Category Archives: IRS

Deadlines for Us, But Not for Them (Part 2)

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Russ

Back in March I wrote about my client who received an IRS notice regarding his 2012 tax return. I had immediately sent a reply in to the IRS. The IRS received it and it went into the queue. In March, … Continue reading →

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Tax-Exempt Tax Filing Deadline Today

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Russ

Today, May 15th, is the day that calendar year tax-exempt organizations must file their Form 990 series tax returns. This includes the 990 postcard form, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-PF, and Form 990. What do you do if you’re not ready? … Continue reading →

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A Better Idea on Identity Theft

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Russ

As I wrote yesterday, the IRS announced new rules on tax professionals regarding electronic filing. Based on my reading of these rules, the IRS should expect a significant increase in paper-filed returns. Why? Because the new rules likely violate state … Continue reading →

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Yes, Mom, I Need to See Your ID

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Russ

UPDATE: The IRS released a new version of Publication 1345 on November 18th that clarified that a Form 8878 or 8879 signed in ink and hand delivered, faxed, mailed, emailed, or uploaded via a web portal is not an electronic … Continue reading →

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The Scamsters Haven’t Stopped

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Russ

One of my clients called me first thing this morning (we’ll call him Joe from Richmond, Virginia; all names and cities have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty). Joe said he got a phone call from David. David … Continue reading →

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IRS Prematurely Asking for Money

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Russ

A few years ago, the IRS routinely sent notices to taxpayers who filed tax returns prior to April 15th but didn’t pay their taxes until April 15th. After complaints from taxpayers and tax professionals, the IRS supposedly stopped this practice. … Continue reading →

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While I Was Out…

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Russ

I’ve recovered from Tax Day, my sleep is caught up, and it appears Las Vegas has moved smoothly towards summer (it reached 89 today). There has been a little bit of tax news during the past month: Good News for … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: The Eternal Hobby Loss

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Russ

The goal of must businesses is to make money. There aren’t many businesses that can lose on each sale and make it up in volume. In fact, I don’t know of any. But I digress…. So let’s take Sam and … Continue reading →

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IRS: Bitcoins Are Property

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Russ

The IRS finally released guidance on Bitcoins and other virtual currency today. The IRS’s notice states that Bitcoins should be treated as property. What does this mean? 1. Bitcoins held as investments are generally treated under capital gain rules. If … Continue reading →

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IRS Releases New Forms W-8BEN and W-8ECI

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Russ

The IRS released a new version of Form W-8BEN. The new version should be used by an individual responding to a withholding request from the US. It’s commonly used to note tax treaty benefits. There is a disclaimer on the … Continue reading →

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