Law Offices of R Daniel Gartrell ESQ LLC

It is not too late to do some year end tax planning. If you have off from work through December 31st, you might want to clean out the basement, closets, attic and make a charitable donation of some of those old clothes, toys, furniture and "household goods." Of course you need to be a taxpayer who itemizes their deductions to take the tax deduction, and please make sure you get a receipt! I also recommend taking pictures of what you are donating. Claimed property contribution...s over $5,000 generally require an appraisal from a qualified appraiser. Through December 31, 2014 you can also still "donate" your required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA - which is part of the tax extender legislation the President has now signed into law (see my post from 12/17). If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, most of our tax laws have exceptions, requirements, and record keeping "hurdles," and if you don't regularly keep up with tax developments, it is easy to make mistakes. See more

The legislation will now go to the President with the expectation he will sign it. Stay tuned.

Would you make a good witness? Like many things some people are just naturals on the witness stand while others, even after preparation, will never be very good. Some people simply do not react well under pressure, and contrary to what you might think, I have also found people in "sales" often do not make great witnesses. Talking to much, not answering questions directly, and testifying like you are in an infomercial generally is not helpful, and often makes you come off as a... phony. I generally assess people as a witness in our first meeting, and it is a part of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of any case. In some cases you may be able to avoid taking the stand, in others, such as in a contested custody trial, you will testify, and your testimony will often make or break your case. In all cases to be a good witness you need to tell the truth. (slang: "straight talk.") See more

Top 5 ways to save money when using a lawyer: 1.) Answer all of your lawyer's questions completely and honestly - in your first meeting! 2.) Discuss your goals, best and worst case scenarios, and range of costs / fees - in your first meeting! 3.) Answer your lawyer's emails and return telephone calls promptly. 4.) Try to ask questions and / or provide information all at once. ... 5.) Don't insert a family member, significant other, or friend in between yourself and your lawyer. Your case will always require your direct participation, and although friends and family can support you, they cannot replace you. See more

I do tax work year around, and assist clients in the preparation of a number of tax returns: personal / business / estate / sales & use / payroll / inheritance. I am also admitted to the United States Tax Court, and often represent clients before the IRS and State tax agencies. I assist clients with answering tax notices, establishing installment agreements and/or evaluating the possibility of an Offer in Compromise (Pennies on the dollar?). As a Maryland CPA I am required to take 80 hours of continuing education every two years, and between client work and the various news letters and list serves I belong to, I am actually doing something with taxes not only year around, but everyday. So whether you have a tax question, need help preparing your tax return, or find yourself in "tax trouble," please call me - I can help.

Underage drinking, shoplifting, and criminal cases involving the possession of a controlled dangerous substance can be career wreckers. In cases such as these there may be only a small fine and you may be tempted to simply pay the fine and move on. Don't do it! I have helped many clients avoid having a criminal record through probation and I have had charges dismissed after the completion of what is often called a "diversion program." With the news headlines of today it is a good time to talk to your children about how to interact with the police (or perhaps even think about how you would react). Always keep in mind you have the right to remain silent (5th Amendment), and it is almost always in your best interest to use it.

Divorce is often unpleasant and custody litigation can be down right heart breaking. I have helped many clients move on with their lives, and even successfully relocate (move out of state) with their children. As I practice basically on the Mason-Dixon Line I see many cross-border cases between Pennsylvania and Maryland, which can present unique venue issues. Given the nature of the beast we work on divorce and custody matters at hourly billing rates, but are happy to discuss a budget and explain every step of the process. I know the heartache and financial pain a divorce can cause, and while I can't cure the heartache I can help you figure out the best way to move on financially. If I can help you or someone you know please contact me.

Penalties next year for not having health insurance will be $325 per person or 2% of annual household income - whichever is higher.

IRS Will Allow People to Keep Extra Money From Obamacare Tax Error : People who received incorrect tax information from Obamacare will be allowed to keep the extra money in their refunds and will not have to refile their taxes, the Department of the Treasury said. The Obama administration announced that 800,000 people signed up for Obamacare had received incorrect tax information. Most of those people will be receiving a corrected form in the mail early next month, and are being asked to delay filing their taxes until then.

Second marriages (or even relationships) will often upset your children (adult or otherwise) and if they (or their spouses) are planning on a large inheritance from you it can be a recipe for a lot of heartache. Will contest provisions will sometimes keep a "bad" heir in line, and if someone is going to call your competency into question you can videotape your will and hopefully prove your competency.

Preparing your tax return does not have to cost an arm and a leg. For a 1040 with a Schedule A (plus one State return) we are often cheaper than your "franchise" tax return mill. Due to volume (and our review process) we generally do not do returns "while you wait," but we do have a quick turnaround. If you are interested in saving money, and don't want to prepare your own tax return this year - give me a call, or send me an email: [email protected].

W-2s and 1099s and K-1s, oh my! Tax filing season begins January 20th, and those "important tax documents," should start showing up in mailboxes very soon. I recommend you create a "tax folder," and keep it somewhere near where you usually "dump" your mail (for easy sorting). If you use someone to prepare your taxes, it is also helpful to organize your documents from income to expenses. So, for example, W-2s, 1099s (dividends and interest), K-1s, medical expenses, 1098 mortgage interest statement / real estate taxes, charitable contributions, and last but not least "other miscellaneous itemized deductions." Organizing your documents should save your preparer time, and might prove a useful check that you have everything together.