California Tax Attorney Blog

For probate, that is California decedent's estates, free forms are available by clicking on this link.

More free forms are available by clicking on this link.

Here is a list of some useful probate forms:

Probate Case Cover Sheet-Certificate of Grounds for Assignment to District

Bid in Open Court on Sale of Real Property

Conservatorship Care Plan

Ex Parte Order For Release Of The Remains Of A Decedent

Ex Parte Petition For Court Order To Release The Remains Of A Decedent

Financial Documents Cover Sheet

Application and Order Appointing Probate Referee

Notice of Deposit of Estate Planning Documents

Notification to Court of Address on Conservatorship/Guardianship (print on yellow paper)

Order Terminating Proceedings

Request for Refund of Graduated Filing Fees

Discuss your Will and probate with a probate lawyer or attorney. Call Mitchell A. Port at 310.559.5259.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Probate

Bookmark: TOP

California revised the fees and costs charged by the probate Courts for probate cases. The new schedule of probate fees can be read in full detail below. Or, you may see them by clicking on this link.

For probate help, call Mitchell A. Port at (310) 559-5259.

Continue reading "New California Probate Fees" »

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Probate

Bookmark: TOP

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) in California has written useful material to help explain the various types of business entities that can be formed in California. A business attorney with knowledge about the benefits and tax implications of these types of entities should be consulted before one is formed. But to give you some useful background information about choices that can be made when forming your business, please read the highlighted topics.

Sole Proprietorship

S corporation

C corporation

Partnership

Limited Liability Limited Partnership

Limited Liability Partnership

Series Limited Liability Company

Limited Liability Company

Consult with Mitchell A. Port, a business attorney in Los Angeles, for more assistance when selecting and forming an entity. Call (310) 559-5259.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Business Transactions

Bookmark: TOP

California's executors and administrators are usually obligated to provide an inventory of the estate to the court. The inventory is supposed to include all property to be administered in the decedent's estate.

California law says that an inventory must specify the following property:

Money owed to the decedent, including debts, bonds, and notes, with the name of each debtor, the date, the sum originally payable, and the endorsements, if any, with their dates. The inventory shall also specify security for the payment of money to the decedent, including mortgages and deeds of trust. If security for the payment of money is real property, the inventory shall include the recording reference or, if not recorded, a legal description of the real property.

The California executor in the middle of probate must also show in the inventory, to the extent ascertainable by the personal representative, the portions of the property that are community, quasi-community, and separate property of the decedent.

For probate help in this area, call Mitchell A. Port. Call (310) 559-5259.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Probate

Bookmark: TOP

It's crunch time for California’s taxpayers and their accountants alike in the rush to get state and federal income taxes postmarked in by tonight's 11:59:59 p.m. deadline.

Some of my CPA friends can't wait to teach their teenagers how to drive.

My other friends who are tax preparers are just looking forward to getting some sleep.

Another California tax season over – at last.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Tax Controversy

Bookmark: TOP

Here is a link to the "Top Frequently Asked Questions for IRS Procedures".

Try this link to the "Frequently Asked Question Subcategories for IRS Procedures".

For tax assistance with the IRS or California's tax authorities such as the Franchise Tax Board or California State Board of Equalization, call a qualified tax attorney. Call Mitchell A. Port at (310) 559-5259.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Tax Controversy

Bookmark: TOP

Curious about what tax law changes occurred in California that impacts your income tax return (Form 540)? The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) publised a summary of those changes which you can view here.

Some of the tax changes cover these topics:

Electronic payments

Mortgage forgiveness debt relief

Net operating loss

Tax shelters

Business tax credit limitation

Estimated tax payments

Same-Sex married couples

Voluntary contributions

Third party designee

Conformity

Rice Straw Credit

Withholding on California Real Estate

Consult your tax preparer to determine whether any of these changes may apply and benefit you.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Tax Controversy

Bookmark: TOP

The IRS makes available the Tax Code, Regulations and Official Guidance at its website. Proper tax planning is available by proper use of the Code, Treasury Regulations and other government resources. Here is your source for last minute planning opportunities which can treat last year's income, expenses and deductions in a way advatageous to you.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Tax Controversy

Bookmark: TOP

California's tax season means proper tax planning. A most important tool is the tax code. Access to the entire tax code for California is available by clicking here.

Here's a list of the tax code's table of contents.

CALIFORNIA REVENUE AND TAXATION CODE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................................... 1-38
DIVISION 1. PROPERTY TAXATION
PART 0.5. IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE XIIIA OF THE CALIFORNIA
CONSTITUTION

Continue reading "California Revenue and Taxation Code" »

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Tax Controversy , Business Transactions

Bookmark: TOP

The IRS website is a fantastic resource during this tax season for providing information and answers to commonly asked questions. Here is a few of the topics covered:

2009 Tax Year Highlights

Recovery Rebate Credit

First-Time Homeowners Credit

Earned Income Tax Credit

Facing Difficult times financially?

Use Online Tools

Find out if you qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit

Calculate your optional itemized deduction for state and local sales taxes

See if you might be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax

Find out the status of your refund and more

Products and Services in Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Are you or your spouse a member of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Tax relief in disaster situations

Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer

Commonly Requested Tax Forms and Instructions

Taxpayer Advocate Service

Need more assistance? The IRS wants to help; lots of information is available for individuals and businesses.

Posted by Mitchell A. Port | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Tax Controversy

Bookmark: TOP