Category Archives: IRS

The Case of the Missing $632,825.18

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Russ

The story you’re about to read is true. The names (and dollar amounts) have been changed to protect the innocent. John and Mary Smith, long-time clients, filed an amended return for the 2017 tax year years ago. It took some … Continue reading →

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Why Did the IRS Send Me a $1.87 Refund?

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Russ

In mid-June I received mail from the IRS.  That’s not unusual; I receive a lot of mail from the IRS (generally, correspondence for clients).  But this was different: it was a check for $1.87.  Here’s the check: Now, I wasn’t … Continue reading →

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Is IRS Correspondence Broken?

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Russ

As a tax professional with quite a few clients, our clients receive IRS notices. Much of this correspondence (not all, but a large portion) has to be responded to.  My three most recent cases are making me think there are … Continue reading →

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The “Joy” of 1959 Technology

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Russ

Clients of ours (call them John & Betty) just received their IRS refund.  It was off by $1,250, exactly the amount of an estimated tax payment they made.  They made that payment using IRS Direct Pay (and I saw their … Continue reading →

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An Identity Protection Unit Saga: Part 6

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Russ

When last we left the saga of my client and his tax year 2020 refund, we were waiting for a call from the Taxpayer Advocate Office.  Well, we received the callback and my client’s refund check was issued last Friday.  … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #4: The $0.68 Solution

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Russ

With Tax Day fast approaching it’s time to examine yet another Bozo method of courting disaster. And it doesn’t, on the surface, seem to be a Bozo method. After all, this organization has the motto, Neither rain nor snow nor … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #5: Procrastinate!

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Russ

Today is April 8th. The tax deadline is just seven days away. What happens if you wake up and it’s April 15, 2024, and you can’t file your tax? File an extension. Download Form 4868, make an estimate of what … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #8: No Tax Form, No Income!

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Russ

Two years ago I was speaking with a new client: “Russ, I just found out that I don’t get a tax form for the income I earn. That means I don’t have to report it, right?” This individual is filing … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #10: Email Your Social Security Number or EIN!

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Russ

It’s time for our annual rundown of Bozo Tax Tips, strategies that you really, really, really shouldn’t try. But somewhere, somehow, someone will try these. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! This is a repeat for the eleventh year in … Continue reading →

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San Diego County Gets Extension Until June 17th

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Russ

Heavy rains and flooding in San Diego caused the area to be declared a federal disaster zone.  The IRS extended all tax deadlines in San Diego County from January 21, 2024 onward until June 17, 2024.  This includes individual, business, … Continue reading →

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