The Tax Lawyer Blog: Topical thinking from the lawyers at Moskowitz, LLP

Estate Planning and Technology: Electronic Signatures

Posted on June 6, 2019May 21, 2019 by Raquel Lazar-Paley Posted in Estate Planning & Taxation

As digital technology continues to take hold, including a growing number of end-of-life planning websites and mobile apps, lawyers and lawmakers alike are calling for a closer look at how we may be able to effectively utilize electronic signatures in the area of wills, trusts and probate. Passage of the...

Contesting Tax Penalties: Abatement

Posted on June 4, 2019May 21, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Tax: Audits, Litigation & Collection

In our last post, we discussed a few of the most common tax penalties imposed by the IRS. Here we explain some ways of getting those penalties, and interest, reduced or removed entirely (otherwise known as “abatement”). It’s bad enough owing taxes, but when penalties and interest are added your...

An Introduction to Tax Penalties

Posted on May 30, 2019May 21, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Tax: Audits, Litigation & Collection

There are numerous tax penalties that the IRS imposes for tax code violations. Here is a brief summary of the four most common ones. When you receive an IRS tax bill, it is usually accompanied by interest and penalties, which may be significant. The next few posts will describe when...

The 2019 IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams #10 Failure to Report Offshore Funds

Posted on May 28, 2019June 17, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Criminal Tax Law

Other Posts in this Series #1: The Dangers of Phishing #2: Phone Scams Getting More Sophisticated #4: Tax Preparer Fraud – The Ultimate Deception #5 and #6: Inflating Tax Refunds and Falsifying Income #7: Overstating Deductions #9: Improper Claims for Business Credits #11: Frivolous Tax Arguments #12: Abusive Tax Shelters,...

The 2019 IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams #9: Improper Claims for Business Credits

Posted on May 24, 2019June 17, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Criminal Tax Law

Other Posts in this Series #1: The Dangers of Phishing #2: Phone Scams Getting More Sophisticated #4: Tax Preparer Fraud – The Ultimate Deception #5 and #6: Inflating Tax Refunds and Falsifying Income #7: Overstating Deductions #10: Failure to Report Offshore Funds #11: Frivolous Tax Arguments #12: Abusive Tax Shelters,...

The 2019 IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams #8: Fake Charities

Posted on May 22, 2019June 17, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Criminal Tax Law

Other Posts in this Series #1: The Dangers of Phishing #2: Phone Scams Getting More Sophisticated #4: Tax Preparer Fraud – The Ultimate Deception #5 and #6: Inflating Tax Refunds and Falsifying Income #7: Overstating Deductions #9: Improper Claims for Business Credits #10: Failure to Report Offshore Funds #11: Frivolous...

Failure to Report Foreign Account Results in Fine of 50% of Account Balance

Posted on May 7, 2019April 25, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in International Taxation, Tax Planning & Compliance

Taxpayer liable for maximum willful FBAR penalty of 50% of account balance for failing to report foreign assets. The willful FBAR penalty battle rages on. The recent holding in Kimble vs. United States is a tremendous setback to taxpayers who have been delinquent with their foreign account reporting. Here is...

Is It Time to Update Your Estate Plan?

Posted on May 2, 2019April 25, 2019 by Raquel Lazar-Paley Posted in Estate Planning & Taxation

There are certain events that call for a fresh look at your estate plan. “Nothing endures but change.” - Heraclitus of Ephesus The quote may be 2,500 years old, but the ancient Greek philosopher’s statement remains true – change is still the only constant in life. Spouses get divorced,...

The 2019 IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams #7: Overstating Deductions

Posted on April 30, 2019June 17, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Criminal Tax Law

Other Posts in this Series #1: The Dangers of Phishing #2: Phone Scams Getting More Sophisticated #4: Tax Preparer Fraud – The Ultimate Deception #5 and #6: Inflating Tax Refunds and Falsifying Income #8: Fake Charities #9: Improper Claims for Business Credits #10: Failure to Report Offshore Funds #11: Frivolous...

The 2019 IRS “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams #5 and #6: Inflating Tax Refunds and Falsifying Income

Posted on April 25, 2019June 17, 2019 by moskowitz Posted in Criminal Tax Law

Other Posts in this Series #1: The Dangers of Phishing #2: Phone Scams Getting More Sophisticated #4: Tax Preparer Fraud – The Ultimate Deception #7: Overstating Deductions #8: Fake Charities #9: Improper Claims for Business Credits #10: Failure to Report Offshore Funds #11: Frivolous Tax Arguments #12: Abusive Tax Shelters,...

Tax Lawyer Blog

How can we help you today?