What kind of activities increase the chances of being audited?
- April 24th, 2018
- David Greene
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Some tax returns are more likely to be audited than others. Why is this? I can think of eleven practices that lead to a greater risk of audit. First is using a “sketchy” tax preparer. This is one who…
What does the new Tax Reform mean for Pass Through Entities starting in 2018?
- April 11th, 2018
- David Greene
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One of the most significant changes under tax reform is the tax treatment of businesses. Unlike changes to the individual tax scheme, which are temporary and somewhat piecemeal, the changes to the business tax scheme are permanent and fairly thorough….
Is the rumor that most refunds may be delayed for months this year true?
- April 4th, 2018
- David Greene
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This is one of several myths about refunds that seem to be circulating this year. It is indeed a myth. In truth, most refunds are sent out within 21 days of filing the return. To get your refunds faster, be…
Do I need to report the sale of stock on my tax return?
- March 27th, 2018
- David Greene
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The short and simple answer is yes. When you purchase stock or any type of security, you are doing so with the money you have earned after taxes. This type of investment creates a basis in the new asset you…
What is the difference in capital and ordinary gains or losses?
- February 21st, 2018
- David Greene
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Capital gains or losses result from selling capital assets which generally, but not always, includes the sale of real estate. Some things that are not capital assets are: business inventory, business receivables, real or other depreciable business property and certain…
How good are consumer computer tax preparation programs?
- January 30th, 2018
- David Greene
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I have been asked this question several times already this year, so I am repeating the answer I gave to this question several years ago. However, I must state a disclaimer that no one knows how the new tax program…
Happy New Year. How to choose a tax preparer
- January 3rd, 2018
- David Greene
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I hope all of my readers had a very relaxing and joyous Christmas holiday and I hope you are looking forward to a New Year filled with hope and promise. As you know it looks like we will have a…
How many different ways can the IRS try to collect taxes I owe?
- December 12th, 2017
- David Greene
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This is a good question, but one that cannot be answered in a short space. I will just discuss the primary methods. When one does not pay her taxes, she will first receive a friendly letter stating that she has…
Is it worth mortgaging my home to get a tax deduction?
- December 7th, 2017
- David Greene
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In my opinion, you should never incur debt for the express purpose of lowering your taxes. At this time it is true that people who have a mortgage get to take a deduction on their taxes; however, they only deduct…
Suggestions for Recovering Lost Financial Records
- November 7th, 2017
- David Greene
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Here are some suggestions for recovering your financial records if they are lost or destroyed in a hurricane or other natural disaster: (1) get a copy of your tax transcript from the IRS; (2) Request copies of records (bank statements,…