Category Archives: IRS

Private Letter Ruling Requests

I. Introduction Private letter rulings are in the nature of “advisory” rulings by the IRS concerning the tax implication of income or estate transactions contemplated by taxpayers. As stated in Rev. Proc. 2015-1, the IRS generally issues a letter ruling … Continue reading

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Avoiding Boot Gain in Like Kind Exchanges

I. Introduction Circular 230 disclosure: Any tax advice herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. … Continue reading

Posted in Avoiding Boot, Capital Gains, Federal Income Tax, IRS, IRS Audits, Like Kind Exchanges, Like Kind Exchanges of Real Estate Under IRC Sec. 1031 (2013 Revised Ed.), Like Kind Exchanges of Real Estate Under IRC Section 1031, Tax Planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IRS & NYS DTF Matters: Recent Developments & 2013 Regs. & Rulings of Note

I.      IRS Matters Final Regulations For Health Insurance As of January 1, IRC § 5000A requires that all “non-exempt” individuals obtain “minimum essential healthcare coverage.” Final regulations governing penalties for noncompliance have been issued. (T.D. 9632). The regulations provide, inter … Continue reading

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Recent IRS Developments — October 2031

I.  Taxpayer Advocate Issues 2014 Report National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson recently issued a report detailing the issues on which the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) will focus during the fiscal 2014 tax year. IR-2013-63. The Taxpayer Advocate is required by … Continue reading

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REMOVING FEDERAL TAX LIENS

The filing of a federal tax lien can adversely affect the taxpayer’s ability to secure credit, dispose of property and conduct business. Ultimately, the property may be levied upon by the IRS and sold to satisfy the underlying tax liability. Fortunately, in many cases the filing of a tax lien is not a fait accomplis. For example, at times IRS will voluntarily withdraw a notice of tax lien: Continue reading

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IRS Collections: Defensive Measures

A taxpayer facing IRS collection should initially determine whether the assessment was timely or whether the 10-year collection period will soon expire. Collections may not proceed if the statute of limitations on assessment was time-barred. Agreeing to extend the statute of limitations on assessment or collection, even if immediate assessment or enforcement action will otherwise is threatened, is not always advantageous. One reason is that interest well above the prime rate will continue to accrue. Continue reading

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IRS Criminal Investigations

The IRS reserves the threat of incarceration for taxpayers it believes are guilty of tax evasion, failure to file, or making false statements. About 3,500 cases commenced by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) each year result in prosecution. CID generally focuses on cases having a high deterrent value. Continue reading

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IRS Audit Procedures

PDF format:  IRS Audit Procedures.wpd The process used to select returns for audit is not a random one.  The oft-repeated phrase “audit lottery” is in many ways misleading since certain items, such as claiming a loss on the sale of … Continue reading

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Defusing IRS Tax Liens & Levies

Once imposed, Federal tax liens threaten the taxpayer’s ability to continue in business, since creditors and potential purchasers may then shun dealings with the taxpayer. Tax levies may be even worse, since they result in the immediate deprivation of the … Continue reading

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IRS Statutes of Limitations

The prudent taxpayer will file an accurate and timely return  whether or not the stated tax liabilities are satisfied by payment at the time of filing.   Only by doing so will the taxpayer “trip” the period of limitations for I.R.S. … Continue reading

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Imposition of IRS Accuracy Related Penalties

The enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 has made it significantly easier for the IRS to impose accuracy-related penalties against taxpayers. The penalty for substantial understatement of income tax is one of five accuracy-related penalties found in the … Continue reading

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Taxpayer Rights During an IRS Audit

Pursuant to the “Taxpayer Bill of Rights,” enacted by Congress as part of the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS is required to disclose to taxpayers their rights, and the obligations of the IRS during the audit, appeals, refund, and collection … Continue reading

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Administrative Appeals Within the Internal Revenue Service

At the heart of the Internal Revenue Service procedural engine lies the internal appeal process, whose  function is to resolve taxpayer disputes through the use of negotiation and settlement, without the necessity of litigation. The Appeals office has “exclusive and … Continue reading

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Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 (May 1996)

New legislation governing the relationship between the IRS and the taxpayer has been approved by the House Ways and Means Committee. Given its wide congressional support, enactment seems likely, perhaps by as early as by next fall. The Taxpayer Bill … Continue reading

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