by Brian Mahany (reprinted with permission from MahanyLaw.com)
Government tax authorities asking banks and credit card companies for information on foreign account holders is hardly news these days. The I.R.S. does it, so do Germany, Britain and many other countries. Officials want to know when their citizens transfer wealth overseas or open foreign accounts. Generally the …
By Brian Mahany
The concept of fining people for taking frivolous tax positions sounds pretty good at first. The California Franchise Tax Board announced it was going to fine taxpayers $5000 per offense for those who make “frivolous” arguments or attempt to “delay or impede the administration” of tax laws. The problem, of course, is allowing …
by Brian Mahany
Recently, I represented an individual who was criminally charged by the IRS for fraudulent tax returns. Although we achieved a great result for the client, his attempt to deduct his wife’s breast enlargement surgery was rejected by the court. It turns out, however, that removal of one’s penis is tax deductible. Why the …