engagement doc signed & advance 8kpaid in Apr. He didn’t send monthly invoices as per engagement doc. Didn’t tell us when the cost of services exceeded 8k. He sent invoice of 23k in Aug. Engagement doc excerepts - The firm’s charges are hourly.Invoices will be sent on monthly basis for... View More 
answered on Sep 4, 2023
You can dispute whether the attorney actually performed the services described in the invoice and whether they are reasonable and necessary with the Fee Arbitration Board.
Nothing you quoted requires the attorney to receive prior approval by you to exceed the initial retainer of $8k.... View More
My wife and I are planning on creating a single member LLC in Massachusetts where she would be the sole member and would be managing day-to-day operations for the business. I would be helping manage the business operations, such as finance, bookkeeping, and administrative items such as managing a... View More
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answered on Jun 8, 2023
No, you don't both need to listed as co-managers. Whether you are a co-manager or manger has little to no bearing on whether you are considered an employee. Employee status analysis is best done under IRS rules. You also don't need to be paid but being paid would bear on employee... View More
My local tax collectors office filed a tax taking back in 2008 for outstanding real estate taxes due on an investment property? The delinquent taxes were paid by my mortgage servicer from my escrow account.
A recent title search shows the 2008 tax taking lien recorded, but a redemption or... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2023
If the tax title amount has been paid, the town is required to issue a redemption. The town is permitted, but not required , to request the recording fee for recording the certificate as a condition of providing the certificate, and then must record the certificate. I believe the recording fee for... View More
to address a surplus. I also received a tax form for the refund to enter on this year's state return. The amount I paid does not equal the refund. How do I enter these values on my state return?
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answered on Mar 4, 2023
When reporting your state income taxes on your tax return, you should enter the amount of state income tax that you actually paid during the tax year, which would be the amount that you paid before receiving the refund check in November. You should not include the refund amount as part of the state... View More
the 7 years since my mother passed? Or am I only responsible from the date the property is legally transferred to me? The house is in Puerto Rico! Thank you!
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answered on Mar 4, 2023
The tax implications of inheriting property in Puerto Rico can be complex and may depend on several factors, including the value of the property, the length of time it has been held, and any applicable tax exemptions or exclusions. Here are some general guidelines that may be helpful:... View More
I would like to buy the home but I fear upon purchase, the house would go into a 6 month occupancy (required by the town). I would prefer to keep the house year round. Is there a workaround? Has new legislation opened things up?
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answered on Mar 4, 2023
The reasons for a town to restrict the occupancy of a home from year-round to 6 months may vary depending on the specific regulations and zoning laws in that area. However, it is often done to preserve the character of the community, maintain the quality of life for residents, and prevent... View More
Spent $5k on septic repair when wastewater flooded the yard from the leach field. I wasn't given a certificate. Is one always needed to claim the credit? This wasn't a simple drain clog and the entire leech field was dug up, cleaned up, and soil replaced. I have a detailed invoice and... View More
answered on Feb 23, 2023
I don't think you need a new Title V cert. unless you are selling the house. The system has to have 'failed' in order for you to claim the credit. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/view-residential-property-tax-credits. I would contact the DEP or ask your accountant when you file... View More
Spent $5k on septic repair when wastewater flooded the yard from the leach field. I wasn't given a certificate. Is one always needed to claim the credit? This wasn't a simple drain clog and the entire leech field was dug up, cleaned up, and soil replaced. I have a detailed invoice and... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2023
In general, a certificate is not always required for septic repairs in order to claim a tax credit or deduction. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the state or municipality where the property is located.
In Massachusetts, for example, a Title 5 inspection and... View More
Father and son jointly acquired a home with funds provided by the father. They memorialized an investment agreement/promissory note whereby the son was permitted to live in the house while repaying his half of the initial cost. Additionally, the son was responsible for all utilities, insurance and... View More
answered on Mar 6, 2023
The issue of whether a third party's improvements to real property reduce its value for estate tax valuation purposes is not straightforward. This question should be directed to a tax professional or your estate attorney.
files its taxes as a non profit. Recently we learned the town asseses the amenity as comercially zoned eventhough its a comunity garden. is this correct?
answered on Feb 8, 2023
Your organization needs to have counsel review this issue which does not appear to be a general question suitable for a forum.
My ex and i were married, in massachusetts, for five years. 2022 we decided to file our taxes "married filing separate." With the divorce final on 3/28/2023, would i still have to give my ex half my tax return? Does the divorce mean i should consult a tax specialist to file my taxes for me?
answered on Jan 23, 2023
The method of filing and the disposition of refunds or monies owed to tax authorities is usually dealt with in the body of the Separation Agreement. You should review the document preferably with the attorney who represented you on this issue.
I bought a home that's 1/2 in 1 town and 1/2 in another - the dwelling is > 80% in Town A. Original mortgagee escrowed & paid property tax only to Town A. The mortgage has been transferred twice & modified once, & still the error wasn't discovered. Now, over 10 years in, I... View More
answered on Aug 19, 2022
I think Town B probably has a right to foreclose on its lien but my guess is it has not done so because of the issues you raised. Whether Town B does or does not foreclose, I do not see any alternative but your #1. I do not see the value of ignoring Town B. You already have no equity in the... View More
The total real state taxes with fees and penalties is around 30000, can a payment plan be in placed so I don’t loose my home and also be on time with my current tax bill
answered on Jan 7, 2022
Contact the tax collector, explain your situation, and see if you can arrive at a payment plan.
I was having a rough couple years domestic violence, health ,unfortunately , I owe real state taxes for the city of Methuen they want to foreclose on my property can I make a payment plan is there anything I can do , my situation has change and I’m able to pay the taxes moving forward and setting... View More
answered on Jan 7, 2022
Contact the tax collector, explain theyour situation, and see if you can arrive at a payment plan.
I was wondering if the properties in Mass have to be reregistered at some point or is there anything about the trust setup thats common I have never done this before. Any help is greatly appreciated.
answered on May 18, 2021
If the plan is for the irrevocable trust to own the properties, and the properties are real property, you need to convey the properties by deed from whoever owns them to the trust.
My sister-in law owes taxes from 2019. She is currently on MassHealth (since 2020) and in a nursing home where all her income goes too. She is also dying of stage 4 cancer and is only expected to last another month or two. She has no income to pay the taxes. She has no assets, husband, or children.... View More
answered on Feb 24, 2021
If your sister does not have any assets then there is nothing for the IRS to get. She should be eligible to be marked currently not collectible. Contact your local taxpayer advocate and ask for help. Here is the link to find your local taxpayer advocate... View More
The money is from half the equity from the sale of our house. My spouse was required to sell within 5 years. I let her live there until she retired, but it has been 15 years since the divorce. I also signed the deed over to her a few years ago. She died last year, and our children now own the... View More
answered on Feb 17, 2021
This is really a taxation question. Waiting and not filing a Modification Agreement to change the sale date may be problematic for enforcement purposes as well. The creditor claim period is one year from the date of death also.
She is paying high alimony & child support now due to high income from W2 + K1( from business income reported on her tax return). Is it legal for her to change her S corp to C-corp so her future income from C corp will be far lower that is based on W2 only? Her company is growing and needs to... View More
answered on Feb 9, 2021
It depends upon the terms of the Separation Agreement/Divorce Judgment and the Judge's perspective on the level of income available for alimony and child support.
answered on Feb 2, 2021
Congratulations! There really isn't an easy way to answer this question. A lot depends on what kind of business you are starting and what form of business is right for you. You would need to make sure the name is available. As to the form of business, an LLC might be perfect for one person... View More
My spouse refuses to tell me anything and has also told her lawyer to tell her siblings tell me nothing about what is going on. My question what rights do I have to be included in the outcome of the estate distribution among my wife and her siblings ?
answered on Dec 29, 2020
Your question: "My question what rights do I have to be included in the outcome of the estate distribution among my wife and her siblings ?"
Based only on what you write, none.
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