I sure hope your tax preparer is honest. You see, if he or she is claiming false or fraudulent deductions on your behalf, you could be in big trouble even if you’re completely innocent of any wrongdoing! That’s right. If the IRS discovers that your tax preparer is dishonest, it’s likely you’ll get caught up in the government’s web too… and suffer serious consequences. Want … [Read more...]
When you can (and can’t!) deduct mortgage insurance
The tax law used to help a lot of people by letting them deduct the cost of mortgage insurance. But times change, and in 2013 many of these deductions were no longer allowed. How does the current law treat deductions for government or private mortgage insurance on homes, rentals, and home-offices? You’ll find out when you read my new article titled Tax Tips: When You Can … [Read more...]
Beware of the stealth Alternative Minimum Tax
A stealth bomber is deadly because, thanks to its radar-defeating design, the enemy can’t see it coming. That’s why the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is often called a “stealth tax.” It’s a tax that you often don’t see coming until it’s too late! Why is the AMT so dangerous? Why can it cause you such trouble when you want to change the way you do business or practice … [Read more...]
Is your real estate activity a “business” or are you an “investor”?
How do you structure your real estate activities? Are you running a business or simply investing in properties? The answer can have big tax consequences! EXAMPLE: If you want to take a trip to a real estate seminar you may be able to deduct all the related expenses… or maybe not. It all depends on how you’ve structured your activities. Which is why you need more … [Read more...]
Give the IRS an inadequate mileage log and it will crush you
Don’t let what happened to Jim and Martha Flake happen to you. Because of bad recordkeeping, they attracted the attention of the IRS. The result? They had to visit with an IRS agent every two weeks for about a year! How can you stay on Uncle Sam’s good side and avoid the two mistakes that got the Flakes in hot water? Easy. Read my new article titled Tax Tips: IRS Asserts … [Read more...]