Can we videotape police activity in public?
“The new California law clearly states that a person who takes a photograph or makes an audio or video recording of a police officer (or any public officer), while the…
Category: Consumer Columnists
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Penalties for noncompliant US citizens residing abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen (or dual citizen) residing outside the U.S. but do not report your foreign accounts, you may be subject to harsh penalties—penalties that are more…
Clients choose Chapter 13 to avoid risk of losing house
Senior wants to wipe out $22k credit card debt “The chance of winning power ball is 1 in 292 million. You have a better chance of getting hit by lightning,…
When an unpaid credit card debt turns into a lawsuit
Have your credit card debts become so large that you can’t even afford the minimum payments? Or perhaps you’re already behind and your accounts have been turned over to collections?…
Homeowner files last minute Chapter 13 without credit counseling
Senior files chp 7 to discharge $35k credit cards CLIENT is 59 and single. He has a decent job where he makes $4K a month gross. He doesn’t owe any…
Finding sources of compensation for the seriously injured
FIVE year-old Jane Fine* was walking along the sidewalk on Green Street with her parents, trying to peer into the shops which displayed brightly colored toys. The Fine family was…
10 strategies at appeals
YOUR case was closed unagreed and have decided to bring your case before the appeals office of the IRS. You have learned the basics of the appeals process and how…
Do you have too much debt that you can’t plan for the future?
ARE you worried about your future due to having too much debt? You’ve probably heard the saying, “The failure to plan is a plan to fail”. And yet so many…
Prof. Eric Soriano to conduct Franchising and Business Opportunities Forum at Fiesta in America
Should I buy a condominium unit in the Philippines? What investment opportunities are there? What brands should I consider if I want to franchise? Is a condo unit a more…
When is the right time to appeal?
IF you do not agree of the IRS results of examination, your options are: request a meeting or telephone conference. If after the meeting or conference you still do not…
Homeowner files last minute Chapter 13 without credit counseling 13 as load mod is denied
Senior files Chp 7 to discharge $35K credit cards CLIENT is 59 and single. He has a decent job where he makes $4K a month gross. He doesn’t owe any…
Home health aides and other household employees are entitled to overtime
Q: I AM a registered nurse in the Philippines but I have not yet obtained a license in California. However, I am working as a ‘private nurse’ to a bed-ridden…
10 Tips to prepare for IRS appeals conference
YOU are still upset from losing an IRS audit. You can either pay or fight. If you choose peace and quiet—pay. If you choose to fight—go to appeals. Let me…
Financial stress can affect your health, experts say
ARE your debt problems keeping you up at night? Stressed out and worried about your financial future? According to a recent article written by a doctor, this can affect your…
Basics of IRS appeals process
AFTER an audit of your tax returns by the IRS and you disagree with the determination, you have the option to either accept the assessment and settle the tax you…
Business owner chooses Chapter 7 for $250k personal guaranties on business loans
Senior files same for $55k credit cards “Do not sign personal guaranties for business loans because you will be on the hook if the business cannot pay the loans. If…
Remedies for employees who blow the whistle on employers
Ninoos Benjamin worked as a Director of Economic Division of the City of Los Angeles’ Community Development Department (CDD). According to several news outlets, Benjamin sued the city claiming retaliation…
Should you go to IRS appeals?
After losing an audit to the IRS, you have the option of paying or appealing. Pay if you are happy with the results or don’t want to extend the agony…
Do you owe money to the IRS?
IRS problems have a way of ruining all aspects of your life. They can take a toll on you financially, emotionally and physically. When you owe the IRS, you’re always…
Wellness, cooking show and franchising at Fiesta In America
The east coast’s biggest Filipino and multicultural indoor expo will revolve around a Total Wellness theme, according to Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President. Fiesta In America will celebrate its…
Seniors file chapter 13 to rescue house and handle tax liens
Client files chapter 7 for $40K credit cards CLIENTS are seniors. Husband is 72. Wife is 71. Both are retired and receiving combined social security and pension total of $4,015/mo….
Misclassification of workers is a form of wage theft
THIS column has often stressed the general rule that most employees should be paid overtime rate if they work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week….
12 basics of IRS appeals process
AFTER an audit of your tax returns by the IRS, you have a choice of either ending your misery by paying up or by continuing to fight at the Appeals…
When does filing bankruptcy work to your advantage?
IN spite of the negative things that you may have heard about it, bankruptcy relief still remains to be the best option to many individuals who need help in recovering…
Don’ts in an IRS audit
1. DON’T be late. Always remember first good impression will get your audit off on the right foot. 2. Don’t walk in without records. Be prepared with complete and organized…
Shouldering the share of cost
WHEN it comes to Medi-Cal , one of the concepts that our office gets the most questions about is something called Share of Cost. Share of Cost seems simple: it…
My employer keeps my personal information – should I be concerned about my privacy?
Q: MY workplace installed a new time recording system where employees are required to provide our photos and fingerprints to be able to clock in and out for work. I…
Where should IRS conduct field audit – your home or office?
NEITHER one, actually. You see, IRS conducts field audits where the books and records of a business are maintained. This, of course, is your home, office, warehouse, factory, or store….
Warning: Should you trust a debt settlement company?
IF you are delinquent on your debts, you may be able to avoid dealing with the bill collectors for a few months but sooner or later, you will still need…
Tax consequences of debt discharge
DURING and after the recession, many borrowers who were financially distressed lost their homes and had their loans cancelled. It was a relief to have their debts reduced or forgiven,…