Category Archives: IRS

If You’re a Sole Proprietor, Get an EIN…Now!

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Russ

Most business entities have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that they use. An EIN is for a business what a social security number is for an individual: It’s their taxpayer identification number. Some sole proprietors must have EINs (if they … Continue reading →

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When the IRS Changes the Rules Midstream in a Legal Matter…

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Russ

Janet Novack has an interesting post in Forbes. It revolves around the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program. The idea behind the OVDP is that a taxpayer who the IRS doesn’t know about who has (for example) secreted away funds in a … Continue reading →

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Did the IRS Write Law?

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Russ

I received a special e-news for tax professionals. It states the following: Federal budget sequestration has resulted in required cuts to certain credits and awards, effective March 1. These required cuts include a reduction to the refundable portion of the … Continue reading →

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IRS Opens for All

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Russ

The IRS announced this morning that they are now accepting all forms for all returns. All of those delayed forms (including passive activities and a host of tax credit forms) are now being supported through both electronic filing and paper … Continue reading →

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IRS to Accept Returns with Depreciation Sunday; Valentine’s Love for Education Credits

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Russ

The IRS announced today that they will begin accepting returns with depreciation (Form 4562) on Sunday, February 10th. This means that most business returns and many sole proprietor’s returns that have been on hold will be able to be filed … Continue reading →

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What “Out of Pocket” Means

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Russ

About ten years ago, I enjoyed one night at the hospital. The bill was only $17,000 (before discounts). My share of the bill was $0, so my medical expenses from that hospitalization were zero. If you don’t spend the money, … Continue reading →

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Will the Third Time be the Charm for Appeals?

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Russ

The IRS Office of Appeals describes its mission as, [T]o resolve tax controversies, without litigation, on a basis which is fair and impartial to both the Government and the taxpayer in a manner that will enhance voluntary compliance and public … Continue reading →

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IRS Loses Again to Institute for Justice

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Russ

Two weeks ago, a court ruled that the IRS had no legal grounds to regulate unenrolled tax preparers. The IRS filed a motion seeking a stay of the court’s injunction against the IRS. Late yesterday, Judge James Boasberg (the same … Continue reading →

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1099, W-2 Mailing Deadline Is Tomorrow

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Russ

Thursday, January 31st, is the deadline for employers and others to put most 1099s and all W-2s into the mail or otherwise deliver them to recipients. This is a postmark deadline. This means that it might still be a week … Continue reading →

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Would You Deliberately Mail a Check to the Wrong Address?

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Russ

Seriously, would you? Assume you owed a customer $1,000. The debt goes back over a year, and now you’re ready to pay. The customer notifies you that she’s moved, and provides you with her new correct address. How many of … Continue reading →

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