Superheros, Lawyers and CPA's
Vern Hoven was one of the principal instructors at the Indiana CPA Society’s Vern Hoven Two Day Federal Tax Update on November 9th and 10thin Indianapolis. Vern has been a leading instructor for the past 20 years. Tom and Rick found Vern Hoven to be a walking encyclopedia on CPA tax issues. He’s "the teacher" to the experts. He is also the author of The Real Estate Investor's Tax Guide: What Every Investor needs to Know to Maximize Profits (3rd edition). Vern has been instructing CPA’s throughout Indiana with Indiana CPA Society seminars in Indianapolis, Carmel, Evansville, South Bend, and Fort Wayne.
Vern stated IRS audits will increase: be prepared. To be prepared Vern emphasized that it is important for CPA’s to involve attorneys early in the IRS audit process. The IRS is playing hardball and he believes that CPA’s should not be waiting to see how the audit comes out. Vern stated that attorneys should be involved at the beginning of an audit because once it is completed, it is too late. The same is true when there are Trust Fund payment issues, tax money that the employer is by law required to pay on employee’s wages.
Which makes more sense? Calling Batman on the Bat phone when the Joker first arrives in town or after the Joker has been running all over town? You would immediately call Batman, right? Our experience also is that the earlier an attorney is involved in tax matters, the greater the opportunity for a more favorable outcome for a client. That is how CPA’s can be a Superhero to their clients, bringing in an attorney to work as a team on the client’s tax issues. A good team includes CPA’s, attorneys, and great clients working together on tax issues. It can make an important difference. That’s why we encourage CPA’s to become Superheros to their clients!
Ebbinghouse Law Group was proud to be a Gold Sponsor at the Indiana CPA Society’s Two Day Federal Tax Update.
September 2011 Newsletter
IRS Tax Challenger News
Dedicated To IRS Tax Problem Resolution
www.TheTaxSolvers.com
September 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse
Published Author
Tax Problem Solver
Thoughtful Things
"Like mothers, taxes are often misunderstood, but seldom forgotten." Lord Bramwell, 19th Century English Jurist
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Tax Article
Free Report Offer
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
Free Book Offer
Remember back in January 2011 when…
Carmel Business Owner Arrested for Tax Evasion
"I didn't know what was going on," Vasquez said. "I trusted him (Strong) to run the tow-truck business, and he took advantage of me. He wasn't paying our taxes, and now we have all these tax warrants. I'm working around the clock to keep my head above water." This is what a Carmel Indiana Business owner was quoted as saying in the Indianapolis Star.
Unfortunately, relying upon your business partner to take care of the business taxes does not let you off of the hook. "They're both listed as owners, that's why he was arrested,” [Sergeant] Meyer said. "He seems like a good guy, for the most part. But as part owner, he should have known what was happening." This is also the attitude of the IRS.
FREE REPORT!
“What Does the IRS Know About Me?”
Call 317-635-4010 to request a free report mailed to you or request your
Free PDF download by sending your contact information to jennifer@ebbinghouse.info with Free Report number one in the subject line
Our People Profile
Barbara Requenes, or as her friends and family know her, Barbara Ann, is our newest member of the Ebbinghouse Law Group. Barbara and her 26 years of legal experience currently occupy the paralegal position within Ebbinghouse Law Group. She attended Ball State University where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business. Barbara began her career as a legal assistant in the litigation field. Throughout her career, she has obtained a vast knowledge of many practice areas of law and now calls Ebbinghouse Law Group home. Although she has many areas of interest, some of Barbara’s favorite past times include; spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, fishing, and she has also been known to play a competitive game of darts. Barbara’s personality is one of a kind. She thrives on sharing her smile and optimism with everyone she comes in contact with.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted to share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Doloris’s Divine Dishes
6 oz garlic-flavored croutons For the glaze:
½ tsp ground black pepper ½ cup catsup
½ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder Dash Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme Dash hot pepper sauce
½ onion, roughly chopped 1 tsb honey
1 carrot, peeled and broken
3 whole cloves garlic
½ red bell pepper
36 oz ground chuck or hamburger
1 ½ tsp kosher salt
1 egg
Heat oven 350 degrees. In a food processor bowl, combine croutons, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Place this mixture into a large bowl. Combine the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine the vegetable mixture and meat with the bread crumb mixture. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat. Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Bake for one hour.
Cut down the cayenne and chili powder for a less spicy meatloaf.
Act Now! Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim By The Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free book or go to our website www.DisabilityTSE.com
August 2011 Newsletter
IRS Tax Challenger News
DEDICATED TO IRS TAX PROBLEM RESOLUTION
www.TheTaxSolvers.com
August 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse
Published Author
Tax Problem Solver and Attorney
Thoughtful Things
"The difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets." Will Rogers
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Tax Article
Free Report Offer
Our People Profile
Doloris's Divine Dishes
Free Book Offer
SMALL BUSINESS IS DIFFERENT THAN FORTUNE 500
When you first start your small business, you may have done everything yourself. It was a lot of work, but you were sure that things got done. Then you started to get really busy and you began to delegate to others. You double checked their work and it was fine. So then you started to assume that all was well. Maybe that is where you are now.
Because we help small businesses and their owners, we understand the problems that you face. And that is why the Ebbinghouse Law Group wants to remind you that just because your partner was supposed to take care of the taxes or you hired someone to take care of the taxes for you does not matter to the IRS. You are still liable and you can take the fall for others mistakes.
You do not want to be reacting to the IRS. Be proactive. Take the time to double check what is going on in your business. Dig deep. And if you find that you might have a tax challenge, be proactive and get representation now before your tax problem grows. It only gets worse over time. Your tax challenges do not have to end up on the front page of the newspaper.
FREE REPORT!
“IRS Insiders Report”
Call 317-635-4010 to request a free report mailed to you or request your
Free PDF download by sending your contact information to jennifer@ebbinghouse.info with
Free Report number two
in the subject line
Our People Profile
Bedford Kitty (a.k.a. Bubby, Little Big Man) was found in the middle of the road on a busy highway at four weeks old. Our truck went over him as he was positioned perfectly in between the tires. Bedford is extremely intelligent, which has a tendency to get him into trouble. He lived indoors for about 10 years until he decided he wanted to live outdoors and transition into the “mighty hunter” that he is today. We weren’t aware of his desire to be an outdoorsman until he ruined a couch and started leaving hints all around the house for us to find. After Bedford moved out, he became a truly happy cat and gained back the weight he lost during the last three years. His days and nights are filled with adventures in the backyard; stalking small animals (which he never catches), bird watching and playing with leaves. He is also happy to share his food with any raccoons or possums that come up on the deck as he knows the gravy train always delivers more food. The best time of day is when his Mom Jennifer comes to sit outside on the deck in the evening to give him exclusive attention, with pets and scratches under the chin.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted to share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Doloris's Divine Dishes
4 CUPS RHUBARB
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp flour
1 tsp butter
SMALL DASH OF SALT
Unbaked 8 inch pie shell
Cut the Rhubarb stalks in half length wise, then cut them into ¼ inch slices. Place the rhubarb into the pie shell and dot with 1 tsp of butter.
Beat sugar, eggs, salt, and flour together with a mixer on low for 2 min.
Pour the mixture over the rhubarb and bake at 350 degrees for about ½ hour.
“This Rhubarb pie recipe is the best I have ever eaten, especially with the custard base to it. It was given to my mother by her mother about 80 years ago.” Joan D.
Act Now! Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim By The Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free book or go to our website www.DisabilityTSE.com
July 2011 Newsletter
IRS Tax Challenger News
DEDICATED TO IRS TAX PROBLEM RESOLUTION
www.TheTaxSolvers.com
July 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse
Published Author
Tax Problem Solver and Attorney
Thoughtful Things
“The nation should have a tax system that looks like someone designed it." William Simon
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Tax Article
Free Report Offer
Doloris’s Devine Dishes
Free Book Offer
Excerpt of the “IRS Insiders Report” from New York University
3rd Annual Tax Controversy Forum June 2011
One highly placed IRS official in the Small Business/Self-Employed Division (formerly known as collections) noted that most taxpayers do not know their rights and therefore do not assert them. For example, one of the rights that a taxpayer has as a result of the 1998 reforms is a Collection Due Process hearing if they have received a Notice of Federal Tax Lien Filing or a Final Notice of Intent to Levy or Notice of Jeopardy Levy or Notice of Levy on State Tax Refund. He stated that according to IRS records less than 1% of the taxpayers ask for a Collection Due Process hearing.
This highlights how important it is for taxpayers to have professionals assisting them in asserting their rights. Without the taxpayer asserting their rights, the IRS is free to take actions that may be harsher against the taxpayer than is necessary. The Collection Due Process hearing allows the taxpayer to force the IRS to balance the legitimate need of the government to collect the taxes owed with the taxpayer’s desire for the IRS to be unobtrusive in the taxpayer’s life. The IRS may not have fully considered the legitimate collection alternatives that would be acceptable to the IRS and to the taxpayer in favor of an action that is totally unacceptable to the taxpayer; the Collection Due Process hearing allows this to happen.
Our People Profile
Catrina (a.k.a Miss Fluffy Buns), our black and white kitty, was found living under a porch when she was five months old. She was rescued by her Mom Jennifer approximately 12 years ago. She is a great pal and enjoys playing “hide and seek” from behind the couch. Mom is great but she considers her Dad Tom THE absolute BFF! Catrina loves to spend quiet time being loved, adored and petted by Tom on the couch while he reads the newspaper. She diligently works on keeping her amature orthonologist status by spending her days bird watching from the living room window, while reclining on her own private footstool. Her happiest day was when her “brother” Bedford left the house to live outside. She loves to lounge on the other side of the sliding glass door and pester Bedford while he eats. She used to go out on the back deck, but now that Bedford claims it as his domain by just being there, she will rarely go outside.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted to share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Doloris's Devine Dishes
Perfect Picnic Potato Salad
The secret to good potato salad is to combine all ingredients while the potatoes and the eggs are warm-- it helps to infuse all the flavors together. I start with 10 to 12 red potatoes you can also use about 8 big brown russet potatoes boil them until fork tender. I peel and cut the potato in half, then slice them like I am going to fry them.
Boil 10 eggs if you buy them about two weeks in advance they will peel easier. I start my eggs in cool water let them come to a boil, cover and let set for 10 minutes, makes a perfect hardboiled egg.
I also use sweet pickle's not sweet relish. I make my own sweet relish out of a good brand of sweet pickles like Gherkins; chop the pickles dry, not in their juice. I use about 1 and 1/4 cups of the relish and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the pickle juice. I think store bought sweet relish has a little bit of a bitter taste.
Boiled potatoes
10 boiled eggs
4 stalks of celery chopped small
1 whole small to medium onion chopped small
I use about 1 1/2 cups of miracle whip
About 2 to 3 tablespoons of mustard
1/2 teaspoons of salt
Mix all ingredients together
Make sure you mix all ingredients when the potatoes and eggs are warm it makes a big difference. I let my salad set on the counter from 2 to 3 hrs to let all the flavors fuse together then refrigerate.
My family thinks this is the best potato salad they have ever eaten.
Act Now! Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim By The Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free book or go to our website www.DisabilityTSE.com
June 2011 Newsletter
IRS Tax Challenger News
DEDICATED TO IRS TAX PROBLEM RESOLUTION
www.TheTaxSolvers.com
June 2011
Tom S. Ebbinghouse
Published Author Watch for My New Book! Coming Soon!
Tax Problem Solver and Attorney
Thoughtful Things
“You must pay taxes, but there’s no law that says you gotta leave a tip.”
Morgan Stanley Advertisement
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Tax Article
Free Report Offer
Our People Profile
Doloris’s Devine Dishes
Free Book Offer
DO YOU WANT YOUR TAX CHALLENGES TO MAKE YOU AN EXAMPLE?
You’ve worked hard in your profession and in your business and your success has brought you recognition and notoriety. When you go to the club or out to dinner, you get treated differently because of who you are. The same could be true when you have a tax challenge. Only in this case, the IRS might want to make an example out of you. According to CNNMoney.Com “Prevention seems to be the most effective way for the IRS to get its money. The best tactic? Setting examples of celebrities who run afoul of tax laws.”
Penske Racing's Helio Castroneves, Willie Nelson, and Wesley Snipes are three examples of successful people whose tax challenges have made the papers and been on TV. Doctors, securities brokers, loan officers, businessmen, dentists, pastors, salesmen, owners of businesses, accountants and attorneys are all prominently identified by their profession on the IRS website detailing 2009 tax fraud investigations.
You too may be a target because of whom or what you are. Your affairs may be subject to more scrutiny. And because of who you are you have your reputation, your home, your business and everything you have worked hard to create at risk. You need discrete, confidential representation to protect who and what you are.
Our People Profile
Customer Services Specialist Jennifer Ebbinghouse has been working for the Ebbinghouse Law Group since 2009. She was born and raised in southern Indiana and graduated from University of Indianapolis as a registered nurse in 2004. Jennifer has worked in the hospital as a nurse on the medical surgical floor and Intensive Care Unit. Additionally, she has been charge nurse in the Immediate Care Setting and at a Federally Qualified Health Clinic.
She brings her passion for helping others to her position at Ebbinghouse Law Group, whether it’s reviewing medical records for case preparation or greeting clients when they come to the office. Jennifer always has a big smile and a ready laugh for everyone. Working in the business with Tom has been a rewarding and educational experience for her. Jennifer enjoys traveling with Tom, reading and her two kittys Catrina and Bedford.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted to share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Miss Patti’s Three Day Coconut Cake
1 box yellow butter cake mix (enough for two layers)
1 10 oz bag of angel coconut
1 pint sour cream
2 cups sugar
1 large container of cool whip
Mix cake according to package directions for two 8 inch cake pans, bake and allow to cool.
Mix together 6 to 7 oz of coconut, sour cream and sugar and cool whip.
Split layers in half, making 4 layers.
Spread mixture in between layers and all over outside.
Sprinkle with remaining coconut all over outside of cake.
Place in refrigerator for 3 days (Very Important) to hold for three days.
I also drain crushed pineapple and place between the layers along with crushed pecans.
(Add amount as you desire)
Act Now! Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim By The Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free book or go to our website www.DisabilityTSE.com
May 2011 Newsletter
IRS TAX CHALLENGER NEWSLETTER
DEDICATED TO IRS TAX PROBLEM RESOLUTION
May 2011
Thoughtful Things
"The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax." Albert Einstein
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Failing to File
Free Report Offer!
Our People Profile
Deloris's Devine Dishes
Free Book Offer!
Failing To File A Tax Return Is A Crime!
Most people have heard of the civil money penalties and interest for failing to file their tax returns: the failure to file penalty and the interest that is owed on the amount that they did not pay. They think that the worst thing that can happen is that they have to give the IRS more money when they finally straighten things out.
Warning: it is a crime to not file your return.
Wesley Snipes found out this out the hard way. Wesley Snipes is reported to have originally have been charged with federal tax fraud and conspiracy as well as the charges for failing to file a return. He was convicted of failing to file his returns for three years. 26 USC §7203 states that willfully failing to file a tax return is a misdemeanor federal offense and those convicted shall be fined not more than $25,000 ($100,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution. Snipes continues to appeal his conviction from jail.
FREE REPORT!
“What Does the IRS Know About Me?”
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free report or
Request a free PDF download by sending your request to jennifer@ebbinghouse.info with Free Report number one in the subject line
OUR PEOPLE PROFILE
Tom S. Ebbinghouse Attorney Tom S. Ebbinghouse graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1977 where he majored in economics. He was a DePauw Rector Scholar as well as a member of the freshman scholastic honor society (Phi Eta Sigma) and the economics honor society (Omicron Delta Epsilon). Tom served as a law clerk for the Honorable J. Brandon Griffis of the Wayne Superior Court #1 for two summers while attending law school. He earned his law degree from Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington in 1980 graduating cum laude. He then was a Law Clerk for two years for the Honorable Robert H. Staton of the Indiana Court of Appeals. In 1982 Tom opened his solo practice in Indianapolis where he has concentrated his practice in IRS tax problem resolution, Elder Law -incapacity (advance directives and guardianships), disability and long-term health care issues (Social Security and Medicaid planning), wealth preservation (trusts and wills), and estate administration. Tom has also served as an expert on Social Security law for other attorneys in non-disability cases that involve Social Security issues. Tom is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the Indianapolis Bar Association. He is also a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. He was admitted to the U.S. Tax Court in 1983.
Tom is an Eagle Scout and has been the treasurer and Cubmaster of Pack 61 and an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 56. His oldest son became an Eagle Scout in 2008 and his youngest son became an Eagle Scout in 2010. Tom’s father, uncle, two brothers, and nephew are also Eagle Scouts.
My mother-in-law (Joan Doloris) is a fantastic cook and I wanted share her recipes with you.
Each month I will feature great down home comfort food for you to enjoy.
Doloris's Devine Dishes
Spinach Maria
5 (10 oz packages frozen chopped spinach)
1 tsp dry mustard
1 3/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 Tbsp butter
6 Tbsp flour
8 oz cheddar cheese
4 oz Monterey jack cheese
1 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
4 ½ cups milk
1 tsp granulated garlic
½ medium yellow onion
5 Tbsp melted butter
8 oz Velveeta cheese
Thaw spinach in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Squeeze excess water as much possible out of the spinach.
Heat milk and spices in 4 qt saucepan on medium heat to just below boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
Finely chop onion and sauté in 1 Tbsp butter on medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes.
Add to Saucepan. Combine 5 Tabs melted butter with the flour in a small sauté pan. (This is the first step of making roux, which will thicken the sauce.) Mix until completely blended. Cook on low heat 3 to 4 minute to make roux. Add roux to milk in saucepan and mix well. Cook until sauce thickens. Cut the Velveeta, cheddar and jack cheese into small cubes and add to saucepan. Continue to mix until all the cheese is completely melted and blended into the sauce. Be careful not to burn the sauce while the cheese is melting. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add drained spinach to cheese sauce, mix until completely blended. Spoon into a 11 x 9 x 2 inch or larger casserole and top with grated Monterey JackCheese. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Makes 12 servings.
Act Now! Request your free copy of
Winning Your Disability Claim By The Rules
The Social Security Disability Game
Call 317-635-4010 to request your free book or go to our website www.DisabilityTSE.com
Tax Returns for 2010 Due April 18, 2011
The Indiana Department of Revenue has announced that like federal income tax returns for 2010, the filing deadline for Indiana Income tax returns for 2010 is April 18, 2011 due to observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C. on the usual date (April 15).
Even if you cannot pay the tax that is due, you can avoid penalties by filing your tax return on time. Congress has mandated to the IRS that it shall impose a penalty for filing your tax return late. The penalty is five percent per month up to a maximum of 25%, of the tax due but unpaid by the due date of the return. This works out to be an annualized rate of 60%!! When you add in interest, and late penalty, this can be an effective annual rate of interest in excess of 75%.
Many people also forget that failing to file your tax return is a crime.
Small Business is Different than Fortune 500
When you first start your small business, you may have done everything yourself. It was a lot of work, but you were sure that things got done. Then you started to get really busy and you began to delegate to others. You double checked their work and it was fine. So then you started to assume that all was well. Maybe that is where you are now.
Because we help small businesses and their owners, we understand the problems that you face. And that is why the Ebbinghouse Law Group wants to remind you that just because your partner was supposed to take care of the taxes or you hired someone to take care of the taxes for you does not matter to the IRS. You are still liable and you can take the fall for other's mistakes.
You do not want to be reacting to the IRS. Be proactive. Take the time to double check what is going on in your business. Dig deep. And if you find that you might have a tax challenge, be proactive and get representation now before your tax problem grows. It only gets worse over time. Your tax challenges do not have to end up on the front page of the newspaper.
Carmel Business Owner Arrested for Tax Evasion
"I didn't know what was going on," Vasquez said. "I trusted him (Strong) to run the tow-truck business, and he took advantage of me. He wasn't paying our taxes, and now we have all these tax warrants. I'm working around the clock to keep my head above water." This is what a Carmel Indiana Business owner was quoted as saying in the Indianapolis Star. Unfortunately, relying upon your business partner to take care of the business taxes does not let you off of the hook. "They're both listed as owners, that's why he was arrested,” [Sergeant] Meyer said. "He seems like a good guy, for the most part. But as part owner, he should have known what was happening." This is also the attitude of the IRS.
Do You Want Your Tax Challenges To Make You An Example?
You’ve worked hard in your profession and in your business and your success has brought you recognition and notoriety. When you go to the club or out to dinner, you get treated differently because of who you are. The same could be true when you have a tax challenge. Only in this case, the IRS might want to make an example out of you. According to CNNMoney.Com: “Prevention seems to be the most effective way for the IRS to get its money. The best tactic? Setting examples of celebrities who run afoul of tax laws.”
Penske Racing's Helio Castroneves, Willie Nelson, and Wesley Snipes are three examples of successful people whose tax challenges have made the papers and been on TV. Doctors, securities brokers, loan officers, businessmen, dentists, pastors, salesmen, owners of businesses, accountants and attorneys are all prominently identified by their profession on the IRS website detailing 2009 tax fraud investigations.