Widow entitled to equitable spousal relief for some years

Martinez, TC Memo 2008-165
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

The Tax Court held that a widow was entitled to equitable spousal relief for two of four tax years even though she had knowledge of her and her husband’s tax liabilities, because she took [...]

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Newly revised 2008 Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit, reflects Recovery Act IR 2009-14
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution
In a news release issued on Feb. 25, 2009, IRS has announced that it has posted a revised version of the 2008 Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit, to reflect recent improvements to the [...]

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (commonly referred to as the Recovery Act), which was signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009, makes a number of beneficial changes for business. Here’s a review of the more widely applicable provisions that could have an impact on you and your enterprise.
Mike Habib, EA Tax [...]

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President’s FY 2010 budget will propose many major tax changes for businesses and individuals

“A New Era of Responsibility: Renewing America’s Promise,” the Administration’s preview of its FY 2010 budget, is available at http://www.omb.gov
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

On Feb. 26, 2009, the Obama Administration released a document titled “A New Era of [...]

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Energy tax incentives in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

The recently enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (the 2009 economic stimulus act) includes a package of tax incentives to encourage investments in renewable energy projects or more-efficient technologies. I’m writing to [...]

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Business tax changes in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

I’m writing to give you an overview of the key tax changes affecting business in the recently enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (the 2009 economic stimulus act). Please call our [...]

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Expanded college credit in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

The recently enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (the 2009 economic stimulus act) includes a measure aimed at making college more affordable for low and moderate-income students. The new provision temporarily enlarges [...]

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Enhanced first-time homebuyer credit in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

In hopes of spurring the housing industry, the recently enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (the 2009 economic stimulus act) includes an enhanced tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Here are the [...]

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“Making Work Pay” tax credit in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution

The recently enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (the 2009 economic stimulus act) contains a wide-ranging tax package that includes tax relief for low and moderate-income wage earners, individuals and families [...]

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Tax changes affecting individuals and families in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Mike Habib, EA Tax Relief & Tax Problem Resolution
The recently enacted “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (the 2009 economic stimulus act) contains a wide-ranging tax package that includes tax relief for low and moderate-income wage earners, individuals and [...]

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Battle over UBS secret accounts is before US court

Associated Press

MIAMI_U.S. tax authorities should quickly gain access to the secret accounts of 52,000 wealthy Americans at Swiss bank UBS AG to stop continuing tax evasion, U.S. lawyers told a federal judge.

“The United States does not believe justice is served by delay,” said Justice Department tax [...]

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TIGTA assesses how well IRS Examination function scrutinizes all open tax periods during audits [Audit Report No. 2009-30-034]:

IRS Examination function employees do not always appropriately inspect and examine prior and/or subsequent year tax returns when warranted, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) said in a new audit.

Auditors reviewed [...]

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IRS not obligated to accept offer in compromise

Bennett, TC Memo 2008-251
Mike Habib, EA

The Tax Court held that the IRS did not abuse its discretion when it refused to accept the taxpayer’s settlement offer, which was higher than the amount it had calculated the taxpayer could pay. Instead the Service could place part [...]

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Seventh Circuit classifies computer programmer as an independent contractor

Suskovich v. Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc., (CA 7 1/22/2009) 103 AFTR 2d ¶2009-385

The Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, affirming a district court, has concluded that a computer programmer was an independent contractor and not an employee.

Facts. Anthony Suskovich worked for WellPoint/Anthem (WellPoint) [...]

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IRS urged to issue pre-April 15 guidance for Madoff victims

An influential voice in politics, former New York State Governor George Pataki, has asked IRS to issue pre-Apr. 15 guidance for victims of the Ponzi scheme alleged to have been perpetrated by dealer and advisor Bernard Madoff and his firm. Separately, members of the Senate Banking [...]

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While the new law tax changes in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 were the most significant developments in the final quarter of 2008, many other tax developments may affect you, your family, and your livelihood. These other key developments in the final quarter of 2008 are summarized below. Please call us for [...]

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IRS Speeds Lien Relief for Homeowners Trying to Refinance, or Sell their house

Contact Mike Habib, EA to release your IRS Federal Tax lien

The Internal Revenue Service announced an expedited process that will make it easier for financially distressed homeowners to avoid having a federal tax lien block refinancing of mortgages or the sale of [...]

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