IRS tax attorneys

Not Just Another Covid-19 Announcement (Part II)

March 19, 2020 | by Dennis N. Brager

On Tuesday evening our tax lawyers sent out an announcement discussing some of the tax filing and payment implications of the Covid-19 virus. We indicated that Secretary of Treasury Mnuchin had announced payment and filing extensions for the 2019 income tax returns.

Mnuchin was quoted as saying “We encourage those Americans who can file their taxes to continue to file their taxes on April 15,” Mnuchin said. “Because for many Americans, you will get tax refunds.”

We took that to mean that the filing deadline as well as the payment deadline was extended. This is the problem with tax guidance by Tweet and press conference. On Wednesday morning the IRS issued an announcement which states that there is no filing extension.

How Many Years Does a Tax Audit Cover?

March 30, 2017 | by Dennis N. Brager

The IRS generally will look at returns filed during the last three years during a tax audit. The Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) places a limit for the time period the IRS has to make a tax assessment. The ASED is three years from the day the return was filed, but there are a number of exceptions to this three-year limit.

How Failing to File Affects a Tax Audit

If you do not file a tax return, the IRS has an unlimited amount of time to assess the tax. The IRS usually does not look back more than six years, but they can if they choose to. Once you file a delinquent return, the three-year ASED begins to run.

Why You Should Consider an “Offer in Compromise” to the IRS

February 7, 2017 | by Dennis N. Brager

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a program that allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for a lump sum which is less than the total amount owed. The IRS will look at your ability to pay, income, expenses, and assets to determine how much they are likely to recover from you. If the IRS is convinced that you are offering them more than they can reasonably expect to recover from you, they may accept your OIC to settle your tax debt.

Why the IRS Accepts OICs

There are three reasons that they IRS will consider accepting your OIC. First, if you can show that you do not actually owe the money to the IRS. This is referred to as an offer in compromise based on doubt as to liability.

Behind on Payroll Tax Deposits? Here’s What You Need to Know

November 4, 2016 | by Dennis N. Brager

As a California employer, you are responsible for making payroll tax payments to the California Employment Development Department and the IRS. These payroll tax deposits must be made regularly, often monthly or weekly as taxes are withheld from payroll disbursements. If you become behind on making these deposits, you could face serious consequences and personal liability for the money owed. Knowing your rights, obligations and options is crucial to avoid the consequences of not paying these taxes on time.

The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty

Not making payroll tax deposits in accordance with the law is illegal, and collecting them is a high priority for the IRS. Payroll taxes are considered a trust fund tax, which means you are withholding taxes from your employees in trust for the government. Delaying payment of these taxes means you have “stolen” money that belongs to the IRS and you may be subject to the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP).