Untangling Tax Controversies: ERC, Innocent Spouse Relief, and More

In this episode, Firm Partner, Joel Crouch is joined by Firm Associate, Cody Gackle to explore the latest developments in tax law. They dive into the complexities of Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims, discussing the IRS backlog, refund lawsuits, and how collection due process can intersect with ERC filings. Joel and Cody also share insights on recent cases, including Franco v. Commissioner, which examines the challenges of securing innocent spouse relief, and Schwartz, where a taxpayer successfully avoided penalties through reliance on a tax preparer.

The conversation extends to real estate professionals and passive losses in Warren v. Commissioner, highlighting the difficulties of qualifying for deductions while holding a full-time job. They also explore lien disputes, whistleblower claims, and key procedural issues, such as the importance of filing proper refund claims with powers of attorney. With humor and practical advice, Joel and Cody offer a candid look into the challenges taxpayers and advisors face, all while preparing listeners for Meadows Collier’s upcoming virtual firm conference on November 21st.

Tune in for a dynamic and informative discussion packed with real-world insights, case breakdowns, and actionable advice for navigating tax controversies.