IRS Finally Says Sorry for Seizing Small Businesses Bank Accounts
Small businesses face a tough battle in general, but when they have the IRS breathing down their necks it makes it that much more difficult to find success. Things are even more difficult when the IRS decides seize some of these business’s bank accounts. At least now the tax agency is apologizing for its actions. According to reports, after serious and consistent pressure from Congress, the IRS recently said sorry to several small business owners for taking control of their bank accounts. So why did the IRS takes these measures in the first place? Apparently these companies were guilty of structuring their deposits to barely avoid federal reporting requirements, even though they weren’t doing it with malicious intent. According to the law, any bank withdrawals and deposits greater than $10,000 must be reported to the IRS. It is also considered a felony to structure such transactions to avoid that law. In reality, these laws are actually in place to prevent drug dealers from transferring large sums of money to other countries. However, these seizures by the IRS reportedly cost the small companies who were affected tens of thousands of dollars to remedy. In apologizing the IRS also said that it would be changing its policy in order to protect small businesses from having their accounts seized when they obtain their money legally.
Will Contests: A Good Offense is the Best Defense
Will Contests: A Good Offense is the Best Defense When an elderly grandmother leaves all of her assets to a new beau, or Dad leaves everything to the child who visited most in the nursing home, a will challenge may be in the offing. Will contests generally are brought by unhappy family members who feel…
Capital Gains: Determining Your Tax Basis
Capital Gains: Determining Your Tax Basis The two chief forms of income for most people are “earned” and “unearned” income. Earned income (generally, your compensation for work that you do) is taxed at rates beginning at 10% and rising to 38.6% (in 2003). Capital gain, the income earned from your investments, receives preferential treatment. The…
Making the Most of Home Equity: Tips for Senior Citizens
Making the most of home equity For senior citizens living on fixed incomes, the need to replace a car or do substantial home repairs can disrupt finances. Major unplanned expenses caused by illness or disability can lead to financial disaster. Fortunately, many senior citizens are sitting on a major financial asset: the equity in their…
Keeping Your Health Insurance Premiums Low
Keeping Your Health Insurance Premiums Low Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer tax deductions for medical expenses, and the opportunity to set up an additional retirement account. But regardless of any other positive benefit of HSAs, lower premiums are the primary reason that thousands of Americans have chosen Health Savings Accounts as the best way to…