Kelly Phillips Erb

Years ago, I found myself sitting in law school in Moot Court wearing an oversized itchy blue suit. It was a horrible experience. In a desperate attempt to avoid anything like that in the future, I enrolled in a tax course. I loved it. I signed up for another. Before I knew it, in addition to my JD, I earned an LL.M Taxation. While at law school, I interned at the estates attorney division of the IRS. At IRS, I participated in the review and audit of federal estate tax returns. At one such audit, opposing counsel read my report, looked at his file and said, "Gentlemen, she’s exactly right." I nearly fainted. It was a short jump from there to practicing, teaching, writing and breathing tax. Just like that, Taxgirl® was born.

IRS Introduces New Tax Withholding Estimator To Help Taxpayers Avoid Surprises In 2020

August 7, 2019

Kelly Phillips Erb

Remember all of the times that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded you to do a payroll checkup (like this one)? And remember that you didn’t? The IRS is hoping you’ll reconsider this year. The agency has launched a new Tax Withholding Estimator that they hope will make it easier for everyone to figure the right amount of tax withheld during the year...

Phishing Schemes Top List of IRS Dirty Dozen Tax Scams For 2019

March 28, 2019

Kelly Phillips Erb

With just a few weeks until Tax Day, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding taxpayers to be on the lookout for tax scams. The IRS has issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, highlighting a variety of schemes. The common thread, according to the IRS: Scams put taxpayers at risk.

Taxpayers can fall victim to these scams at any time, but...

On Presidents Day, A Look At How Much Influence Presidents Have On Your Taxes

February 18, 2019

Kelly Phillips Erb

“Read my lips: no new taxes.” Those few words, uttered by then-American presidential candidate George H. W. Bush at the 1988 Republican National Convention on August 18, became a hallmark of Bush’s presidency. When taxes did go up - a move made by Congress - voters were angry and blamed the President. But how much influence do most U.S. Presidents have over taxes?...

The IRS Tool You Need To Know About If You Are E-Filing Your Tax Return

February 18, 2019

Kelly Phillips Erb

Are you planning to file your tax return electronically? Be sure to have last year’s tax return (or tax info) handy if you’re filing for the first time or if your software requires validation of electronic signatures. But if you don’t...

Yes To Refunds, No To Audits: What To Expect From IRS During The Shutdown

January 17, 2019

Kelly Phillips Erb

As the shutdown rolls on, taxpayers have been left wondering: What does it mean for tax season? Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season would open on time (January 28, 2019) and...

ARTICLES