The Scary Truth About Navigating IRS Tax Guidance

My article is copied in full below. It first appeared on Forbes July 24, 2024 – link here.  You can follow me on Forbes for free.   Imagine this: You have a pressing tax question and, like many, you turn to Google. Among the plethora of results, you spot information from the IRS, including its … Continue reading The Scary Truth About Navigating IRS Tax Guidance

Grounded By IRS: U.S. Passport Denied Or Revoked For Delinquent Taxes

Precise statistics on the exact number of passports revoked or denied specifically because of substantial tax debt are not readily available. The IRS and the State Department do not regularly publish detailed breakdowns of passport revocations or denials by cause. What is known is that since the enactment of the FAST Act, tens of thousands … Continue reading Grounded By IRS: U.S. Passport Denied Or Revoked For Delinquent Taxes

IRS Increased Audits Of The Rich: A Flop In Finding Noncompliance

My article copied below first appeared on Forbes July 12, 2024 – link here.  You can follow me on Forbes for free. ~~~~~ The June 20, 2024 report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration came as a shock to many.  The TIGTA report explained that to meet an audit quota set in 2020, … Continue reading IRS Increased Audits Of The Rich: A Flop In Finding Noncompliance

Mr. Taxman @IRS: Looks Like My Money, But It Really Isn’t…

The Department of Justice and the IRS are champing at the bit to nail former defense contractor, Douglas Edelman, and his French wife Delphine Le Dain. They were charged with schemes to defraud the United States and evade taxes on more than $350 million using a complicated nominee arrangement. "Oh Mr. Taxman, I know it looks like my … Continue reading Mr. Taxman @IRS: Looks Like My Money, But It Really Isn’t…

3 Ways To Safeguard Finances Of The Vulnerable, Yet Navigate U.S. Tax

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes July 2, 2024 – link here. Scams have become increasingly more convincing, posing significant financial risk to vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly. Financial security arrangements should be implemented, but when global financial assets or multi-nationals are involved, the U.S. tax issues can get complicated and require extra diligence.  … Continue reading 3 Ways To Safeguard Finances Of The Vulnerable, Yet Navigate U.S. Tax

Tax Return Preparer’s Mistakes Or Fraud: Innocent Taxpayer Takes Hit

UPDATE Oct. 31 2024 -- the "international tax expert" discussed in this article was just sentenced to over 15 years.  Be careful out there. Sadly, we are living in an age where carelessness (and far worse) abounds, even when dealing with professionals. When it comes to US tax advice and returns, having an honest advisor … Continue reading Tax Return Preparer’s Mistakes Or Fraud: Innocent Taxpayer Takes Hit

National Taxpayer Advocate – Pushes for Positive Changes for Americans Abroad

The law requires the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to submit two annual reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, without any prior review or comment from the Internal Revenue Service.  The NTA Report for FY 2025 was just issued and includes various NTA advocacy objectives. Two of the … Continue reading National Taxpayer Advocate – Pushes for Positive Changes for Americans Abroad

U.S. Tax – Think Carefully Before You Get (Or Keep) A Green Card

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes June 19, 2024 – link here. It explains the important U.S. tax rules to know before getting (or keeping) a green card.  Unfortunately, the U.S. government never explains these rules as part of the green card application process!  In all my years of tax practice, I have … Continue reading U.S. Tax – Think Carefully Before You Get (Or Keep) A Green Card

How Long Does The IRS Have To Catch Your U.S. Tax Mistake? 6 Scenarios

My article copied below, first appeared on Forbes June 11, 2024 – link here. It explains the important rules to know when IRS comes calling to review prior filed tax returns and assess additional taxes.  How long can the IRS come after a taxpayer for tax errors or worse? The tax statute of limitations can … Continue reading How Long Does The IRS Have To Catch Your U.S. Tax Mistake? 6 Scenarios

IRS “Direct File” Will Become a Permanent Option – But Not for Americans Overseas

The IRS announced on Thursday May 30, it will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season.  Taxpayers who can fit within the Direct File eligibility parameters will be able to file their federal tax return for free, directly with the IRS!  No middleman, no TurboTax, … Continue reading IRS “Direct File” Will Become a Permanent Option – But Not for Americans Overseas