Tax Newsletter

• IRS Penalties
  Many taxpayers at one time or another find themselves in a situation where they either did not file their Federal Income Tax return on time and/or filed their tax return without making the necessary payment for the tax year covered. In... Read more.
• Royalty Income is Taxable
  Most people who create a work of art or an invention hope to reap financial rewards from their creation. U.S. copyright and patent laws give these creators certain exclusive rights to commercial development and profit from their... Read more.
• Tax Treatment of Personal Injury Awards
  The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes a broad view of what is considered “income” for purposes of taxation. The U.S. Supreme Court has provided additional interpretation, stating that “any funds”... Read more.
• Reducing Tax Liability Through Flexible Spending Accounts
  To provide some relief from rising health care and dependent care costs, federal tax laws authorize the establishment of “flexible spending accounts” (FSAs), sometimes known as “flexible reimbursement accounts.”... Read more.

• 4 Red Flags to Look Out for When Hiring a Tax Preparer
• Most Americans Want the Rich to Pay Higher Taxes, According to Every Poll Everywhere
• Business identity theft can occur during tax filing
• The Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Bomb
• Secure Act includes one critical tax change ‘that will send estate planners reeling’

Unpaid Income Taxes & Bankruptcy

Government income taxes may or not be dischargeable under a Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy. Income taxes are usually considered “priority unsecured debts,” and have a higher need to be paid over other unsecured debts such as doctor’s bills or credit card accounts.

However, under certain circumstances, income taxes may be dischargeable.

A 3-Year Lapse

For income taxes to be dischargeable, 3 years must lapse from the date the taxes were last due, including extensions. This due date is calculated from the date the debtor’s tax return is filed. Also, taxes assessed by the IRS are dischargeable if they were assessed 240 days (approximately 8 months) before the bankruptcy petition is filed.

Late Filing Doesn’t Count

Filing a late income tax return, or failing to file, will not trigger the beginning of this 3-year period, and the debtor may end up filing for bankruptcy too early, and, accordingly, will not be able to discharge the overdue tax.

Furthermore, if there are problems with your taxes, such as fraud or willful evasion, the IRS may oppose any attempt by to you to discharge the tax debt. Also, any income taxes assessed after you file your bankruptcy petition are not dischargeable.

Exceptions

Certain taxes are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. These taxes include:

• Property taxes
• Federal tax liens that are already attached to your property
• Certain excise taxes

Evaluate Your Situation

It is important to evaluate your tax situation before you file for bankruptcy relief. It is advisable to discuss your tax history and liability with a tax or bankruptcy professional before making a final decision

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