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…
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Is the ‘S’ Visa available to you if you testify for the FBI?
QUESTION: I have been notified by the FBI that they want me to testify against some very bad people. Is there anything I can do for my lack of immigration…
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…
More than ever, the need for a global anti-drugs summit
More than ever, perhaps the time has now come for President Rodrigo Duterte to initiate and expedite the convening of a “Global Anti-Drugs Summit” in Manila to help address the…
Fil-Ams break up with turkey this Thanksgiving
THANKSGIVING dinner’s star in America is the roast turkey carving. Like most Filipinos in America, I felt so very much part of American culture and tradition when I roasted my…
The bottom line
WE often speak of “the bottom line” — the bottom line of a financial report, an educational program, or a political speech. In the grand perspective of life, however, a…
The anatomy of Mocha Uson’s ‘popularity’
After much thought and her staggering ‘virality,’ I have decided to put into writing the curiosity that’s been building up in me regarding this entertainer-turned-blogger-turned-government official Margaux ‘Mocha’ Uson. Yes,…
Excelsa De Jesus: multi-faceted, ambitious, and indomitable
“We only pass this stage of youth but once…and dreaming lofty dreams today is to be assured of a dazzling and secured tomorrow…” Millennials, (the demographic cohort following Gen X…
Excelsa De Jesus: multi-faceted, ambitious, and indomitable
“We only pass this stage of youth but once…and dreaming lofty dreams today is to be assured of a dazzling and secured tomorrow…” Millennials, (the demographic cohort following Gen X…
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks
THANKSGIVING is when people step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who played such…
Criminal convictions and immigration law
WHAT makes a non-citizen deportable? An alien or non-citizen, including a lawful permanent resident (“green card” holder) is deportable for having a conviction relating to controlled substances. Title 8 U.S.C….
Automatic citizenship and the US Department of State
In this day and age, the best travel document in your hands would be a U.S. passport. Hence the sense of urgency among immigrants to become U.S citizens. International travel…
Fascinating history
(Part 1 of 2) As the year comes to a close, allow me to take you back in time to revisit some of the great moments in medical science which…
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….
Thanksgiving challenge: What is your gratitude inventory?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY! Amid the stress at work and at home, preparing for a Thanksgiving feast, planning for Black Friday shipping, thinking about the Christmas holidays and gift-giving, our year-end…
Fil-Am artist Francis Calimlim: Connecting with his history, community and identity
FILIPINO-AMERICAN interdisciplinary artist Francis Calimlim believes that you should always have conversations with yourself. Some may think it’s crazy, but from his experience, doing such can open the avenue to…
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…
Will incorporating a separate property business during marriage make it community property?
YOU own a successful business, as a sole proprietor, prior to marriage. You later meet the love of your life and decide to marry her. Years into the marriage, you…
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…
36 hours in Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders City
As a second-generation Filipina-American, I leap at every opportunity to travel to the Philippines, especially when the trip is centered on a place that is outside of Manila or the…
One life to live
WE’VE heard inspiring stories of men and women in our present time who have overcome their physical disabilities and live their lives to the fullest. The stories of men like…
Getting to know Miss Universe-Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters
I have caught wind of the latest update regarding Miss Universe 2017 that is happening on November 26 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The Philippines’ representative to Miss Universe…
A Filipino-inspired menu for this Thanksgiving holiday
Filipinos are known to be adaptive and creative. Whenever we try to assimilate something, be it language or food, we are fond of reinventing and putting a fresh Filipino spin…
December 2017 priority dates
F-1 and F-2B retrogress! THE December 2017 priority dates bring bad news for those Filipinos petitioned as adult single children of US citizens (F-1) or green card holders (F-2B). •…
Policy changes for employment-based petitions, heightened scrutiny for fraud and misrepresentation
CHANGES in adjudications of H-1B renewal petitions. On October 23, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that under updated policy guidance USCIS is instructing its officers to apply…
Monkeypox, toxic foods and hepatitis
What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a viral disease that is on the headlines today. It is characterized by pox lesions on the skin and is closely related to, but not…
Soaring the sky with the US Army Golden Knights
“Arch. Relax. Have fun.” Sounds easy, right? Along with 14 other people — consisting of educators from the LA Unified School District and representatives from the Los Angeles Police Department…
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…