Category Archives: IRS

Can We Kill the Death Master File?

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Russ

Years ago, having the Social Security Administration publish a “Death Master File” was probably necessary. This may have been the only manner for various government agencies and insurance companies to learn that individuals had passed on. Today, though, the information … Continue reading →

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IRS Announces 2013 Standard Mileage Rates

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Russ

This morning the IRS announced the 2013 standard mileage rates. The rates are up one cent per mile from 2012 (except for charitable mileage, which is set by a statute). The new mileage rates are: $0.565 per mile for business … Continue reading →

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New York Extends Tax Deadlines Because of Sandy; Expect the IRS, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Others to Follow

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Russ

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced that they have extended all tax deadlines falling from October 26 to November 14 to November 14th because of Hurricane Sandy. I expect similar actions to be taken by the … Continue reading →

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Woman Paid for Stealing Identities

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Russ

Angeline Austin of Troy, Alabama worked for Southern Records Management. She was assigned by her employer to Troy Hospital. Ms. Austin felt the need for additional income. Unlike most of us who would actually obtain a second job, Ms. Austin … Continue reading →

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Why the 2013 Tax Season May Give Me Lots More Gray Hair

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Russ

The closing days of a tax season are always hectic; such was the case for us this year. Yet I may look back fondly at this past tax season next year. The reason has to do with the election. If … Continue reading →

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The End of Procrastination Season Is Upon Us

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Russ

Monday is October 15th. Individual tax returns on extension are due. What do you do if you haven’t done anything except procrastinate? It’s time to file your return. The IRS website has all the forms. Dig up all of your … Continue reading →

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IRS CAF Unit Fax Numbers Have Changed

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Russ

The IRS is implementing an inbound efax system. Because of this, the CAF Unit (Centralized Authorization Files) fax numbers have changed. For non-tax professionals, the CAF Unit handles IRS Power of Attorney and Tax Information Authorization forms. For tax professionals, … Continue reading →

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The IRS Takes the Weekend Off

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Russ

Well, sure, Monday is Columbus Day and a federal holiday. That doesn’t bother me. However, the problem is that with just nine days left before the extension deadline, the IRS shuts off all of its computer systems for a scheduled … Continue reading →

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Does the New Unearned Income Medicare Contribution Tax Impact Amateur Gamblers?

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Russ

Over two years ago the Patient Protection Act–aka Obamacare–passed Congress. At the time, no one knew what was in the law. Famously, then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that, “We have to pass the law to know … Continue reading →

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A Penny Saved, Lots of Dollars Lost

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Russ

The old cliche is, “A penny saved, a penny earned.” In real life, though, sometimes when you save some pennies you lose lots and lots of dollars. So was the case for two taxpayers who filed a case in Tax … Continue reading →

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