In Zumo v. Commissioner, T.C. Summary Opinion 2013-66, the U.S. Tax Court concluded that the IRS was correct in rejecting an offer in compromise based on doubt as to collectibility. The case provides a good overview of the IRS collection process and how the IRS evaluates offers in compromise. Facts & Procedural History Dr. Zumo… Continue reading Example of How the IRS Evaluates Offer in Compromise for Doubt as to Collectibility
Category: Tax Procedure
IRS Closing Agreement Valid If Not Reviewed by Joint Committee on Taxation?
In AM 20133301F, the IRS addressed the validity of a closing agreement that was not submitted to the Joint Committee on Taxation or JCT for review prior to signing the agreement. Facts & Procedural History The taxpayer was an insurance company whose tax returns were being audited by the IRS. The IRS and taxpayer asked… Continue reading IRS Closing Agreement Valid If Not Reviewed by Joint Committee on Taxation?
About IRS Appeals AJAC Project
The IRS Office of Appeals just released a memo describing its changes pursuant to its Appeals Judicial Approach Culture (AJAC) project. These changes do not really break new ground, but they address a few key issues that are often in dispute in appeals cases. About the IRS Office of Appeals The IRS Office of Appeals is… Continue reading About IRS Appeals AJAC Project
Fashion Retailers Business Expenses Disallowed as Routine Substantiation Case
In Heinbockel v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2013-125, the U.S. Tax Court considered a routine substantiation case and disallowed business expense deductions for a fashion clothing retailer. This case presents an opportunity to consider how to present routine substantiation cases to the IRS and to the courts. Facts & Procedural History Mrs. Heinbockel was in the… Continue reading Fashion Retailers Business Expenses Disallowed as Routine Substantiation Case
IRS Liable for Stock Loss After Levy
When the IRS levies or takes property from the taxpayer, the taxpayer has the right to request that the property be sold within 60 days. This rule applies to more than just stocks. It also applies to cryptocurrency, for example. In Zapara v. Commissioner, 126 T.C. 215 (2005), aff’d, 652 F.3d 1042 (9th Cir. 2011),… Continue reading IRS Liable for Stock Loss After Levy
Taxpayer Use of Estimates for Deductions
Can you use publicly available sources of statistical information when you have no records to support the amount of your expenses? The court addressed this in Murray v. Commissioner, T.C. Summary Opinion 2012-66, which involved the IRS’s use of third-party statics. Facts & Procedural History Mr. Murray worked as a truck driver for National Freight, Inc.… Continue reading Taxpayer Use of Estimates for Deductions
Offer in Compromise Rejected Where Records of Household Member Not Provided
In Winters v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2012-183, the U.S. Tax Court concluded that the IRS correctly rejected an offer in compromise submitted based on doubt as to collectibility based in part on the taxpayer not providing records to establish the income of a person who resided in his home. Facts & Procedural History Mr. Winters… Continue reading Offer in Compromise Rejected Where Records of Household Member Not Provided
Court Determines What Truck Driving Expenses Are Deductible
In Nolder v. Commissioner, T.C. Summary Opinion 2012-50, the U.S. Tax Court examined a number of different expenses incurred by a truck driver to determine which expenses were deductible. This case provides a good overview of the typical expenses truck drivers incur that are and are not deductible. Facts & Procedural History Mr. Nolder was… Continue reading Court Determines What Truck Driving Expenses Are Deductible
IRS Does Not Have to Hold Open CDP Hearing to Include All Tax Years
In Williams v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2009-159, the U.S. Tax Court concluded that the IRS did not abuse its discretion by failing to hold open a collection due process or CDP hearing request pending the assessment of tax in and consolidation of other tax years with the current CDP hearing request. Facts & Procedural History … Continue reading IRS Does Not Have to Hold Open CDP Hearing to Include All Tax Years
Innocent Spouse Relief Granted Despite Knowledge of Error on Return
Innocent spouse tax relief can provide a remedy for spouses who are liable for taxes reported on a jointly filed income tax return. It is an equitable remedy. But is it available if the tax is due to an obvious error on the tax returns that the spouses both signed? The court addressed this in Denton… Continue reading Innocent Spouse Relief Granted Despite Knowledge of Error on Return