Is the IRS a Red Sox Fan?

    MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, March 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The IRS filed a complaint against New York Yankees co-owner and managing partner Harold Steinbrenner on December 27, 2011, seeking a total of $70,493.78 (fees + refund amount) for an 'erroneous' tax refund.

According to the complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida Tampa Division, the Yankee's co-owner Harold Steinbrenner filed an amended US Individual Income Tax Return for the tax year 2001, in 2009. Based on that amended return, a refund in the amount of $670,493.78 was paid to the Steinbrenner's on December 28, 2009.

After reviewing matters involving income and the family Trust, & Yankee corporations, Harold Steinbrenner was identified as an 'indirect partner' of these entities. A subsequent audit deemed that losses were erroneously distributed, and a large charitable deduction was disallowed because it was not paid out of income. Harold Steinbrenner's amended return, combined with an audit of the corporation and amendments filed by the Trust, all at different times, led the IRS to claim 'overpayment' on the refund it sent to Harold & Christina Steinbrenner on December 28, 2009.

What would you do, if suddenly, one of your prior refunds were brought into question and 'revoked'? Not only would you be required to pay the refund back, but the interest and penalty fees that accrued after the refund was originally paid to you. Every taxpayer should have an experienced tax attorney in their database. Waiting until you are under scrutiny from the IRS is not recommended; at that time you will be scared and a possibly a little irrational. There are companies that advertise to gain your business during these stressful times, but a reputable tax controversy attorney will review your tax situation BEFORE there is any contact from the IRS. If you have doubts about prior returns, it's best to meet with an expert who can assess your situation.

A Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Report recently reported that the number of audits increased for individual, corporate & S corporation tax returns in the 2010 Fiscal year. These audits will be more intrusive than a traditional audit and the data gathered will be used to update the computer system. As a taxpayer, having a tax controversy attorney in your database is as important as having a reputable, knowledgeable accountant.

So, does the IRS really cheer for the Red Sox? While an independent study of its employees has not been documented, it's safe to say that the complexity and timing of actions triggered the audit, not the IRS preference for one team over another.

The Law Office of Todd S. Unger, Esq., LLC. focuses exclusively on IRS representation. If you are experiencing difficulty with the IRS, then we can help. We can help with years of unfiled tax returns, garnishments, levies, seizures, payroll tax disputes, and audits.

Website: http://www.irsproblemsolve.com

# # #