You are solid and reliable, and we trust your advice! You don’t try to impress or excite people with
flashy promises and over-the-top crazy schemes for saving tax dollars, and you have the boundaries of
what’s acceptable and not acceptable clear in your mind. As a result, we always feel that our decisions
are right and our tax strategy is secure. You’re professional, you have extensive expertise, and you will
take the extra steps you need to take to help clients like us take advantage of our tax opportunities
while ensuring us that we are doing what’s right! Thank you!
Joelle Jay
Pillar Consulting

“The past does not define you, the present does.”
- Jillian Michaels

I hope your weekend went well–our family has been enjoying the Olympics, and, in particular, many of the stories which go with it.

Now…there’s stories like this, and, of course, the stories of our own lives which capture most of our attention. And here’s a BAD chapter to live through: an IRS audit.

We’ve dealt with this for clients in the past, and it’s never fun. So, with that in mind, I’ve put together some excellent ways to MINIMIZE your chances of getting audited. Unfortunately, I can’t *guarantee* that you would never get audited…but following this advice will significantly reduce your chances.

Read on, and send feedback!

Michael Dobrowski’s
“Real World” Personal Strategy
8 Ways To Keep The IRS Audit-Hounds at Bay

1. Don’t make indefensible claims

There are so many old wives tales saying that certain items trigger an audit: home office deductions, passive losses, schedule [...]

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus when the limo breaks down.”
- Oprah Winfrey

So, this is the big question of last week: how did Valentine’s go?

Some say it’s a “Hallmark Holiday”, but well–some spouses think otherwise, right? Well, if you blew it, I’ve heard that it’s NEVER too late. Make this week count, my friend.

Now that day’s festivities aren’t the only experience I have with the language of love. You see, we meet with married couples almost every week in the course of preparing taxes and handling other such matters. It’s part of what we do–and, as we do so, we get sort of a crash course in marital communication.

Before you get worried–know that we don’t pass judgment on anybody’s marriage! Everyone has their own, unique relational dynamic. And every marriage works a little bit [...]

I want to let you know how much I appreciate all you have done.  I don’t know what I would have done without your help.
Lucille Stinchfield

Thank you for your help and kindness at a time like this.  It is deeply appreciated.  Thank you again.
Terry Wilson and Family

Thanks for all you do for Richard and I.  We don’t know what we would do without you!  Thanks for all the hard work!
Richard and Bonnie Liddicoat

When payday comes, for the first time in seven years, we aren’t out of money each month!!  We owe this all to you and your team.  You have helped us more than I think you’ll ever know.  Thank you so much for all that you do.
Steve and Marla Johns

“Thank you so much for the excellent professionalism your firm has provided for the past 20 years.  I would gladly refer anyone to your service. —– Again, thank you so much for taking such good care of me.
Hilda L. Norton

He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all.
- Miguel De Cervantes
While the scope of the Haitian tragedy is very different, “mopping up” after a family tragedy can be just as devastating.
Which is why, simply put, it pays to be prepared.
Yes, there have been significant estate tax changes this year–but did you know that estate planning is *much* more than just avoiding the “estate tax”?
In fact, the great majority of our clients aren’t in the wealth category affected by the estate tax legislation. But that doesn’t mean that estate planning shouldn’t be sought. You’ll see what I mean below.
(Oh, and by the way–next week, I’ll return to my surprisingly popular theme re: mistakes made during tax season. Thanks for your nice feedback!)
Let me know your thoughts…and, of course, if you’d like to talk this over with us we [...]

“Morale is when your hands and feet keep on working when your head says it can’t be done.”
- Benjamin Morrell
As you know, from previous notes we’ve exchanged, I really do try to steer clear of political disputes. My clients hail from all sides of the political spectrum, and it does me no good to tick off a bunch of friends to somehow “prove” my bona fides to another.
But I think we can all agree that our political system isn’t what it should be. That said, I still believe we live in the best country on the planet–despite how disappointed we can be with individual politicians. And with these individuals, I think it’s fair and appropriate to point out that “promises” made on the campaign trail sometimes must bow to facts on the ground.
Why do I write about this?
Well, it’s now in the news that President Obama may indeed be contemplating [...]