The new Biden administration is clearly signaling that renewable energy will be a key focus of its plan going forward. For example, the Biden administration has set a goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind generation capacity by the year 2030. Therefore, it can be expected that tax advisors will be seeing more questions about renewable energy tax incentives as investment in the sector increases. A large driver of investment in renewable energy is caused by specific tax credits offered as part of the deal structure. However, tax credits are strictly construed by both the IRS and the courts…

Lawyers, tax or otherwise, understand that privileged information must be protected to encourage a full and frank dialogue between clients and their attorneys. Tax information, in particular, contains some of the most private information for both individuals and businesses. Gray Reed attorneys Joshua D. Smeltzer, David Gair and Larry Jones recently published an article in the Journal of Tax Practice & Procedure (a quarterly scholarly journal published by CCH Inc.) examining privilege before a dispute arises through litigation in court. A reprint of the article is available here.…

Field examinations involve returns with more complex issues, thereby requiring examination by someone more knowledgeable in the field of accounting and the Internal Revenue laws.  Field examinations are conducted by Revenue Agents and are normally performed at the taxpayer’s place of business where the Revenue Agent can examine the taxpayer’s books and records and decide on the taxpayer’s correct taxable income and correct tax liability.  The Revenue Agent is supposed to make an appointment with the taxpayer at a time and place that will be convenient for the taxpayer.  The arrangement of the time and place can be done by…

Several abusive tax shelters in the 1970s and 1980s caused Congress to enact rules to prevent taxpayers from deducting losses when a taxpayer doesn’t materially participate in the activity.  These passive loss rules apply to individuals (including partners and S Corp shareholders), trusts, estates, personal service corporations and sometimes closely held corporations. In short, these rules are a wide net that catches a lot of businesses and can impact a lot of taxpayers.  If an activity is determined to be a passive activity it may not only effect the losses claimed but could trigger a 3.8 percent increase from the…

While dealing with the IRS generally involves submitting documents or legal authority to support a client’s position, in most cases the element of negotiating is present.  Negotiating becomes particularly important in dealing with the IRS where documentation may not exist, or the law is in the gray area.  Most practitioners will find that when dealing with the Examination Division, Appeals Office, and Collection Division, negotiating skills and techniques are helpful in resolving issues in favor of the client. Almost everything is negotiable–even when dealing with the IRS.  Negotiating face to face with someone is generally more effective than negotiating…

“No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.” — Voltaire Businesses are started with good ideas and a lot of hard work. Companies are sustained by applying that same hard work to the challenges and problems they face along the way.  The Internal Revenue Code benefits businesses for dedicating funds to the pursuit of new and improved business components. Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code provides a tax credit of 20 percent of a taxpayer’s Qualified Research Expenses (QREs) over a base amount related to previous research expenses.  Essentially, it rewards taxpayers for increasing the amount of money…

Understanding the IRS and the tax laws is very difficult and confusing.  When a taxpayer has a tax controversy matter with the IRS, selecting a tax attorney may be just as confusing and complicated.  Not all attorneys are created equal when it comes to the tax laws and representing clients before the IRS.  Dealing with the IRS can be risky and confusing for someone, including an attorney, if that person is not familiar with IRS procedure.  Clients seeking a tax attorney when they are having problems with the IRS must be careful to select someone who understands this unique area…