Colorado Springs: What Is Reasonable Compensation for S-Corporation Owners?

 

Do you have an S-Corporation? Are you on salary or are you just taking distributions?  Did you know that S-Corporation shareholders are on the list of priorities for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

Why would S-Corporation shareholders be on the IRS radar?  The IRS is finding that many S-Corporation shareholders who are active in the business are not taking a salary.  Instead, many of these shareholders are just taking distributions. Why would a shareholder take only distributions?  Perhaps they were told that by taking only distributions they will save on taxes.  This sadly misguided and misleading advice.  I will discuss in another blog why the tax saving advice in this case is bad advice.  The IRS requires that "distributions and other payments by an S-Corporation to a corporate office must be treated as wages to the extent the amounts are reasonable compensation for services rendered to the corporation." -- From the Instructions for the 1120S.

For now think about this: Do you provide substantial services to the business? What would it cost to replace you?  These are good starting points for determining what your reasonable compensation should be.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: Do I Have to Pay My Deceased Spouse's Overdue Self-employment Tax?

 

For any industry where you or your spouse are self-employed, the self-employment tax is a common issue.  This can especially be true when your spouse is a truck driver.  Often times a low cost tax preparer is used to save money.  Sadly, though this often results in a poorly prepared tax return missing countless deductions.  Sometimes I have encountered cases where a married filing joint tax return was electronically filed without one spouse's consent.  There was a significant amount of self-employment tax and income tax due.  The non-consenting spouse may not have filed jointly if she had known the amount due on the tax return.  Then the spouse who filed the tax return suddenly and unexpectedly dies.  Leaving the surviving spouse with a large tax bill.  Is the surviving spouse required to pay the unpaid taxes?

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6015 (b), the surviving spouse may qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief after consideration of the the facts and circumstances,  Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC has helped taxpayers obtain this relief after a thorough and careful review of their complete situation.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: Am I Responsible for My Former Spouse's Tax Debts?

 

Did your former spouse prepare joint tax returns, have you sign the returns, and then file the returns? Then months or years later you come to learn that your spouse failed to report all his income.  You learn that when an IRS letter arrives notifying you that the tax return has been adjusted.  The adjustment shows an increase in taxable income from the 1099's your spouse failed to included as income on the original return.  But, that is just the beginning.  In addition to the increased income, there is an increase in not only income tax, but also there is now a large amount of self-employment tax due.  To top it off, you are required to repay some refundable tax credits that were refunded to you on the return.

The amount due can be tens of thousands of dollars of tax.

Are you responsible for these taxes?  Can the IRS require you to pay the amounts due because of the jointly filed tax returns?  Technically, the answer is yes to both questions.

But, with consideration of the the facts and circumstances, you may qualify for relief under Internal Revenue Code Section 6015(b).  This code section has requirements that must be met for you to qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief.

Marcelino Dodge, CTRC, EA of Cash Tracks Financial has helped taxpayers obtain this type of relief.  He can analyze you circumstances and suggest the best course of action to solve your tax problem.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: What Does it Mean to be in Tax Compliance?

Sometimes people call the office stating that they are several years maybe even 20 or more years behind on filing taxes.  They are a panic because they think they have to file all 20 years to be compliant.  Or, they received a tax bill notice for a year that IRS has filed a substitute return.  We listen carefully to their story to figure out how we can help.

After understanding the client's situation we pull the client IRS transcripts to get a clear picture of their situation.  Most of the time getting the client in tax compliance is the place we start.  But, what is tax compliance?  According to the Internal Revenue Manual 1.2.14.1.18, federal tax compliance is the filing the last 6 years of tax returns. Also, included in tax compliance is making estimated tax payments, having proper withholding, and making payroll tax deposits?

Marcelino Dodge of Cash Tracks Financial works to not only get you tax compliant, but also will analyze your situation to determine the best strategy to use to lay your tax issues rest for good.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: How Do I Get Compliant and Resolve IRS Tax Debts?

 

What does it mean to be in tax compliance? How can you resolve your overdue and past tax obligations?  How long has it been since you last filed a tax return?  Did you last file in 1991?  Since you have not file for so long does it mean that you need to file 30 years of tax returns to be compliant?  The simple answer in most cases is "no."  The IRS requires that to be compliant, you must have filed for the last six years.  There are a few exceptions when you have to file farther back, but this does not happen often.

To solve any tax debts, qualify for an installment agreement, or make an Offer in Compromise you must first be compliant by having 6 years of tax returns filed.  For this to be done correctly need to consult with a tax professional such as Marcelino Dodge, EA for a proper analysis.  Once the analysis is complete, then a determination can be made getting the tax returns complete and calculating if you are candidate for an installment agreement or for an Offer in Compromise.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: Do I Need a Representative to Help With My Tax Matters? Is It Possible to Do It On My Own?

 

It is possible for a taxpayer to attempt to navigate the complicate IRS system by either preparing their own tax return or speaking with the IRS when behind on their taxes.  Keep in mind though the IRS does not always volunteer information on programs that can help taxpayers.  Sometimes tax professionals and tax representatives have to educate IRS employees on the tax statutes.

With a trained tax professional like Marcelino Dodge, EA you will save time and more importantly you likely save money even after paying fees.  Many time penalties can get reduced and if you qualify you may be able to settle your tax debt for less than you owe.  

These are just a few consideration if you feel like you want to manuever the IRS rapids on your own.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: Has Your Back Tax Debt Expired?

 

Do you owe taxes from several years ago?  Is the IRS still trying to collect from you?  Are you aware that under the Internal Revenue Code Section 6502 there is a 10 year limit on collections?

This 10 year limit starts on the day when the tax is first assessed, not when your tax return was filed.  There are also several actions that can extend the collection period.

What does this mean for you the taxpayer?  If you are still paying on taxes first assessed over 10 years, your tax debt may be gone and no longer collectable.  With a proper calculation of the collection period Marcelino Dodge, EA can determine if you no longer need to make payments.  Oh, what a relief that would be!

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: How Well Trained is the Person Preparing Your Tax Return?

 

How much training does the person preparing taxes have?  Does this person get annual updates and training on the tax adjustments and changes?  These are important questions

to ensure the accuracy of your tax return preparation.

This year I had the privilege of attending the National Association of Tax Professional's Taxposium in San Antonio, Texas.  During these live classes I received training income assignment, IRS Collections, S-Corporations, and other important tax topics.  Altogether I received 18 hours of training in taxes.  This is in addition to webinars I have already done this year.  There is still more that 30 hours of training I and my staff will be completing before the year is over.

A good question to ask your tax preparer is "How many hours of continuing education have you complete?"

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs
Marcelino Dodge, EA
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
www.cashtracksfinancial.com
success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs Video: How Can I Qualify for an Offer in Compromise?

 

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs

Marcelino Dodge, EA

525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 359-8789

www.cashtracksfinancial.com

success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: How Can I Qualify for an Offer in Compromise?

 

You have heard the ads saying that your tax debt can be reduced from $100,000+ down to only a few dollars.  How accurate are these claims?  Do these companies do a thorough analysis?  Without a complete and thorough analysis, how can it be known whether or not you even qualify?  I highly recommend avoiding any company that fails to do a proper analysis to determine your reasonable collection potential (RCP).

Are you in filing compliance?  Are you making estimated payments or have enough withholding to cover your taxes for the year?  Each of these questions must have a "Yes" answer before an Offer in Compromise can even be submitted.

Marcelino Dodge, Enrolled Agent can help you with a complete analysis of your situation.  I can help to determine how best to approach your specific situation and determine the best possible solution.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs

Marcelino Dodge, EA

525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 359-8789

www.cashtracksfinancial.com

success@cashtracksfinancial.com