That yellow ball in the sky this morning threw me for a loop. They say it’s called the sun. At any rate, I was thrilled to see it. I grabbed a cup of coffee and cozied up to the computer for another edition of “Sunday Mailbag.” Here’s a couple of “nontax” ask the taxgirl questions that I’ve recently received – enjoy!

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Taxpayer asks:

Can you recommend tax software for me? I am single, a homeowner and have a few other deductions. Nothing too complicated.

taxgirl says:

I think most tax software programs are fairly similar. I don’t know that you can pick a “bad” package especially with a situation like yours that sounds largely simple. But when it comes to what I use, I don’t mind saying that we use TurboTax, largely because it works well with Mac (no paid endorsement, folks, just the truth).

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Taxpayer asks:

A lot of tax stuff is very political. I was wondering which president you think was the best for taxes?

taxgirl says:

Hmm, the best, you say? That’s a tricky question.

I’m going to disregard all presidents prior to Eisenhower – not because there were not significant tax events during those times but because it’s difficult to compare tax policies under those systems to those of today. And, after whittling off nearly a couple hundred years, it makes my answer much easier.

I don’t know that I can point to a president who was the “best” for taxes but in terms of a real change in terms of our modern tax policy, I’d say Reagan. Whether you embrace Reaganomics or not, it was a huge shift in terms of how we viewed taxes in America. Marginal rates in the early 1980s were quite high with the top rate hitting 70% on unearned income and 50% on wages – those rates were reduced dramatically. The so called “marriage penalty” was relaxed to reflect a changing demographic. And the increase in the home mortgage deduction is probably the most utilized of Reagan’s tax changes to this day for most Americans.

Perhaps most significant in terms of tax policy, Reagan did something that our recent partisan presidents would never do: he switched course when things weren’t working as hoped. It wasn’t called flip-flopping. His party didn’t abandon him. In fact, he received wide support when he tweaked his 1981 cuts in 1982, 1984 and 1986. Reagan, either through public opinion or his advisors, realized that the 1981 plan was a bit overly ambitious considering the economic climate of the country and rolled back.

The changes under Reagan were so dramatic that the Tax Code was renamed the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 – the first such retitling since Eisenhower. You’ll still see it written that way today.

While I don’t necessarily agree with each and every one of Reagan’s tax decisions, I just think if you had to choose a president who served during some of the most notable changes in modern tax history happen, I don’t see how you couldn’t choose him.

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Taxpayer asks:

I’m a tax lawyer, too, and also a mother. I have one child which I had before I started working (I was a nontraditional law student) and am considering having another. You mention your children in your blog from time to time. I was wondering how many children you have and whether you think that having children has been a hindrance in your career.

taxgirl says:

Ooh, here’s where I say things that manage to tick off everyone at the same time…

Um, I’ll start with the easy question. I have three fabulous kiddos. They are all aged 7 and under. I know, it is insanity.

I absolutely believe that being a mother in the legal profession is a hindrance. Law is predominately a male profession, even now. According to law.com, while women start out in approximately equal numbers to men as law school grads, women account for only about 20% of partners at big firms. I think it’s because the expectation is that women will become mothers and be less effective lawyers.

I got my first taste of that bias when, as I mentioned on #22twts, on one of my first job interviews for a law job, I was asked whether I intended to get married and have kids. Yes, now that I’m older and wiser, I realize that the interviewer wasn’t allowed to ask that question but as a soon to be law school grad, I just wanted a job. And I answered the question. I said yes (PS – it happened twice and I was offered the job in spite of the question on one occasion).

At any rate, fair or not, having a child is often viewed as an intrusion upon your availability as a lawyer. It is one of the reasons that I’ve chosen to be my own boss (although I didn’t have children until after I started my own firm). I work long, long hours because you have to in this profession. I’m typically up around 5am and I go to sleep close to midnight. I do this deliberately because I try to schedule my work around my family and not the other way around. That isn’t to pass judgment on anyone who does it differently, it’s just how I’ve chosen to manage my career.

But your career is really what you make it. There can be roadblocks – and, yes, honestly, pregnancy is one of them in the legal profession. How you handle it is up to you. Sandra Day O’Connor has three children. Ruth Bader Ginsberg has two. Clearly, having kids doesn’t end your legal career.

I do think there are certain areas of the law that are easier for moms and tax would be one of them. It requires little in the way of court appearances (if you play your cards right) and generally speaking, your busy times are expected. Summer tends to be the quietest, which works out well when the kids are home or for purposes of planning a vacation. My busiest times are early spring and the end of the year. That kind of stinks because it coincides with the holidays but again, not unexpected so that I can plan.

A little longer answer than I originally planned. It’s a tricky question that really can’t be fully developed in a couple of paragraphs. So let me leave you with this: Could I have been a partner at a big firm if I wanted? Yes (I’ve been headhunted plenty). Could I make a lot more money doing things differently? Yes. Do I get a little envious when I see my single peers climbing up the career ladder? Yes. Would I give up my current life for any of that? Not for a second.

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Taxpayer asks:

I imagine that you’re pretty excited about the Phillies, huh?

taxgirl says:

You have no idea! Go Phils!

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As always, thanks for writing in!Similar Posts:

• Ask the taxgirl: Gifts to Children
• Ask the taxgirl: Credit Card Interest
• Ask the taxgirl: Kiddie Tax
• Ask the taxgirl: Divorced Parents and Tax Credits
• Ask the taxgirl: Job Search Expenses

The Internal Revenue Service invites proposals for original papers for the 2010 IRS Research Conference. Topics can include tax compliance, taxpayer burden, improving tax administration, and the nature and behavior of the taxpayer population.

You don’t have to be a tax pro to enter. Proposals are welcome from government and non-government researchers. One author from each winning paper will receive funding for travel and possibly, honoraria.

The proposal deadline is December 1, 2009. The deadline for the actual conference papers will be in May with time for revisions through August.

To make a submission, send:

• A title
• An abstract not to exceed two pages in length
• Names and affiliations for all authors
• An e-mail address and phone number for at least one contact author
• Proposals for complete sessions of three papers, a session organizer, and a discussant are also invited.

Please e-mail your submission with “proposed paper” in the subject line. For more info, see the IRS web site.

Janice M. Hedemann
Chair, 2010 IRS Research Conference

Similar Posts:

• Looking for Spending Money for the Holidays?
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It’s Getting To Know You Tuesday! Today’s feature tax pro is tax attorney and fellow coffee addict Craig Aird.

1. Where are you now?

In my office watching the float planes land on Lake Union.

2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?

Associate Attorney. It means I’ve got to get back to work!

3. What books are on your night stand?

I’m currently reading Mängelexemplar by Sarah Kuttner.

4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?

Directeur sportif of a pro cycling team.

5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?

We’re watching Foyle’s War on DVD.

6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?

Estate and gift tax and exempt organizations.

7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?

Plastics.

8. Coffee or tea?

Coffee and lots of it. There are three coffee shops in my building, but I like to walk by the three Starbucks (not kidding) in the building across the street to go to a tiny place with no seats for a truly great latte. The place is located in the ticket window of an old theater and is called Monorail Espresso. And yes I tweet about coffee.

9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
Juli, Silbermond, David Gray, Counting Crows, Shawn Mullins.

10. What would I be surprised to know about you?

You probably hadn’t appreciated the depths of my coffee obsession. See above.

11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?

University of Oregon (International Studies & German) with an exchange year at the Uni Konstanz (Germanistik).

12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?

I’d allow a full deduction for amounts paid for health insurance premiums. That and I’d simplify the GST.

13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?

I like In Treatment on HBO.

14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?

I don’t think either of them. Estate tax repeal is too expensive and who understands AMT?

15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?

I think I’d take some time off, ride my bike a bit and do some reading.

16. Biggest tax newsmaker: Daschle, Joe Francis or TARP?

Tax news seems to be quiet at the moment. I’m waiting on an estate tax fix.

17. And, other than taxgirl, what’s your favorite tax related web site?

I couldn’t get though my day without checkpoint.

____

Thanks Craig!

You can keep up with Craig on Twitter http://twitter.com/CraigAird or check out his firm’s web site.

____

If you’d like to recommend a tax pro to be featured send your suggestions to inquiry@taxgirl.com. Self-nominations are totally okay and, in fact, encouraged!
Similar Posts:

• Getting to Know You Tuesday: Mary Kay Foss
• Getting to Know You Tuesday: Sheryl Schuff
• Getting To Know You Tuesday: CPA Mom (Angela)
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The University of Southern California Gould School of Law has announced that it will now offer a graduate Tax Law program. Upon completion of 24 units, students will receive a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation degree. Students may begin applying for fall 2010 enrollment on a full-time or part-time basis in October 2009.

“We are very pleased to add this exciting new degree program to our repertoire,” said USC Law Dean Robert Rasmussen. “Through our program, students will gain a deep understanding of the policies that form the basis of tax laws. And in these tough economic times, lawyers will definitely benefit from specializing in this key area.”

The LL.M. in Taxation program includes a variety of courses ranging from Bankruptcy Taxation and Tax Policy to International Taxation and Income Tax Timing Issues.

USC Law is the only top 20 law school on the West Coast and one of only six of the top 20 law schools in the nation to offer an LL.M. in Taxation.Similar Posts:

• Ask the taxgirl: Bar fees and other legal career-related expenses
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This is too delicious not to pass on. Joe Kristan blogs the story of a 78 year old tax lawyer who claimed more than one hundred thousand dollars spent on prostitutes and magazines as medical expenses for sex therapy. That’s right. 78 years old. Unbelievable on sooo many counts.

Tax Update Blog: Would skipping Viagra have avoided these expenses?

(Via Joe Kristan at the Tax Update Blog)

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• Young Tax Lawyers to Be Wanted

More back to school!

The ABA Section of Taxation Young Lawyers Forum has released the 2009 Tax Challenge Problems, as well as lots of updated info for the 9th Annual Law Student Tax Challenge. An alternative to traditional moot court competitions (and boy, as someone who hated the entire moot court experience, I think this is great) the Annual Law Student Tax Challenge challenges teams of students to solve problems that might arise in the practice of tax law.

I’ve read the problems – they’re fun! You can win a free trip (including airfare and accommodations for two nights) to the Section’s 2010 Midyear Meeting, January 21-23 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, TX. On the plus side, it’s a free trip to somewhere warm in the middle of January. On the down side? You’ll have to defend your submissions before a panel of some of the country’s top tax lawyers. But that’s not much of a down side when you consider the tremendous exposure you’ll gain.

Check out the competition’s web site for more information. And be mindful of these upcoming deadlines:

Nov. 13, 2009: Written Submissions Due

Dec. 21, 2009: Semi-Finalists Notified

Jan. 22, 2008: Oral Rounds at Section of Taxation Midyear Meeting

Good luck!Similar Posts:

• ABA Tax Section Announces Fellowships
• ABA Tax Section Announces New Book
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Back to school doesn’t just mean kiddos…

A reader has written in that she’s sitting for the EA exam and is looking for some good resources.

For those of you who don’t know, an enrolled agent (EA) may represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, just as attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs) do. There are two ways to become an EA: 1, Written exam or 2, “Fast track” due to IRS experience.

The EA exam is called the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). It is composed of three parts:

Part 1 – Individuals

Part 2 – Businesses

Part 3 – Representation, Practice and Procedures

Each part of the exam consists of about 100 questions.

As you can imagine, like the bar exam, there are a bazillion different study guides, seminars, classes and the like to prep you for the exam. My reader wants to know which ones are most helpful. Since I’ve never studied for the EA exam, I don’t have the first idea… So, I’m asking for your input. For those of you who have taken the exam, what do you recommend?Similar Posts:

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It’s Getting To Know You Tuesday! Today’s featured tax pro is Mary Kay Foss, who I’ve been trying to include for eons but apparently, my server doesn’t like her email. Thankfully, we got past it and we’re onto the interview.

1. Where are you now?

At the office staring at my two large monitors

2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?

Director at Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen & Co. LLP; I love the title because no one knows exactly what it means but it’s a higher rank than a tax manager

3. What books are on your night stand?

Save the Cat (about screenwriting); The Angel (Carla Neggers); Say Goodbye (Lisa Gardner)

4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?

My dream job is to work in the post office and weigh and stamp things – when the line gets long, you just put up the next window sign. My nightmare job is bike messenger in San Francisco.

5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (refresher because Spamalot is in town)

6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?

Estates and trusts; tax compliance and planning in those areas.

7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?

Never buy a new house until you’ve sold the last one.

8. Coffee or tea?

Coffee definitely. Starbucks knows me well.

9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).

James Taylor, Big Sandy, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Brothers IV

10. What would I be surprised to know about you?

I love writing and reading fiction.

11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?

University of Minnesota – Accounting major

12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?

Everything to do with cars. I don’t want various depreciation rules based on cost and weight. I don’t want to explain whenever a client calls from the dealership whether they should buy or lease. I don’t want to inquire about total miles and business miles.

13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?

NCIS, Forensic Files, CSI (all three), Law & Order Criminal Intent, the Closer

14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?

Hard to believe they’ll do either – but they might understand the estate tax.

15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?

Make a SEP contribution for 2008 (editor’s note: this made sense months ago when Kay first completed the interview)

16. Biggest tax newsmaker: Obama nominees, UBS or TARP?

Obama nominees for sure.

17. And, other than taxgirl, what’s your favorite tax related web site?

Leimberg Info Service; irs.gov

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Thanks, Mary Kay!

And if you’re wondering about Mary Kay’s picture, it’s one of a number of caricatures on her firm’s site. You can check all of them out here.

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It’s always great to read about women in the tax field since we’re outnumbered (though you wouldn’t know it from reading my blog!). You can read more women and the profession (lawyers, not the “other” profession) at Leadership, Women, Lawyers.

If you’d like to recommend a tax pro to be featured, male or female, send your suggestions to inquiry@taxgirl.com. Self-nominations are totally okay and, in fact, encouraged!Similar Posts:

• Getting To Know You Tuesday: Craig Aird
• Getting To Know You Tuesday: CPA Mom (Angela)
• Getting to Know You Tuesday: Sheryl Schuff
• Getting to Know You Tuesday: Frank Santoro
• Getting to Know You Tuesday: Kelly Phillips

Taxpayer asks:

Hi taxgirl,

I love reading your blog. I think you’re funny and insightful. I’ve learned more from your site than from a whole semester of tax law.

I actually just graduated from law school and I am really interested in writing for your site. I checked out the “about” and “find me” tabs but I don’t see any information about how you can apply for an internship. So, what does a soon to be lawyer have to do to work for you?

Taxgirl says:

Gosh. *blushing* Thanks so much for the kind words.

Wait a sec and I’ll forward your email to my staff… Done. And um, got it. You see, I’m taxgirl.com, the whole taxgirl.com. Just me. There is no staff. Nobody else writes or researches anything on my site as taxgirl. No ghost writers. No editors (clearly). No interns. And I don’t expect that to change any time soon, though I am flattered that you asked.

I do accept guest posts from other writers. You don’t have to be a tax attorney to submit something. I’ve published freelancers, CPAs and law students on my site – each of whom is clearly identified as a guest author when their piece is published. If you have something in mind that you’d like to work on and send (maybe a resume builder, since I’m guessing that you’re waiting for the bar results?), please do pass it along.

And that goes for everyone. If you have a guest post in mind, drop me a note. I don’t expect a thesis or a white paper but I do look for a well written piece that shows thoughtfulness and point of view.

Best of luck in your legal career and again, thanks for the charitable comments. I appreciate it very much!

Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.

Have a question? Ask the taxgirl! – Now on Facebook!

Technorati Tags:
ask the taxgirl, internships, guest posts, blogging

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The folks at LexisNexis are looking for notable new tax attorneys who deserve recognition for a notable accomplishment. “New” is defined as practicing for ten years or less (*sob*, that means I’m out). “Notable” could mean a bunch of things. I think it’s how Justice Potter Stewart describes porn: you’ll know it when you see it.

If you know someone that you think fits the bill, send your nomination to peter.miller@lexisnexis.com. You can find more information about what LexisNexis is looking for here.Similar Posts:

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