Tax Attorney Volunteers Wide Array of Skills to Help People Navigate Confusing, Intimidating System
The Justice and Diversity Center (JDC) would like to recognize volunteer attorney Beth Hodess for her outstanding contributions to the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Program (LITC). Beth’s work with LITC helps the program serve low-income taxpayers who have tax issues…
Today is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day!
EITC Awareness Day is a nationwide effort to ensure that working American taxpayers know about the Earned Income Tax Credit, which reduces the amount of tax owed by low to moderate income workers. The Justice & Diversity Center, through its Low-Income…
Tax Attorney Assists Low-Income Clients With Complex Issues
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) would like to thank Volunteer of the Month, Henry Cheng of DLA Piper. Cheng represents clients in tax controversy matters through JDC’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, handling full scope and limited scope matters through…
I Just Received Mail From the [IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE]. Now What?
Open the envelope Yes, the tax authority will write again if it is important; nonetheless, generally nothing good comes of waiting. (Beginning this year the Franchise Tax Board will communicate primarily by email. Open those messages.) Read the communication…
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee Must Obtain Court Approval Before Paying Taxes
In In re Cloobeck, 14 C.D.O.S. 5982, No. 23-15432 (9th Cir. June 12, 2015), the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that a chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee must notify creditors, set a hearing or opportunity for…
To 1099 or Not to 1099: Proper Reporting of Client Settlements
With tax season nearly upon us, many lawyers are now asking themselves (and their CPAs) whether they have accurately reported funds received on a client’s behalf. This issue is particularly relevant to attorneys who earn their fees on a contingency…
The Ides of April – Tax Q&A with Attorney J.P. Harbour
April 15th is a dreaded date for many. The federal and state tax codes are challenging for the best and brightest, not to mention for clients facing an audit or small business owners juggling new regulations regarding employee health programs…
Tax Tips, Not Just For Tax Filing Season
People often ask what it is like to have the IRS or California state tax authorities as our constant adversaries. The answer is simple. Even with highly contentious issues, whether for thousands or millions of dollars, or whether overseeing an…
San Francisco Begins Transition to Gross Receipts Tax
Prior to the November 2012 general election, many San Franciscans viewed the City’s Payroll Expense Tax as providing a disincentive for businesses to locate in the City because taxes would increase as the businesses moved employees into the City. In…