Category Archives: IRS

M Is for Mistake, But the IRS Has a Cure

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Russ

This year two brand new schedules appeared on federal tax returns: Schedules L and M. Schedule L is for the Standard Deduction for certain individuals, and hasn’t been a problem for most individuals or preparers. The same can’t be said … Continue reading →

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Starting a Business? A Good Resource from the IRS.

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Russ

Tax agencies may be annoying to deal with, but the IRS has one of the best websites of any entity in the U.S. A client told me about the IRS’ Virtual Small-Business/Self-Employed Business Workshop. It’s an excellent resource on what … Continue reading →

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Austin Plane Crash

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Russ

As I’m sure you’ve heard, a man set fire to his home in Austin, Texas and then flew his private plane into an office building housing IRS offices. Two bodies have been found. Nineteen individuals were injured in the crash. … Continue reading →

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There Is an Income Tax and You Must Pay It

Posted on February 6, 2010 by Russ

When I ran West Coast operations for a telecommunications company, we hired a new employee. As per company policy, before he started work we had him fill out all the company paperwork. That individual handed the customer service manager a … Continue reading →

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IRS Street Addresses

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Russ

A reader emailed me today and said, “Why haven’t you posted your list of IRS street addresses this year?” Well, the answer is that none have changed. Still, it’s time again for the list. Most taxpayers use the Postal Service … Continue reading →

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Donations to Haiti Relief Via Online Gambling Websites

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Russ

I’ve received quite a few inquiries asking about making a donation to Haiti earthquake relief via an online gambling website. Here’s the latest: An online poker site is saying that if I transfer funds to a specific account, they’ll use … Continue reading →

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Payroll Tax Companies & Registration of Tax Professionals

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Russ

The IRS came out with a FAQ on the new regulations of tax professionals. Among the nuggets on the FAQ is that payroll tax companies will have to register (though they may not have to take the competency exam) and … Continue reading →

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Haiti Charitable Tax Deduction Legislation Likely

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Russ

In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans plan on introducing joint legislation to allow Americans to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions to Haiti earthquake relief in 2009 though the deductions are made in 2010. I expect … Continue reading →

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IRS Tips on Choosing a Tax Preparer

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

The IRS has come out with its annual list of tips in choosing a tax professional: 1. Check the person’s qualifications Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources … Continue reading →

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More on Tax Preparer Licensing

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Russ

I was at an audit this afternoon at the Laguna Niguel IRS office. The return (prepared by an unenrolled preparer) had gross errors. Frankly, any competent preparer should have caught these errors. Unfortunately, the individual who prepared the original return … Continue reading →

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