Role of the Judge in Criminal Tax Sentencing

Tax fraud is a serious crime that can result in harsh criminal tax penalties, including fines and imprisonment. However, the specific sentence for a tax crime varies depending on the case and the judge presiding over it. In cases of tax fraud, the discretion of the judge can play a crucial role in determining the…

U.S. Tax Court Petition Date is Absolute

When it comes to tax issues, deadlines are a crucial aspect of the process. However, the strictness and inflexibility of these deadlines can often seem absurd, especially given the consequences for the government. Does it truly matter if the IRS receives a tax return a day late, especially if they don’t even plan on looking…

New IRS Tax Lien Regulations Issued

When the IRS places a lien on someone’s property, it means that the taxpayer owes the IRS back taxes. The lien serves as a legal claim against the taxpayer’s property, and it can negatively impact their financial and professional life. One of the most significant consequences of an IRS tax lien is the damage it…

IRS Cannot Abate Interest on Employment Taxes

The IRS has a track record of not acting timely. Its failures in this regard are frequent and, sadly, they are expected. The bar has been set so low that we actually expect the IRS to go slow. This can be extremely frustrating for taxpayers and it can even cost taxpayers a considerable amount of…

Congress Works on the IRS Informants Reward Program

The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 makes a number of changes related to the IRS informants reward program. This program has long been ridiculed for being ineffective and poorly administered. Even the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has said so. The question is whether the sweeping changes will have any…

The Improved Frivolous Return Penalty

The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 has brought significant changes to the frivolous income tax return penalty under Section 6702. Until now, the low penalty amount and limited reach of this penalty meant that taxpayers did not have to worry about the consequences of filing frivolous tax returns. However, with the changes…

Taxpayers Cannot Record IRS Telephone Interviews in CDP Hearings

Sometimes it is nice to have a record of what transpired. This is true even if the recording is never used. Just the fact that the recording is being made, and everyone is aware that it is being made, can change the tone and substance of the meeting. The law allows taxpayers to record meetings…