15 dont’s during an IRS office audit
1. DON’T volunteer information. A typical agent is a low-key, friendly agent. They get your guard down by playing a nice guy role. Don’t be deceived by it. Remember that…
Category: Consumer Columnists
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Is bankruptcy a good idea for you?
IF you are struggling with debt and have done everything you can to no avail, bankruptcy may be the only way for you to wipe the slate clean on your…
OIC Basics: Series 3
SERIES 1 we talked about the factors you need to consider before you decide choosing OIC, and meeting the compliance requirements before proceeding. Series 2 we explored on what you…
Senior needs bankruptcy relief. But Chapter 7 or 13?
THE client is 74. Her husband passed away two years ago. Her only source of income is social security of $2,000 a month, which was her husband’s social security. Her…
Remedies for victims of human labor trafficking
Q. MY employer brought me o merica o ork as live-in nanny for their youngest child. I would be paid $1,000 per month with weekends off. When we arrived in Los Angeles, my employer…
10 basics of the IRS appeals process
IF you are not satisfied with the results of your IRS audit, go to Appeals. You have a choice of either ending your misery by paying up or by continuing…
Debt forgiveness without bankruptcy
YOU’VE probably seen a lot of these ads: “Settle your debts for pennies on the dollar!”, “Reduce your debts legally without filing bankruptcy!” “Stop bill collectors now and pay them…
Delinquent tax debt could mean revocation of your passport?
BEGINNING January 2018, the IRS will start certification of individuals with delinquent tax debt to the State Department. How will the IRS certification impacts you? • Upon receipt of certification….
Seniors raid retirement accounts but still require Chapter 7 relief
“So the lesson here is that you should never use your retirement accounts to pay off your debts.” THE clients are seniors. The wife is 67 and had just retired from a lifetime…
Doing work before clocking in?
You’re entitled to back wages Q: I WORK at a customer service company that deal with private information. To protect our clients’ privacy, we use a lot of technology to…
How long should you keep tax records?
HOW long do you have to keep tax records? How long can the IRS audit your tax returns? Let’s discuss tips on statute of limitations so you can clean your…
Filing bankruptcy even when you don’t want to
THIS is one thing I hear from people all the time: “If you ask me, I really hate doing this but I feel I have no choice.” Of course, no…
Tips to remember when you owe the IRS: Series 2
” If you cannot pay your tax liability in full, request for an installment agreement.” IF you cannot pay your tax liability in full, request for an…
Seniors need relief from big HELOC 2nd trust deed and $40K credit cards
Senior loses job, needs chapter 7 debt relief THE clients are 63 and 64. They are young seniors. Up to 65, you are a young senior in my book. You…
Notifying the employer of your disability
A doctor’s note may save your job RUTH Featherstone worked for Southern California Permanente Medical Group. She suffered from a sinus condition that required surgery. After several weeks of disability…
Should you form a partnership?
YOU may choose to run your business as a partnership. A Partnership is an association of two or more persons as co-owners who intend to carry on a business for…
Is filing bankruptcy really worth it?
WHEN you are facing money troubles, sometimes bankruptcy can be the quickest and best way to get out of debt and get immediate relief from stress and anxiety. But is…
Penalty relief: How to establish reasonable cause
PENALTY could still be relived even if you fail to file your tax returns and pay taxes owed if you have reasonable cause. How to establish reasonable cause • Facts….
Avoid the bondage of debt, especially seniors
ACCUMULATING debt is the easiest thing you can do in America. Even your dog can get credit cards with a fake social security number. If you are an immigrant and…
When employer gives dishonest reasons to cover up discriminatory firing
CESAR Astorga worked as a maintenance supervisor at Snap-On Logistics Co., a power tools manufacturer. In 2002, while working, Cesar’s knees were injured when he fell from a scissor lift….
Should you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
YOU have seen businesses with “LLC” after their names. That LLC refers to Limited Liability Company which is a hybrid that combines the pass-through attributes of a partnership with the…
What scares people about bankruptcy?
JUST a mention of the word “bankruptcy” is enough to scare some people to death. Their minds are immediately filled with horror pictures of creditors taking away their home, business,…
OIC Basics: Series 2
IN series 1 we talked about the factors you need to consider before you decide choosing OIC, and meeting the compliance requirements before proceeding. If your offer is accepted, congratulations!…
Larry Itliong Day and the continuing struggle of immigrant workers for just wages
IT was the spring of 1965, and in Coachella Valley, California, grape season was starting. Many of the workers in the grape fields were Filipinos, who had just discovered that…
Client with bank account levied seeks Chapter 7 relief
THE client is 60 & his wife is 58. He issued his check to pay rent of $1,200 but the check was dishonored for insufficient funds. The landlord called him…
Debt problems can be frustrating but there’s a way out
IF you are experiencing debt problems, you may find it difficult to talk to other people about it to the point that you are not getting the help that you…
OIC Basic 1
BEGINNING on March 27, 2017, new offer in compromise (OIC) applications plus fee will be returned by IRS if all required income returns have not been filed unless there is…
Avoid the bondage of debt, especially seniors
“It’s easy to get into debt in America. But it’s really hard to get out of debt in America. That’s why you need the full legal power of Chapter 7…
Sanctuary state: New laws protecting immigrant workers
IN honor of Larry Itliong Day on October 25, this column will highlight the plight of immigrant workers and the new laws that were recently signed to protect them. California…
Should you form a regular “C” corporation?
YOU may choose to do business as a corporation. A corporation is a legal fiction. It exists only in contemplation of law. It has a separate legal identity. That entity,…