all e-Services account users who use the IRS’s “Transcript Delivery Service” re-validate their identities. Letters are being sent to impacted … Continue reading →

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IRS Appeals Implements Stupid Policy of Not Sending Initial Contact Letters

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Russ

I have a client who filed a Tax Court petition in late September. She is disputing additional tax from an Automated Underreporting Unit (AUR) notice. She didn’t respond to the initial AUR notice, so the way to resolve this is … Continue reading →

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Your Tax Professional, A Cop

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Russ

When I flew to visit my mother for Thanksgiving, I had to show my driver’s license to get through TSA security at the Las Vegas Airport. That’s not a surprise. When I prepare my mother’s tax return for 2016, I … Continue reading →

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