THE TAX COURT SYMPATHIZES – BUT RULES ARE RULES

In a case that trounces any semblance of fairness, the Tax Court has denied more than $4 million in charitable contribution deductions claimed by a couple who had undervalued the contribution. Joseph Mohamed is a real estate broker, a certified real estate appraiser...

NICE GIFT IF YOU CAN GET IT

In a recent case, the Tax Court allowed a gift tax annual exclusion for gifts of interests in a family limited partnership. The gift tax annual exclusion is available only for gifts of present interest, not for gifts of future interest. A present interest is an...

THE ROTH OPTION: PAY NOW, SAVE LATER

You may be familiar with Roth IRAs, but do you know that some employer-sponsored retirement savings accounts, like 401(k) plans, also offer a Roth alternative? Few people choose that option because they have to pay tax currently on the amount that goes into the Roth...

‘LET THERE BE LIGHT …’

The simplest personal tax form, Form 1040-EZ, is only one page. But it comes with a 42-page instruction booklet. Douglas Shulman says he uses a hired tax preparer because the U.S. tax code is so complex. And he is the IRS commissioner. The Internal Revenue Code...