For invitations to our events and updates on key legal issues and business concerns:
Please Click HerePosted on July 2, 2014 by Melissa S. Kampmann
On July 1, 2014, the IRS introduced the new Form 1023-EZ which is a shorter application form to help smaller charities apply for tax exempt status. The standard Form 1023 is a 26 page form that charities must complete in order to obtain tax exempt, or 501(c)(3), status with the IRS. The standard form can […]
Posted on June 25, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
I can’t help but write a puff piece about the recent lawsuit filed in a Denver District Court earlier this week. In the lawsuit, the attorney is asking the court to block marijuana taxes in Colorado, claiming the state’s tax system violates the Fifth Amendment, which protects people from self-incrimination. The attorney argues that when […]
Posted on June 19, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
I received a telephone call from a prospective client yesterday. Let s call her Suzie. Suzie called me asking for guidance on how to handle a phone call she received from the IRS. The caller stated on Suzie s voicemail that Suzie had 2 hours to return the call and resolve her tax issues or […]
Posted on June 18, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
This is your reminder that your Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Reports (FBARs) are due on June 30th. If you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a foreign financial account, including a bank account, brokerage account, mutual fund, trust, or other type of foreign financial account exceeding certain thresholds, you must report […]
Posted on June 11, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
Taxpayer Bill of Rights – On Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unveiled the new and improved “Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights.” Unbeknownst to most taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Code actually sets forth rights of taxpayers (who knew!). The IRS touts that the new Bill of Rights will make it easier for taxpayers to understand their […]
Posted on June 5, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
Over the past few years, we have all become accustomed to tax deductions, credits, and reduced rates expiring. We have also become accustomed to our elected officials debating until the very last minute about whether to extend sunsetting tax provisions. I am eager to report that 2014 will be no different – a senate bill […]
Posted on May 30, 2014 by Melissa S. Kampmann
On November 22, 2013, the federal district court for the Western District of Wisconsin struck down Internal Revenue Code Section 107(2) which exempts from income tax any compensation that is received by a “minister of the gospel” which is considered a housing allowance. The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed suit against the government on the […]
Posted on May 29, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
A federal jury in Las Vegas found a former NFL punter, Joseph Prokop, and two Las Vegas businessmen guilty of defrauding the IRS and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. The three men used two Nevada companies named the “National Audit Defense Network” and “Oryan Management and Financial Services” to promote and sell […]
Posted on May 20, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
My colleague, Bryan Symes, posted the other day about including the value of employer provided meals when calculating overtime compensation. Employers often provide delicious edibles to promote healthy eating, improve morale, and foster collaboration over lunch. Employers, however, provide those meals, snacks, and beverages to employees without chewing over the tax implications. Meals provided by […]
Posted on May 20, 2014 by Amy E. Ebeling
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that all legally married same-sex couples, regardless of where they live, will be recognized for federal tax purposes, including income, estate, and gift taxes. The Supreme Court of the United States’ decision on June 26, 2013 declaring the federal Defense […]