Category Archives: IRS

That Was the Year that Was

Posted on October 18, 2015 by Russ

Last November I wrote about “The Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Upcoming Tax Season.” This definitely wasn’t the best tax season but it also wasn’t the worst (but it was close to the bottom). The four issues that I identified … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Preparation, Taxable Talk | Tagged , | 1 Comment

It’s October 13th and I’m Still Not Ready to File my Taxes; What Should I Do?

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Russ

Somewhere, there’s a procrastinator wondering that exact question. He’s likely thinking, “I don’t have to do anything; I have until October 15th!” That’s not a good answer (with one exception [1]). First, most tax professionals will not be able to … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Preparation | 3 Comments

IRS to Tax Professionals: Rules for Thee but Not for Us

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Russ

Today I received an alert from the IRS that a new version of Publication 4557 is available. (At this point, only the web version of the publication is available.) Interestingly, the IRS notes the following: To safeguard taxpayer information, you … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Well, That’s One Way to Avoid ClubFed

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Russ

Peter Mizioch pleaded guilty on September 4th to one count of preparing a false tax return. Mr. Mizioch was allowed by the sentencing judge to go on a Caribbean cruise. Mr. Mizioch is now answering to a higher authority — … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS, Tax Evasion | 1 Comment

IRS Computers Won’t be Completely Shutting Down Over Columbus Day Weekend

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Russ

Next Monday, October 12th, is Columbus Day. That’s a federal holiday. In prior years the IRS computer systems completely shut down over the three-day weekend. There was no efiling, no pulling of transcripts, no anything in dealing with the IRS. … Continue reading →

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TIGTA: “IRS Can’t Track International Correspondence.” IRS: “So What.”

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Russ

The nature of my practice is such that I have a relatively large number of clients who live outside the United States. When one of my expatriate clients gets an IRS notice, I shudder. The IRS offices that handle international … Continue reading →

Posted in International, IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Phone Calls

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Russ

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released this morning an analysis of the 2015 filing season. There is both good news and bad news in the report. First, some good news. The IRS has improved the detection of … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment

The NAEA Won’t Like This Post

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Russ

I’m a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Generally, I’m supportive of their policies. However, I am not a fan of mandatory preparer regulation. Other than giving the IRS more money and getting rid of the lowest hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

IRS Removes Social Security Number from Some Notices But…

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Russ

The IRS has begun removing social security numbers from some IRS notices in the header (leaving just the last four digits, such as xxx-xx-1234). The reason for this is the problem of identity theft. And I give kudos to the … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | Tagged | 2 Comments

Sergeant Schultz to the Rescue!

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Russ

Back in the 1960s there was a television show called Hogan’s Heroes. The comedy was set in a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany during World War II. One of the characters on the show was Sergeant Schultz. Here’s an excerpt via … Continue reading →

Posted in IRS | 1 Comment