Joan Rivers was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to be appointed permanent guest host of The Tonight Show. She was the first woman to host her own talk show. She was funny in a way women hadn't really been funny before. She was unique, and she was deeply mourned...
Month: December 2014
What is an ‘offer in compromise’?
There are a thousand reasons people fall behind on their taxes. There are medical emergencies; loved ones unexpectedly pass away; car and house repairs drain the savings account -- it can be anything that wipes you out financially or even emotionally. And for some of...
In a tax dispute, is litigation the only answer?
Litigation is never the only answer to a legal problem, and that includes tax disputes. The IRS has just announced a new option for dispute resolution that could reduce the number of cases that go to court: post-appeals mediation. For taxpayers and the government...
When the IRS comes calling, answer with your attorney
Any person who has had to deal directly with the IRS likely knows that it can be a scary and stressful experience. In fact, even people who have never gone through anything like an audit probably know that dealings with the IRS are generally something they want to...
Plain as the nose on your face: Don’t miss common tax deductions
There are so many moving parts to an income tax return that it can be hard to keep track of everything. It isn't unusual for the average taxpayer to be distracted by the difficult details and to miss the easy ones. In some ways, preparing a tax return is like taking a...
What is an ‘executor’ and how do I choose one?
If you’ve never gone through the process of estate planning, some of the terms you hear can sound unfamiliar and even scary. But as with many things in life, a simple explanation can resolve much of the mystery and fear.In today’s post, we’ll discuss...
What is the human element of estate planning?
The majority of parents care a great deal about whether or not their children grow into adults who are defined by character and integrity. Unfortunately, the foundation of “The American Dream” and the most general focus of estate planning processes can...
Recent Blog Post
Even a fortune can disappear without sound estate planning
Some figures baffle.Like the speed of light. Like the age and size of the universe. And like estimates pegging the personal fortunes of America's richest families.Consider this imagery relevant to the storied Vanderbilt family for a moment: a pile of money equaling...
Broad, measured thinking out of the box promotes sound estate planning
"You own this." Those words might sound frightening to a would-be California estate planner, but they are actually meant to promote a feeling of empowerment rather than intimidation. It is no secret that legions of...
Remarrying couples unquestionably need to focus on estate planning
Many remarrying California individuals fail to timely consider and update existing estate plans to reflect new realities.Don't be one of them. Many remarrying California individuals fail to timely consider and update existing estate plans to reflect new...
View More Blog Posts