Category Archives: IRS News

New LLC fee court decision

Courtesy of Spidell Publishing Inc. A California Court of Appeal has ruled that the LLC fee must be apportioned in Ventas Finance I, LLC. The court ruled that, while former R&TC §17942 — as applied to Ventas — violates the Commerce Clause, neither federal due process nor any principle of California law requires the FTB […]

Reporting Auction Income and the Tax Gap

FS-2007-23, Courtesy of IRS Many people don’t realize the income they earn from auctions and consignment sales may be taxable. This fact sheet, the 16th in the Tax Gap series, will help taxpayers better understand what income they are required to report and what deductions they may be entitled to take. The tax gap, or […]

Housing Act gives and takes away tax benefits

On July 26, 2008, the Senate passed the “Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008” (H.R. 3221). The president is expected to sign the bill. Among its provisions are: A refundable credit of up to $7,500 on the purchase of a principal residence by a “first-time homebuyer.” A first-time homebuyer is a taxpayer who hasn’t owned […]

Useful Resources from IRS

Retirement Plans – 9 videos about retirement plans, including IRAs. Some help retirement plan sponsors choose and operate their plans. Others are to help participants, like you, ensure your retirement benefits are protected. https://www.stayexempt.org/ep/navigating_plans.html IRS Brochure outlines Small Business Federal Responsibility In this one sheet two-fold brochure, you will find and impressive list of IRS […]

National Taxpayer Advocate Releases Report to Congress; Identifies Priority Challenges and Issues for Upcoming Year

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service – IR-2008-87, July 8, 2008 WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson today delivered a report to Congress that identifies the priority issues the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate will address in the coming fiscal year. Among the key areas of focus will be improving IRS procedures to […]

SBA introduces new online courses for small business owners

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service [See the Resource Box below, for links] The Small Business Administration’s Small Business Training Network has introduced two new free online finance courses to help small business owners with the basic principles of finance and borrowing: Finance Primer: Guide to SBA’s Loan Guaranty Programs How to Prepare a Loan […]

IRS Increases Mileage Rates through Dec. 31, 2008

IR-2008-82, June 23, 2008 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2008. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The rate will increase to […]

Small Businesses Benefit from 2008 Economic Stimulus Act Depreciation Provisions

Courtesy of John Berger at the Internal Revenue Service Businesses that have bought assets – or are planning to do so – in 2008 can benefit from the same legislation that is delivering payments to individuals this year. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 increased the maximum amount for depreciation under section 179 of the […]

IRS Adds Functions to Online Payment Agreement Application

IR-2008-77, June 6, 2008 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today introduced several new features to the interactive Online Payment Agreement application , which will make it easier for taxpayers and their authorized representatives to make changes to existing installment agreements. The system will now permit: LI>Individuals to revise their payment due dates and/or amounts […]

Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill)

HR 2419: To provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. Highlights: -Prohibits persons with adjusted gross non-farm income of over $500,000 or adjusted gross farm income of over $750,000 from receiving certain types of subsidies (Sec. 1604). -Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to spend $991 million during […]

Standard Office in Home Deduction Proposed

Simplifying the deduction for small businesses with an office in the home is one of SBA’s Office of Advocacy 2008 Top 10 Rules for Review and Reform. The Top 10 are drawn from over 80 rules nominated by small business owners and representatives as part of the SBA’s Regulatory Review and Reform initiative. Submitted by […]