Blog

A Closer Look at Innocent Spouse Relief

Innocent spouse relief allows one spouse or ex-spouse to be relieved of liability for an income tax incurred during the marriage. This relief can provide a much-needed lifeline to taxpayers who are divorced or contemplating divorce. Injured Spouse Relief is not Innocent Spouse Relief Before considering the innocent spouse rules, it is helpful to consider… Continue reading A Closer Look at Innocent Spouse Relief

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December 29, 2017
Lady Bird Deeds in Texas: An Often Overlooked Opportunity

In the states that allow them, such as Texas, Lady bird deeds are a relatively simple and useful tool that should be used more often. The In re Estate of Maggie Williams Turner, No. 06-17-00071-CV (Tex. App.–Texarkana 2017), case provides an opportunity to consider the benefits of these types of deeds. Facts and Procedural History […]

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December 8, 2017
Congress Provides Significant Relief for Back Taxes

There are winners and losers when it comes to the recent tax changes proposed by Congress. As it turns out, those who owe back taxes to the IRS may be in the winner category. The proposed changes will significantly increase the amount of income that is beyond the IRS’s reach. If the legislation is passed… Continue reading Congress Provides Significant Relief for Back Taxes

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December 3, 2017
Probate Settlements Are Binding Under Texas Law

Settlement agreements entered into during the probate process are generally binding. But what happens when one party enters into an agreement and later changes their mind? Can they get out of the settlement agreement? The court recently addressed this in Estate of Riefler, No. 07-16-00375-CV (Tex. App.–Amarillo 2017). Facts and Procedural History The facts and […]

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November 30, 2017
Making the IRS Pay for Unlawful Collection Activities

Taxpayers often feel helpless when it comes to the IRS. We hear this from clients when there is some real or perceived injustice involving the IRS. While the IRS and IRS employees have a lot of power, they are subject to the law. The law provides taxpayers with several remedies when they are harmed by… Continue reading Making the IRS Pay for Unlawful Collection Activities

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November 1, 2017
The IRS Levy, What You Need to Know

If you owe the IRS back taxes, you need to know about the IRS levy. This is the primary tool the IRS uses to collect unpaid taxes. About the IRS Levy The word “levy” is a legal term that refers to the process of taking property. Creditors are able to levy on property to satisfy… Continue reading The IRS Levy, What You Need to Know

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October 25, 2017
Probate Does Not Extend Time for Contesting a Valid Property Transfer

Imagine you are appointed as the executor for a family member or loved one and, as part of the probate process, you discover that the decedent transferred their primary asset to another party during their lifetime. Also imagine that they did so when they were of sound mind and it appears that they did so […]

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October 21, 2017
Can the IRS Disclose My Tax Return?

Clients often ask us whether the IRS can disclose information that they provided to the IRS. The short answer is “no,” but there are a number of exceptions. This article examines the rules that prohibit IRS employees from disclosing taxpayer information and some of the remedies that are available if the IRS violates the rules.… Continue reading Can the IRS Disclose My Tax Return?

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October 21, 2017
Court Says Widow’s Allowance Paid out of Community Property Estate

The probate process can present a number of challenges for surviving spouses. These challenges can include figuring out how to pay personal expenses when the primary liquid assets are tied up in probate. Texas law allows for a widow’s allowance to cover these expenses. The court in Estate of Nielsen, No. 06-17-00055-CV (Tex. App.–Texarakana 2017) […]

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October 6, 2017