Pro Bono Spotlight: IRS Virtual Settlement Days, Part 2
As part of Kostelanetz & Fink’s commitment to pro bono work and giving back to the tax community, K&F partners Megan Brackney, Yoram Keinan, Bryan Skarlatos, and Michael Sardar were proud to participate in the most recent IRS Virtual Settlement Conferences in coordination with the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel on July 28 and 30, 2020.
Michael Sardar presented a webinar entitled "Penalty Standards for the Taxpayer and the Preparer" for The CPA Academy on June 11, 2020
When the IRS audits a taxpayer and determines that additional tax is due, the taxpayer may be subject to penalties in addition to the tax due. Further, the tax practitioner involved in preparing that tax return may also be subject to penalties. This course covered the standards applicable to both the taxpayer and tax practitioner when the IRS determines whether to impose penalties. Mr. Sardar reviewed the relevant standards, including reasonable basis, substantial authority, and how to make adequate disclosure. Knowing and applying theses standards will help the practitioner and taxpayer avoid IRS penalties.
Michael Sardar participated in the panel entitled "When A Civil Audit Turns: Navigating An Audit When The Mistakes Are Not So Unintentional," at the Federal Bar Association's 2020 Tax Law Conference
Tax practitioners, even those who operate primarily in the civil space, should understand the procedures of criminal investigations and the warning signs (both from the client and the government) that a criminal referral is looming. This panel discussed issues that have the potential to influence an I.R.S. examiner’s decision to refer an audit for criminal investigation and offered practitioners tips to navigate those issues, either to avoid referral or to manage the process after a case turns criminal. This panel offered useful insights from both the civil and the criminal tax practitioner perspective.
Michael Sardar presented "Working with Schedule C Taxpayers Without Complete Records: Reconstruction, Estimates, and Best Practices" at the Sid Kess's "Dealing with the IRS" seminar at Baruch College on Dec. 4.
Michael Sardar presented "Working with Schedule C Taxpayers Without Complete Records: Reconstruction, Estimates, and Best Practices" at the Sid Kess's "Dealing with the IRS" seminar at Baruch College on Dec. 4.
In the event of a loss of client records or due to poor record keeping, a paid preparer may need to help his client reconstruct the records and/or make estimates. This session covered tips and ideas on how to handle such issues from tax-return preparation through audit and will include a review of the Schedule C Form, common Schedule C pitfalls, and the best practices for how the tax return preparer and client can utilize estimates and reconstructions in these situations. The session also addressed the Cohan rule and the AICPA Statement on Standards with respect to the use of estimates.
Michael Sardar moderated the panel "Ethical Obligations To Report Misconduct by Other Practitioners and Taxpayers" at the 2019 New England IRS Representation Conference in Uncasville, CT
Tax practitioners should be mindful of their ethical obligation to report tax-related misconduct under the internal revenue laws, the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and Circular 230. This group of experienced panelists examined when, whether, and how to complain about professional misconduct by private practice and government attorneys or the Court. The panelists also discussed when, whether, and how to report tax-related misconduct by unscrupulous tax professionals.
Michael Sardar Participated on the Panel Entitled "Reports of Subcommittees on Important Developments: Offshore Compliance and Enforcement," at the ABA Tax Section 2019 Fall Meeting on October 5, 2019
Michael Sardar participated in a discussion of offshore compliance and enforcement, as part of a larger panel on subcommittee reports on important developments.
Offshore Compliance and Enforcement Panelists: Arielle Borsos, Caplin & Drysdale, Chtd, Washington, DC, Victor Jaramillo, Caplin & Drysdale, Chtd, Washington, DC, Michael Sardar, Kostelanetz & Fink LLP, New York, New York.
Kostelanetz & Fink Attorneys Recognized By New York Metro Area Super Lawyers
NEW YORK CITY, NY (September 12, 2019) – Kostelanetz & Fink is pleased to announce that nine attorneys at the firm, including seven partners, have been selected for inclusion in the 2019 New York Metro “Super Lawyers” list, recognizing the firm’s experience and skill in the areas of Tax, Criminal Defense: White Collar, and Business Litigation.
Michael Sardar presented the CPE/CLE course "Working with Schedule C Taxpayers Without Complete Records: Reconstruction, Estimates, and Best Practices" at The American Academy of Attorney-CPAs 2019 Annual Meeting & Education Conference
In the event of a loss of client records or due to poor record keeping, a paid preparer may need to help his client reconstruct the records and/or make estimates. This session covered tips and ideas on how to handle such issues from tax-return preparation through audit and will include a review of the Schedule C Form, common Schedule C pitfalls, and the best practices for how the tax return preparer and client can utilize estimates and reconstructions in these situations. The session also addressed the Cohan rule and the AICPA Statement on Standards with respect to the use of estimates.
