Married couples who file joint tax returns are both liable for any deficiencies or underpayments. But if one spouse qualifies as an “innocent spouse,” they can be relieved of the tax burden. An important question arises – if an innocent spouse previously paid the joint tax debt, are they entitled to a full refund? A…
Tax Articles
Litigation Settlements & the Limiting Deductions Involving Fraud
Our tax system is based on an arbitrary calendar or fiscal year. It measures income and expense and applies various rules based on this arbitrary period of time. This can create complications, as the arbitrary time may not capture the true essence of what is going on. Take the case of civil litigation where the…
Income Tax Consequences for Gift Cards
Gift cards remain a popular offering, with sales exceeding $200 billion annually. But when must retailers recognize income from gift card sales for tax purposes? Can related deductions be taken immediately, or only as gift cards are redeemed over time? Get it wrong, and businesses face cash flow headaches or penalties. The IRS Office of…
Reporting ESPPs and ISOs to the IRS: What You Need to Know
Stock acquired as part of an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) and incentive stock options (ISO) can have significant tax consequences for the recipient employee. If you don’t know what these plans are, you are not alone. You probably have no reason to know about these concepts unless you or a family member work for…
Discharging Tax Debts in Bankruptcy: The Three-Year Lookback Period
Tax debts in bankruptcy are a weighty and serious topic. Statistics show that in 2019, over 770,000 individuals filed for bankruptcy in the United States, and approximately one-third of those involved some type of tax debt. This highlights the common struggle individuals face in paying their tax obligations. Bankruptcy is a common method for resolving…
Is Alimony Tax Deductible & Related Tax Disputes Involving Alimony
Alimony can be a complicated and contentious issue in divorce proceedings, particularly when it comes to taxes. If payments qualify as alimony pursuant to federal tax law, the payments may be tax deductible by the payor spouse and included in gross income to the payee spouse. Conversely, if the amounts are not alimony for federal…
IRS Recognizes Employee Tool and Equipment Plans
Employee Tool and Equipment Plans have become increasingly prevalent in industries where employees require specialized tools and equipment to perform their job effectively. These plans benefit both employers and employees by providing access to necessary resources and reducing the cost burden on employees. There are tax implications to consider, and mistakes can be made if…
The Private Trust Company
Private trust companies are becoming increasingly popular among high-net-worth families who want greater control and flexibility over their trust administration. Unlike traditional corporate trustees, private trust companies are owned and operated by a family or group of individuals. This allows for more personalized service and a deeper understanding of the family’s unique needs. One of…
The Disqualified Employment Tax Levy
Taxpayers generally know that an IRS levy is not a good thing. Most have some sense that it can affect their financial well-being. If they have not been subject to an IRS levy, this may be all they really know about it. The term “levy” is a verb that, in the context of the IRS,…
Getting Interest Abated: Challenges & Solutions
The Internal Revenue Service is notorious for being slow in doing its work, and its delay often results in taxpayers being charged with interest on their tax liabilities. While the IRS has the authority to abate or remove interest on tax liabilities, the process for getting the IRS to exercise this discretion can be challenging.…