IRS boosts 2008 housing cost allowances for those working abroad in high-cost areas Notice 2008-107, 2008-50 IRB Mike Habib, EA A new Notice effectively increases the maximum housing cost exclusion for U.S. citizens and residents working abroad in specified high-cost locations. The increases are based on geographic differences in foreign…
Fact sheet explains wage compensation of S corporation officers Fact Sheet 2008-25 Mike Habib, EA A recently released IRS fact sheet provides useful information for S corporations and their owners concerning the proper tax treatment when corporate officers perform services for the entity. Specifically, it explains the proper employment tax…
Roundup of recent employment tax rulings Mike Habib, EA There have been several recent rulings issued in the employment tax area. Here is a summary: Joint employment. A federal district court has ruled that a property management company was the joint employer of leasing consultants who worked out of the…
Gambling winnings or losses? Mike Habib, EA As a US taxpayer, you can deduct gambling losses only if you itemize your deductions on form 1040. You can claim your gambling losses as a miscellaneous deduction on IRS Form 1040, Schedule A. However, the amount of losses you deduct can not…
Estate not taxed on transfer of decedent’s pension to charitable beneficiary PLR 200845029 IRS has privately ruled that an estate will not be taxed on a distribution of the decedent’s pension benefits to a charitable beneficiary of the estate. Facts. An individual, whom we’ll call, Smith, died owning an interest…
Year-end tax planning client letter with checklist As the end of the year approaches, it is a good time to think of planning moves that will help lower your tax bill this year and possibly the next. Factors that compound the challenge include the stock market’s swoon, the difficult economic…
Timely reminder for small businesses to steer clear of trouble on payroll tax and retirement plan contributions IRS Employee Plan News (Fall 2008) In these trying times, with cash scarce and credit hard to find, a small business might be tempted to “temporarily” use money it deducts for taxes and…
As I’m sure you’re aware, on Oct. 3, 2008, the President signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343). Although virtually all of the press coverage of this law has concentrated on its hotly debated $700 billion financial industry bailout plan, the legislation also contains scores…
Special refund procedures for coal producers and exporters on excise tax paid on exported coal Ann. 2008-103, 2008-46 IRB In a new Announcement, IRS has advised taxpayers how to claim a refund of the excise tax on exported coal under the new procedures provided in Sec. 114 of the Energy…
Appeals Court reverses ruling that denied taxpayer Section 530 Relief Trucker tax relief, trucking tax relief, trucking tax problem resolution. Trucking Tax & Accounting: Back Taxes – Unfiled delinquent tax returns – IRS & State audits – Messy books / accounting Peno Trucking, Inc. v. Commissioner, CA6, 102 AFTR 2d…