Articles by Darrin Mish on ArticleSnatch.com

What To Do In Case Of An IRS Audit

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Regardless of what your IRS problem is, you have rights to ensure that you will be treated fairly. You need to understand what your rights are to be safeguarded during an IRS audit. An explanation of what is going to occur and what's going on in an audit proceeding is your right. You also have the right for representation by a CPA, tax lawyer, or enrolled agent. You have the right to claim additional deductions that were not claimed in your original tax return. Any problems that arise with your particular IRS agent can be reported the national IRS office is also another one of your rights. When undergoing an audit, it is recommended to read the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, or IRS Publication 1. This booklet will have all the basic rights of the taxpayer. To give you more time to refresh your memory regarding your tax return's contents, as well as to collect supporting documents, you can postpone your audit. Regardless if you're being represented by a CPA or a tax attorney, meeting your counsel before the audit is recommended. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

What Tax Records Can You Stop storing?

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It is a general rule that it is best to store your tax records in case you ever get audited than to simply throw them out and not have them when you require them. Unfortunately, you will end up saving more papers and documents than you need to keep. However, many people have really no idea whatsoever when it comes to being aware of how long they must store tax records before they can finally discard them and throw them into the shredder. The constant fear that once the old tax records are discarded, the IRS might come knocking. So what is the real truth when it comes to which tax records you should to keep? How long before you can finally throw them out and not fear of any potential IRS issues? The first criteria is the official statute of limitations implemented by the Internal Revenue Service. Within 10 years, the IRS can still audit your tax records. They can no longer collect those taxes or audit those returns after that. Essentially, records can get lost; thus, the implementation of the statute of limitations. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

Everything About The IRS OIC

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

An OIC (Offer in Compromise) is a process that enables you to pay your tax debt by paying only a small amount to the IRS, as little as 1% of the tax due. Obviously, rigid requirements must be met in order to qualify for this. Though taxpayers have no right to have a tax debt lowered, doing so is still at the IRS's discretion. The chances of getting an OIC accepted is slim, but the IRS are still obliged to provide it a just amount of consideration as long as it's submitted correctly. Furthermore, you can have the IRS Appeals Office review your OIC further if it's rejected. The submission of an OIC entails a rigid process. You need to fill out the Offer in Compromise Form 656 with an application fee of $150. You can be exempt from this fee if you submit the Application Fee Worksheet attached to the Form 656 booklet and prove that you qualify under poverty guidelines. Undergoing the OIC process won't be easy. When you accomplish the initial forms, there will be several other steps to take. As soon as you've filed the forms, you'll be requested to include financial documents proving your case. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

What If You Work Abroad? How To File Taxes

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

You must know that you are obliged to pay taxes by the US government if you are an American citizen living overseas. If you don't know how, you'll find that it's a rather easy process. To steer clear of IRS problems, filing is certainly a much better option. Most people think that they have a free pass for not filing their taxes if they work abroad. They also believe that their taxes do not have to be paid, either. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. The IRS expects everyone to file their tax returns to avoid severe IRS issues, regardless if you work in a foreign nation or in the United States. Citizens of the United States of America, as well as residents of the United States, can fill out two types of tax forms when residing in a foreign nation. These are the the IRS Form 2555-EZ and Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income). Similar general rules apply. Your tax return should be filed at the 15th of April each year, and an automatic extension is offered if you require more time. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

IRS Errors

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

There is a horror tale that each tax professional can tell about the IRS making errors in the thousands of dollars. In 1986 alone, almost $2.5 billion in penalties were assessed by the IRS, while $890 million were cancelled. The manager for tax policy of the US Chamber of Commerce, David R. Burton, determined these amounts. The serving of notices to taxpayers regarding underpaid taxes or late filing to taxpayers is another mistake made by the IRS about 15-20% of the time. This shows that millions of people need to battle the IRS for causes that are unjustified. If you receive an IRS notice and are aware that they are making a mistake, what do you do? Jo Carole Klepack, a tax manager from New York states, "The first rule in replying to an IRS notice is not to assume that they are correct." Though a phone number is included in IRS notices for any questions, "We found that accomplished very little because when you call, you speak with a clerk who isn't familiar with the case", according to Robert Israeloff of Israeloff, Trattner, & Company. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

Relocate To Florida Or Alaska To Steer Clear of Additional Taxes In Retirement

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When retired, you can do anything you want to do. However, cutting corners where possible is a necessity because you will be existing on a fixed income. The taxes you pay the IRS are no exception. You can either claim every possible deduction that you can claim legally, or move to one of the nine income tax-free states. If that's not sufficient, you can even relocate to any of the 5 states that don't collect sales tax. Alaska fits both categories. Relocating to Alaska is the ideal option if you can hurdle the change in climate. But this could cause IRS issues because it's not as tax-free as it may seem at first glance. Specific municipalities charge local sales tax, even if the state does not charge it. Property taxes are collected in a few boroughs. However, if you're 65 or older, then your initial $150,000 will be exempt. Also, there is an estate tax in Alaska. This can be a serious problem if you are worried about not only what you'll be able to leave your children, but also what they will actually get after the government takes its cut. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

Employ The Best Tax Lawyer

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It's quite a sensitive situation, dealing with tax problems and IRS issues. Getting an experienced, knowledgeable, and honest IRS tax lawyer is in your best interest. However, many people don't get help until it seems like it's too late and they are already in trouble. Experience is one of the most important characteristics to search for in an IRS tax attorney. Unless you are able to effectively use knowledge, it is not always useful. Experience allows a person to maximize the application of their knowledge. Tax lawyers with experience know the ins and outs of the industry and have worked in it for a substantial amount of time. When requiring help dealing with IRS issues, this is the kind of experience you should look for. There are numerous different types of cases in relation to IRS problems, tax returns and tax issues in general. You will need a tax attorney with experience in your specific type of case, whether you're handling the state tax bodies or the IRS. After all, when filing for a divorce, you would not get a bankruptcy attorney. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

Three of the Most Common Deductions that People Often Miss

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It's depressing to know that every year, people don't take all the deductions that they can legally avail of simply because they do not know that these exist. In most cases, they only find out about these deductions soon after they have filed the return while in the middle of a chat with a friend or co-worker. This scenario is normal taking into account the number of deductions that are available and the different tax laws to take note of. The fact that people attempt to make use of absurd tax deductions makes matters both worse and depressing. This article will then discuss three of the unexplored tax deductions available to all taxpayers. First, if you donate anything aside from cash to charity, ensure that such is duly reflected in your tax return. This includes any donations made by charging it to your credit card. You can actually claim deductions for donations made in the year the charge was reflected in your account and not when the bill was fully paid. You must also secure from the charitable institution a written receipt of the donations that you have given to them. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

The Various Methods that the IRS Receives Tax Returns

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It is natural for people to file their taxes in the same way that they've done so in the previous years. While this is a good thing as the end goal of this endeavor is to have taxes filed, people may want to explore other ways of filing their tax returns. Various methods are available and each has its own benefits and consequences. Depending on your specific circumstance, one method may be better than the other. Think about a business owner who, instead of referring to a tax professional, would rather calculate and file taxes by himself/herself. This is fine but specific circumstances will necessitate the expertise of a professional who can help you avoid legal troubles and help you save substantial amounts of money from tax deductions that you will be entitled to. The use of a tax preparation software is one of the most popular methods in filing tax returns. The tax return industry was in a way revolutionized by this method. But in certain circumstances and depending on the previous IRS problems experienced by the taxpayer, this may not always be the best solution for everyone. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

What Tax Deductions can You Avail of for your Online Business?

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

You will need to file your taxes even if the transactions of your business are mostly offline, partly online or completely online. No matter what kind of business you have, you are in the same footing as all business owners when it comes to tax season. You are still required by the IRS to report all of your income, file your tax return and pay your taxes and other applicable expenses. In a positive light, even though your business may be a completely online effort, many of the same tax benefits and even loopholes that apply to regular offline ventures will also apply to online businesses. Essentially, identifying what loopholes and exceptions that applies to your company is often the tricky part otherwise, you will run into an IRS trouble. Having a home office is one of the major tax breaks that online business owners can benefit from. There is a big chance that business owners can qualify for substantial tax deductions as most of the time, online businesses are done at home. Business owners just have to remember that using the house regularly and exclusively for business purposes will make them avail of the applicable deductions. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

Tax Deductions that Alert an Auditor

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Taxpayers instinctively want to claim for every possible tax deduction that they can qualify for. This is largely because of their desire to rid themselves of the IRS or save as much money on taxes. In many cases, however, tax deductions are abused or their guidelines leave a number of grey areas. Although these deductions are provided to taxpayers for some valid reasons, outrageous amounts will surely alert any IRS agent that something is wrong, and as a result, audit will be needed. Everyone is aware that IRS problems come after an audit. One of the most misunderstood deductions is the home office. A number of people believe that if they simply have a home office, where they work and do business, then they'll be able to deduct the value of their entire home. There are criteria and specific regulations on when you would be able to deduct such a generally large sum of money. Understand that IRS auditors have often seen many inconsistencies and errors on tax returns. In fact, there is a system that will assist them in making a decision to conduct an audit and in examining the accuracy of the entries on tax returns. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

How Retirees can Save on their Taxes

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A number of people have been searching the internet and other resources for the latest tips in stocks and in earning money at a faster rate. So much time is spent on earning money through any method possible and even less effort is spent trying to keep that money away from the IRS. It is apparent that people like to earn as much money as they can but then they also need to have better ways of keeping their money away from the IRS. You'll find this most relevant during retirement, the time when you think that finally, you're done dealing with the IRS. Perhaps the best example concerning this matter is your Social Security benefits. Remember that you have been paying your taxes into social security during your employment years. If by chance you have not been conscientious in your tax obligation, you might have IRS issues when you will already be receiving your social security benefits. There is a big chance that taxes will be enforced on this benefit. Generally, if you obtain social security benefits of at least $34,000 yearly, taxes can be imposed on 85% of this income. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com

Non-Filer? Make it Right with the IRS

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you're guilty of not filing your taxes for a few years already, you are probably experiencing some trouble with the IRS right now. You may have been getting notices imploring you to settle your taxes. Penalties, fines and even jail time are only few of the consequences of a delinquent tax payer. Therefore, before matters get worse, it is best that you set things right. At first, you may become anxious because apparently, you have broken the law. The fact is, you're basically putting yourself in danger with the IRS. The fact is that no matter how gloomy you think things are, one of the first courses of action is to file all tax returns which you have not yet filed. You need to do this no matter what you think about your present capacity to pay past dues, penalties and interest rates that have been incurred since that time. If you are lucky, you may even be entitled to a refund and for this, penalties will not be incurred. Note that not immediately filing your tax return will make you lose the right to that benefit. **End Summary** Topics: irs]]> tax]]> taxes]]> irs help]]> irs problem]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Darrin T. Mish ( http://www.getirshelp.com ) is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com