Featured Strategies Archives

Is My Employee Retention Tax Credit Legitimate? Ask These Questions.

April 23, 2026March 13, 2024 by Brotman Law

Determining if your Employee Retention Tax Credit is legitimate and was filed correctly is a matter of asking these questions.

Tax Evasion Penalties Guide & Tax Fraud Jail Time Sentences

April 23, 2026March 13, 2024 by Brotman Law

Towfiqu Barbhuiya JhevWHCbVyw Unsplash Scaled

Can you serve tax fraud jail time? Learn about tax evasion penalties, possibility of a prison sentence for crimes, fines & other tax return laws & punishment

Taxes on a trust fund in California: brackets, distributions & more!

April 23, 2026February 7, 2023 by Brotman Law

Key Takeaways

Do trusts pay tax and how are trusts taxed for income tax purposes in California?
Applicable taxes on trust funds & the different trust funds
Trust tax rates for 2023
Are distributions from a trust taxable to the recipient in California?
Allocation of taxes on a trust fund in California

In the midst of tax filing season, it’s common to start worrying and thinking about taxes on a trust fund.

Use Tax vs Sales Tax in California: Differences Compared

April 23, 2026January 18, 2023 by Brotman Law

It’s really important you’re aware of the use tax vs sales tax differences: how they’re applied, when they’re applied, and in what instances they might apply to you.

Key Takeaways

It’s really important you’re aware of the use tax vs sales tax differences: how they’re applied, when they’re applied, and in what instances they might apply to you.
The difference between sales and use tax comes to the fore in the case of tax audits, and is an area you should take time to be clear on.
In California, taxpayers often claim deductions for resale of their property, which is a frequent target for the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

As with anything tax-related, it’s not always straightforward.

So, join us as we answer questions such as “what is the difference between sales tax and use tax” and “is use tax the same as sales tax”.

Installment Agreements and the IRS: Settling Your Debt

April 23, 2026April 29, 2022 by Brotman Law

Key Takeaways

Aside from the possible late filing fee, there are penalty fees for late payment. They are charged at ½ of 1% of your unpaid tax balance.
Under the Fresh Start Initiative, if you owe less than $50,000 total in back taxes, penalties, and fees you should qualify for a 72-month Installment agreement without needing to undergo an in-depth financial disclosure.
If you owe more than $50,000 total in back taxes, penalties, and fees, or if you will need more than 72 months to clear your balance, you will need to submit a detailed financial statement with your application.

In an ideal world, everyone would be able to pay their taxes in full and on time, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. If difficult circumstances mean that you are coming up short during a tax season, it is probably the source of a lot of stress and anxiety.

The instinct to avoid the issue may be strong, but it can cause your problems to multiply exponentially. Interest, penalties, and other severe consequences can begin to build up. The most important thing for anyone struggling with their taxes to know is:

the IRS can usually work with you, but only if you work with them, and
calling a tax attorney is often a better idea than seeking out the advice of your CPA.