American professional athletes face what is commonly known as the “jock tax.” The jock tax, rather than being a single tax as its name implies, is actually a collection of state and local tax measures that apply to professional athletes (as well as other traveling professionals) who play, practice, and work in many different states every year.
Read MoreFor more than 30 years, the Internal Revenue Service has permitted employers who write and market retirement plan documents to submit such documents for IRS review and approval.
Read MoreAh, Independence Day. Just last week our nation celebrated its declaration of independence and the country that was borne from that historic decision, one of freedom, one of fairness, and one of justice.
Read MoreA Manhattan judge recently ruled against the retail giant Macy’s in a class action lawsuit, ordering the company to stop detaining suspected shoplifters and demanding payment for “damages” in exchange for their release.
Read MoreSocial media are exploding today reacting to the headlines as FBI director James Comey announced a recommendation of no charges against Hillary Clinton.
Read MoreA recent Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals case emphasizes that taxpayers do not have an absolute right to access to government records. In practice, not only can the IRS choose which documents to disclose and potentially withhold some unless challenged.
Read MoreA recent Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals case emphasizes that taxpayers do not have an absolute right to access to government records. In practice, not only can the IRS choose which documents to disclose and potentially withhold some unless challenged.
Read MoreIt’s not a secret – a lot of people made a lot of babies following the end of World War II. Who can blame them? On July 1, 2016 those oldest “baby boomers” turn 70½ years old. Who cares?
Read MoreIf you are a tax preparer, what should you do right now to protect yourself from an IRS investigation later? First, retain electronic copies of your records; Second, train your employees concerning an IRS raid, and; Third, consider making changes to how you review a tax return with a taxpayer.
Read MoreAside from the legal obligations and fiduciary duties that lawyers are governed by, there are also ethical rules that govern attorneys. The basic ethical rules include duties to be diligent and keep clients informed, as well as rules that govern how lawyers are supposed to speak in public when discussing their cases.
Read MoreWe looked at what was at state with the Supreme Court’s pending ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin (Fisher II). On June 23, 2016 the Supreme Court ruled, in a 4-3 decision, that the University of Texas’s use of racial preferences in undergraduate admissions can be sustained.
Read MorePresidential candidates in the United States must make financial disclosures to the Federal Election Commission that reveal a wealth of personal information. Interested voters can access the disclosures and learn more about the candidates from them.
Read MoreTo Protect and to Serve” – the ubiquitous creed emblazoned across millions of police cars throughout Los Angeles and indeed the United States. This motto is consistent with the common belief that police officers as well as other law enforcement officers are here to protect us.
Read MoreAmericans will spend 8.9 billion hours complying with IRS tax requirements in 2016. Let that sink in for a moment. Earlier this month the Tax Foundation issued Fiscal Fact No. 512, which breaks down this staggering time-suck.
Read MoreLast week I discussed a prominent risk tax preparers face, specifically investigation, prosecution, and indictment for counseling, aiding, or assisting the filing of a false or fraudulent tax return.
Read MoreThe Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 (“RICO”) created a civil cause of action for violations of its provisions. To state a claim, a plaintiff must allege:
Read MoreIf there’s a chance you will need representation before the IRS, one option is an enrolled agent. This Part 4 of the Guide to Tax Professionals explains what an enrolled agent can do for you.
Read MoreCivil asset forfeiture is a ‘tool’ used by law enforcement officials to seize certain property and assets believed to have been involved in a criminal enterprise[1]. The problem is that often these assets are seized with no proof of wrong doing.
Read MoreMichael Jackson is dead. The world agrees this is tragic. However, his estate’s war with the IRS is alive and well. But it too could end tragically for Jackson’s beneficiaries, along with beneficiaries of celebrity estates that increased in value after the death.
Read MoreIn the final moments of a trial, there’s that nerve-racking, nail-biting moment after the jury has deliberated when the verdict is announced. Following this, the jurors are dismissed (a.k.a. discharged), which marks the end of the road as far as jurors’ civic duty is concerned—that is, with a new caveat.
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