Category Archives: IRS

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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A Modest Proposal on Tax-Related Identity Theft

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Russ

The issue of identity theft is growing. The IRS is faced with twin challenges on this front: The IRS needs to quickly process tax refunds but it also needs to combat this growing issue. The IRS’s current policy is to … Continue reading →

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Another Week, More Tax-Related Identity Theft

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Russ

Seven citizens from Zimbabwe opened Express Refund Center in Cincinnati in 2007. The business thrived, but not for those unfortunate souls who used the service. It seems that the operators allegedly decided that stealing their customers’ identities was a lot … Continue reading →

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IRS Upgrade This Weekend; Many Services Unavaiable Until Tuesday

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Russ

Every year over Labor Day weekend the IRS upgrades their computer and electrical systems. Beginning later this evening, the IRS will be taking systems down. Here’s a partial list of what will be going down: – The ability to apply … Continue reading →

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A Story of Identity Theft; Why Is the Death Master File Still Available?

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Russ

My father died almost six years ago. It’s something that’s inevitable for all of us. My mother was lucky in one respect: No one stole my father’s identity at death. Unfortunately, such identity thefts are becoming far more common. Jason … Continue reading →

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