Taxation & Estate Planning

Should Mobile Phone Use be Taxed?

Posted on November 21, 2009
When you receive a mobile phone for work purposes from your employer, it is not uncommon for you to make and receive personal calls on such a phone. You might not be aware of it, but there is a little-known law that requires taxpayers to pay taxes when using mobile phones provided by their employers for personal use...

What Offshore Bank Accountholders Must Do

Posted on November 20, 2009
Now that the IRS and UBS bank of Switzerland have settled their feud, it is time to understand exactly what their settlement entails and how it affects you. If you are an American with an offshore bank account whether in Switzerland or any other country, you need to listen up...

Tax Preparation Software ? Boon or Bane

Posted on November 19, 2009
In times past, everyone used to complete their tax returns by hand. With the advent of personal computers, programmers have come out with many different types of tax preparation programs specially suited for the PC (or Mac, as the case may be). These programs make it easier for taxpayers to prepare their taxes than doing it by hand...

The Other Side of Healthcare Reform

Posted on November 18, 2009
Say what you will about the government's healthcare system, recent surveys show that most people approve of it. It was discovered that 56 to 60% of people gave government-run Medicare a 9 or 10 rating out of a scale of 1 to 10. Guess what proportion of policy holders gave that high a rating on their private insurance plans? Only about 40%...

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A Different Type of Obamacare

Posted on November 17, 2009
Critics of the government's new healthcare reforms, H.R. 3200 or The Affordable Health Choices Act have named it Obamacare. While many are wary of its intrusive means of obtaining taxpayers' personal details, there is another initiative on the cards from the President...

Pay Up or Face the Music ? IRS Voluntary Disclosure

Posted on November 16, 2009
If you have been knowingly evading taxes by one means or another, it is time for you to make it right or face the consequences. The good news is that the IRS is presently having a Voluntary Disclosure program aimed at allowing tax dodgers to come forward and declare their assets that have not been taxed...

Tough Requirements for Non-profits

Posted on November 15, 2009
The IRS has imposed more stringent requirements on non-profit organizations' filing of tax returns. In August 2008, the IRS revised its requirements for non-profit filings in a 57 page 'Background Paper' put up in the National Council of Nonprofits Website...

Former Baseball All-star sent to Prison

Posted on November 14, 2009
Jerry Koosman, an all-star pitcher and a key member of the legendary Mets baseball team that won the World Series beating the highly-favored Orioles against all odds in 1969 was sent to jail for 6 months for failing to pay his taxes from 2002 to 2004...

The Law is the Law

Posted on November 13, 2009
In a stark display of the rule of law, a former IRS agent and CPA is serving 4 years in prison for what she believes to be right. Mrs. Sherry Peel Jackson firmly believes that the law never stipulates that a person has to file income tax returns so she did not do so for herself for 4 years...

Guess Where Uncle Sam Is

Posted on November 12, 2009
These days, you will find the IRS at the most unlikely places. Think social media, think Facebook, MySpace and a myriad other such sites. IRS agents have been scouring these social media sites to locate errant taxpayers who owe Uncle Sam some money...

What is Tax Terrorism?

Posted on November 12, 2009
Terrorist attacks are not uncommon in our world today. You always hope you never find yourself anywhere near the vicinity of a terrorist attack. But have you heard of a terrorist attack right in your home or business? It comes in the form of a tax terrorist attack...

IRS News that Matter

Posted on November 11, 2009
Taxed for Clothes They Wear Normally, if you are a foreigner on US soil, you are not allowed to work. But there are some foreigners who are involved in certain activities that represent a source of income for them. One example is foreign professional golfers and athletes...

Reform or Reveal

Posted on November 10, 2009
The government's proposed healthcare reform bill contains a lot of issues that you should be very concerned about. For one thing, your tax details will no longer be private if the bill is passed. If you are clueless as to what tax details have to do with healthcare, listen up...

Pay Your Taxes Online with Credit Card

Posted on November 08, 2009
Next year, you can now pay your taxes online like the way you make purchases from an online catalogue. The IRS will be implementing some value added services to make it easier for you to pay your taxes. Using your credit or debit card, you can actually pay your tax thanks to RBS WorldPay Inc...

What can Swiss Banks Give the World now?

Posted on November 08, 2009
Take away the bastion of secrecy from Swiss banks and what do they have left? With the damage to Swiss secrecy laws by the recent IRS UBS bank agreement, it is surprising that bank chief Oswald Grubel still sees a bright future for Swiss banking. But is he entirely wrong? Read more on What can Swiss Banks Give the World now?… What can Swiss Banks Give the World now? is a post from: IRS Tax Problem Solver Blog - IRS Help What can Swiss Banks Give the World now? is a post from: IRS Tax Problem Solver Blog - IRS Help

Prices Down Taxes Up

Posted on November 08, 2009
California residents have no respite from the poor economy even though prices of goods go down. They have to pay more taxes. No, it was not the action of the state lawmakers. It was due to deflation. Read more on Prices Down Taxes Up… Prices Down Taxes Up is a post from: IRS Tax Problem Solver Blog - IRS Help Prices Down Taxes Up is a post from: IRS Tax Problem Solver Blog - IRS Help

How to Defraud the IRS-.and Not Get Away

Posted on November 07, 2009
This is the one that did NOT get away. Jesse Ayala Cota, a former district director of the IRS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the agency in April 2007 by teaching his home-based business clients how to cheat on their taxes. He has been sentenced to 2 years in prison...

US Targets Other Banks

Posted on November 06, 2009
After the IRS had made settlement with UBS over the disclosure of information on thousands of suspected tax evaders holding UBS bank accounts, the agency is now looking at investigating similar cases in other Swiss banks. According to IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, the IRS intends to go after other banks, law firms and entities that help Americans place their cash in offshore accounts without paying taxes...

The Shoe is on the Other Foot

Posted on November 05, 2009
Most of the time, you hear about the IRS suing an individual or a company for fraud. But in this case, you have a tax fraud investigator suing the IRS instead. Miami fraud investigator, Lewis B. Freeman is suing the IRS for allegedly wrongly assessing a $4...

Tax News

Posted on November 04, 2009
Sysco's Deal with the IRS Restaurant food supplier Sysco Corp. has finalized a deal with the IRS over the agency's demands of taxes deferred by its subsidiary, Baugh Supply Chain Cooperative. Baugh is the subsidiary through which Sysco buys products for its business...

Even Billionaires Do Not Always Get What They Want

Posted on November 03, 2009
When billionaires declare their assets for taxation, they also make billion dollar tax deductions. Andrew Beal, the billionaire founder of Beal Bank in Plano, Texas and financier of Donald Trump's Atlantic City casinos made such a deduction based on losses incurred in connection with loans his bank acquired from Chinese companies...

Swiss Bank Secrecy Laws No More?

Posted on November 02, 2009
In the aftermath of the IRS UBS settlement, a pertinent question arises – how secret are Swiss bank secrecy laws? Once the unquestionable bastion of confidential banking, now with Swiss bank UBS revealing details of 4,450 of its US account holders suspected of tax evasion to the IRS, the secrecy in Swiss banking is no longer a given...

The Clean Way or the Dirty Way

Posted on November 01, 2009
The Clean Way As a business owner, you will want to make sure that you do not overpay your taxes. There are ways to avoid paying more than your rightful amount of taxes as provided by the law. But as with all legislation, it comes with certain conditions...

Spy of a Different Kind

Posted on November 01, 2009
Ever wonder what it is like to be a spy? Jeff McGuire can tell you. He's not some secret agent ala James Bond, but he is a spy of sorts. He is a special agent with the Criminal Investigation Department of the IRS. It all started for him after a stint as an intern with the IRS after college...

IRS goes after Nortel

Posted on October 31, 2009
The IRS has made a claim against giant conglomerate Nortel for a whopping $3 billion in back taxes, penalties and interest charges. As it stands, other creditors of Nortel are already seeking more than $10 billion from the company. But if US bankruptcy judge Kevin Gross accepts the IRS' claims as valid, that would leave less for the other creditors to claim from Nortel...

The War on Tax Havens

Posted on October 30, 2009
The US government has declared war on well-known tax havens like Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and even Hong Kong. For the longest time, it was an open secret that if you wanted to have your money undetected, bank it into a Swiss bank account...

Injured 11-year old Boy Takes on Coleman

Posted on October 30, 2009
Trevor Dennis was once a normal, happy 8-year old boy.  But a horrific incident almost 4 years ago turned his world upside down. While on a camping holiday with his parents at the Octillo Wells Desert Recreation area on December 30th, 2005, young Trevor retired into their camper that was being heated by a Model 5053 ProCat? PerfecTemp? Coleman propane heater propane heater manufactured by the Coleman Company...

Irs.gov and You

Posted on October 29, 2009
Whether you are net savvy or not, whether you spend hours surfing the Internet or you only check your email, it will pay if you visit the IRS website. If you do not know the URL, it is www.irs.gov. So what's the big deal about visiting the website? There are a few advantages and certain things you can do there, so let me explain them...

Effects of Recession on Tax

Posted on October 28, 2009
In these recessionary times, the IRS may have to take measures to reduce workers' contributions to their 401(k) plans. In October, the IRS will announce the plan to limit 2010 contributions based on a formula linked to the rate of inflation in the 3rd quarter versus the rate of the same quarter last year...

Who Owes the IRS

Posted on October 27, 2009
Several notable individuals have high-stakes debts with the IRS. Under normal circumstances, when someone owes the IRS money, the agency issues a tax lien for the outstanding amount against the taxpayer. A tax lien is basically a notification to all creditors that the IRS has a claim against the assets of a taxpayer up to the amount owed in unpaid taxes...

Churches Let Off-For Now

Posted on October 26, 2009
The IRS can be its own worst enemy sometimes. In two separate cases involving investigations into potential violations of tax laws by churches, the IRS had to withdraw its case due to its own laws and procedures. To understand how this comes about, you need to know a bit of history...

Beware ? The Net Widens

Posted on October 25, 2009
If you thought you were safe from the IRS because your offshore bank account was with another bank besides UBS, think again.  As a result of the IRS UBS settlement and the IRS' Voluntary Disclosure program, hundreds of account holders with undeclared assets have come forward to disclose their bank details in exchange for a lighter penalty and to avoid prosecution for tax evasion...

Bad Lawmaking

Posted on October 24, 2009
Much debate has gone into the recent healthcare bill.  As with any new bill, some people support it while others vehemently oppose it.  But whether you support or oppose the bill, you probably do not realize that it contains some little-known and overlooked provisions...

Accusations of Corruption in the GOP

Posted on October 23, 2009
A complaint has been lodged by an anonymous person to the IRS over the exorbitant spending of State Rep. and former House speaker Ray Sansom (R – Destin) using the credit card issued by the Republican party.  These expenses had little to do with party matters and included flight fares to Europe for his family using party funds which he did not declare as income...

Double Trouble

Posted on October 22, 2009
It appears that rapper MC Hammer is in hot soup with the IRS. The federal agency claims that the star owes more than $600,000 in tax money. The news channel WYTV reports that the authorities have slapped three liens of $32,926 in May, $12,464 in June (by the state of California) and a whopping $625,792 in July on the entertainer...

David versus Goliath

Posted on October 21, 2009
Recently, a newly formed pro-life group called the Coalition for Life in Iowa challenged the IRS in a case over certain 'prejudicial' questions the IRS posed to the fledgling group. Here's what happened. After they formed the group, the Coalition for Life Iowa naturally applied for tax-exemption status as they were a non-profit organization...

IRS Targets

Posted on October 20, 2009
If you owe the government money, you become an IRS target. A Hobbs farmer, Bill Melot, was indicted under federal charges of not paying taxes amounting to more than $18 million and not filing income tax returns since 1986. In addition, Melot is alleged to have received more than $225,000 in federal farm aid...

Don't Be Fooled By These

Posted on October 19, 2009
Identity thieves sometimes masquerade as someone from the IRS to obtain your personal details such as your credit card and bank account numbers and passwords. With this information, the scammer may do a whole lot of things like make credit card purchases, apply for loans or even make false tax returns...

Salt to the Wound

Posted on October 18, 2009
Did you know that you could be paying indirect taxes to the IRS every time you used your cell phone? To understand what is going on, you need some background information. In the years before cell phones, telephone service providers would charge their customers based on distance and duration of the phone call...

Pulpit Freedom Sunday 2009

Posted on October 17, 2009
It was only last year on September 28 that the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) organized its first Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Pastors of churches across the country were urged to use their pulpits to endorse or oppose a certain presidential candidate. According to the ADF, they were not favoring any particular candidate but it did seem queer that all 33 church pastors who participated either endorsed Republican John McCain or opposed Democrat Barak Obama...

Cosmetic Surgery Tax Deductions

Posted on October 16, 2009
It is a fact that if you undergo elective surgeries such as cosmetic surgery, you are not entitled to claim for tax deductions on your expenses. However, certain quarters claim that if these cosmetic surgery procedures are distinctly for correcting physical damage from injury or disease, correcting a defect or restoring normal biological functions, then such surgical expenses ARE tax deductable...

Snippets

Posted on October 15, 2009
Silly Mistake Leads to Capture A man from Overland Park was sentenced on Monday to a year and a day in prison for sending some white powder to the IRS office claiming it was anthrax. John P. Barker, 47 was found out by investigators who managed to link him to the letter that was sent through an automated postal center where he paid for the postage using his credit card (didn't he know all electronic transactions can be traced?)...

Car Dealers' Twin Headaches

Posted on October 14, 2009
The Obama Administration recently launched a novel program called CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System), commonly known as the 'cash for clunkers' program. Under this program, the federal government has set aside $1 billion to reimburse car dealers for giving rebates to customers who trade in their old vehicles to purchase new, more fuel efficient cars or trucks...

Interesting News

Posted on October 13, 2009
When Sending an Email Gets You in Trouble Crus Salas had worked with the IRS for the last 30 years. During last year's presidential campaign, Salas like many other Americans, had her own thinking about each Presidential candidate. And she made known her views, too...

When a Tax Refund is Not a Blessing

Posted on October 12, 2009
If you received a half a million dollars in tax refunds, would it please you? It would if you were not Jack Abramoff. The imprisoned lobbyist is serving time in a federal penitentiary in Maryland for orchestrating a fraud against Indian tribes and some other groups...

Hospital versus the IRS

Posted on October 11, 2009
The Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle has sued the government August 6th for the return of about $3 million in Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes it paid on behalf of former hospital residents and fellows employed at the hospital between 1999 and 2004...

When Hobby Equals Business

Posted on October 10, 2009
Most people have some sort of hobby or special interest whether it is gardening, woodworking, model airplane flying, constructing model trains, coin collecting etc. And some people even make money with their hobbies. Is such income taxable? According to the Internal Revenue Code, yes it is...

The IRS and Healthcare ? What Next

Posted on October 09, 2009
The proposed new Healthcare Reform Bill will see Americans compelled to accept the government-sponsored insurance coverage or find their own coverage that conforms to the stipulations of the coverage in the Bill. Failure to have adequate insurance would entail a tax of 2...

Six Ways to Pay Off Your IRS Debt

Posted on September 30, 2009
If you have received a tax bill from Uncle Sam, here are six ways you can pay up. 1. Pay the bill in one lump sum, including any penalties or interests Read more on Six Ways to Pay Off Your IRS Debt…

What's a Million Bucks these Days?

Posted on September 29, 2009
Does the name Richard Hatch ring a bell? It probably does. Richard Hatch gained international fame when he became the winner of the first 'Survivor' reality show series and won $1 million in prize money. But as it turned out, things went downhill from there...

Reactions to the IRS UBS Deal

Posted on September 28, 2009
To every action there is a reaction. In physics, the reaction is opposite and equal to the action. But in economics, the reaction may be explosive and gargantuan in comparison with the action. We are talking about last week's deal between the IRS and UBS bank of Switzerland that brought closure to the long-running high profile dispute triggered by the bank's strategies in abetting about 52,000 Americans maintain accounts with them without paying taxes on their money...

Come and Get It

Posted on September 27, 2009
Normally, nothing in life comes free. So when the IRS gives anything to you, you really ought to take advantage of it. There are a few tax incentives available this year under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for taxpayers to gain from...

Once Bitten, Not Shy!

Posted on September 26, 2009
Last August in Wood County, West Virginia, Sharon Roberts was given a stern warning not to run a puppy mill where the dogs were inadequately taken care of and later sold. But last Friday, when deputies from the Sheriff's office in Marietta, Ohio searched her home, they found dozens of puppies, including one that was dead...

Fancy That!

Posted on September 25, 2009
Two men who pretended to be IRS agents gained entry into an unoccupied house, took some of its contents and told neighbors to help themselves to whatever they wanted inside the house. Giving the impression that the house owner, Gene Medlin owed tax money to the IRS, they said that the house and its contents were being seized and gave permission to the neighbors to take any items they wanted...

Important Dates

Posted on September 24, 2009
Here are some important dates to bear in mind in relation to your taxes. Firstly, a phone forum will be held August 19th on filing taxes online for small businesses and the self-employed. Participants will be told what to beware of and the best way to file your taxes online to avoid being cheated by scams and identity thieves...

More than Meets the Eye

Posted on September 23, 2009
Young, handsome, smart and popular. That's how you would describe Patrick Canon. Merely 38 years old but already with 12 years' experience at being in the city council in Charlotte in 2005, Canon was a step away from being elected mayor. But to everyone's shock, he abruptly pulled out of the election in May citing personal reasons of two deaths among relatives and a renewed desire to be with his family...

Even Governments Owe Money

Posted on September 22, 2009
If you owe money to the IRS, you're not alone. Even some governments owe taxes. Tribal governments, cities and nonprofit organizations in Alaska find themselves in debt to the tune of $4.4 million due to unpaid payroll taxes and penalties. Read more on Even Governments Owe Money…

Work from Home Tax Deductions

Posted on September 21, 2009
Working from home entails a few special considerations when it comes to making deductions for business expenses in your income tax returns. Here are some of them. The area in your home you use for your work must be exclusively used for work purposes on a regular basis...

Does the IRS play God?

Posted on September 20, 2009
The only thing the IRS has in common with God is that they both have three letters in their 'names'. But of late, the IRS has been behaving 'like' God; but not the loving, merciful and kind God, instead it's the high-handed, dominating and controlling god...

No Respecter of Persons?or Corporations

Posted on September 19, 2009
When it comes to catching cheats, the IRS is no respecter of persons or corporations. It does not matter whether you are an individual or a multinational corporation or a local government agencies, as the Cicero Local Development Corporation (CLDC) found out to its detriment...

More Time Required

Posted on September 18, 2009
The year-long dispute between UBS banking group of Switzerland and the US government over the identities of thousands of UBS account holders suspected of using their bank accounts to avoid paying millions of dollars of taxes seems set to continue. The Swiss government is negotiating on behalf of UBS and was supposed to have come to an agreement with US federal lawyers for an out-of-court settlement by Monday when a court hearing was scheduled to hear the case...

New Homebuyers IRS Fraud

Posted on September 17, 2009
The IRS has been deluged with false claims on the new homebuyers' tax credit applications. Under the scheme, first time homebuyers – those who have not owned a principle home during the last three years – who purchase their homes between Jan 1 and Dec 1 this year are entitled to an $8,000 tax credit...

Recovering from Fraud

Posted on September 16, 2009
If you have been cheated financially, the last thing you need is to have to pay hefty taxes on your income.  Remember the Ponzi scheme ran by Bernard Madoff?  If you ever become a victim of such a fraudulent scheme, the IRS has implemented two guidelines that will sound like music to your ears...

It Does Not Hurt to be Careful

Posted on September 15, 2009
Although it has been said before, saying it again would not hurt. The IRS will never solicit your personal financial information through email. Did you know there are some 1,300 websites that use the IRS logo or documents to obtain credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and other personal details? Do not entertain emails that may contain such logos or attachments that look like IRS documents in your inbox...

Arizona Tax Credit Program Abused

Posted on September 14, 2009
What started as a worthwhile program with a noble cause has been abused over the years, say Democratic legislators. Since private schools are non-profit organizations, the Arizona private school tax-credit program was set up with the aim of helping students, especially poorer but deserving ones go to private schools...

The IRS Connection in New Health Reform Bill

Posted on September 13, 2009
In a 1,018 page thick humongous document, the government intends to pass through Congress its new Healthcare Reform Bill. Many objections have been made by concerned individuals and groups over the provisions of the bill because in the final analysis, the bill severely restricts Americans' choice of their own health insurance and thereby 'forces' the American public to opt for the government-sponsored healthcare insurance scheme...

Confession ? Good for the Soul

Posted on September 12, 2009
If confession is good for the soul, then pleading guilty is good for the IRS. In California, John McCarthy opened a Swiss bank account with UBS Bank in the name of COGS Enterprises Ltd., a Hong Kong company and did not file a FBAR (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report)...

The Latest on the IRS UBS Face-off

Posted on September 11, 2009
It's finally official. The number of account holders that Swiss bank UBS will reveal to the IRS under an agreement to settle their dispute will be 4,450. This is a small number compared to the 52,000 names of suspected tax dodgers who have accounts with the bank that contain assets worth billions that have escaped tax...

Playing Russian Roulette

Posted on September 10, 2009
The IRS UBS dispute is over. The dispute was resolved when UBS agreed to disclose an unspecified number of names of their American account holders to the IRS who are suspected of tax evasion. The number is estimated to be about 52,000 Americans. If you are one of the UBS bank account holders, you would know whether you are one of those concerned or not...

Payroll Tax Fraud Equals Big Tax Problem for Hospital CEO

Posted on September 09, 2009
Guilty as Charged Payroll tax fraud is a matter of grave importance to the IRS. It recently took to court the CEO of Granada Hills Community Hospital, a hospital with tax exemption status for failing to remit taxes amounting to close to $2 million. The federal court last week made a ruling that agreed with the IRS' contention and pronounced the CEO guilty...

Caged Up

Posted on September 08, 2009
Nicolas Cage is not a happy man, at least not with the IRS. The federal agency has placed two liens on the properties he wants to sell in New Orleans for failing to pay taxes in 2007. The liens amount to the total unpaid taxes of about $6.26 million...

Dr. Conrad Murray is a worried man. Within a matter of two weeks, the once celebrity doctor's whole world is falling apart. If the name does not sound familiar to you, Conrad Murray was Michael Jackson's personal physician and the only person present with the singer when he died of heart failure on July 25. Due to the immense publicity and mysterious circumstances surrounding Jackson's death (multiple autopsies have been made), Dr. Murray found himself in the unenviable position of being investigated for manslaughter.

Posted on September 07, 2009
Physician, Heal Thyself As Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Murray regularly prescribed medicine to the star. It was known that the singer took pain killers. Despite the autopsies, theories of the actual cause of death still abound. One theory is that Jackson died due to prescription pain killers administered to him by Dr...

The IRS' Virtual World

Posted on September 06, 2009
No, I am not referring to the IRS website. This IRS virtual world is more elaborate and is set up for certain very specific purposes. It is a virtual presence set up by the IRS in 2006 inside Second Life, a 3D virtual world where users, called Residents, can connect with each other...

Help for 1031 Exchange Customers

Posted on September 05, 2009
Customers of 1031 Exchange companies that go bankrupt may now be seeing some light at the end of a tunnel. A 1031 Exchange company is one named for the Internal Revenue Service code 1031 that holds money from the sale of property while the seller looks for a replacement property to invest in...

Opening a Can of Worms

Posted on September 04, 2009
In a highly-publicized spat between the IRS and UBS bank of Switzerland over information on some 52,000 suspected Americans using their bank accounts to avoid taxes, the Swiss bank finally agreed to release an undisclosed number of names among the 52,000...

Obamacare Plans to use the IRS to Police New Healthcare System

Posted on September 04, 2009
The government?s proposed healthcare reform bill contains a lot of issues that you should be very concerned about.  For one thing, your tax details will no longer be private if the bill is passed.  If you are clueless as to what tax details have to do with healthcare, listen up...

Do You Qualify?

Posted on September 03, 2009
If you are genuinely unable to pay your taxes, there is a provision called the Offer In Compromise (OIC) where you can pay less than the total you owe as full settlement. The IRS will consent to an OIC provided it is proven that payment of the OIC amount is more viable than having the case classified as uncollectable or to avoid a long-drawn settlement plan...

What is this World Coming to?

Posted on September 02, 2009
No, this is not about some end-of-the-world, doom and gloom thing. It's about the misdeeds of some people who appear to be above the lure of the love of money. That's right, it's about religious people. It seems money has the same effect on the religious right as it does for the rest of us...

Big Brother IS Watching

Posted on September 01, 2009
It has long been public knowledge that to avoid detection of any sum of money, you should deposit it into a secret Swiss bank account. If you still think that way, think again. Swiss bank accounts, once financial havens invisible to the prying eyes of the government, are no longer so...

The IRS Turncoat

Posted on August 31, 2009
The IRS has its share of turncoats who turn against it after having worked for it before. A former IRS agent, Thomas W. Steelman, 72 of Blue Springs, Mo. was sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $10.6 million in restitution to the IRS for his role in a fraudulent tax deduction scheme...

Naughty Dentists! IRS Tax Problems May Mean Prison Time for These Docs?

Posted on August 30, 2009
You would think that medical professionals make enough money to pay their taxes without any qualms. But it appears that's not the case with two Ohio dentists, Bradley C. Brennecke and Bruce A. Mrusek from Pleasant Plain and Maineville respectively...

The Tale of Two Tax Collectors

Posted on August 29, 2009
A tax collector from California's State Franchise Tax Board and another from the federal Internal Revenue Service compared notes on how their respective offices are handling the economic crisis. The focus of the California tax collector's office is on cost-cutting whereas that of the IRS is on revenue collection...

The IRS and your Health Care

Posted on August 28, 2009
What does the IRS have to do with your Health Care, you might ask. Plenty, if the current Democratic Health Restructuring bills have anything to say about it. The bills are presently being proposed to both the House of Representatives and the Senate through their respective Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) committees...

How to Handle IRS Collections

Posted on August 26, 2009
The very first step of the IRS collections process starts when you file your tax return without including the amount due yet. It will be the IRS who determines your amount due, which will be shown in the bill that they will initially send you. This first bill will simply state the explanations behind your tax due and the need for you to make a full payment...

How to File Back Taxes and Avoid Future IRS Problems

Posted on August 19, 2009
There are several reasons why people do not file their taxes, and while most of them are acceptable, the fact of the matter is that even late or back taxes eventually need to be filed. Filing back taxes will in fact, alleviate or altogether avoid future problems with the IRS...

It's a Little Known Fact that Bankruptcy Can Stop IRS Collection

Posted on August 17, 2009
Most people fall on financial hard times, regardless of the reasons. The IRS may demand that you also settle your tax debt, increasing the money owed to creditors. The IRS can be quite unforgiving, unlike other bill collectors. They can effectively wreck a taxpayer's life if they want to continue specific collection methods...

The Effects of Life's Changes on Your Federal Withholding

Posted on August 15, 2009
It seems that the IRS makes its presence known in everything you do in your life. Getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, transferring to a new job, buying a home and even purchasing an energy efficient car have tax implications. The effects of alimony on your withholding tax and the forms of IRS assistance on this matter will be discussed in this write-up...

How to Make Paying Taxes an Easier Process

Posted on August 15, 2009
A checklist makes sure that you have everything you need when it's time to pay taxes. The process will not be nearly as troublesome because it is simplified by the checklist. Read more on How to Make Paying Taxes an Easier Process…

Believe It or Not, Bankruptcy Can Be a Great IRS Problem Solution

Posted on August 13, 2009
Bankruptcy is a negative term, and with new amendments in the law, it is now also a mind-boggling word. However, it is the only resort for a lot of people. Understanding what bankruptcy is, what the filing needs and guidelines are, and the nitty-gritty of the process is important if you think this is your last alternative to get away from financial mishap...

Is the IRS's Automated Collection System Efficient?

Posted on August 11, 2009
What's the Automated Collection System? The Automated Collection System (ACS) handles the Integrated Data Retrieval System's (IDRS) balance due and non-filer cases needing telephone communication for resolution. Simply put, the ACS is a computerized network which contacts taxpayers who owe money to the IRS, which is a major IRS problem...

How to Legally Keep Your Money Out of the Hands of the IRS

Posted on August 09, 2009
This situation is definitely common. Because of all the tax loopholes, the rich get away with not paying taxes. The poor end up paying more to the IRS than they do, as an outcome. Read more on How to Legally Keep Your Money Out of the Hands of the IRS…

Pay Less Tax, Find Out What Types of Income the IRS Cannot Tax

Posted on August 07, 2009
If you are a wise taxpayer, you know you should not pay the government more or less than what you owe in taxes to avoid IRS problems. What numerous taxpayers don't realize is that there are particular income types that the government cannot collect taxes on legally...

IRS Tax Problems Do Not Have to Ruin Your Life, How to Get Through Them Relatively Unharmed

Posted on August 05, 2009
As the IRS starts to crackdown extensively on delinquent taxpayers, more and more people are dealing with IRS tax problems. IRS issues can be costly, complicated, and overwhelming, from excessive tax debt to unexpected penalties. The IRS has an army of employees eager to get your money...

The Bigger They Are, The?.More They Pay?

Posted on August 04, 2009
If you admire the rich and famous for all the money they have, you may be interested to know about Nicolas Cage (of ?National Treasure? and ?Leaving Las Vegas? fame).  The IRS is taking him to court over $6.2 million ($6, 257,005 to be exact) in alleged unpaid income taxes in 2007...

What Happens During IRS Collection Through Salary and 1099 Garnishments

Posted on August 03, 2009
Because creditors collect payments directly from paychecks, salary garnishment is a tough situation for people in debt. For a number of reasons, people can get their wages garnished. First, wage garnishment happens after a verdict has been arrived at against a defendant...

How to Get Through an IRS Wage Garnishment Unscathed

Posted on August 01, 2009
Your employer has no choice but to directly give a part of your paycheck to the Internal Revenue Service if he gets a notification that you are under a wage garnishment. It's definitely as terrible as it seems since you'll never see that money...

Pay Less When You Adjust Your Federal Withholding Tax

Posted on July 31, 2009
Because you do not want to end up having to pay the IRS money at tax time, choosing the right amount to withhold in your W-4 form can be tricky. (...)

Avvo.com - What Is It & Why Is It Important That Your Lawyer Be A Perfect 10?

Posted on July 29, 2009
Avvo.com is the nation's fastest growing attorney rating service. (...)

Avvo.com ? What Is It & Why Is It Important That Your Lawyer Be A Perfect 10?

Posted on July 29, 2009
Avvo.com is the nation's fastest growing attorney rating service. (...)

The IRS Audit Process

Posted on April 13, 2009
The IRS Audit Process can start out in a variety of ways but usually it starts out with a letter. (...)

IRS Notice CP504 - It's Frightening-What It Means & What to Do About It!

Posted on April 09, 2009
If you've received an IRS Notice CP504 you know it can be pretty scary. I actually got one of these for my own tax problem many years ago. (...)

IRS Notice CP504 ? It's Frightening-What It Means & What to Do About It!

Posted on April 09, 2009
If you've received an IRS Notice CP504 you know it can be pretty scary. I actually got one of these for my own tax problem many years ago. (...)

Florida Tax Attorney, Darrin Mish Explains IRS Notice CP2000

Posted on April 08, 2009
Getting an IRS Form CP2000 can be quite a rude awakening. (...)

Unfiled Tax Returns for more than 10 years????

Posted on April 07, 2009
Here's a great question from a reader. Unfiled tax returns can be a real problem. (...)

If you have an Expatriate IRS Tax Problem - there are certain things you need to know?

Posted on April 04, 2009
Expatriate IRS Tax Problems are different than stateside IRS Tax Problems. (...)

If you have an Expatriate IRS Tax Problem ? there are certain things you need to know?

Posted on April 04, 2009
Expatriate IRS Tax Problems are different than stateside IRS Tax Problems. (...)

How We Settled a $1.18 Million IRS Income Tax Problem Case for $32,900!

Posted on April 03, 2009
This video is about a recent case that we handled on behalf of a taxpayer client. (...)

Announcing our new website GetIRSHelpVideos.com

Posted on March 23, 2009
The biggest compliment that we get from users of our main website GetIRSHelp.com is the video content. (...)

A fight with the IRS

Posted on March 18, 2009
Here's another story from a reader: Well, I do not have a story with the IRS but my cousin does. It was long years ago when we were still young adults. (...)

Someone Used His Social Security Number to Avoid Paying Taxes!

Posted on March 02, 2009

Expecting a Refund; Instead They Got a Tax Bill!

Posted on February 28, 2009

Trust Fund Recovery Penalty - an impersonal experience?

Posted on February 26, 2009
Here is another story sent in by a loyal reader: I ran a company for two years back about half a decade ago.  As a part of getting the business established I signed a personal guarantee for our tax liability.  Unbeknownst to me at the time, our bookkeeper wasn't following instructions, and as a result stopped making our tax payments to the IRS...

Taxpayer Forced to Pay Back a Tax Refund

Posted on February 24, 2009
Here's another IRS horror story sent in by a reader: Every year I receive a tax refund from the government.  For the year 2000, I received my tax refund and deposited it into my bank account. (...)

Capital Gains Caused This Taxpayer Much Grief!

Posted on February 10, 2009
Here's another story that I was sent recently by a regular taxpayer, just like you and me: In 2004 I purchased my first home in Phoenix, AZ.  The real estate market at the time was extremely hot and property values soared in a short period of time...

Couple Hounded by IRS over $75

Posted on February 05, 2009
Hello, I'm Darrin T. Mish and I'm a tax attorney with an international tax practice based in Tampa, Florida. (...)

Are There Two Tax Systems? One For the Prominent & One For ?Ordinary? People?

Posted on February 04, 2009
Yesterday, President Barack Obama was quoted as saying, "Ultimately it's important for the administration to send a message that there aren't two sets of rules. (...)

If You Have An IRS Problem - There Is Hope - Don't Despair & Do Something Drastic

Posted on February 03, 2009
I read an interesting news story the other day on the way to Los Angeles for business. (...)

Someone Else Claimed Their Baby On Their Tax Return!

Posted on February 02, 2009
Hello, my name is Darrin T. Mish. I'm a tax attorney with an international tax practice based in Tampa, Florida. (...)

What You Need To Know Before You Try To Solve Your IRS Problem

Posted on January 26, 2009
No matter if you have the best attorney on the planet or you handle your IRS Problem matter yourself, there are certain things you must do before your IRS Problem can be solved. (...)

Timothy Geithner, Treasury Secretary nominee, failed to pay federal taxes

Posted on January 14, 2009
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Timothy Geithner, President-elect Barak Obama?s nominee for treasury secretary and president of the Federal Reserve, failed to pay $34,000 worth of federal taxes ($43,200, including interest) from 2001 to 2004...

Merry Christmas from the Mish family to your family!

Posted on December 24, 2008
Despite many years of dealing with IRS levies and seizures, this year has been different. We didn't have any of the so-called "Christmas" levies. (...)

New IRS Appeals Programs - Yet Another Reason Why You Want a Tax Attorney to Handle Your IRS Problem Case!

Posted on December 03, 2008
Many taxpayers hire CPAs or Enrolled Agents to handle their IRS problem cases. (...)

IRS Announces Two New Appeal Programs - a good sign or bad?

Posted on December 02, 2008
The IRS has announced the formation of two new appeal programs. (...)

Reader says he was "financially raped" by the IRS

Posted on November 19, 2008
This is a real excerpt from an email that I received the other day. I get emails like this just about every day but I found this one to be especially poignant. (...)

20 Questions to Ask an Enrolled Agent Before You Consider Hiring Them to Solve an IRS Problem Part 4 of a 4 Part Series

Posted on November 11, 2008
Today the gloves come off! (...)

20 Questions to Ask an Enrolled Agent Before You Consider Hiring Them to Solve an IRS Problem Part 3 of a 4 Part Series

Posted on November 10, 2008
Here is part three of our four part series about questions you should ask of your enrolled agent before hiring them to handle your irs problem. (...)

20 Questions to Ask an Enrolled Agent Before You Consider Hiring Them to Solve an IRS Problem Part 2 of a 4 Part Series

Posted on November 07, 2008
Before you hire any tax professional to help you solve an IRS Problem, it's important to thoroughly investigate THEIR ability to help you. (...)

20 Questions to Ask an Enrolled Agent Before You Consider Hiring Them to Solve an IRS Problem Part 1 of a 4 Part Series

Posted on November 07, 2008
I'm asked on a regular basis questions to ask of an Enrolled Agent (of for that matter a Tax Resolution Company) before hiring them to help you solve an IRS Problem. (...)

20 Questions to Ask an Enrolled Agent Before You Consider Hiring Them to Solve an IRS Problem Part 1 of a 4 Part Series

Posted on November 06, 2008
I'm asked on a regular basis questions to ask of an Enrolled Agent (of for that matter a Tax Resolution Company) before hiring them to help you solve an IRS Problem. (...)

Obama Wins!! How does that affect your IRS Problem??

Posted on November 05, 2008
Well…Barack Obama won the presidency and no matter how you feel about that; one thing's for sure. Things are going to change. That was his campaign slogan right? (...)

Double Check all Beneficiary Designations

Posted on November 03, 2008
[I'm very fortunate to have good friends who are lawyers all over the United States. This article is very interesting and comes from Mina N. (...)

Audit Reconsideration Process

Posted on October 14, 2008
There are two types of audit reconsideration. The type addressed in this article is for taxpayers who have been audited and dispute the accuracy of the audit findings. (...)

The IRS doesn?t always act in its own self-interest

Posted on October 07, 2008
I don't write a lot of blog articles about particular cases. Generally I stick to more generic explanations and fact patterns. Today I can't help myself. (...)

Welcome to Tax Collection Tyranny in the Computer Age

Posted on September 25, 2008
A huge percentage of all individual tax returns processed by the Internal Revenue Service's modernized account information computer system. Known as the Customer Account Data Engine, or CADE. (...)

Victims of Floods and Hurricanes Receive Breaks from IRS

Posted on September 24, 2008
The Internal Revenue Service is postponing the time to file certain tax returns, to make certain tax payments and to perform time-sensitive acts for storm, flood, and hurricane victims in presidential disaster areas. (...)

IRS Has $1.2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2004 Tax Return

Posted on September 23, 2008
Usually the IRS wants your money, however unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.2 billion are awaiting nearly 1.3 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for the tax year 2004. (...)

Can't Pay Your Taxes? Set Up an Online Payment Plan.

Posted on September 22, 2008
The Internal Revenue Service has several new features added to the interactive Online Payment Agreement application found on the IRS website. (...)

Avoid Common Errors that Delay Stimulus Payments

Posted on September 19, 2008
If you are awaiting an economic stimulus payment or have yet to file, you can avoid common errors that may delay your payment. (...)

Is Your IRS Debt Keeping You Awake at Night?

Posted on September 18, 2008
In all my years of representing taxpayers that have IRS problems one constant is that every situation is unique. (...)

Don't Let the IRS Tell You How Much You Owe Them

Posted on September 17, 2008
Listen to this bit of news - the IRS does make mistakes! (...)

Darrin Mish's comments on Florida Amendment 2 (Proposing to Prohibit Gay Marriage)

Posted on September 16, 2008
Here's a clip of a news story on WFTS Channel 28 in Tampa, Florida about Florida Amendment 2 (a proposal to prohibit gay marriage). (...)

The Truth about Tax Problem Resolution Fees

Posted on September 09, 2008
With the nation's largest tax resolution company settling a class action lawsuit recently and the IRS holding tax professionals increasingly more accountable, there has been a lot of focus lately on the fees professionals charge for tax problem resolution...

What is a tax levy? and can the IRS Really do that?

Posted on September 08, 2008
A tax levy is when the IRS literally seizes your money to pay an outstanding tax liability you owe them. (...)

Are you an IRS (tax) non-filer?

Posted on September 02, 2008
So you didn't file your tax return this year. Maybe you forgot, maybe you didn't have the money to pay your balance due, or maybe you thought you could beat the system. (...)

Payment Options for Taxpayers Who Can?t Pay in Full

Posted on August 27, 2008
Taxpayers who owe but can't pay in full have several options available to help them meet their tax obligations and save money by the April 15 filing deadline. (...)

IRS Increases Enforcement With New Taxpayer Warning Notice

Posted on August 26, 2008
Currently the IRS uses the CP2000 Notice to notify taxpayers of specific adjustments it is recommending to their income, expenses and credits on a tax return under examination. (...)

3 Ways to Rid Yourself of IRS Debt and Its Accruing Interest and Penalties

Posted on August 25, 2008
If you owe back taxes the IRS is constantly adding on interest and penalties to your balance. (...)

Can You Really Trust Your Accountant? - IRS Informants, Whistleblowers and Bounties

Posted on August 25, 2008
A recent New York Times article about the tax woes of "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis has brought heightened attention to the IRS whistleblower program. (...)

Finish On Top When Dealing With the IRS

Posted on August 24, 2008
The chances are good each of us will have a problem with the IRS at least once in our lifetime. (...)

Pre-marital IRS Debt Can Wreak Havoc in Your Financial Life (and Marriage)

Posted on August 23, 2008
Each spouse in a community property state is individually liable for the tax on one-half of the community income, regardless of which spouse actually earns the income, and regardless of whether a joint or separate return is filed. (...)

Can You Really Get Your IRS Wage Levy Released in 2-5 Days?

Posted on August 22, 2008
Regular, hardworking taxpayers can be blindsided by an IRS Wage Levy. (...)

IRS Collection - What Can They Really Do to You?

Posted on August 21, 2008
IRS Collection of taxes is a multifaceted approach involving increasing the intensity of contact with the taxpayer as the level of noncompliance and/or complexity of the case increases. (...)

Tax Problem Solution

Posted on August 20, 2008
A tax problem solution can have an approach that is as unique and varied as the taxpayer's individual circumstances. (...)

Chapter 7 & Back Taxes

Posted on August 19, 2008
A taxpayer may have the right to discharge back taxes in a chapter 7 bankruptcy. Filing chapter 7 is a way to eliminate back taxes if you meet the conditions for discharging those back taxes. (...)

Is Your New iPhone 3G Tax Deductible?

Posted on August 18, 2008
Taking a tax deduction for your new iPhone 3G (or other cell phone) and the monthly service bill that accompanies it may be a bit more complicated than you think, even if it is used primarily (or exclusively) for business purposes. (...)

IRS Promises They Can and Will Do Better Collecting Payroll Taxes

Posted on August 15, 2008
The IRS claims that businesses have withheld billions of dollars in employment taxes that have never been paid. (...)

Removing a Federal Tax Lien

Posted on August 14, 2008
The IRS may generally file a Federal Tax Lien against your personal and real property to secure the government's interest in your outstanding tax debt so it has priority over other creditors. (...)

How to Handle IRS Debt

Posted on August 12, 2008
Increasing numbers of taxpayers are seeking help in how to handle IRS debt. (...)

I Received a Notice of Deficiency from the IRS, What Do I Do?

Posted on August 11, 2008
If you've received a Notice of Deficiency from the IRS, the short answer to the question is hire a tax attorney immediately. (...)

Penalty Abatement

Posted on August 05, 2008
As a taxpayer you can ask the IRS to reduce some or all of the penalties they may assess. (...)

Innocent Spouse

Posted on August 04, 2008
Unfortunately, in marriage and life, everything is not always "Happily Ever After". If that is the case, now what? (...)

Collection Statute Expiration Date

Posted on August 03, 2008
Generally the IRS has ten years from the date tax is assessed to collect the unpaid liability. (...)

IRS Currently Not Collectible/Hardship Status/Status 53

Posted on August 02, 2008
If a taxpayer is unable to pay his or her tax liability, and collection activity would create an economic hardship the IRS will consider placing the account in a ?hardship? or currently not collectible status. (...)

Offer in Compromise is the answer for your IRS Problem

Posted on August 01, 2008
Some of the bigger "national" Offer in Compromise companies try to sell everyone an Offer in Compromise. The truth is that not everyone qualifies. (...)

IRS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT

Posted on July 31, 2008
According to the Associated Press the number of criminal investigations by the IRS is increasing. (...)

AUDIT OPERATIONS AT THE IRS INCREASINGLY TARGET SMALL BUSINESSES

Posted on July 30, 2008
If you are a taxpayer with a subchapter S corporation, partnership or a disregarded entity for taxation purposes watch out. (...)

CAN A TAX RESOLUTION FIRM REALLY HELP YOU SOLVE YOUR TAX PROBLEM? (PART 3 OF A 3 PART SERIES)

Posted on July 29, 2008
In this final post on the July 23rd article in the Wall Street Journal online edition we're going to talk about taxpayer misconceptions in negotiating a resolution to tax debt with the IRS. (...)

CAN A TAX RESOLUTION FIRM REALLY HELP YOU SOLVE YOUR TAX PROBLEM? (PART 2 OF A 3 PART SERIES)

Posted on July 28, 2008
Last post we began a discussion on the July 23rd article in the Wall Street Journal online edition. (...)

CAN A TAX RESOLUTION FIRM REALLY HELP YOU SOLVE YOUR TAX PROBLEM? (PART 1 OF A 3 PART SERIES)

Posted on July 27, 2008
On July 23rd the Wall Street Journal online edition published an article about a settlement between a well known nationwide tax problem resolution firm and 18 states in reference to misleading advertisements. (...)

IRS Grants FULL Relief in 70% of Audit Reconsideration Cases

Posted on July 25, 2008
In the year 2007 the IRS granted FULL relief to 71.07% of the underlying tax assessment in cases where a taxpayer requested audit reconsideration, according to the annual congressional report of the Taxpayer Advocate Service. (...)

Is the IRS Pre-Disposed to Rejecting Your Offer In Compromise?

Posted on July 24, 2008
By it's own reporting the Internal Revenue Service acceptance rate of Offers In Compromise has declined by a whopping 70% since 2001! (...)

IRS Payment Plans - Do you qualify? and How do you get one?

Posted on July 23, 2008
I prepared this short video on IRS Payment Plans also known as IRS Installment Agreements. I explain in detail how do you qualify and how do you get the IRS to agree to one. (...)

By 2009 the IRS Expects to Levy 3 Million

Posted on July 22, 2008
According to the 2007 Taxpayer Advocate Service Annual Report to Congress the IRS is expanding its FPLP collection initiatives. (...)

IRS Tax Problems Are NOT ?Do-It-Yourself? Friendly

Posted on July 18, 2008
In today?s world consumers are accustomed to ?self service? and ?do-it-yourself? options that touch just about every industry and every aspect of our lives, marketed to save us time and money. (...)

IRS Collection Statute of Limitations - What's That?

Posted on July 16, 2008
It's a fairly well kept secret that the IRS does not have the rest of your life to collect tax liabilities that you may owe. (...)

Darrin Mish for President?? Take a look

Posted on July 15, 2008
This is a silly little video but I thought it was kind of fun. Who knew that I even had a chance? Guess my stance on IRS Problems has really caught the attention of the American people. Take a look.

Offer in Compromise - Will It Really Work For Me?

Posted on July 01, 2008
There are a lot of companies online and offline that want your IRS Problem Resolution business. They will go to just about any lengths to get too. (...)

All about Federal Tax Liens and Getting Them Released

Posted on June 25, 2008
Yesterday I was contacted by Gerri Detweiler who is associated with credit.com She had some questions about Federal Tax Liens, credit and how to get them released. (...)

All about IRS Installment Agreements

Posted on June 24, 2008
Obtaining an IRS installment agreement may be a solution to your IRS Problems.  If you are unable to pay your taxes in full and want to avoid more IRS Problems, an installment agreement may be your best solution. (...)

IRS Tax Help is it really available?

Posted on June 11, 2008
If you are in the process of trying to solve your IRS Problems, there are many ways to receive tax help from the IRS itself. (...)

What you should know about bankruptcy & taxes

Posted on June 05, 2008
If you have filed for bankruptcy or are planning to, you should know there is a mountain of paperwork involved.  You will need IRS help to figure out the taxes and methods of calculation for taxes you will owe as a result of filing for bankruptcy.  Fact: filing for bankruptcy does not mean you won?t owe any taxes for that year...

Problems with IRS Audits

Posted on June 04, 2008
IRS audits can be worrisome.  If you have received a notice that you are being audited, do not panic.  You may think that your IRS Problems are going to escalate because of the audit, but if you handle the situation right, everything will be fine. (....

IRS Tax Help

Posted on May 27, 2008
If you are in the process of trying to solve your IRS Problems, there are many ways to receive tax help from the IRS itself. (...)

Still Waiting on your Economic Stimulus Check?

Posted on May 23, 2008
Recently I was contacted by WFLA-TV Channel 8 in Tampa, Florida to be interviewed about a common problem that many taxpayers are facing. (...)

Want to Know How Much Your Economic Stimulus Check Will Be?

Posted on May 23, 2008
I don't usually make posts like this but due to overwhelming demand, I thought I would post this link to a pretty valuable resource. (...)

Offer in Compromise Tips

Posted on May 22, 2008
While an Offer in Compromise (OIC) may be the solution to your IRS Problems, failing to follow a few tips could make the offer unacceptable. (...)

Are You a Taxpayer with Unfiled Tax Returns?

Posted on May 14, 2008
Laws for Non-filers Not filing your tax returns for a year or more, will undoubtedly alert the IRS and you will be classified as a non-filer.  If you have acquired this status, you have IRS Problems.   Whether you have not filed because you procrastinated, you did not have the money to pay the taxes you owed, or you just have chosen not to file, the IRS will catch up with you and you will pay the penalties...

IRS Appeals - What Are They & When Do You Use Them?

Posted on May 08, 2008
The truth is that IRS field level personnel can be very difficult. They don't have much authority to do much more than say "pay us yesterday." There are two types of IRS employees. (...)

Problems with IRS Audits?

Posted on May 07, 2008
IRS audits can be worrisome.  If you have received a notice that you are being audited, do not panic.  You may think that your IRS Problems are going to escalate because of the audit, but if you handle the situation right, everything will be fine...

Expatriate IRS Problem? Tampa Tax Attorney May Be Able to Help

Posted on May 06, 2008
If you are an American Expatriate living overseas with an IRS Problem you should watch this video. It talks about the unique circumstances overseas taxpayers face. I’ve represented U.S. (...)

What is Tax Evasion & Tax Fraud?

Posted on May 01, 2008
If you have purposefully avoided paying your taxes, whether federal, state, or local, you have IRS Problems.  Tax evasion, commonly called tax fraud, is a crime.  Penalties can involve fines, imprisonment, and asset seizure. (...)

IRS Seizures and their Consequences

Posted on April 29, 2008
The threat of asset seizures by the IRS is usually enough to get most taxpayers to pay their back taxes.  If your IRS Problems are severe enough for you to be worried about the seizure of your assets to pay off your tax debt, then it is time to seek professional help...

Wesley Snipes sentenced to 3 years in federal prison

Posted on April 25, 2008
Yesterday, April 24, 2008 Wesley Snipes was sentenced to 3 years prison time for the federal misdemeanor charges of failing to file a tax return. (...)

IRS Debt Collection

Posted on April 22, 2008
Your IRS Problems continue to grow if you have a tax debt.  The IRS has a program where they assign back tax cases to private collection agencies.  A select segment of taxpayers who owe back taxes will be contacted by a private collection agency...

IRS Wage Garnishments When You Least Expect Them

Posted on April 19, 2008
Almost every day I hear a story that goes like this: Client - "Ummm….I was supposed to get paid at work today and my boss told me that I wasn't getting a paycheck. (...)

IRS Paycheck Levys

Posted on April 18, 2008
If you have in hand the dreaded IRS Notice of Intent to Levy Wages notice, you need help to resolve your IRS Problems.  You will need to take action soon or you will not have control of your money.  This stressful financial and emotional situation will affect you and your family...

I Forgot to File my Tax Return

Posted on April 16, 2008
It is estimated that each year over ten million people do not file their income taxes.  The reasons for not filing vary from procrastination, not understanding the process, not having the funds to pay their taxes, or deliberately not filing.  If you are one of these “non-filers” simply because you forgot to file, you have created for yourself an IRS Problem...

Life Events that Cause IRS Problems

Posted on April 11, 2008
Did you know that changes in your lifestyle could affect your taxes?  When these changes happen, you will need to make adjustments to avoid creating IRS Problems.  Have you recently gotten married?  If you have changed your name, you will need to notify Social Security to get your name changed on your card...

IRS Extensions - What do I need to do to file an IRS Extension?

Posted on April 10, 2008
If you are unable to file your taxes on time or pay your taxes on time, you will add to your IRS Problems.  You may be able to file for an extension for either of these circumstances if you can prove the need.  Types of Extensions You have the option of requesting an extension to file or an extension to pay...

Tampa Tax Attorney, Darrin T. Mish asks "Will the IRS audit you in 2008?"

Posted on April 09, 2008
The IRS is auditing more people these days and concentrating less on businesses.  The percentage of individual IRS audits has risen 14 percent in the last couple of years, and that trend looks to be continuing.  If you need IRS help with an audit looming before you, contact one of our professionals for advice...

IRS Offer in Compromise - Is it the right answer for you?

Posted on March 26, 2008
If your IRS Problems are escalating and you owe back taxes, you might want to explore the possibility of an Offer in Compromise (OIC).  This agreement made between you and the IRS helps you resolve your tax debt.  The IRS has three criteria for an OIC...

Is an IRS Installment Payment Plan right for you?

Posted on March 24, 2008
If you need IRS help to determine if an IRS installment payment plan is the best choice for your IRS problem, contact our office and our friendly and professional staff will be happy to assist you in making that decision. (...)

Can You Stop an IRS Audit?

Posted on March 21, 2008
It is all but impossible to stop an IRS audit once it has begun.  The best advice for this IRS problem is to get IRS help . . . (...)

Requesting a Release of Federal Tax Lien

Posted on March 20, 2008
If you have suffered the IRS Problem of a tax lien, you are ready to do whatever you need to do to be rid of it.  Your lien amount is a matter of public record until your lien is paid-in-full.  You will want to get this information removed from public record as soon as you can...

Circumstances That May Trigger an Audit

Posted on March 19, 2008
With IRS Problems in your past, the last thing you want to do is undergo an audit whether it is a correspondence audit or a face-to-face audit.  The IRS has specific situations that alert it to scrutinize certain taxpayers.  Its criteria for audit selection are not available to the general public but from experience and testimony, reliable information regarding these specific situations has been identified...

How to Save Money Paying the IRS With Your Credit Card.

Posted on March 12, 2008
If you're a regular around here than you know I don't endorse other blogs all that often but today Helen Anderson of the bankoholic.com sent me an email directing me to this post. (...)

Steps to Avoid IRS Problems

Posted on March 11, 2008
If you have had IRS Problems in the past, you know how stressful it can be for you and your family. (...)

Denver Seminar for New IRS Problem Resolution Attorneys a Resounding Success

Posted on March 01, 2008
Picture this. A room of 50 attorneys/paralegals most of whom have no experience whatsoever in the IRS niche. (...)

Tampa Tax Attorney, Darrin T. Mish teaches his new "competition" his years of IRS Problem Resolution Secrets

Posted on February 28, 2008
Today, I’m coming from sunny Denver, Colorado. Why am I in Denver? (...)

Do you need IRS Attorney help?

Posted on February 25, 2008
If you have any kind of IRS problem, or if you anticipate that you might have an issue that will require IRS help, contact our office because an IRS attorney can make all the difference in your case. (...)

Claims for Refund

Posted on February 22, 2008
If you believe that you have over paid your taxes, you have a different kind of IRS Problem.  It is possible to get money back from the IRS if you follow the correct procedure and have patience. (...)

How long should I keep my tax records for the IRS?

Posted on February 13, 2008
Record keeping is an essential step in avoiding IRS Problems.  Keeping good records is necessary for tax purposes but can also be helpful when trying to obtain new insurance, a loan, or even for medical reasons.  Knowing what records to keep, why you need to keep them, and how long to keep them is important...

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - A Possible Solution to your IRS Problem?

Posted on February 12, 2008
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a process only for individuals, not businesses or corporations, who need to reorganize their debts in a structure that will better enable them to survive tough times. (...)

How the IRS can hurt you with a Tax Levy & what to do about it!

Posted on February 06, 2008
If you owe back taxes one option the IRS can use to collect them is a tax levy.  If you have received notice from the IRS of a tax levy, your IRS Problems have reached a critical point.  It is now time for you to explore your options. (...)

Are you a Non-Filer of your IRS Tax Returns? What's that mean to You??

Posted on February 05, 2008
Not filing your tax returns for a year or more, will undoubtedly alert the IRS and you will be classified as a non-filer. If you have acquired this status, you have IRS Problems. (...)

Proving You Filed Your Tax Return

Posted on February 04, 2008
Notification has arrived from the IRS stating that it has no record of you filing your tax return and, if necessary, paying your taxes. (...)

The IRS Mailing List

Posted on February 03, 2008
Some might think it would be great to get off the IRS?s mailing list when, in fact, you actually benefit by being on its mailing list. Dropping off the mailing list may create IRS Problems for you. (...)

The IRS Is Getting Tougher on Tax Evaders

Posted on February 02, 2008
If you have a tax evasion issue, let us help with your IRS problem. The message from the IRS is that it is definitely NOT acceptable to cheat. (...)

Adjusting Tax Withholding

Posted on February 01, 2008
If you find that you have to pay more taxes than you can afford, then your IRS Problems may have just begun. (...)

The IRS says I owe all this money?.where in the world did they come up with those numbers?

Posted on January 28, 2008
SFR - Substitute For Return The IRS uses their Substitute for Return (SFR) program to file tax returns for those taxpayers who fail to file tax returns themselves. (...)

What You Can Find on the IRS Website

Posted on January 27, 2008
The IRS website, www.irs.gov, has a lot of information on it with numerous links that makes even more information available to you. (...)

Can the IRS seize your property?

Posted on January 26, 2008
Yes, the IRS can seize your property, but, certain guidelines and restrictions are more stringent today than when first implemented.  It used to be quite a common practice for the IRS to seize your property and sell it, without so much as a court order...

I live in Florida, are my IRS Problems different?

Posted on January 25, 2008
If you live in Florida and you need IRS help, let one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff assist with your IRS problem.  Each state has some slight differences in tax laws and regulations.  Provisions are made for differing events and circumstances...

I Owe the IRS large amounts of Tax Debt, How Can I Pay?

Posted on January 24, 2008
Your tax return has been prepared and you owe taxes.  Before you can mail your return, you need to decide how you are going to make your payment so you avoid having IRS Problems.  Lucky for you, there are many available options Payment in Full The simplest solution is to make payment in full...

I work for Tips - Do I have to Report that Income??

Posted on January 23, 2008
If you work in a service-oriented field such as food servers, hairdressers, valets, baggage handlers, and hotel maids, you more than likely receive tips. (...)

So You Got a "Notice of Tax Due and Demand for Payment", What Next?

Posted on January 22, 2008
When you submit your tax return with taxes owed and do not pay the bill, you will receive a Notice of Tax Due and Demand for Payment from the IRS.  Your lack of payment has created an IRS Problem for you and your family.  Steps to eliminate this IRS Problem are simple...

Tax Appeals ? How Do They Work?

Posted on January 21, 2008
When you have tax disputes, one option you have to help solve this IRS Problem is to use your right to appeal a decision.  Using IRS Appeals is a way to settle tax disputes without going to Tax Court.  It is much more informal than an actual trial. (...

Will Filing a Form 433-F Help You?

Posted on January 16, 2008
An IRS Form 433-F is a short form filing instrument for a Collection Information Statement.  Form 433-F used to be only for instances where small dollar amounts were involved, but today it receives more wide-spread usage.  The IRS Automated Collection System (ACS) has begun using Form 433-F in circumstances where more than $100,000 is owed...

Critical Information that You Need to Know to Avoid A Notice of Federal Tax Lien

Posted on January 15, 2008
You will receive notice of a tax lien if you owe taxes and the IRS?s attempt to collect them from you has failed. (...)

National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina Olsen pushing Congress for IRS Apology Payments??

Posted on January 10, 2008
The National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina Olsen, urged Congress to grant her discretion to make tax free IRS apology payments to citizens wronged by the actions of the Internal Revenue Service. (...)

IRS Extensions - How Can they Help with Your IRS Problems?

Posted on January 10, 2008
If you are unable to file your taxes on time or pay your taxes on time, you will add to your IRS Problems. (...)

IRS & Private Debt Collection Agencies

Posted on January 09, 2008
Your IRS Problems continue to grow if you have a tax debt. The IRS has a program where they assign back tax cases to private collection agencies. (...)

Claims for Refund - Wait a minute the IRS owes ME money! How do I get it back?

Posted on January 08, 2008
If you believe that you have over paid your taxes, you have a different kind of IRS Problem.  It is possible to get money back from the IRS if you follow the correct procedure and have patience. (...)

Circumstances That May Trigger an Audit

Posted on January 06, 2008
With IRS Problems in your past, the last thing you want to do is undergo an audit whether it is a correspondence audit or a face-to-face audit.  The IRS has specific situations that alert it to scrutinize certain taxpayers.  Its criteria for audit selection are not available to the general public but from experience and testimony, reliable information regarding these specific situations has been identified...

Can You Stop an IRS Audit?

Posted on January 05, 2008
It is all but impossible to stop an IRS audit once it has begun.  The best advice for this IRS problem is to get IRS help . . . (...)

Audits in 2007 ? Will the IRS Audit YOU?

Posted on January 04, 2008
The IRS is auditing more people these days and concentrating less on businesses.  The percentage of individual IRS audits has risen 14 percent in the last couple of years, and that trend looks to be continuing.  If you need IRS help with an audit looming before you, contact one of our professionals for advice...

"I owe the IRS a ton of money?.can I just leave the U.S. to get out of it?"

Posted on January 03, 2008
Almost every day I'm asked the following question. "What if I just left the country? (...)