If a tax return is filed late or taxes are paid late, penalties may be imposed by the IRS. However, there are exceptions to these penalties if the taxpayer can prove that the failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. One might think that brain cancel might fit the bill…
Tax Articles
LLC Owned by Self-Directed IRA Cannot Pay Wages
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit recently affirmed Ellis v. Commissioner, which held that the payment of wages for services to a self-directed IRA owner for his services rendered to an LLC owned by a self-directed IRA was a prohibited transaction. This case provides yet another example of how not to handle…
How are Employer Loans in Lieu of Wages Taxed?
Can you avoid paying Federal income tax by having your employer make loans to you in lieu of wages, and then have the employer forgive the loans over time? The court addressed this in Wyatt v. Commissioner, T.C. Summary Opinion 2015-31. Facts & Procedural History Dr. Wyatt was a gynecologist. He recruited to practice in Putnam…
Reasonable Cause Defense for Penalty Waives Privilege
In Eaton Corporation & Subsidiaries v. Commissioner, the U.S. Tax Court concluded that raising the reasonable cause/good faith defense to tax penalties waived the work product, attorney-client, and federal tax practitioner privileges. This is a serious issue that has to be considered when submitting penalty abatement requests based on a reasonable cause defense. APA (Advance…
Truck Stop Electrification Expenses Deductible, But Travel Expenses and Traffic Ticket Are Not
In Howard v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2015-38, the U.S. Tax Court concluded that truck stop electrification expenses were deductible, but travel expenses and a traffic ticket were not deductible. Contents1 Facts & Procedural History2 Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses3 Unreimbursed Travel Expenses4 Traffic Ticket Expense Facts & Procedural History Mr. Howard was a long-distance truck driver…
Opting Out of Gaming Industry Tip Compliance
The IRS often challenges the amount of income received by workers who are paid tips. The IRS’s Gaming Industry Tip Compliance Agreement Program (“GITCA Program”) provides a method for avoiding these disputes. But what happens if you opt out of the tip program? The Sabolic v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2015-32, case provides the answer. The Facts &…
Over-the-Road Truck Driver Not Entitled to Deduct Travel Expenses
In Jacobs v. Commissioner, T.C. Summary Opinion 2015-3, the U.S. Tax Court concluded that an over-the-road truck driver was not entitled to deduct travel expenses for traveling away from home since he lived in his truck. Facts & Procedural History Mr. Jacobs is a truck driver. He operated his own truck prior to 2006, worked…
Joint Committee Review Limit Increased to $5 Million
The Joint Committee on Taxation or JCT is a part of the U.S. Congress. It is tasked with investigating the U.S. tax system and reporting on proposed measures and methods for the simplification of taxes. To carry out this function, the IRS is obligated to provide a report to the JCT for any refund in…
Court Says Tax Lien Does Not Have to Be Filed Prior to Entering Into an Installment Agreement
In Budish v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2014-239, the U.S. Tax Court held that the IRS erred in insisting on a tax lien being filed before it would accept an installment agreement. This case serves as a reminder that a tax lien does not have to be filed if it creates a hardship that would make…
Do IRS Penalties Assessed by Computers Need Manager Approval?
The courts have been abating penalties if the IRS fails to obtain manager approval for the penalties. But what about penalties assessed by the IRS computer? Do they need to be approved by a manager? The court addresses this in Grace Foundation v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2014-229. Facts & Procedural History R.S. Ohendalski created and…