Cuba…The Next Overseas Tax Haven?

Cuba Announces New ‘Small Business Friendly’ Tax Code Cuba yesterday announced a new tax code that it claimed was friendlier for small business, as thegovernment struggles to build a larger private sector within the state-run economy. Hmmm…maybe Castro is trying to capitalize on US’s uncertain tax future…

Will You Pay Higher Taxes in 2011?

Lack of congressional action on 2011 income taxes may force the Treasury Department to make unprecedented moves to prevent U.S. workers from seeing large tax increases in their January paychecks. The issue: 2011 tax-withholding tables. Treasury officials usually release the tables, which determine the take-home pay of millions of wage-earners, by mid-November because it takes… Continue reading Will You Pay Higher Taxes in 2011?

Asbestos, Acutane, Vioxx, Paxil Settlement? You may need a Tax Attorney!

We have all seen the ads for asbestos exposure and “bad” prescription drugs… “have you or someone you know taken the drug Acutane… if so, you may be entitled to cash compensation… call 1800-bad-drug…” So what are the tax consequences of receiving compensation for your damages? Well, it depends… Some damages and settlement proceeds are… Continue reading Asbestos, Acutane, Vioxx, Paxil Settlement? You may need a Tax Attorney!

Throw Momma From Her Private Jet–Not From The Train

New York Times columnist Paul Krugman famously  dubbed the Bush 2001 tax cuts the “Throw Momma From The Train Act”, because the estate tax was eliminated for just one year—2010. But as 2010 grinds on without a federal estate levy, it’s becoming clear that Krugman got it wrong.  Any Momma who would ride the rails… Continue reading Throw Momma From Her Private Jet–Not From The Train

Free at Last…Cost of Goverment Day 2010

With the rising deficit and a substantial economic strain on our Government, it is not terribly surprising that our Government’s financial woes tickle down, resulting in a larger financial burden on Americans. August 19th marked the “Cost of Government Day” for 2010.  This is the day the average American has earned enough gross income to… Continue reading Free at Last…Cost of Goverment Day 2010

Bush Tax Cuts Expire in 2010…Will You Pay Higher Taxes?

No one wants to be taken by surprise with a super high tax bill for 2011.  With only four months remaining until the expiration of Bush’s tax cuts enacted in the 2001 EGTRRA Bill, a lot of Taxpayers are holding their breath while they scramble to plan for a wide range of alternatives. We are… Continue reading Bush Tax Cuts Expire in 2010…Will You Pay Higher Taxes?

IRS Customer Un-Satisfaction…Facebook a Close Runner-Up

As a tax attorney, I have the pleasure of routine interaction with the IRS.  However, I must confess my dealings with the IRS are not as efficient and streamlined as I would like.  Therefore, it came as no surprise to find that the IRS’s customer satisfaction is far from stellar.  Surprisingly I did not expect… Continue reading IRS Customer Un-Satisfaction…Facebook a Close Runner-Up

Watch Out Reggie Bush…the IRS plays a mad defense!

With College Football Season right around the corner, I can’t help but wonder how much collateral damage has been caused by USC’s flagrant NCAA rule violations and what measures (if any) are Universities taking to avoid joining USC in their fall from glory. The NCAA seems to be making an example out of USC’s violations… Continue reading Watch Out Reggie Bush…the IRS plays a mad defense!

Estate Plan Anxiety?? Join the Club…

Many people seem to avoid estate planning either because we do not want to think about death (particularly our own) or we do not want to think about all the paperwork, emotion, and flat-out hassle involved.  It’s kind of like digging out and organizing all your tax information for the year to bring to your… Continue reading Estate Plan Anxiety?? Join the Club…

Income Tax Planning Basics for 2010

With a substantial portion of provisions in the Internal Revenue Code (Code) set to expire the end of this year, I am strongly encouraging my clients to take advantage of the current tax planning opportunities available this year.  In the midst of the over sensationalized estate tax repeal and first-time homebuyer credit, the Code provides… Continue reading Income Tax Planning Basics for 2010