The Gig Economy

The Gig Economy

The Gig EconomySteve Perry
Published on: 23/06/2025

- The gig economy includes services like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb, with about one-third of Americans involved. - Participants are self-employed and must pay taxes, reporting all income including cash, goods, services, and tips. - Unreported income can lead to doubled IRS statute of limitations if discrepancies exceed 25%. - Banks must report deposits over $10,000 to the IRS; credit card transactions are also reported annually. - Business expenses that are "ordinary and necessary" can be deducted to reduce taxable income, best managed with an experienced accountant. - To avoid estimated tax penalties, gig workers should make quarterly payments covering at least 90% of the current year's or 100% of the prior year's tax liability. - Accurate and daily record keeping of income and expenses is critical for tax planning, estimated payments, and year-end tax preparation. - Professional advisors can assist with setting up accounting systems and maintaining compliance. - Though the gig economy differs from traditional businesses, fundamental tax principles still apply; establishing procedures and hiring experts enables success while focusing on core activities.

Tax education articles and IRS representation advice for individuals and small businesses
What Taxpayers Should Know About the IRS CP71 Notice and How an Enrolled Agent Can Help

What Taxpayers Should Know About the IRS CP71 Notice and How an Enrolled Agent Can Help

What Taxpayers Should Know About the IRS CP71 Notice and How an Enrolled Agent Can HelpSteve Perry
Published on: 23/06/2025

- The IRS CP71 Notice, titled “Annual Reminder of Balance Due,” alerts taxpayers annually about unpaid taxes including penalties and interest, without immediate collection action but with potential future enforcement. - Ignoring the CP71 can lead to escalated IRS collection actions such as liens or levies. - Steve Perry, an Enrolled Agent (EA) at Books, Taxes & More, specializes in IRS matters and helps taxpayers resolve outstanding tax debts. - He reviews the CP71 notice for accuracy, identifies possible errors or penalty abatements, and explains repayment options like installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, or Currently Not Collectible status. - Steve represents clients before the IRS, handling communications and paperwork to reduce stress and ensure compliance. - Addressing the CP71 promptly with professional help can prevent severe consequences and lead to favorable resolutions, providing taxpayers peace of mind. - For IRS or state Department of Revenue letters, contacting Steve Perry at Books, Taxes & More is recommended to manage tax issues effectively.

Tax education articles and IRS representation advice for individuals and small businesses
Navigate IRS Liens, Levies, and Garnishments Effectively

Navigate IRS Liens, Levies, and Garnishments Effectively

Navigate IRS Liens, Levies, and Garnishments EffectivelySteve Perry
Published on: 22/06/2025

- IRS collection actions include liens, levies, and wage garnishments, each with distinct impacts on taxpayers' assets and income. - A lien is a legal claim on property to secure tax debt but does not mean immediate seizure; ignoring it can escalate collection efforts. - A levy enables the IRS to seize assets or garnish wages after multiple warnings, with taxpayers having 30 days to appeal. - Wage garnishments deduct part of wages directly, often causing financial hardship, and continue until the debt is settled or released. - Enrolled agents help protect taxpayer rights, negotiate relief options like installment agreements, currently not collectible status, or offers in compromise. - They can stop or pause aggressive collection actions, file appeals, and manage IRS communications to reduce stress and prevent costly errors. - Facing IRS collections is challenging, but professional representation from Books, Taxes & More provides effective strategies and support for financial recovery.

Tax education articles and IRS representation advice for individuals and small businesses
Expert IRS Representation: Why a Power of Attorney Matters

Expert IRS Representation: Why a Power of Attorney Matters

Expert IRS Representation: Why a Power of Attorney MattersSteve Perry
Published on: 21/06/2025

- A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document allowing one person to authorize another, often an enrolled agent, to act on their behalf with the IRS using Form 2848. - Enrolled agents are federally licensed tax practitioners who provide expert representation in IRS matters such as audits, notices, tax debts, and settlements. - Benefits of a POA include expert handling of tax issues, reduced stress and time commitment, faster problem resolution, and continuity during illness or absence. - A POA is especially useful during audits, when negotiating back taxes, for business tax management, or as part of financial and estate planning. - Granting a POA helps taxpayers ensure compliance, resolve IRS issues efficiently, and gain peace of mind. - Individuals uncertain about IRS procedures or needing assistance with Form 2848 should consult an enrolled agent for guidance and representation.

Tax education articles and IRS representation advice for individuals and small businesses