Category Archives: IRS

An IRS Identity Protection Unit Saga: Part 2

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Russ

When we last left the Identity Protection (IP) Unit saga of John Smith, he successfully verified his identity and was told he should receive his refund within nine weeks (or by May 25th).  On July 12th Mr. Smith sent us … Continue reading →

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Many Floridians Receive Hurricane Extension Due to Idalia

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Russ

The IRS announced yesterday that victims of Hurricane Idalia have their tax filing deadlines extended until February 15, 2024.  As of this moment, most of central and northern Florida including the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, Orlando, and Jacksonville are eligible for … Continue reading →

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An IRS Identity Protection Unit Saga: Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Russ

I’ve written about James Smith before.  A few years ago, Mr. Smith was the victim of IRS “help” when they changed the Employer Identification Number (EIN) without his knowledge; that saga ended in 2022.  Unfortunately, Mr. Smith is now suffering … Continue reading →

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Everything Is in the Best of Hands: “Security Weaknesses Are Not Timely Resolved and Effectively Managed”

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Russ

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released a report today, and it doesn’t make for pleasant reading; it’s titled, “Security Weaknesses Are Not Timely Resolved and Effectively Managed.”  If you wonder why some don’t feel confident with the … Continue reading →

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Vermont Flood Victims Get an Extra Month to File their Returns

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Russ

Many areas of Vermont have seen severe flooding over the past couple of weeks.  The area has been declared a federal disaster area.  The IRS announced today that impacted individuals have an extra month to file returns on extension (until … Continue reading →

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The Supreme Court Takes Up a Wealth Tax; You May Need to File a Protective Claim for Refund

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Russ

At the end of 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).  This complex measure added some deductions (such as the Deduction for Qualified Business Income), added restrictions on other deductions (such as the $10,000 limit on taxes … Continue reading →

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When the IRS Computer Sends Out Lots of Bad Notices…

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Russ

Almost everyone in California has an extension for filing and paying their taxes until October 16th (a result of the flooding in the state in January).  The IRS certainly know about this: they issued multiple announcements on the extensions.  Thus, … Continue reading →

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Why Were California Returns Extended Again from May to October? (A Theory)

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Russ

Back in January, severe winter storms impacted California.  Much of the state was declared a federal disaster area; these declarations are always county-by-county.  As of today, only two counties in California (both in the northeastern corner of the state) are … Continue reading →

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Why You Use Certified Mail When Mailing Items to Tax Agencies

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Russ

My mother passed away last year (after a long and fruitful life).  I filed her final tax returns–and money was due to both the IRS and California.  I could not use IRS Direct Pay, nor could I have the funds … Continue reading →

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Bozo Tax Tip #1: Everyone Gets the Employee Retention Credit, Right?

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Russ

“Russ,” a client began, “Don’t I qualify for that Employee Retention Credit (ERC) that I keep hearing about?”  I told him he didn’t–his business grew during the Pandemic and he didn’t meet the requirements.  Yes, it’s not free money for … Continue reading →

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