Margaret CPA in OH

I'm revisiting this topic I earlier posted because I am now wondering about related party transactions. If the selling price is reduced by the equity gift, the gain will, of course, be significantly minimized and flow through to the members (parents of buyers). If the recorded selling price (market value) is used against the basis, the gain would, in my opinion, more fairly be that of an arm's length transaction. My original inclination, and others agreed, was to deduct this gift as an adjustment to the selling price. I'm rethinking this because, as KC wrote, the buyer (kids of parent members of LLC) would have the increased basis at fmv. Any other opinions? Thoughts? Thanks!

That would be me, too. Sometimes when it is loading, I may be typing something elsewhere and suddenly the first name on a completed return has changed (wish they would fix that!). But I always know it won't stay. I occasionally my change some factors in the Planning, print the change, then close, but not save. I like that feature - quicker than duplicating when unnecessary.

Here's another two monitor person. I, too, will never go back. I also actively decided against a single super large monitor with multiple windows. I consistently and have for about 3 years had the prior year on the right monitor and current year on the left. Greatest thing since (your choice)!

Daughter of a client was in Paris for several months in 2011 and received the equivalent of a W-2. However, she cannot translate nor will anyone here from Alliance Francaise. She of course would not meet any of the exclusion criteria but I think she would qualify for the foreign tax credit with tax withheld on her wages. Suggestions?

I feel sorry for all living in those areas with the coming pollution above and below ground. I don't believe the payments received by anyone are enough for the damage that will be caused or even the risk involved. I'm not intending to start a dialog about fracking and won't participate - just had to, on this occasion, express my concern and dismay. A favorite saying from a 19th century Cree Indian: Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat (or drink -my insert) money.

Thanks, KC. I wasn't worried about the gift from mom and dad, it was the fact that the LLC (from their perspective) gifted to the son and wife. Isn't it amazing how so many don't quite grasp the concept that their company is a separate entity? So with the reduced selling price, I expect the proceeds would also be reduced as the amounts 'paid' by borrower include this same gift of equity. Then there is the famous 'seller's concessions amounting to $4033.81. It's almost as if the selling price was determined then figures had to be input to get there, maybe to warrant the amount of the loan? What do I do with that? I'm grumpy about this in general because I received the file Friday night and the documents today. And I leave for vacation Sept. 8.

So here we are at the last minute and I just got the sale document. LLC, mom and dad, bought house, rehabbed (not the first), and sold to son an dil. I see the selling price of $101,000 and Gift of Equity of $15,150. They will not be clients after this year, I swear, but how is this to be handled? Reduce the selling price?

That sentence is worthy of saving, Tom. And I have done so on the outside chance I might need it someday.

Thanks, Pacun, for the follow up. I seem to recall that you were quite involved in the earlier threads about this and what you stated rings a bell. I think it is so short sighted of the bank to not work with this guy, though. They will end up with a poor property that will only decline further without active management.

Thanks so much for this, Jack. I suspected this was the case and warned him as I've read so many posts this past season from others. But before giving these unfortunate answers, thought I would just double check with this amazing resource. As I recall from earlier posts, there may be a timing difference which could help him get together some resources I feel badly for him as he was trying to do the good thing by providing low income housing in a tough neighborhood. Too bad the original good tenants left over the years.

A client just called with the following question: "I'm behind 4 months on my FHA loan and the lender denied a short sale because the property has had tenants there for the last 18 months. I tried getting a reduced interest rate but re-writing a loan with 20yrs left to a new one with a lower interest rate for 30 yrs ( the only term they would offer me) made me pay more. They denied refinancing the loan because I owe more than it is worth with the down economy. Question #1 If I let the home go into foreclosure, can the lender/investor come after me with a 1099 for the difference being that it is a FHA Loan? Question #2 If I do a deed in lieu of foreclosure, can the lender/investor come after me with a 1099 for the difference being that it is a FHA Loan?" This relates to one of their rental properties in the inner city. It has put a severe drain on their finances and relationship. There used to be good tenants but he said the current ones are destroying the property and he can't afford the legal expense to remove them. He thought he was doing the right thing by keeping it occupied but now is penalized for that. He kept up the payments until Wells Fargo said they wouldn't do anything unless he was behind in payments so he stopped payments. Any ideas or suggestions? He is my first client dealing with any of this stuff and it is a rental, not their personal residence. Thanks in advance!

Tom, you dog... although you may be right, too. But she is a really good speaker, at least in conversation and, of course, on this board. Just don't cross her - she's armed and a really good shot.

Different strokes... I distinguish between excess, mixed up client information that is disorganized and voluminous from clearly marked orderly highlighted or red marked pages stating (I have a stamp) DO NOT PROCESS ATTACHMENT TO FORM 1040X ONLY or 940. If the amended form is on the top, the auditor, agent, even the client is free to pay attention only to that and disregard and/or discard any and all other documentation deemed superfluous or irrelevant. Different strokes - I have yet to be reprimanded, chastised or otherwise corrected for doing this. On the other hand, I have had relatively few amended returns of any kind.

I agree with Elrod. I've had to do only a few but I generally reside in the 'better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it' side. Given recent discussions about making things as clear as possible for those IRS folks, I think they will discard if not needed but may appreciate the guidance.

Wow....

Catherine, I of course understood that as I am sure did Jack. We folks sort of overdocument with belt and suspenders to cover all sides of us! I'm still in the pause mode to see if anything shows up by week's end then will begin other actions. I really don't feel rushed, just confused!

Thanks again, all. It's good to know there is a variety of opinions and options to address this issue. I especially appreciate the slow down and relax choice! Then I will check e-services as I already have POA. What I will not do is is have a 98 1/2 year old client invest in a 3 year cd. The check is actually good for one year so it seems I do have some time to pursue avenues and recheck all my rechecks on checks, data entry, etc. Based on Catherine's experience, I'm betting that is the situation. If I remember to do so, when I get to the bottom of this mystery, I will share.

Love it!

To be honest, I did not check that because her AGI is $182,920. I don't think any of my clients have low enough income to qualify and I do run the diagnostics. But I confess - I didn't on this one. Still open for any possibilities, though. Thanks!

Okay, I have checked all of that, JohnH. There was actually a balance due for 2010. The checks were all written on a trust account which was reconciled monthly as to amounts. The estimated payments were $5500 in September and $5500 in December (extended return). Final tax liability was $4334 and I applied the $6666 overpayment to 2012. She receives only an annuity with no withholdings, divs and interest from revocable trust (no withholdings) and K-1 from CRUT (no withholdings) and Social Security (no withholding. She will be 99 in December and I don't want to have to deal with more than her estate, the CRUT and final return so would really like to get this $2500 issue resolved. I'm not an IRS agent, OldJack, but I do manage her finances. I simply cannot figure what this could be. I am not perfect but in about 15 years of doing some rather complex returns for her and her late husband, this anomaly is a first. I'll be on the phone unless something comes to me in my dreams. Thanks, meanwhile, for the suggestions!

Thanks for the replies. I checked the check register and copies of vouchers for estimated payments so don't think that's it. Call? What number - the 1040 line? You are correct, I may as well dedicate my second line for the day! That may be my only true option though. Sigh...

I manage affairs for a client who has received a totally unexpected refund check from IRS for 2011 for $2500. I have triple checked every single thing that I can find on this return and am absolutely baffled as to the source of this. Of course there was no explanation, just the check. First time for me - any suggestions? I don't plan on advising deposit any time soon.

Thanks, JohnH. On order now! As I ease into retirement, it's about time I got some organization in my life. Hmmm, might help delay retirement, now that I think of it.

The titling you suggest is exactly what I have been doing and it uses little space. However, I cannot always recall what was documented on which date so like the idea of keeping the whole exchange in one or maybe two. The ease of rereading a thread from one longer saved email appeals to me. At least it's worth a try for a couple of those clients that tend to drag out exchanges over several weeks or even months. Isn't it wonderful how we can keep learning neat things for organization and just business tips from each other, not just tax stuff? This is the greatest resource ever for me.

Thanks for this suggestion, JohnH. I use Eudora, an email client, to download all emails and do have a handful of specific client folders. For most, however, I print to pdf and save in the client folder in my master client file. The pdf doesn't take much space but it does get unwieldy with continuing threads. I will set up this Waiting For folder today. I like it!