It’s always nice when someone reads my blog and is reminded of a tax professional that they like and respect. And that’s the case for this week. Phil, over at Slacker Manager, recommended Robert as a good interview for me… and he was right! An added bonus? I have a new podcast feed to look forward to.
Now, onto the interview…
1. Where are you now?
This question could certainly be considered rather broad, so I’ll answer in a broad way.
a. (physically) in my office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
b. (career wise) working for the law firm Weiss Berzowski Brady LLP
c. (emotionally) in a happy place.
2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?
Officially, I am a tax/corporate attorney. While the “tax” might suggest that I may be devoid of personality, I hope that it doesn’t actually mean this. Rather, tax/corporate attorney means that I work with clients to resolve tax problems, help them plan to reduce taxes due in connection with future transactions and assist them with corporate organizational and transactional issues.
3. What books are on your nightstand?
A History of Ireland – a good book. Not necessarily a quick read but really quite interesting.
and Bringing Down the House – the story of several MIT grads that took on Las Vegas and won. Great story and a quick read.
4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
I have always wanted to be the movie preview voice guy. What a great job that would be. Either that or books on tape, perhaps.
5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?
Last movie on DVD was Room 1408. It is a John Cusack film in which he checks into a haunted hotel room (yes, you guessed it, room 1408). While watching the film I began to think that it was going to severely disappoint me. In the end, however, it really redeemed itself.
6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?
I am particularly interested in handling tax disputes and controversies (audits, appeals, tax court, collection issues). This is the area in which I spend a substantial amount of my time.
7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
Don’t try to claim a dependency exemption for your dog.
8. Coffee or tea?
Coffee
9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
1) Dean Martin, 2) Kiss, 3) Oasis 4) Metallica and 5) Mazzy Star (I suppose I’m not supposed to say Weiss Berzowski Brady legal podcasts, am I?)
10. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I once took first place in a “Looking Good in Lederhosen” contest.
11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
I received a degree in accounting at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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?
While this is not so much a revision to the code itself, I would revised the Offer in Compromise program. The Offer in Compromise is intended to allow taxpayers that owe tax, but are facing certain circumstances (an inability to pay, a question as to liability, or other special circumstances), to make a deal with the IRS for the payment of a reduced amount. Often, people that truly need a compromise are unable to reach a resolution based on the processes in place. Relatively recent changes (filing fees, down payments, installment payment requirements) have made a compromise even further out of reach for those unable to pay. Moreover, the problems with the Offer in Compromise program are particularly evident when it comes to the “other special circumstances” compromises. I would revise the tax code/related rules to provide clearer guidance for when these special circumstances offers would be accepted.
13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
Generally, it would be something found on BBC America. Its often the first channel I turn to. Frankly, British comedies are a laugh. Otherwise, the Discovery Channel. I’m addicted to shows about the solar system/universe/formation of the Earth. I’m also still waiting for a satisfactory answer as to why Pluto is no longer a planet. And of course, well, it is football season.
14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?
AMT. It has a much greater “hurting the middle class” image than the estate tax which is perceived as only affecting the rich. As we know, perception is reality in politics and therefore, the AMT has to go first.
15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
Probably return it because it would likely be a mistake.
16. Biggest tax newsmaker: KPMG, Jenkens Gilchrist or Richard Hatch?
Richard Hatch. It’s the kind of story that has us reading tabloids while we check out at the grocery store. But I would put Wesley Snipes up there too if that were an option.
17. And, other than taxgirl, what’s your favorite tax-related web site?
Am I allowed to say the IRS website? It is really rather user friendly and is loaded with information.
My firm has developed an online legal podcast program. The Podcast Library is divided in several different areas of law and is full of information that can really be useful for people that are looking for information on particular legal issues. The library can be found at www.wbb-law.com/podcast. I have recorded a substantial number of the tax topics. Why? Largely because I enjoy doing it. Maybe it’s the movie preview guy inside of me trying to get out.
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Thanks, Robert!
Hi
I love this series of yours. Not only you, but your blog visitors also get to know of an interesting person. Robert, the tax tag, makes a person interesting, not boring. At least for those who prowl here.
Cheers
Lubna