Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Schemes The IRS annually releases its “Dirty Dozen” list to alert taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals about prevalent scams. Staying informed is crucial to safeguarding your financial and personal information. Core Message: Vigilance and Awareness The
Delray Beach Advisor Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Scheme A Florida financial advisor, Stephen T. Mellinger III, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a nearly decade-long conspiracy involving an illegal tax shelter, false tax returns, and the theft of millions from
Freelancers Beware: Misclassifying Income Leads to IRS Penalties A recent Tax Court decision involving a freelance movie critic serves as a stark reminder for freelancers and online sellers: accurate income classification is crucial. The court ruled against the taxpayer, who
IRS and Justice Department Victory: Shutting Down Illegal Tax Practices The IRS and the Department of Justice have secured a significant victory in their ongoing battle against tax fraud, with a federal court issuing a permanent injunction against a Texas
Why Proving Real Estate Professional Status Can Be Challenging Many investors use rental property losses to offset taxable income. However, qualifying as a real estate professional—which allows full deductions of rental losses—requires meeting strict IRS rules. A new case, Foradis,
Estate Tax Reduction Strategy Fails IRS Scrutiny Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) can be powerful estate planning tools. They allow business owners to transfer wealth to the next generation while retaining control. However, a new Tax Court case, Estate of Fields
Lack of Proper Documentation Leads to Denied Tax Deductions Self-employed individuals can deduct “ordinary and necessary” business expenses, just like large corporations. However, they must follow strict substantiation rules to claim these deductions. In a recent case—Kalk, TC Memo 2024-82
The IRS Adjusts Reporting Thresholds—Here’s How It Affects You Tax season is here, and if you received a Form 1099-K, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers will be getting this form for the first time as part of the IRS’s effort
Tax Preparer Barred for Filing Fraudulent Returns A federal court in the Eastern District of New York has permanently barred a tax preparer and her business, from preparing or filing tax returns for others. She consented to the injunction following
June 2024 Declaration Keeps Marijuana Businesses Under Strict Tax Rules: No Business Deductions for 2025 Tax Season On June 28, 2024, the IRS reaffirmed that marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, reminding cannabis businesses that they cannot claim standard