Michael A. Brandes Nov 23, 2009
He retired from the Internal Revenue Service, CID Division after 29 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a well-respected friend to many. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Where conservatives have it wrong Nov 22, 2009
Between 1996 and 2003, payments from tax filers using Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers - a nine-digit substitute issued by the IRS for taxpayers ineligible for Social Security. More than 35,000 such taxpayers, most of them illegal immigrants, annually file returns in Massachusetts. (Boston Globe)
Obama, the Nobel Prize And The IRSThe president's expected donation of his prize could cause him tax headaches. Nov 22, 2009
Obama, The Nobel Prize And The IRS - ABC News ... Obama, The Nobel Prize And The IRS ... One cautionary note here: The IRS can always challenge whether what you received (or gave) was really a gift. (ABC News -- Business)
If you still have money to give to any charity, make sure you give it wisely Nov 22, 2009
One of the first things you should do when contacted for donations is to contact the office that regulates charitable organizations and charitable solicitations in your state to see if the charity or fund-raiser must be registered ... You can check by going to the IRS website and searching for the online version of Publication 78. (Boston Globe)
Related: Normal looks to get students involved in census Nov 22, 2009
It is illegal for the Census Bureau or its employees to share the information with any other government agency, including the Internal Revenue Service, FBI, U.S. Immigration or even the president himself. The slogan for Census 2010 is Its in Our Hands. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Congress considers expanding Cobra subsidy Nov 22, 2009
However, Internal Revenue Service rules say you also must begin Cobra coverage in 2009 to get the subsidy, according to Kathy Bakich, senior vice president with the Segal Co., a consulting firm. If your job ends in December, in most cases your group health coverage will continue until the end of the month and your Cobra coverage would not start until January, making you ineligible for the subsidy, Bakich says. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Is the IRS after you? Swine flu deaths and a banker who makes a literary... Nov 22, 2009
Is the IRS after you ... Is the IRS after you. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Singletary: First-time homeowner credits became law Nov. 6 Nov 22, 2009
In an effort to stimulate the economy, the people who wouldn t know a balanced budget even if you smacked them in the head with it have extended the excessive first-time homeowner s credit of 8,000, but also expanded it to include a credit for current, longtime homeowners ... Let s start with the 8,000 first-time homeowner credit that was slated to expire at the end of November ... Congress stretched the definition of what it means to be a first-time homebuyer to include a second group of... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Former "Dollar Dreams" Owners Face Sentencing Nov 22, 2009
Authorities say the defendants skimmed cash from Dollar Dreams stores they operated in several states and 10 locations in Connecticut and failed to report the income to the IRS.. The men face up to three years in prison when they are sentenced Tuesday in federal court in New Haven and have agreed to pay $1. (FOX61, CT)
Former Wichita pharmacy manager takes plea Nov 21, 2009
Halfman was ordered to pay $21,617 in restitution and to cooperate with the IRS regarding any past or present tax liability. In addition to the prison sentence, he also received six months of home detention following his prison term. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Daily television guide Nov 21, 2009
Seven Pounds 6:50 p.m. (STARZ) An IRS agent harboring a secret tries to change the lives of seven strangers. Will Smith. (Boston Globe)
IRS introduces income tax software for taxpayers Nov 21, 2009
Takoradi, Nov. 20 GNA - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has introduced am income ... dubbed: "IRS Tax Helper" for representatives of medium and small enterpri= ses at Takoradi ... Technology (ICT) when the IRS was integrated into the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) as. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Wesley Snipes appeals 3-year term in tax case Nov 21, 2009
Snipes was sentenced in April 2008 in what was considered a key victory for prosecutors who aggressively pursued the maximum penalty to deter others from trying to obstruct the IRS. They say he made at least $13. 8 million for the years in question and owed $2. (MSNBC -- News)
IRS extends period for loss carryback Nov 21, 2009
The IRS definition of the tax rules was released Friday. It allows businesses and taxpayers who experienced losses in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to reach back up to five years to profitable years for a net operating loss carryback. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Letters for Friday, November 20, 2009 Nov 21, 2009
5 percent of your income collectible by the IRS if you fail to maintain acceptable health insurance. And here s the part that should make every American scream from their windows: Refusal to pay the penalty is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Track coach Trevor Graham expected to be charged with obstructing steroid probe - USATODAY.com Nov 21, 2009
Prosecutor stepping down. Track coach Trevor Graham expected to be charged with obstructing steroid probe. (Yahoo News -- Track and Field)
Feds seek $631K verdict against ex-Steeler Blount Nov 21, 2009
The Internal Revenue Service filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh in September giving Blount 60 days to respond. Blount hasn't filed a response to the lawsuit, and the U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh on Thursday asked a judge to rule against him. (FindLaw News)
At ATC, revenue down but salary up Nov 21, 2009
The nonprofit paid Ring $97,807 during 2008 compared with $75,000 in 2006, which was her first full year on the job. But last year s revenue of $347,461 was comparable to the $344,705 in revenue the group reported in 2005, IRS filings show. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Federal Judge Allows Class Action Over IRS Refund Notice to Proceed Nov 21, 2009
com - Federal Judge Allows Class Action Over IRS Refund Notice to Proceed ... Federal Judge Allows Class Action Over IRS Refund Notice to Proceed ... Federal Judge Allows Class Action Over IRS Refund Notice to Proceed. (Law.com)
Many parents wrongly claim college tax credit Nov 20, 2009
The report said the Internal Revenue Service needs better tools to detect and fix inaccurate claims, and the IRS agreed. The problem should temporarily ease since Congress has expanded the credit to four years of college, for those claiming the credit in 2009 and 2010. (MSNBC -- Business)
Business briefs Nov 20, 2009
IRS awards grants for tax assistance ... Under the VITA Grant Program, the IRS awarded matching grants to 147 organizations that will offer free tax preparation services during the 2010 filing season. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Coudert Estate Pursues Fees Earned From Former Clients Nov 20, 2009
Baker and Steven Becker, a former Coudert partner, represented numerous coal companies before the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims involving the constitutionality of a federal excise tax on coal exports. The Federal Claims Court allows for recoveries for up to six years. (Law.com)
Fraud Task Force Warns of New Scam Nov 20, 2009
The latest scam is an email promising money from the IRS. So how do you know what's real or not ... It promises the victim money from the IRS. ... IRS will never solicit personal information from you via email or offer a refund via email. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
More homebuyers can enjoy tax credit Nov 20, 2009
These home-buying potholes wont prevent you from taking advantage of the $8,000 first-time homebuyers credit, so relax ... On Friday, the government announced the unemployment rate exceeded 10 percent for the first time since 1983 ... First-time homebuyers. (The News-Press -- Business)
Rosenfeldt resigns from RRA Nov 20, 2009
The FBI and IRS are investigating Rothstein in connection with a Ponzi scheme that may exceed $1 billion. My client resigned from the RRA law firm, and only has been taking those actions necessary to wind down while protecting the clients and staff, Lehr wrote. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
BOTOX TAX IS BACK: SENATE BILL INCLUDES 5% TAX ON ELECTIVE COSMETIC SURGERY... Nov 20, 2009
Will IRS agents have the right to review confidential patient records to determine whether the procedures in question were cosmeitc or reconstuctive ... Do you really want IRS auditors going through my charts looking at pictures of my patients (possibly your) breasts. (The Drudge Report)
Cut through credit card 'gobbledygook' Nov 20, 2009
He's simplified agreements for the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Mint, major banks and insurance companies. He believes that it's time credit card companies got on board. (CNN)
Trustee: Temple funds funneled Nov 20, 2009
With his Hindu temple teetering on the verge of foreclosure, the Internal Revenue Service investigating potential tax evasion and his U.S. residency status in doubt, the empire of a self-proclaimed guru in Norcross may be crumbling around his ears. Hyosub Shin, hshin@ajc. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
They were wrong about Medicare, too Nov 20, 2009
If you think Medicare is fantastic, I will expect you, Cynthia, to be the first to sign up for the goverment-run public plan that is being touted by the libs ... But what was one of the first efforts of Democrats under Clinton ... One of my other favorites was his solemn campaign promise to balance the budget by the end of his first term. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Co-Op closes doors in Forest, buyout possible for Sebastopol branch Nov 19, 2009
It was noted in a meeting of the membership last month that the organization also owes the Internal Revenue Service more than 100,000. A note on the front door of the Forest branch was seen posted on Friday stating that the store was closed temporarily for reorganization by the board. (Forest Scott County Times, MS)
Letters to the editor Nov 19, 2009
His citing the government-run Federal Emergency Management Agency, which showed its ineptitude under a Republican administration, and the Internal Revenue Service, which most Americans despise, to support his position is extremely misleading at best, if not downright dishonest. Better examples would have been the government-run Medicare or the Veterans Administration, which are both highly rated by those they serve and which most of the audience in attendance could relate to. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Funder's Remorse Nov 19, 2009
Kind of like the IRS during tax season, agents don't pore over every last high-risk dollar ... There are three basic reasons a payment can be considered "improper." First: no documentationno existing paperwork confirming that, say, John Smith paid $400 for an MRI. A payment might also be considered erroneous if the agency can't verify the recipient's eligibility ... If the government knows how much it's spending improperly, why doesn't it stop those payments in the first place. (Slate)
It’s Time to Open the Fuel Market to Methanol Nov 19, 2009
In fiscal 2008, with oil prices averaging near $110 per barrel, Americans shelled out close to $1 trillion for oil, an amount (up from $80 billion in 1999) equal to 40 percent of what they pay the Internal Revenue Service. This enormous tax increase paid to Uncle Saud instead of Uncle Sam sent our economy into recession, while the $4 trillion extorted globally by the oil cartel had similar effects on most of our customers and trading partners internationally. (Roll Call)
ABA Shake-Up Ousts Executive Director, Other Top Staff Nov 19, 2009
He earned $557,500 in the ABA post in 2007, according to an Internal Revenue Service filing. Some ABA members said White's military background may have led him to demand more order than was achievable in a large organization with many offshoots. (Law.com)
Recession-Proof Job? Non-Profit CEO Nov 19, 2009
IRS rules forbid "excessive" compensation, but that's subjective, and the tax man isn't known for going after charities ... This is not the first time this organization has been called on the carpet for their "greed". (CBS News -- Evening News)
Former Law Firm Manager Gets 41 Months for Embezzling $1.3 Million Nov 19, 2009
3 million in restitution to her former employer and $246,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. Schenck, a resident of Herald, Calif. (Law.com)
Cauterskill Estates model near completion Nov 19, 2009
The new Internal Revenue Service first-time homebuyer credit regulations are available online at. Details on inquiring about the homes will made available in the coming weeks, Noe said. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Local gathering: Participants dismayed by state of the country. (Thelma Grimes/photo.) Nov 19, 2009
Goss also said he'd like to do away with the Internal Revenue Service, and send postcards out to residents who should all pay a flat tax to make the system fair. The nearly 50 people in attendance applauded Goss' idea, and several said more tea party events will be held in the San Pedro Valley. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
Read Hannity's America Nov 19, 2009
The Treasury's inspector general for tax administration says because of this credit, taxpayers may have had too little withheld in 2009 and may be forced to repay the IRS when they file in 2010 ... Airs Weekdays at 9 p.m. ET. (Fox News)
Auditor general calls for ban of swap deals like Erie's Nov 19, 2009
The FBI, Securities and Exchange Commission and Internal Revenue Service are investigating swaps nationwide, according to public records. Wagner said he gave his report to state and federal law enforcement authorities and regulatory agencies. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Landlord law over the top Nov 19, 2009
Let s have an ordinance that allows, no, directs city bureaucrats or building inspectors to go into their homes first, and check to see if they have smoke and CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers in all the right places and all are operating correctly ... Our friends at The Herald Journal may say that homeowners and tenants cannot be compared with one another since a residential tenant has no obligation or right to make repairs or do maintenance ... celery wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:03 PM:" I'm... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Stanton Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison Nov 19, 2009
"Currency report information provides a paper trail or roadmap for investigations of financial crimes and illegal activities, including tax evasion and money laundering" added Toni Weirauch, special agent in charge of IRS criminal investigation. "Today's sentencing demonstrates our unwavering commitment to root out criminal organizations wherever they may be found. Dismantling organizations like this and seizing their assets is a top priority for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration," said... (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Church's tax exemption still undecided Nov 19, 2009
She first asked the organization to fill in a 19-page form to substantiate its exempt status before taking the parsonage back off the rolls ... She determined she could use the mandatory 420-a application, which asks for IRS information and articles of incorporation as well as statements supporting a primary purpose of the organization and what the property is being used for. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Govt initiates policies to maintain macro-economic stability for growth Nov 19, 2009
"With the continuation of reforms in the tax system in the medium term, to plug loopholes, reduce tax evasion and fairly taxing rents from natural resources to make the tax system more efficient and less dependent on indirect taxes. "New taxes and levies would also be introduced to establish the right prices for natural and environmental capital, thus generating more government revenue while providing the right incentives for reducing environmental degradation," he said. Dr Duffuor said... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Thousands admit having Swiss bank accounts Nov 19, 2009
Taxpayers come clean to IRS about Swiss bank accounts - Jacksonville Business Journal ... Taxpayers come clean to IRS about Swiss bank accounts ... Nearly 15,000 American taxpayers have admitted to the IRS that they have previously undisclosed bank accounts. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Temple business professor Pavlides killed Nov 19, 2009
The following year, it was incorporated in Pennsylvania and in 2004 it was certified as a tax-exempt professional business association by the Internal Revenue Service. Its membership has grown from 13 to more than 1,000, including more than 300 who have joined since August 2008. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Judge Says ND Company Ignored IRS Warnings Nov 18, 2009
Judge says ND construction materials company ignored years of IRS warnings before indictments ... U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland said IRS audits of Fisher Sand l Co. Inc., dating back to the 1970s, raised red flags over the way the corporation handled the payment of personal expenses for family members ... "The warnings from the IRS repeatedly fell on the deaf ears of Fisher family members," Hovland wrote in Tuesday's sentencing memorandum for Micheal Fisher. (ABC News -- Wire)
Track coach Trevor Graham expected to be charged with obstructing steroid probe - USATODAY.com Nov 18, 2009
Prosecutor stepping down. Track coach Trevor Graham expected to be charged with obstructing steroid probe. (Yahoo News -- Track and Field)
Thousands flock to get in on tax amnesty Nov 18, 2009
More than 14,700 U.S. taxpayers came forward to disclose billions in offshore bank accounts in 70 countries under a voluntary Internal Revenue Service program allowing most to avoid criminal prosecution as long as they pay what they owe, agency officials said Tuesday. Get Quote. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
IRS: Thousands reveal secret accounts Nov 18, 2009
IRS: Thousands reveal secret offshore accounts - South Florida Business Journal ... IRS: Thousands reveal secret offshore accounts ... More than 14,700 taxpayers have come forward to report previously undisclosed foreign bank accounts as part of the voluntary disclosure program that the implemented, according to the U.S. Department of Justice and IRS.. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
14,700 declare foreign accounts under US tax amnesty Nov 18, 2009
"The message to American taxpayers is clear: the era of bank secrecy and hidden assets is over," Deputy Attorney General David Ogden said in announcing the results with the Internal Revenue Service, the country's tax collector. It was not clear how many of the account holders who came forward had accounts with UBS or other Swiss banks. (Yahoo! Asia News)
COLUMN: When the refrigerator keeps you awake, you just need a new attitude Nov 18, 2009
I heard his little voice in the background as I talked to Val, his mom, on the phone the other day about 1 p.m. Do you want me to go downstairs ... I ve sighed a number of times in recent weeks as I read about Congress extending the first-time homebuyers tax credit ... You see, this calendar year, anyone who bought a new home for the first time could receive up to 8,000 in a tax credit cash direct to them from the IRS, with no expectation of repayment. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
RedState Morning Briefing Nov 18, 2009
As awful as that sounds, new information is proving Barack Obama s got his first major military decision disastrously wrong and the repercussions to our national security will be far reaching in light of China s growing aggressiveness ... According to the IRS, Obama has never asked for an adjustment of the tax tables, so millions of Americans are going to get taxed for having received the tax credits back in February typically through adjustments the federal government demanded businesses make... (Human Events Online)
14,700 US tax cheats pay up Nov 18, 2009
Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Doug Shulman said tax cheats rushed forth for a fresh Start after the IRS got Swiss bank UBS and its government to turn over records on 4,450 accounts ... Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Doug Shulman said tax cheats rushed forth for a fresh Start after the IRS got Swiss bank UBS and its government to turn over records on 4,450 accounts. (New York Post -- Business)
"Verify Your Account Info"? It's Phishing Nov 18, 2009
If you have received an e-mail from the Internal Revenue Service or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, chances are it was a phishing attempt. If you received e-mail from your bank, PayPal, or Facebook urging you to immediately verify information or risk having your account suspended, it was undoubtedly phishing. (CBS News)
More than 14,700 admit having offshore accounts Nov 18, 2009
MIAMI - More than 14,700 US taxpayers came forward to disclose billions in offshore bank accounts in 70 countries under a voluntary Internal Revenue Service program allowing most to avoid criminal prosecution as long as they pay what they owe, IRS officials said yesterday. A flood of people came forward in the last days before the amnesty program expired Oct. 15, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. (Boston Globe)
Former city commissioner and ex-convict Jim Exline starts over as real estate professional Nov 18, 2009
His conviction stemmed from cheating the Internal Revenue Service to hide the income during a divorce. Exline, who served on the West Palm Beach City Comission from 1999 to 2007, earned $50,000 from developer John Sansbury, then hid the income from the IRS by funneling it through a jewelry store. (The Palm Beach Post)
More than 14,700 take IRS up on leniency Nov 18, 2009
More than 14,700 Americans with secret offshore bank accounts came forward for a recently concluded federal tax leniency program, helping generate what IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman said on Tuesday would be "billions of dollars" in new tax revenue. A rush of tax evaders applied before the program's Oct. 15 deadline - nearly double the IRS preliminary tally - taking advantage of guarantees that they wouldn't face criminal prosecution if they paid taxes, interest and reduced civil penalties ...... (Honolulu Advertiser)
IRS develops new software to facilitate tax returns Nov 18, 2009
Cape Coast, Nov. 17, GNA - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Tuesday organized a day's workshop in Cape Coast to educate tax-payers in the informal sector on a new "Tax Helper Software" it has developed to facilitate the early submission of tax returns and subsequent payments ... Mr Patrick Danso of the Management Information and Technical Department of the IRS briefed participants on the usefulness of the software and how it is installed on the computer ... He explained that the nature of... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Arborview Capital invests $5M in Md. firm Nov 18, 2009
Its clients include Fairfax and Prince George s County public school systems, Sheraton hotels, Safeway stores, Maryland Department of Corrections, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and several federal buildings, such as the Internal Revenue Service Building, Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol Complex. There, the company installed more than 210,000 energy-efficient lamps, sensors, fixtures and lighted signs in more than 14 million square feet of space. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Editorial: Dont hurt us for IRS foulup Nov 18, 2009
Editorial: Don't hurt us for IRS foulup ... With millions of taxpayers living on the edge these days, ordinary folks can ill-afford a rude surprise from the Internal Revenue Service especially when the problem is the IRS fault, not the taxpayers ... The IRS was ordered to adjust withholding to allow taxpayers to keep more of their paycheck this year. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Free Money For College From the Hop... Nov 18, 2009
Pays 100% of the first $2,000 in tuition and related expenses ... Can be used during the first four years of college ... Pays only 20% of the first $10,000 in tuition and related expenses. (Suite101.com)
Goldman's Credit Crisis Mea Culpa Nov 18, 2009
The reason for this collective act of self disclosure is the fact that Swiss bank UBS in August finally agreed to divulge to the IRS the names of some 4,450 American clients suspected of using the banks offshore services to evade taxes ... If your Swiss bank account holdings are less than $248,200 (250,000 Swiss francs) of if you receive less than $99,280 (100,000 Swiss francs) in annual revenue from them, then the Swiss are not required to share the information with the IRS. Anything over... (Slate)
VAT Would Be One Big Tub Of Trouble Nov 18, 2009
For one, it would require roughly doubling the size of the IRS. Fifteen years ago, CBO estimated compliance and administrative costs for a VAT at $8 ... The IRS' entire budget is currently $11 ... When you're in charge of former peers, at first it may seem like an easy job. (Investors Business Daily)
Colgate president: Economic challenges wont hurt education focus Nov 18, 2009
Herbst was the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at Miami University (Ohio) ... 2008 figures from 990 tax form filed with the IRS. ... Herbst will only be in the area sporadically over the next seven months as he finishes his commitment at Miami University in Ohio as the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
