Court Says IRS Issuing Six Summonses is Not Bad Faith

The IRS has a lot of power. This power stems from the broad Congressional grant of authority to examine books and records to enforce our tax laws. Since taxes impact every individual and business for every transaction (and even inactions), this allows the IRS to audit and inquire into just about anything it wants to.…

The Start of an IRS Audit: To Disclose or Not?

If a taxpayer submits an amended return at the start of an IRS audit, can they avoid penalties for doing so?  The rules allow large case taxpayers to make post-audit disclosures and avoid penalties. But what about smaller taxpayers?  Should they make disclosures to IRS auditors at the start of the audit process?  The Beigalski…

Deducting Travel Expenses for Travel Away from Home

Contractors and business owners are able to deduct travel costs for travel away from home. This typically includes mileage and lodging costs. The amount of these expenses can be substantial. The IRS frequently audits and adjusts these expenses. Even with perfect records, the expenses may not be allowable depending on where the taxpayer’s “tax home”…

IRS Audits for Car & Truck Expenses, What You Need to Know

There are a number of issues that the IRS frequently examines on audit.  Car and truck expenses are high on that list.  The applicable rules and court cases must be reviewed before presenting records to the IRS to substantiate car and truck expenses.  This article examines several of these rules and court cases. Deductible Car &…

Deducting Mileage for Business With Minimal Activities

Can you deduct car and truck expenses, such as mileage, if your business has minimal activities?  The court addressed this in Samadi v. Commissioner, T.C. Summary Opinion 2018-27, which provides an opportunity to consider the question. Facts and Procedural History The facts and procedural history for the case are not unusual.  The taxpayer obtained a real…

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.…