Author Archives: TaxMama

Gift to Parents

Today TaxMama® hears from Susan in the TaxQuips Forum with a good question. “Suppose I purchase a home and keep title in my name and let my parents live in the home rent free. Is the rent-free usage of the property considered a transfer subject to the gift tax? I think not, as I have […]

eBay Sales for Friends

Today TaxMama® hears from Judecat in the TaxQuips Forum who is helping a sick friend. Without going into detail – “Judecat is selling his personal treasures on eBay because he is too ill and doesn’t have access to the Internet. She wants to know the tax implications.”

Deducting Large Rental Loss

Today TaxMama® hears from Bernice in the TaxQuips Forum who is concerned. “Are there no limits for an “active” real estate investor with even just one rental? Or is the $25,000 limit applicable to him as well? I ask because my software allowed a $31,000 loss and so far it was accepted! Now I may […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 648 – 4th of July-ish

Lots of people are taking off early and getting ready for 4th of July in advance. Others are taking a long weekend next week – including my Lulu. Can you imagine – she’s off to a beach party for the 4th of July in a nice secluded cove. It actually looks really nifty. They seem […]

Stakeholder Meeting Topics covered – Collections, Tax Assistance Counter, ITINs and more

Report from IRS Stakeholder Meeting – Los Angeles, June 28, 2012   Stakeholder Meeting Topics covered – Collections, Tax Assistance Counter, ITINs and more

Clarification of the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program for Employers

Clarification of the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program for employers (Form 8952) IRS introduced this last year, and I explored how this could affect employers, and whether or not this is a good idea – or an audit trap. [See MarketWatch article.] The VCSP is for business employers , governments and exempt organizations, who have been […]

Understanding Numbers

Useful English System conversions/units:    1. Ratio of an igloo’s circumference to its diameter = Eskimo Pi       2. 2.4 statute miles of intravenous surgical tubing at Yale University Hospital = 1 I.V. League

Sold Family Home

Today TaxMama® hears from Madeline in the TaxQuips Forum with this situation. “My siblings and I just sold our family home in New Hampshire. I live in California. We each got $40,000.00. How will this affect my taxes next year?” 

Property Tax Surprise

Today TaxMama® hears from Tony in the TaxQuips Forum with an odd problem. (Here’s the short version – read the long version on the site.) “He just got a notice that his home is about to be sold because the property taxes haven’t been paid on it. He’s never gotten the invoices – they have […]

Rental Under Water

Today TaxMama® hears from Chris in the TaxQuips Forum with a good question. “In the near future I plan to purchase a 2nd home in a different city, and move my primary residence to that property. I will rent my current home. The mortgage for my current property is underwater. The rent I can charge […]

IRS Notice is Partially Correct

Today TaxMama® hears from Melody in the TaxQuips Forum with an IRS notice. “If we agree partially to the CP 2000 proposed changes, how should we include any payment? The IRS proposed amount is terribly wrong. We want to pay an adequate amount to cover the adjustment. Is there a calculator for this type of […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 647 – Happy Summer

Dear Family,  Happy Summer! Yes, despite the fact that many of us in sunny climes start to celebrate summer on Memorial Day weekend, the planet didn’t recognize summer until this week.   Finally, this weekend, my mother’s 90th birthday party! I saw the album the girls put together. Lots of wonderful pictures! Lots. But, I think […]