Wednesday, December 30, 2009

So, here it is ...

A well-known and respected tax authority provides full details of the House and Senate health care bills. Somewhere in there is the final law when the conference committee meets in January to iron out the differences.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Turbo Tax 2009 - Special Edition

A while back, I explained what the "Turbo Tax" defense was. Now, Turbo Tax has updated their 2009 software to ask the question that had been missed.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Guess what?

The IRS is having trouble verifying information to give tax benefits away from the ARRA.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Keep IRS auditors away: Earn less than $200,000

At least according to Yahoo!

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

You have four days left to buy a new car ...


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

I'm an above average preparer ...

... at a below average fee. But please don't tell anybody. Oh, I guess I just did.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

I was gone for a while ....

... but I'm back and here come some more posts.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Thursday, December 17, 2009

We Have a Bit of a Wait, But ...

...Basis reporting is coming to a tax form near you!

What this means is after 2011 (or 2012 for sure) all stock & mutual fund purchases made will be reported to you along with the basis information so it will make preparation easier. However, stock & mutual fund purchases made prior to that date will not be required to be reported. However, it seems most brokers will provide it anyway because if you've been with them a while, they know the info anyway. It would be a different story if you've switched brokers.

IRS Issues Proposed Regulations on New Basis Reporting Requirement

IR-2009-118, Dec. 16, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations under a new law that will require reporting of basis and other information by stock brokers and mutual fund companies for most stock purchased in 2011 and all stock purchased in 2012 and later years. The reporting will be to investors and the IRS. This additional reporting will be optional for stock purchased prior to these dates.

“This important reporting change will improve tax compliance while reducing the recordkeeping and paperwork burden for millions of investors,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “These taxpayers will now receive the information they need to more easily report their gains and losses correctly.”

These proposed regulations, posted today on the Federal Register, implement a provision in the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. Among other things, the proposed regulations describe who is subject to this reporting requirement, which transactions are reportable and what information needs to be reported. They also provide numerous examples.

The IRS also released for comment a draft version of the 2011 Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions, that stock brokers and mutual fund companies will use to make these expanded year-end reports. Form 1099-B, long used to report sales prices, will be expanded in 2011 to include the cost or other basis of stock and mutual fund shares sold or exchanged during the year. The expanded form will also be used to report whether gain or loss realized on these transactions is long-term (held more than one year) or short-term (held one year or less), a key factor affecting the tax treatment of gain or loss. The expanded Form 1099-B, to be first used for calendar-year 2011 sales, must be filed with the IRS and furnished to investors in early 2012.

The IRS welcomes comments on these proposed regulations and the draft 2011 Form 1099-B. Comments must be received by Feb. 8, 2010, and may be submitted electronically, by mail or hand delivered to the IRS. A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2010, at the IRS New Carrollton Federal Building, 5000 Ellin Road, Lanham, Maryland 20706. The proposed regulations provide details on submitting comments or participating in the public hearing.

The IRS will work closely with stakeholder groups to ensure a smooth implementation of this new program.


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Uh Oh! The Estate Tax May Not Get Fixed This Year After All ...

Well, who knows?

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Well, Well, Well..There are Some Delinquent Taxpayers in the Government

This may come as a surprise, but Federal workers owe the IRS. Except that IRS employees have the lowest delinquency rate. That's not surprising because I think that's one of the requirements for maintaining employment at the IRS.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Cash for Caulkers?


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Extension of $31 Billion in Tax Cuts & Credits


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The IRS gave this gal a haircut!

There must be more to this story, but it sure makes you wonder who is next!

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Monday, December 7, 2009

Bartering

This is just a reminder that if you trade services with someone or some business, it needs to be reported. See this IRS release:
Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Friday, December 4, 2009

.25% on all stock transactions?


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Donate Bambi; Get a Tax Break


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

We all know the states are in trouble....

But this is ridiculous! Of course, they can't just print money like the Federal government can!

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Ahhh! Social security, now that's a good topic!

I've been telling my clients for years about the ROI from social security. I read an earlier edition of this book. A good, quick read. Very clear and concise.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

The "un-banked" - those who don't have a bank account

Boy, there's a lot of you out there! Is it under the mattress?

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

The Estate Tax Fix is a Done Deal! ...uh, maybe not.

The House said "yes." But the Senate may say "no."

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
  • 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than last year’s. The mileage rates for 2010 reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.


Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Geithner Penalty Waiver Act

Rep. John Carter of Texas this week is introducing the Geithner Penalty Waiver Act to grant all taxpayers currently seeking penalty relief on foreign deposit back taxes the same zero percent penalty rate as Geithner was assessed for failure to report or pay taxes on IMF income. View it on C-SPAN.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

A Tax on Stock Trades

That's right. If you trade, you're going to owe more. At least that's what some would like to do.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

This is some "Honey-do" list!

This is a list of priorities for the IRS in the coming months. 315 projects. Wow, and I thought my to-do list was long!

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services

This is a good one! A Bo-Tax...

That's right: A tax on Botox. Nip/Tuck = 5%.

Owen S. Arnoff, Enrolled Agent
Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
http://www.betterbusinessventures.com
Sacramento Tax Consulting
Sacramento Tax Preparation
Sacramento Tax Representation
IRS Tax Help, Bookkeeping Services, Payroll Services
Add to Technorati Favorites