The Fight for Tax Reform Will Be Long and Arduous

Where Do Most Americans Fall With Proposed Tax Reform?

Is it starting to feel like the process to simply put up a new stop sign in the Nation’s Capitol would take an act of Congress? These days nothing is simple in Washington and when it comes to tax reform the battle will be anything but easy.

When President Trump took office it was widely believed that tax reform would be fairly simple and would come with only minor headaches. With the Senate and Congress both controlled by republicans, tax reform was just a matter of when, not if. Well, not so fast.

If you thought the battle for healthcare reform was tough, the nation’s lawmakers are just getting started. The interesting thing is, the tax reform battle isn’t just a matter of party lines. Republicans are very divided on tax reform, including what changes to make and how to pay for them.

There are several overriding factors that could delay tax reform even further, not to mention that another election cycle is coming up. First off, Congress needs to pass a fiscal budget for 2018 before it can take on tax reform. Secondly, republicans are divided over whether they should seek a tax cut or complete tax reform.

The battle over many long-standing tax incentives and breaks is also a big sticking point.  Additionally, Obamacare is still unfinished business and it is looming over the current administration. Some lawmakers, including the president, are still focused on resolving that matter first.

Therefore, those still hoping for, or expecting, tax reform this year better prepare to curb their enthusiasm. This looks like another long journey with many twists and turns.

Posted in
IRS CLARIFIES HOME SALES RULES

IRS Clarifies Home Sales Rules

Did you know the IRS Clarifies home sales rules? For many of us, the equity that we have built up in our homes represents a comfortable nest egg for the future. At retirement, many people sell the family primary residence defined and move to a smaller, less expensive home. The freed-up money, thereafter invested, may…

Request Telephone Tax Refund By Amending Your Return

Request Telephone Tax Refund By Amending Your Return

Request Telephone Tax Refund By Amending Your Return Maybe you filed your federal tax return, received a refund and even spent the last penny before realizing that you missed out on a one time opportunity to request the Telephone Excise Tax Refund!  Luckily, some opportunities do call twice. You can still request the telephone tax…

Tax Saving Strategies For Business Owners

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Tax Saving Strategies For Business Owners 1. Did you know you can use your previously funded IRA to fund the current year’s deductible contributions? Well, you can. If you don’t have enough cash to make a deductible contribution to your IRA by April 15th, here is how you can still take the tax deduction.…

Credit Default Swaps – Impose A Tax On Bogus Insurance

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Credit Default Swaps – Impose A Tax On Bogus Insurance By Ron Cohen, CPA, MST Partner Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen & Co., LLP Proposal to amend the U.S. Internal Revenue Code:  Any Seller, Buyer or Insured Party who enters into a Credit Default Swap (“CDS”) contract insuring U.S. source risks will be subject to an excise…