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… Continue reading LLC Owned by Self-Directed IRA Cannot Pay Wages
Tax Articles
6 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes
We get it. Bookkeeping is a chore. It is a chore that takes time and energy that could be focused on growing and building the business. As bookkeepers, we have seen it all. Here are six common bookkeeping mistakes we see businesses ma…
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… Continue reading How are Employer Loans in Lieu of Wages Taxed?
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… Continue reading Reasonable Cause Defense for Penalty Waives Privilege
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. Facts & Procedural History Mr. Howard was a long-distance truck driver for a Nebraska trucking company in 2009. He logged business travel for 358 days out… Continue reading Truck Stop Electrification Expenses Deductible, But Travel Expenses and Traffic Ticket Are Not
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 &… Continue reading Opting Out of Gaming Industry Tip Compliance
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… Continue reading Over-the-Road Truck Driver Not Entitled to Deduct Travel Expenses
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… Continue reading Joint Committee Review Limit Increased to $5 Million
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… Continue reading Court Says Tax Lien Does Not Have to Be Filed Prior to Entering Into an Installment Agreement
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… Continue reading Do IRS Penalties Assessed by Computers Need Manager Approval?