Do I have to provide information requested by an IRS auditor? No, you do not necessarily have to provide every piece of information requested by an IRS auditor, and you certainly do not have to provide additional unrequested information in an attempt to establish your trustworthiness. There are specific laws,...
Has the IRS Stopped Collecting Taxes From High Income Earners?
Has the IRS stopped collecting taxes from high income earners? Is past performance an indicator of future risk associated with an IRS audit? A recent Newsweek article flatly stated “The government just admitted it doesn’t really try to collect rich people’s taxes.” A recent study by Syracuse University researchers showed...
IRS Revenue Officer Interviews Allow the IRS to Gain Additional Information to Use Against You
Why should you be cautious about IRS revenue officer interviews in San Diego? What are the risks to a US taxpayer in an IRS audit? If you have received a notice from the IRS regarding a tax audit you probably already realize the potential hazards you face in the immediate...
An IRS Tax Audit Opens the Door for California Tax Agencies
Did you know that an IRS tax audit opens the door for California tax agencies? If you receive a notification from the agency regarding an IRS audit, you have several immediate concerns. Your tax attorney and accounting professional at Allen Barron will provide extensive guidance on what to expect from...
What are Willful Conduct and Willful Blindness in IRS FBAR Audits
What are willful conduct and willful blindness in IRS FBAR audits and court cases? It is important to begin with an understanding regarding IRS FBARs and when they are required. Any US taxpayer who has offshore bank or investment accounts (outside the United States) is required to prepare and file an...
US Expats a New IRS Target for FBAR Violations
What makes US expats a new IRS target for FBAR violations and undisclosed offshore assets? The IRS is instituting a new whistle-blower campaign for those who might help US expats and other US taxpayer clients. Allen Barron provides attorney-client protections for those who are working on the disclosure of foreign...
Unusual Non-Willful Court Decision in Pennsylvania FBAR Case
A recent case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has turned the recent tide of IRS victories regarding "willful versus non-willful" intent in FBAR related compliance cases. The unusual non-willful court decision found the US taxpayer was not "willful" when failing to report one...
Your Risk of a California Tax Audit May Be Higher than an IRS Audit
It may surprise many Californians to learn your risk of a California tax audit may be higher than an IRS audit. You may have heard in the news the rate of IRS audits is down. While this is true for lower income Americans, the cost of living in California naturally...
Amazon Faces a South Carolina Use Tax Battle With Huge Implications
Amazon faces a South Carolina use tax battle with huge implications for the multinational corporation and all firms and individuals who conduct business on the internet. The key question in the dispute is the collection of sales tax or "use tax" on sales made by third party merchants on Amazon's...