Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC

You are solid and reliable, and we trust your advice!

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:14:05 +0000

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

Audit-proof Your Life

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:23:49 +0000

“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 C (sole proprietorship) activities, etc. But you really can’t predict the trigger (and you can drive yourself crazy trying), but you *can* adopt the “be reasonable” mantra about every item on your return (with our help, of course), including these. So if you don’t have a decent claim for a home office, we’ll help you not to claim it. If your money-losing sole proprietorship is really more a fun hobby, treat it as such.

Look–don’t be scared to take deductions and losses you’re entitled to, but don’t take tax positions you aren’t comfortable defending. If you take reasonable tax positions, you’ll likely find you won’t end up needing to defend them. And if you do face an audit, it will likely be far easier.

2. Make sure it all adds up!

This seems like it should go without saying, but make sure you add, subtract and multiply accurately. Check your numbers through each step and do some simple math checks when you finish. If you do make a math mistake, you are likely to get a math correction notice from the IRS. This isn’t an audit. But our goal is to minimize your interaction with the IRS bureaucracy, which, ah… isn’t known for the best mail handling practices.

3. Don’t miss a 1099

This can be confusing, because the Form 1099 comes in many varieties, including 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, 1099-G for tax refunds, 1099-R for pensions and 1099-MISC for miscellaneous income. These forms are sent by payers of such funds to both you and the IRS.

So regardless of how many 1099s you receive, make sure they all are accounted for on your return. There are also Forms 1098 which lenders send (to you and the IRS) recording how much interest you paid. The IRS matches your return against the 1098s and 1099s. So one sure way to guarantee an IRS query is to fail to account for something! If a Form 1099 is wrong–say it reports more income than you had–you can explain or deduct it on the return, but you need to first report it.

4. Report “just enough”

I’m not talking about under-reporting income, or holding necessary information back. But you’d be surprised how many professionals and amateurs alike try to submit too much *supporting* information. True, if your return is complex, you may need to add explanations or disclosures in footnotes. Be concise, truthful and accurate, but don’t provide copies of sales agreements, settlement agreements, bank statements, etc., unless you are later asked to by the IRS.

Disclosures can be made on regular paper or special IRS forms. A Form 8275 “Disclosure Statement” on plain paper can be used any time you need to disclose something that can’t be adequately disclosed on the forms. Form 8275-R “Regulation Disclosure Statement,” is for disclosing positions that are contrary to IRS Regulations or other authority. You shouldn’t be filing a Form 8275-R–or taking a tax return position that would require it–without professional help.

Frankly, though, any disclosure statement should be checked with someone who can take you by the hand and ensure it’s done properly (ahem).

5. Don’t fight what you don’t need to fight

Here’s where some clients have gotten in trouble in the past, despite our admonitions: If you take reasonable tax positions, and complete your return accurately, checking your math, why should you pay a bill if the IRS sends you one? Frankly, it’s a matter of practicality (and wisdom) rather than principle. It just doesn’t pay to fight with the IRS on small matters. So don’t get into the bureaucratic system and risk bigger problems for a few dollars. Just pay it and move on.

6. Avoid minor amendments

Here’s the reverse situation of my previous point: amended returns are reviewed much more regularly than initial returns. So if you forgot a deduction or otherwise think you can get a small amount back by amending, think twice before amending your return (i.e.–consult with a pro). Consider whether you might have bigger problems if other matters on your return, unrelated to the amendment, are reviewed. Yes, you can win a battle…and lose a larger one.

7. Don’t ask for cash

Perhaps you’ve received a notice that you are entitled to a refund. Well, you might consider applying it to your next year’s tax payments, rather than asking for the refund in cash. If you have a big refund, you’ll simply have a lower “profile” to the computers and to the bureaucrats if you file a return applying a whopping refund to estimated tax payments for the current or future years. This logic applies to both initial returns and to amended ones.

8. Go with a pro

Yes, this is a bit self-serving–but I’ll also make a “damaging admission” here: some tax professionals argue that a return prepared by a professional is less likely to be audited. However the facts are that there’s little reliable data to support it. That being said, having a professional prepare your return–or at least advise on anything quirky–is simply a wise investment.

So to absolutely ensure that whatever happens, you’ll have someone at your side–give us a call: (775) 329-0843.

And a last word: No matter how careful you are, there’s no way to guarantee you’ll never have a tax controversy. Sometimes your number just comes up. But when your number is called…make sure you aren’t alone.

I hope this helps. Warmly,

Michael Dobrowski

Financial Communication In Marriage

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:15:57 +0000

“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 differently–it’s part of what makes it a wonderful institution.

That said, however, I’ve noticed that *finances* can be a major sticking point in a good marriage.

But there are simple steps you can take (five, by my count), which will ensure that you don’t ever fall into the trap of letting a good marriage be spoiled by money miscommunication.

Read on, and send your feedback! And, of course, if you need help with any of this, that’s exactly what I’m here for!

Michael Dobrowski’s

“Real World” Personal Strategy

Financial Communication In a Marriage

Money problems can ruin the love affair with your spouse. The work of blending two lives in harmony requires certain basic commitments. It’s a fact that many families today are financially troubled.

Most of these are in denial. The rest of them are looking for a quick fix. Even a financial planner can’t help unless the couple is willing to make five simple commitments. You can always choose to find something to fight about. But if you are serious about removing the financial obstacles in your love life, you should commit to the following money management rules.

1) First, take the time to provide open accounting to your spouse. Most financial arguments are not about how to spend your money–but about how the money was actually spent. Just like every publicly traded company is required to give a public accounting of its finances, couples should do the same. In the public sector, it’s considered a scandal when a corporation fails to provide its financial information in a timely fashion. The same rules should apply at home. Financial accountability, openness, and honesty are essential in marriage.

2) Next, make saving investment in yourselves your first priority. Pay yourself first. Couples should agree on a savings and an investment rate and should prioritize their savings above all other budget categories. Savings should be automated and protected from impulse spending habits.

I’ve come to believe that savings should even be prioritized above debt reduction. I’ve found that couples that are in debt cannot seem to get out of debt because they are using what should be going into savings to service their debt, rather than adjusting their lifestyle so that they are spending less than they make.

3) Set a limit on what you can spend without first getting the approval of your spouse. Each spouse must sign off on spending that might be a budget buster. If you are young or your finances are in trouble, the amount should be fairly low. As you get more experience and your finances are in harmony, you can raise the amount. Any purchases above that amount should require the agreement of both spouses.

In the same way, any purchases beyond what was budgeted should require the agreement of both spouses as to which budget category is going to be reduced in order to make up the difference. If your spouse asks you to wait before making the purchase, lean toward waiting graciously. Ask what you would do if you did not have the money at all. Then, do that instead. Delaying a large purchase even by a month can significantly increase your financial health.

4) Set rules for the acceptable use of credit. In my experience, the easy use of credit cards ruins much financial harmony. It is better when the use of credit cards is limited to only certain required budget items. Using a credit card for groceries or gasoline may be harmless. But when credit cards are used for clothes or eating out, optional spending is unnecessarily inflated.

There are several advantages to using credit cards. But each of these advantages becomes powerful disadvantages for a family struggling to make ends meet. Credit allows couples to avoid asking the tough question about what they would do if they did not have the money. Credit makes spending easy and simplifies check-writing. These advantages are as helpful as giving an alcoholic a place to sleep in the back of the bar.

Either spouse should be able to veto the use of credit cards entirely. Only if both parties agree to the use of credit cards, should they be allowed – and then only within certain guidelines.

Credit should only be used for specific required monthly categories, and then only by the spouse who is less apt to make extra purchases on impulse. If you are struggling with your finances, stop using credit cards entirely.

5) Lastly, agree together that ignorance is no excuse! Both parties must be willing to learn. Just like a good love life, finances cannot be handled well by just one party. Many problems stem as much from ignorance and abdication by one party than spending by the other. If you don’t have the time or the interest to be involved in the family’s finances, then you may be the problem. Ask for help and start learning.

Look, I’m not a marriage counselor. But I DO know good communication when I see it.

I hope this helps.

Warmly,

Michael Dobrowski

I appreciate all you have done.

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:35:54 +0000

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

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:35:29 +0000

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

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:34:54 +0000

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

…for the first time in seven years, we aren’t out of money each month!!

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:34:23 +0000

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…

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:33:37 +0000

“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

Haitian Blues

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:47:37 +0000

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 DO have some open appointments for now. That will quickly change, however.

“Real World” Personal Strategy

Part 2: Common Myths About Estate Planning

A few weeks ago, I wrote about these common myths–still held by the majority of Americans.

In fact, as of this writing, it’s a fact that almost 60% of Americans don’t have a basic will, and that’s a big problem.

Much of the reason for this is because of misconceptions about estate planning, and I dealt with two already:

Myth 1. Only rich people prepare estate plans.

Myth 2. Everything goes to your spouse, if something happens.

Well, I’ve got three more for you to chew on, and dispense with.

Myth 3. After I create my will or living trust, there’s nothing else to think about.

Well, if you follow this line of thinking, it could lead to a lot of problems. For instance, once you set up a trust, you need to re-title the assets you want to transfer to the trust. Otherwise, the trust doesn’t help a thing.

On top of that, families need to periodically update their will or trust to reflect major life events, such as a divorce or the birth of a child. You’ll also want to revisit your estate plan if you move to another state.

In fact, it’s a good idea to meet with us every 3 or 4 years to make sure your plan is fully up-to-date. (Which, incidentally, we provide free to certain clients. Ask us about that.)

Myth 4. If I have a will, my estate automatically won’t go through probate.

Well, again–that’s not the case. In fact, ALL wills are subject to “probate”. This is a process in which a court determines whether the document is actually valid and ensures that relatives and creditors are notified. This process can take several months and drain thousands of dollars from your estate.

So here’s one way to avoid that entirely–create that living trust. Essentially, a living trust is a legal document you create which holds property (such as brokerage accounts and real estate). When you die or are incapacitated, the property is smoothly transferred to your beneficiaries. This transfer occurs outside of the probate process, which saves a TON of hassle.

Not everyone needs one of these documents, but it’s something which you can’t paint over with a broad brush. This is why it’s important to walk with a competent guide on these matters.

By the way, if you own property in more than one state, a living trust is a no-brainer. Going through probate in multiple states is a nightmare.

Another advantage to a living trust is privacy. A will is a public document, and anyone can come to the probate hearing to see if any fights break out. Living trusts aren’t published in any courthouse, so people can’t gain easy access to them. That’s quite nice.

Myth 5. I could be held responsible for a deceased parent’s debts.

No, you’re not responsible for credit card debts from your parents.

In general, children aren’t responsible for a deceased parent’s debts, and in some cases spouses are often exempt as well. Again…you can’t paint it with a broad brush. But as a general rule, the estate is responsible for paying debts. If there isn’t enough in the estate to cover the amount owed, the debts usually go unpaid.

I hope all this helps.

To your family’s financial and emotional peace…

Turns Out You Might Get Taxed, After All…

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC MST PFS — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:29:04 +0000

“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 a tax increase on middle-class families, despite his promises to the contrary: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-Obama-officials-No-apf-2491158742.html?x=0&.v=7 . Again, people may (vigorously) disagree about the particular economic strategy of raising taxes in the midst of a downturn, but after working with the IRS for years, I’ve discovered this unassailable truth…

The government really likes to have your money.

And sure–putting yourself in their shoes, it’s hard to blame them! Of COURSE individual bureaucrats and politicians believe that THEIR particular initiatives deserve funding–it’s normal human nature, right? It’s just that the funding comes in the form of being taken from your and my paycheck.

Which is why we do what we do here.

I’m all for paying my fair share–I just hate when I see families hit with a “stupid tax” because they didn’t know all the relevant tax code…or because they worked with somebody who didn’t take the kind of time we take.

On to this week’s Personal Strategy Note: now’s a great time to get the education you’ve been putting off to advance your career. Once you’re done (hopefully) the job market will be MUCH better than it is now! I’ve got some money-saving tips for you this week…

“Real World” Personal Strategy
Go Back To School…At No Charge!

Recessions often see a “boom” in adult education, and this one’s no different. But if you’re seriously considering how to get ahead, do NOT leave behind these strategies to get the thing paid for!

Scholarships
Many scholarships don’t have age limits, which makes anyone eligible to apply. Check out www.Fastweb.com and www.SuperCollege.com to search for available scholarships.

Professional and Trade Organizations
Local and national professional and trade organizations often offer grants and scholarships. For instance, The San Diego Foundation (http://www.sdfoundation.org/grant/ ) has several scholarships for adults. Begin by doing an Internet search for your particular locale and specialty. You can also contact your local Chamber of Commerce to see if they have any information on local grants and scholarships.

Colleges and Universities
Many schools offer scholarships created especially for adults who are returning to school. Check a school’s individual Web site or contact the admissions office for details.

The Government
Individual states may also provide grants to help people attend re-training programs that they sponsor. Information and links can be found at www.careeronestop.org . In addition, the Obama administration has launched www.opportunity.gov to help unemployed adults return to college. The site includes information on a variety of federal student aid programs.

Employers
A large number of employers still offer tuition assistance, especially if you can show how the educational program will help your job performance. For adults who want to return to school while they are still working, this is another avenue to consider.

The Bottom Line
With a little research and a little effort, returning to school may be a whole lot easier…and a whole lot cheaper…than you think!

Hope this helps!

Michael J. Dobrowski CPA LLC

You are solid and reliable, and we trust your advice!

Audit-proof Your Life

Financial Communication In Marriage

I appreciate all you have done.

Thank you for your help and kindness

Thanks for all you do

…for the first time in seven years, we aren’t out of money each month!!

Thank you so much for the excellent professionalism…

Haitian Blues

Turns Out You Might Get Taxed, After All…

“Real World” Personal Strategy Go Back To School…At No Charge!

“Real World” Personal Strategy
Go Back To School…At No Charge!