10 ways to avoid an audit
1. DO not estimate income from interest, dividend, independent contractor or LLC. Banks, stock brokerage companies and LLCs send exact amounts to IRS via form 1099s and K-1s. Estimates generate…
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Bankruptcy: You can’t let your past decide your future
AS a Bankruptcy Attorney, I have counseled thousands of individuals with all types of debt problems. I often encourage people by telling them that it is not too late to…
Statewide CA ballot measure proposed to raise minimum wage
THE minimum wage issue both in the federal and state governments has been long debated, and multiple legislations have been written and changed as different economic, labor and political groups…
Study shows millennials more involved in politics, remain ‘hopeful’ in government
A POLL from Harvard’s Institute of Politics (IOP) surveyed millennials 18-29 years old found that nearly half are not confident in the fairness of the American justice system, but despite…
Laura Garcia: Professionally committed in the pursuit of nursing excellence
“Nursing as an art: and if it is to be made an art it requires an exclusive devotion as hard as the preparation of any painter’s or sculptor’s work…for what…
Paying to be deported
Immigration scam awareness is on the rise. You cannot Google the word “notario” without finding dozens of resources and articles about immigration fraud. It is all too common for people…
What immigration benefits are available to same sex marriages post DOMA?
On June 26, 2013, the US Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional in the landmark case US. V. Windsor. The BIA…
Gov. Brown proposes raising water wasting fines to $10,000
California Gov. Jerry Brown announced legislation on Tuesday, April 28 that would increase water wasting fines and authorize local government agencies to levy such penalties. In a meeting with 14…
Applying for naturalization with expired green cards
Often, many immigrants have kept pushing back their decision to apply for US citizenship. Many of them have also failed to keep track of the validity of their permanent resident…
Is it ‘safe’ for me to apply for naturalization if I got my green card as a ‘married\single’?
Dear Atty. Gurfinkel: I was petitioned by my parent as “single”, but while waiting for my petition, I got secretly married. After getting my green card as “single,” I returned…
A healthier mouth = A healthier heart?
OUR bodies are ecosystems where a change in one area affects other areas. This connection is becoming clearer as scientists continue examining the links between oral health and cardiovascular health. Recent…
The one and only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor turns 62 on May 21
The one and only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor will celebrate her 62nd birthday on Thursday, May 21. Also known as Ate Guy and/or La Aunor, Nora was born in Iriga,…
Tight security planned for Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas
Though it may not be the biggest Las Vegas Valley event of the year, the much-anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will have thousands viewing from…
Sex among seniors
Sex is usually associated with individuals who are younger than age 50 and the convention says sex belongs to the younger persons. At least that’s what many people think. But…
Fil-Ams show pride through “Manny” documentary and soundtrack
In time for Saturday’s mega-fight, Ryan Moore, the Filipino-American director of “Manny,” is encouraging viewers to watch the documentary to get to know Manny Pacquiao — beyond what they see…
The Fist and the Heart of the Prizefighter
Manny Pacquiao is not just a prized fighter, he is the Pambansang Kamao (the nation’s fist). His heart is open for all of us. The boxing arena has all the…
Pacquiao, Mayweather come face-to-face ahead of May 2 fight
A final press conference with fighters of the century Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. unfolded on Wednesday, April 29, in Las Vegas, bringing the two face-to-face once again before…
Look good & feel even better with Dr. Tess Mauricio
Taking care of one’s skin goes beyond vanity, and no one is a champion of that belief more than Dr. Tess Mauricio. Dr. Tess is a Filipina dermatologist who immigrated…
Filipino dentist creates PH-inspired mouthguard for Pacquiao
When Manny Pacquiao fights Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 2, he’ll be flashing a multicolored mouthguard with the colors of the Philippine flag. “[Manny] wanted me…
How the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight came to fruition
After nearly six years, the historical showdown between two of the world’s biggest boxing sensations is fast approaching. Come Saturday, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated five-division world champion…
Reaching out
“IT is a miracle.” Many Filipinos and supporters around the world heaved a sigh of relief after the Indonesian government decided to postpone the execution of convicted overseas Filipino worker…
Proud Filipinos on The Money Team
With the much-anticipated boxing match just days away, fans are proudly declaring whose side they’re on. But not all Filipinos are supporting Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather’s personal assistant, Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico,…
Supreme Court hears historic marriage equality case
Justices remain divided over redefining marriage ARGUMENTS were underway at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 28, in a spell of potentially landmark cases that could determine once and for all…
US House committee approves advisory council for human trafficking issues
THE House Foreign Affairs Committee approved a bill on Thursday, April 23 that creates a survivors-led advisory council to guide and recommend federal policies and programs related to human trafficking….
The anfractuous identity plight of Chelle Lhuillier
“All through life there were gender distinctions: toilets for men, toilets for women; clothes for men, clothes for women; but then at the end, all graves are identical…!” – Leile…
Clients convert Chapter 13 to Chapter 7
Senior with reverse mortgage seeks Chapter 7 discharge of $37k credit cards; client reopens Chapter 7 to cover unlisted debt “ Client says he likes his life now as simple…
Should you postpone filing your tax returns?
SURELY as April 15 comes along, some of you will procrastinate in filing tax returns. It can be habit forming as I see the same taxpayers come after April 15…
Firing of employee after 12-week medical leave may be disability discrimination
OUR client, Teresa,* has always lived with a serious lung condition since childhood. Although Teresa knew that her condition limited her activities, she did her best to live a productive…
W&O’s Expansion Continues in San Francisco, San Diego, and Orem (UT)
IN the past year, we have received countless inquiries and calls from potential clients all over the world. Wilner & O’Reilly provides excellent immigration counsel to areas in Southern California…