When Do Unpaid Payroll Taxes Become Criminal?
There’s talk that the IRS is more proactively tracing how unpaid payroll tax money is spent during trust fund recovery investigations. The outcome? Potentially, it’s a swifter handover to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division for criminal prosecution. Bloomberg Tax published a commentary on the development this summer. In his observations, Attorney Eric Green of Green […]
Your Tax Preparer Isn’t Responsible for Your Omissions
A former small business shareholder recently found guilty of tax evasion serves as a reminder that your tax preparer isn’t responsible for what they don’t know. The case involves a buyout agreement the Brooklyn man entered into when he sold shares of stock back to a home warranty business as he exited. The company agreed […]
Turns Out Chrisley Doesn’t Know Best
Reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley were recently convicted for tax fraud and willingly filing false tax returns. They blamed an employee and their accountant feigned ignorance, but the IRS wasn’t having it. What went on, and can it happen to you? The Chrisleys were found guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out […]
New Anti-Fraud Requirement Coming for Small Businesses
A massive new filing requirement designed to crack down on shell companies and fraud is coming for certain small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees or less than $5 million in revenue. It’s relatively easy to set up legal entities in the U.S., and it’s also rather anonymous to do so, with a minimal […]
Avoid This Costly Charitable Deduction Mistake
It’s better to give than to receive, but receiving a tax break for your charitable giving? That’s a win-win. Making a mistake as simple as overlooking the gift receipt, however, can turn a big donation into a massive missed opportunity. Let’s look at an example from a recent court case. A New Mexico couple acquired […]
Buying a Distressed Business
It’s a unique time for small businesses. The economic ups and downs are creating both winners and losers. If you find yourself on the fortunate side, should you seize the opportunity to expand by buying a distressed business (perhaps even a competitor)? Here are some questions to ask before you act: Why is the business […]
Inflation and Your Small Business
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that one in three small business owners consider inflation their top concern right now. Inflation worries have driven small business optimism about the future to record lows, adds the National Federation of Independent Business. In response, 67% have raised prices, 41% have decreased staff, and 39% have taken out […]
IRS Whistleblowers Can Win 30% of What’s Due (But It’s Not Easy)
Money is a powerful motivator. That’s why the IRS Whistleblower Office is sometimes called into action, often when business partner disputes or divorce cases gain momentum. There could be a lot to be gained—15 to 30% of the taxes that are due could be rewarded to a whistleblower—but reality paints a different picture. At least […]
Win the Lottery…and Jail Time
A recent tax court case involving a Boston cop proves that once you purchase a winning lottery ticket, you’re on the hook to pay taxes on the winnings—even if you don’t keep the ticket. The police officer won $10,000 on a scratch-off ticket, which he then sold to a convenience store owner for $7,500 in […]
Tipped Employees and the New 80/20 Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor’s newly revamped “80/20 guidance” for tipped workers is in effect after an emergency motion to withdraw it was denied. What is it and how does it affect Texas restaurants and other tip-based businesses? Restaurants in most states including Texas have been relying on the “tip credit” for decades, which allows […]