Maybe you advertise online and periodically use your truck as a moving van for residents in your locale who are relocating.Perhaps you live in a city replete with sports teams and use the Internet to help you snag renters during tournaments and other high-profile...
Month: August 2016
Yes, Prince was meticulous, but not in every important realm
A recent media article focusing upon the legendary and recently deceased pop entertainer Prince refers to the "Prince Syndrome."Given what seems readily known about the artist, many of our readers might reasonably venture a few educated guesses as to what that...
Small businesses and IRS tax audits: a bit of germane info
Most Americans well note the investigatory power and enforcement clout of the Internal Revenue Service. Indeed, many millions of people go into heightened-stress mode whenever they think of the IRS.And, interestingly, that includes legions of filers in California and...
Can the IRS take my passport?
In short yes. In January 2016 a new law was enacted that allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to rescind your passport if you owe more than $50,000 in taxes.This number may seem like a lot of money until you take into account penalties and interest. This IRS tax...
Could expansive Tax Court ruling open up litigation flood gates?
Although a commentator in a recent media article on IRS whistleblowing calls a United States Tax Court ruling "good news," that sentiment is certainly not universally shared.And it's especially not endorsed if you're an individual or business enterprise that suddenly...
Tax authorities cite estate, gift-tax “loophole;” vow change
OK, a suitable preface to today's blog post is certainly an up-and-front disclaimer that its subject matter is not exactly egalitarian.That is, what follows is not going to readily apply to most readers of this or any other tax blog. Nonetheless, we believe that the...
A reality that sometimes needs addressing: elder financial abuse
She said she simply loved him.An individual now serving as guardian for the allegedly beloved individual says that, "She was trying to pick him clean." A judge sided with the latter opinion, sentencing a woman on trial before her on theft charges to two years in...
Some important estate planning considerations for those who have remarried
In the immediate aftermath of a prolonged and particularly acrimonious divorce, it's not uncommon for people to vow that they will never remarry, as they simply wouldn't want to put themselves or their children at risk of having to endure the experience all over...
Tax-related sparring turns to litigation in IRS/Facebook spat
It is certainly no secret that the Internal Revenue Service has had a sharp and unwavering spotlight on American taxpayers with foreign assets and accounts over the past few years.Media stories have been replete with tales featuring the acronyms FBAR and FATCA, and...
Understand the Gift Tax in three steps
How much can I give and not pay taxes?For year 2015 California residents may give up to $5.43 million in inheritance money without having to pay taxes on it. If your estate exceeds that amount the estate tax rate is 40 percent. Does this amount change?You...
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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...
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