What is U.S. Tax Court?

Nearly 100 years ago, Congress recognized the need for an independent judicial forum that would oversee disputes between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The U.S. Tax Court is still around and travels to several dozen major U.S. cities each year (including Miami) to adjudicate IRS-related disputes. This blog will take a look at this unique civil court and provide a general overview of its underlying Read More

Considerations for Employers Regarding the Payroll Tax Deferral

Another pillar of the purported federal relief for employers due to the once-in-a-century pandemic was activated within President Trump’s executive action he signed on Aug. 8. Employers now have the option to withhold payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) from employees who make less than $4,000 per biweekly paycheck (around $104,000 per year). The deferral went into effect on Sept. 1 and is expected to last Read More

An Overview of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty

There’s been much discussion lately about payroll taxes, deferral, and (possible) forgiveness, whether temporary or permanent. While the situation and conversation surrounding payroll taxes remains fluid in D.C., one of the two certain things outlined by prescient founding father Ben Franklin also remains: you must pay your due to the IRS.  In the context of payroll taxes required to be withheld from employee Read More

What is the Wealth Squad, and Why is It in the News?

Every few years, it seems, the IRS announces a renewed effort to focus on high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and various financial entities connected to them. 2020 is one of those years, it seems, with the announcement from representatives associated with the Large Business and International (LBI) Division that certain HNW individuals should expect audits through the late summer and going into early fall. Officially, Read More

The IRS Has the Power to Place Levies on Your Property

The most obvious way to stay on the IRS’ good side is to file your tax returns and pay your tax liabilities on time. You might be able to get away with not fulfilling these basic obligations for a while, but your luck will eventually run out. If you genuinely cannot pay what you owe to the IRS, the best thing to do is to be proactive and communicate to the agency what you are able to pay; usually, some sort of Read More

IRS Releases 2020 Final Regulations Related to GILTI

The IRS, nearly three years after the fact, continues to implement, clarify and regulate the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), reflected by the issuance of the 2020 Final Regulations, which was released on July 20, 2020. While there is some welcome news in these regulations, it also makes the reporting of foreign income more complex for certain U.S. persons who gain income from foreign companies. This blog will Read More

3 Ways You Can Purposefully, or Accidentally, Commit Tax Fraud

It is next to impossible for the average U.S. person to fully understand every applicable IRS provision, regulations, or law when it comes to doing taxes. Many taxpayers with complex situations, of course, elect to enlist the help of accountants and other financial professionals to ensure they are, ultimately, in compliance. Still, things may slip through the cracks for tax professionals. Regardless of your position Read More

What happens if you are stuck in the U.S. because of COVID-19 and spend too many days here? Emergency Period: The IRS and Rev. Proc. 2020-20

It would appear that more people than not have had vacation and travel plans upended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused major transportation issues (especially with international flights). Beneath the obvious health risks of the pandemic, it has also caused logistical issues with the IRS and various tax-related matters. This can cause unintended consequences for non-U.S. people who end up spending too Read More

3 Tips to Prepare for Your Meeting with the IRS

No matter your reason for having to meet with the IRS, the prospect of having to show your face in front of federal agents or investigators would make anyone nervous. From simply walking into an office to discuss tax issues with an IRS representative, going to an appeals conference, or meeting with an agent for a field audit, there are some things you need to do in order to be as prepared as you can be. This blog Read More

Examples of Healthcare Fraud and Trends to Look for in 2020

Through the many intricacies, nuances, and complexities of Medicare and other healthcare programs offered by the federal government, there are plenty of ways to illegally  exploit these programs. There are many opportunities within the private sector to commit acts of fraud. We will take a look at some of the common ways fraud in the healthcare industry can manifest itself and connect them with current trends. 1. Read More