Can My Former Spouse File a Joint Return Without My Signature? The answer is maybe. Under some circumstances, you can be held jointly liable for your spouse's tax debts even if you didn't sign the return. Normally, you must sign the return unless your spouse has a power of attorney. Still in many … [Read more...]
My Son, Potty Training and the IRS
What The?! Your first question, logically, is what the heck do these three things have in common? Read on... Just Plain Stubborn I love my son but he is very very stubborn. He is 3 years old and we are in the process of potty training him. Unfortunately, he is not making it easy. We've tried … [Read more...]
New Video: What to Do If You Cannot Pay Your Taxes
What to Do If You Cannot Pay Your Taxes?! I prepared a video, something I intend to do more of, discussing the first thing you need to understand if you cannot pay your taxes: get current. Current compliance is very important when dealing with the IRS (and Maine Revenue too) and in this video I lay … [Read more...]
3 Things You Need to Know About Back Taxes
Owe Back Taxes to the IRS? Here Are 3 Things You Need to Know. I know the title is a bit click-bait-y but if you are here reading this then it worked. Don't worry, I am a man of my word and there are indeed 3 things you need to know about back taxes. These 3 things are not going to make your back … [Read more...]
IRS.Gov Gets a Facelift
IRS.Gov Website Gets a Facelift September 1st, 2017, the IRS rolled out an updated irs.gov. I admit that after using the old irs.gov for so long that my first impression was that the IRS made a mistake. A bit of poking around the site changed my mind. I think the new site is going to be helpful to … [Read more...]
You Have Rights When Dealing with the IRS!
When dealing the the U.S. Government, you have rights such as the right against unreasonable search and seizure and the right to free speech as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Dealing with the IRS is no different but in addition to the rights guaranteed to you by the Constitution you have certain … [Read more...]
What to Know if the IRS Levies Your Assets.
If you owe money to the IRS, you face possible seizure of your assets such as wage garnishment or a bank levy. In some rare cases, the IRS can even foreclose on your home. This post is intended to give you some basic knowledge of what an IRS levy is and what you can do if your are the target of an … [Read more...]
Gifts Can Be Taxing: Tax Consequences of Making a Gift
Gifts are a part of everyday life. Birthdays, holidays and special occasions. Who doesn't love getting gifts! This includes Uncle Sam. You may not be aware of this but when you make a gift you are engaging in a taxable transaction. This gift tax is an excise tax assessed on individuals who make a … [Read more...]
Getting Divorced? Here are Some Tax Traps to Avoid.
Divorce is tough. No doubt about it. So avoiding more bad news is probably a good idea. While I can't make divorce any easier here are some tips on avoiding tax troubles in your divorce: 1. Filing a joint return in your final year of marriage. The instinct that often prevails during divorce is … [Read more...]
IRS Fumbles the Ball in Tax Court Case Involving Former NFL Star
George Lawrence Starke v. Commissioner T.C. Summary Opinion 2015-40, Filed July 7, 2015 George Starke had an illustrious career in the NFL. During his time with the Redskins, he went to three Superbowls, including the Redskins 27-17 win over the Dolphins in 1983. Nicknamed the "Head Hog", he was … [Read more...]
