The Mixed Bag of Proposed §199A Regulations... [ read ]
The IRS issued the eagerly awaited §199A proposed regulations on August 8, which will please some, but also leave others disappointed.
Are E-Filed Tax Returns Subject to the Same Late Filing Rules as Paper Tax Returns?... [ read ]
On July 11th, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in Haynes v. United States regarding the application of a late filing penalty to an electronically filed tax return that was filed late due to a computer software malfunction. The question before the 5th Circuit is whether the U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Boyle is still valid law in the age of electronic filing of tax returns.
The IRS Adds Repatriation, Virtual Currency, and S Corporations Compliance to its New Enforcement Campaigns... [ read ]
The IRS Large Business and International division – which serves corporations, subchapter S corporations, and partnerships with assets greater than $10 million – has announced a new series of targeted audits, referred to as "campaigns." As previously reported, the IRS is focusing its examinations on specific issues in an effort to channel the development and determination of tax issues into the hands of those agents that have the most knowledge and training in that particular subject matter. Among the tax issues that are the subject of these new audit campaigns are S Corporation distributions, Virtual Currency, and the Section 965 Transition Tax.
Can a Taxpayer Avoid a Civil Fraud Penalty by Filing an Amended Tax Return?... [ read ]
In a prior blog post, we discussed amending a tax return to avoid the accuracy-related penalties. This blog post will discuss whether the same strategy can be used to avoid the civil fraud penalty under IRC Section 6663.
The Tax Court Hands the IRS Another Win in its Campaign Against Small Captive Insurance Arrangements... [ read ]
The IRS prevailed in another challenge against a small captive insurance arrangement in the case of Reserve Mechanical Corp. v. Comm'r, decided by the Tax Court on June 18, 2018. This is the second case decided in the IRS' favor involving a small captive, the first being Avrahami v. Commissioner decided last year. As the IRS seeks to build on these judicial victories, taxpayers would be well advised to look closely at their captive insurance programs to make sure they are not at risk for suffering the same fate as these taxpayers.
U.S. Supreme Court Overturn's Physical Presence Rule in Holding States Can Require Out-of-State Sellers to Collect Sales Tax... [ read ]
On June 21, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., et al. In a 5-4 decision, the Court held a state can require out-of-state sellers with no physical presence in the state to collect sales tax on sales of goods or services delivered into the state.
Obtaining Information from the IRS: Part II... [ read ]
In a prior blog post, we discussed using a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain information from the IRS. In this blog post we will discuss some other sources of information from the IRS.
Obtaining Information from the IRS: The Freedom of Information Act Request... [ read ]
When the IRS is attempting to enforce the tax laws, it will ask for documents and information from a taxpayer. Just as it is important for the IRS to obtain information from the taxpayer, it is equally important for the taxpayer to obtain information from the IRS. This blog post will discuss one alternative for accessing IRS documents and information, the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. A Freedom of Information Act request should be considered in any situation where a taxpayer is interacting with the IRS, including an audit of tax returns, collection of delinquent taxes, assessment of penalties, determination of a responsible person for payroll taxes, request for delinquent tax returns or a criminal tax investigation.
Limited Time Offer! Foreign Taxpayers Have Limited Time to Claim Refunds for U.S. Income Tax Paid on the Disposition of Ownership Interests in U.S. Entities Taxed as Partnerships... [ read ]
The recent legislation commonly called the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "TCJA") made many significant changes to the U.S. income taxation of international investments.
Texas Comptroller Implements a "Tax Amnesty Program," But Is This the Best Option for All Taxpayers?... [ read ]
Starting today, May 1, 2018 through June 29, 2018, the State of Texas Comptroller's Office will run its "Texas Tax Amnesty Program" which offers relief from tax-related penalties and interest for certain taxpayers. But before participating in that program, taxpayers may want to consider whether the Comptroller's existing voluntary disclosure program provides a better option for them.
