A Guide to Tax Record Retention

A Guide to Tax Record Retention

Before you close this year’s tax file there is still some work to do. If the IRS or state revenue department selects your return for review, you will need to be prepared. Here is what you need to do now: Keep a copy of your Form 1040 indefinitely. Do not toss or...
Understanding the Tax Gap

Understanding the Tax Gap

Voluntary tax compliance is measured While more and more legislation is introduced that penalizes all of us for doing things wrong on our tax returns, please remember that at its origin, tax collection in the U.S. is a voluntary. In other words, the tax code is...
Does Your Mileage Log Travel the Distance?

Does Your Mileage Log Travel the Distance?

The tax code allows deductions for qualified miles driven for business, medical, moving and charitable purposes. But to claim this deduction you must keep adequate records of actual miles driven. During an audit, this is an often disallowed deduction, despite the fact...
Avoid Name Mismatch Audits

Avoid Name Mismatch Audits

If you were married, divorced, or changed your name for any reason during the past year, do not forget to file to change your name prior to preparing next year’s tax return. The IRS automatically conducts a name match on the first few letters of your last name....
Understanding Tax Terms: Contemporaneous Records

Understanding Tax Terms: Contemporaneous Records

Understanding Tax Terms: Contemporaneous Records If you have problems getting to sleep at night and you turn to the IRS tax code for help, you might find some vocabulary that is very foreign to you. One of the more uncommon words used by the IRS is the...
Play the Match Game. Or Else…

Play the Match Game. Or Else…

A great tip to stay out of the audit spotlight. One of the best audit tips available can be summed up in one simple word – Match. Spend a minute or two pretending you work for the IRS. What would you do to identify tax returns worth auditing? If you suggest matching...