Many people find it hard to believe that, in the state of California, there are three separate taxing agencies. In Wisconsin, there’s the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. In New York, it’s the New York Department of Revenue. Most other states have one agency that handles their taxation. In the state of California, we have three […]
Read More + I often receive questions about social security benefits and whether it is considered taxable income, especially by the state of California. The answer is: it depends. Social Security benefits, including survivor and disability benefits, are not taxed in California. Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivor, and disability benefits, are not subject to California state income […]
Read More + The words “IRS audit” are enough to trigger panic in any San Francisco taxpayer. While the prospect of an audit can be scary, audits are actually very common and not, necessarily, a reason to panic — especially when you have all the proper records and documentation in place. Let’s look at the records and documents […]
Read More + It’s so common these days for people to have a side hustle in addition to their regular job or business. And why not? A side hustle offers a great way to earn some additional income. That being said, a side hustle is sometimes less than an income source and more of a hobby. San Francisco […]
Read More + As a tax attorney, I can think of no other than these two words that invoke fear in the hearts of people: IRS audit. After all, nobody wants to receive a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating their tax returns and financial matters are being investigated. I receive so many questions from San […]
Read More + IRS employees are overworked and have very stressful jobs. And in most cases, IRS employees are also underpaid. Here are five simple ways you can have a successful result when dealing with the IRS. Be nice. IRS agents have horrendous jobs and have to listen to grumpy taxpayers all day long. Take some time to […]
Read More + This is a common question that taxpayers have, and one I receive frequently if someone is facing a tax audit. Given that most people use a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax preparation, you may assume that individual is the best person to defend you against a tax audit since they are familiar with your […]
Read More + As a tax attorney, I’m sometimes asked about IRS Innocent Spouse Relief and what it means for California taxpayers. IRS Innocent Spouse Relief is a provision that allows a taxpayer to be relieved from joint tax liabilities if their spouse or former spouse incorrectly reported items or understated taxes due on your joint tax return […]
Read More + California Tax-Sharing Transparency Bill Would Benefit Everyone California residents should know how much of their tax dollars are going to big-box retailers, local businesses, and the consultants who broker revenue-sharing deals with cities. That’s why a bill moving through the state legislature is such welcome news. In my latest article for Bloomberg Tax, Lauren Suarez and […]
Read More + For many individuals, April 15 tends to be as big of a day on the calendar as New Year’s Day or Independence Day. The national tax filing deadline means that your taxes must be filed and fees paid on or by April 15 to avoid penalties. Here are three things you can do to help […]
Read More + 
