Chris Whalen CPA https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/ Tax Preparation, Accounting & Business Advisory Services Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:53:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.chriswhalencpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cropped-CW-CPA-LOGOWeb.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Chris Whalen CPA https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/ 32 32 Chris Whalen, CPA analyzes how political, social, business and income tax related issues are impacting families and businesses at the street level. These podcasts seek to offer an unbiased interpretation of how global and national topics impact families and businesses. If you want to reach him, please visit his website, www.chriswhalencpa.com, there you’ll find many ways to get in touch with him.<br /> Chris Whalen, CPA clean Chris Whalen, CPA chriswhalencpa@gmail.com chriswhalencpa@gmail.com (Chris Whalen, CPA) Tax Preparation, Accounting & Business Advisory Services Chris Whalen CPA http://www.chriswhalencpa.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/Reduced_Header_Street_Level_Business_Podcast.jpg https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/blog/ 158025766 Tax Memo – Form 1099K | Myths & Facts https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/1099k-myths-facts-2024-04 Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:16:16 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6358 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. WASHINGTON — To help taxpayers with filing, I wanted to debunk some common myths to help taxpayers understand what to do with Form [...]

The post Tax Memo – Form 1099K | Myths & Facts appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

WASHINGTON — To help taxpayers with filing, I wanted to debunk some common myths to help taxpayers understand what to do with Form 1099-K.

If a taxpayer sold goods or services in 2023 and received payments through certain payment apps or online marketplaces or accepted payment cards, they could have received a third party reporting document Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions.

Following feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals and payment processors, and to reduce taxpayer confusion, the IRS announced Notice 2023-74, which delayed the new federal law $600 reporting threshold for tax year 2023 on Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions. The previous reporting thresholds remained in place for 2023, which are more than $20,000 in payments and over 200 transactions. Taxpayers could have still received forms below the threshold.

It’s important to know that regardless of if a taxpayer received a Form 1099-K or not, they must report their income. This includes payments they receive in cash, property, goods, digital assets or foreign sources or assets.

The Form 1099-K should not report personal payments like gifts and reimbursements.

What to do when filing taxes

It’s important to understand why an individual received a Form 1099-K. Taxpayers can then use it with their other tax records when it’s time to file their return. The form provides the gross amount of payment card/third party network transactions and may include a combination of different kinds of total payments received.

It’s important to note, just because a payment is reported on a Form 1099-K does not mean it’s taxable.

Taxpayers should review the form or forms, determine if the amount is correct, and determine any deductible expenses associated with the payment they may be able to claim when they file their taxes.

Selling personal items at a loss

If an individual sold items at a loss, which means they paid more for the items than for what they sold them, there is not a tax liability. They’ll be able to zero out the payment on their tax return by reporting both the payment and an offsetting adjustment on a Schedule 1 (Form 1040)PDF. This will ensure if they received these forms, they don’t have to pay taxes they don’t owe.

Selling personal items at a gain

If an individual sold items at a gain, which means they paid less than for what they sold it, they will have to report that gain as income, and it’s taxable.

See IRS.gov What to do with Form 1099-K for specific instruction on how to report personal item sales.

What to do with a Form 1099-K received in error

People may get a Form 1099-K when they shouldn’t have if it:

  • Reports personal payments from family or friends like gifts or reimbursements.
  • Doesn’t belong to them.
  • Duplicates a Form 1099-K or other information reporting form they already received.

If this happens:

  • Contact the issuer immediately – see “Filer” on the top left corner of Form 1099-K to find out the name and contact information of the issuer.
  • Ask for a corrected Form 1099-K that shows a zero amount.
  • Keep a copy of the original form and all correspondence with the issuer for your records.
  • Don’t wait to file taxes. File even if a corrected Form 1099-K is unavailable.

What to do with an incorrect Form 1099-K

If the payee Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or gross payment amount is incorrect taxpayers should request a corrected form from the issuer.

  • See “Filer” on the top left corner of Form 1099-K to find the name and contact information of the issuer. If a taxpayer doesn’t recognize the issuer, they should contact the Payment Settlement Entity (PSE) identified on the bottom left corner of the form above their account number.
  • Keep a copy of the corrected Form 1099-K with other tax records, along with any correspondence from the issuer or PSE.
  • Don’t contact the IRS. The IRS can’t correct a Form 1099-K from an issuer.

Don’t wait to file taxes. To file a tax return, take these steps:

  • If the Payee Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is incorrect report payments from the Form 1099-K and any sources of income on the appropriate tax return you normally file.
  • If the gross payment amount is incorrect report the amount from your incorrect Form 1099-K on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Additional Income and Adjustments to IncomePDF.

The IRS announced in Nov. 2023, that the reporting threshold for Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions, would not change for 2023. The reporting threshold requirements remain over $20,000 in payments and over 200 transactions.

I continue to see misinformation circulating about why taxpayers may or may not have received a Form 1099-K. Here are some common scenarios involving these forms. More information is also available at IRS.gov for what to do with Form 1099-K and frequently asked questions.

1099-K facts vs myths

Myth: People will get a Form 1099-K from friends and family sending them personal payments.

Fact: Payments from friends and family should generally not be reported on a Form 1099-K. Form 1099-K reports payments for goods or services and should not report personal payments like rent, dinner, travel and other gifts or reimbursements gifts, no matter the amount. Generally, in payment apps, the default is personal payments unless the sender designates that they’re purchasing goods or services, or it is designated a business account.

Myth: If taxpayers didn’t receive a Form 1099-K, they don’t have to report income.

Fact: According to federal law, all income is taxable unless it is specifically excluded by tax law. Taxpayers should report any profits from selling goods or services, regardless of if they receive a Form 1099-K.

Myth: Individuals won’t get a Form 1099-K if they sold goods or services under the $20,000 and 200 transactions payment threshold set for 2023 and previous tax years.

Fact: The 2023 federal reporting threshold of over $20,000 and 200 transactions is a reporting requirement, but companies may still send a Form 1099-K for goods or services payments that are less than that amount. Payment apps and marketplaces that have held backup withholding for a payee during calendar year 2023 must file a Form 945 and a Form 1099-K. Also, their state may have a lower reporting threshold, which could result in receiving a Form 1099-K, even if the total gross payments they received in the year did not exceed the federal reporting threshold.

Myth: Taxpayers owe taxes on the gross amount reported on the Form 1099-K.

Fact: The form provides the gross, or total amount of payments individuals got per app or marketplace. Just because a payment is reported on a Form 1099-K does not mean it is taxable. Taxpayers will need to use the form and other records to determine their actual tax liability when they file their tax return.

More information is available to help determine an individual’s tax obligations at IRS.gov What to do with Form 1099-K.

Myth: People can only get a 1099-K if they’re running a business.

Fact: People may receive a Form 1099-K from payment apps or online marketplaces they used to sell goods or services, or accepted payments from a bank card. See Form 1099-K FAQs on Fact Sheet 2024-03PDF for more information.

Myth: People don’t need to do anything with their Form 1099-K.

Fact: Individuals should use the information on the Form 1099-K with their other tax records to determine their correct tax owed. See Understanding your Form 1099-K and visit the Form 1099-K frequently asked questions for more information.

Someone who receives a Form 1099-K when they shouldn’t have should take these steps.

Myth: There’s nothing available to help individuals understand their Form 1099-K.

Fact: My team is always here to help answer any questions you may have.

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#taxes #irsaudit #irs #taxhelp  #irsproblems #irshelp #tax #accountant #finance #taxdebt #incometax #taxpreparation #taxrefund #smallbusiness #irstaxtip #taxprofessional #audit #businesstaxes #taxlien #taxlevy #taxeseason #irsrepresentation #taxprep  #llc #smallbuisness #entrepreneur #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed #financialfreedom

The post Tax Memo – Form 1099K | Myths & Facts appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6358
Tax Memo – Time Running Out To Claim $1 Billion In Refunds For Tax Year 2020, Taxpayers Face May 17 Deadline https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/2020-refunds-expiring-2024-03 Sat, 30 Mar 2024 10:41:35 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6349 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that almost 940,000 people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2020 but [...]

The post Tax Memo – Time Running Out To Claim $1 Billion In Refunds For Tax Year 2020, Taxpayers Face May 17 Deadline appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that almost 940,000 people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2020 but face a May 17 deadline to submit their tax returns.

The IRS estimates more than $1 billion in refunds remain unclaimed because people haven’t filed their 2020 tax returns yet. The average median refund is $932 for 2020, and the state-by-state table below shows how many people are potentially eligible for these refunds in each state along with the median average refund by state.

“There’s money remaining on the table for hundreds of thousands of people who haven’t filed 2020 tax returns,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, but time is running out for people who may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds. There’s a May 17 deadline to file these returns so taxpayers should start soon to make sure they don’t miss out.”

Under the law, taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim their tax refunds. If they don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.

But for 2020 tax returns, people have a little more time than usual to file to claim their refunds. Typically, the normal filing deadline to claim old refunds falls around the April tax deadline, which is April 15 this year for 2023 tax returns. But the three-year window for 2020 unfiled returns was postponed to May 17, 2024, due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The IRS issued Notice 2023-21 on Feb. 27, 2023, providing legal guidance on claims required by the postponed deadline.

The IRS estimates the midpoint for the individual refund amounts for 2020 to be $932 — that is, half of the refunds are more than $932 and half are less. This estimate does not include the Recovery Rebate Credit or other credits that may be applicable; the IRS has previously reminded those who may be entitled to the COVID-era Recovery Rebate Credit in 2020 that time is running out to file a tax return and claim their money.

“People faced extremely unusual situations during the pandemic, which may have led some people to forget about a potential refund on their 2020 tax returns,” Werfel said. “People may have just overlooked these, including students, part-time workers and others. Some people may not realize they may be owed a refund. We encourage people to review their files and start gathering records now, so they don’t run the risk of missing the May deadline.”

By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2020. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2020, the EITC was worth as much as $6,660 for taxpayers with qualifying children. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds. The thresholds for 2020 were:

  • $50,594 ($56,844 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children;
  • $47,440 ($53,330 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children;
  • $41,756 ($47,646 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and;
  • $15,820 ($21,710 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2020 tax refund that their funds may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2021 and 2022. In addition, any refund amount for 2020 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loans.

Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2020 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available on the IRS.gov Forms & Instructions page or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

High-income non-filers: IRS compliance letters coming

The IRS also announced Feb. 29 a new effort focused on high-income taxpayers who have failed to file federal income tax returns in more than 125,000 instances since 2017 with taxes being owed in many of those cases.

The new initiative, made possible by Inflation Reduction Act funding, began with IRS compliance letters going out in February on more than 125,000 cases where tax returns haven’t been filed since 2017. The mailings include more than 25,000 to those with more than $1 million in income, and over 100,000 to people with incomes between $400,000 and $1 million between tax years 2017 and 2021.

Need to file a 2020 tax return? Several options to get key documents

Although it’s been a few years since 2020, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are ways they can still gather the information they need to file this tax return. But people should start early to make sure they have enough time to file before the May deadline for 2020 refunds. Here are some options:

  • Request copies of key documents: Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years, 2020, 2021 or 2022 can request copies from their employer, bank or other payers.
  • Use Get Transcript Online at IRS.gov. Taxpayers who are unable to get those missing forms from their employer or other payers can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the Get Transcript Online tool. For many taxpayers, this is by far the quickest and easiest option.
  • Request a transcript. Another option is for people to file Form 4506-T with the IRS to request a “wage and income transcript.” A wage and income transcript shows data from information returns received by the IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, Form 5498 and IRA contribution information. Taxpayers can use the information from the transcript to file their tax return. But plan ahead – these written requests can take several weeks; people are strongly urged to try the other options first.

State-by-state estimates of individuals who may be due 2020 income tax refunds

Based on tax information currently available, the IRS estimated how many people in each state may be entitled to a tax refund. The actual refund amount will vary based on a household’s tax situation.

State ordistrict Estimatednumber of individuals Medianpotential refund Totalpotential refunds *
Alabama 15,200 $926 $16,839,800
Alaska 3,700 $931 $4,335,300
Arizona 25,400 $871 $26,939,600
Arkansas 8,700 $923 $9,392,600
California 88,200 $835 $94,226,300
Colorado 18,500 $894 $20,109,900
Connecticut 9,800 $978 $11,343,600
Delaware 3,600 $945 $4,156,500
District of Columbia 2,900 $968 $3,503,800
Florida 53,200 $891 $58,210,500
Georgia 36,400 $900 $39,175,600
Hawaii 5,200 $979 $5,972,600
Idaho 4,500 $761 $4,369,600
Illinois 36,200 $956 $40,608,000
Indiana 19,200 $922 $20,893,000
Iowa 9,600 $953 $10,601,700
Kansas 8,700 $900 $9,285,600
Kentucky 10,600 $920 $11,236,300
Louisiana 15,100 $957 $17,357,300
Maine 3,800 $923 $4,030,200
Maryland 22,200 $991 $26,365,400
Massachusetts 21,800 $975 $25,071,800
Michigan 34,900 $976 $38,274,800
Minnesota 13,500 $818 $14,043,900
Mississippi 8,100 $861 $8,685,000
Missouri 19,500 $893 $20,803,400
Montana 3,400 $851 $3,632,100
Nebraska 4,700 $901 $5,007,300
Nevada 10,200 $890 $11,143,900
New Hampshire 4,200 $982 $4,923,100
New Jersey 24,400 $920 $27,408,300
New Mexico 6,500 $868 $7,032,700
New York 51,400 $1,029 $60,837,400
North Carolina 27,500 $895 $29,304,100
North Dakota 2,200 $953 $2,482,600
Ohio 31,400 $909 $32,939,900
Oklahoma 14,300 $902 $15,566,900
Oregon 15,300 $847 $15,857,800
Pennsylvania 38,600 $1,031 $43,412,900
Rhode Island 2,600 $986 $2,980,500
South Carolina 11,900 $840 $12,564,900
South Dakota 2,200 $892 $2,346,300
Tennessee 16,800 $909 $18,007,000
Texas 93,400 $960 $107,130,200
Utah 7,800 $836 $8,191,700
Vermont 1,700 $911 $1,818,600
Virginia 25,900 $914 $28,944,600
Washington 26,200 $976 $31,110,300
West Virginia 3,800 $950 $4,130,400
Wisconsin 11,800 $837 $12,139,400
Wyoming 2,100 $961 $2,416,300
Totals 938,800 $932 $1,037,161,300

* Excluding credits.

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#taxes #irsaudit #irs #taxhelp  #irsproblems #irshelp #tax #accountant #finance #taxdebt #incometax #taxpreparation #taxrefund #smallbusiness #irstaxtip #taxprofessional #audit #businesstaxes #taxlien #taxlevy #taxeseason #irsrepresentation #taxprep  #llc #smallbuisness #entrepreneur #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed #financialfreedom

The post Tax Memo – Time Running Out To Claim $1 Billion In Refunds For Tax Year 2020, Taxpayers Face May 17 Deadline appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6349
Podcast – Tax Inflation Is Coming. Can You Afford It? Alison Morrow Interview https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/podcast-interview-morrow-chris-whalen-cpa-tax-inflation-2024-0326 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:30:36 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6343 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop listening and call me on (732) 673-0510. Click the video below to watch: Podcast - Tax Inflation Is Coming. Can You Afford It? Alison Morrow Interview Get my podcasts and memos [...]

The post Podcast – Tax Inflation Is Coming. Can You Afford It? Alison Morrow Interview appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop listening and call me on (732) 673-0510.

Click the video below to watch:

Podcast – Tax Inflation Is Coming. Can You Afford It? Alison Morrow Interview

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by clicking here —> http://eepurl.com/7rJdT

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

@AlisonMorrowTV #taxinflation #taxincrease #BusinessNews #businessinsurance #businesstips #BusinessGoals #businessplanning #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax  #SmallBusinessSaturday #jerseyshore #cpa #taxplanning #Accounting #irs

The post Podcast – Tax Inflation Is Coming. Can You Afford It? Alison Morrow Interview appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6343
Tax Memo – Wealthy? Non-Filer? Call Me Before The IRS Calls You https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/wealthy-nonfiler-call-me Sun, 24 Mar 2024 23:56:54 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6338 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. The IRS is using part of their new funding to target 125,000 higher earning taxpayers who have not filed past years' returns and [...]

The post Tax Memo – Wealthy? Non-Filer? Call Me Before The IRS Calls You appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

The IRS is using part of their new funding to target 125,000 higher earning taxpayers who have not filed past years’ returns and / or also have not paid past due taxes.

This process will start with a letter mailing campaign.

Are you high earning?

Are you behind on your tax filings?

Do you have large prior year balances due to the IRS?  

Then you should be calling me immediately to prepare your returns and to get into compliance.

Don’t face the IRS alone.

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#taxes #irsaudit #irs #taxhelp #rgv #irsproblems #irshelp #tax #accountant #finance #taxdebt #incometax #taxpreparation #taxrefund #financialfreedom #smallbusiness #irstaxtip #taxprofessional #audit #businesstaxes #taxlien #taxlevy #taxeseason #irsrepresentation #taxessuck #taxprep #rgvlife #rgvsmallbusiness #llc #smallbuisness #entrepreneur #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Tax Memo – Wealthy? Non-Filer? Call Me Before The IRS Calls You appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6338
Memo – FAQ – NAR Lawsuit – Broker Commissions Antitrust Settlements https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/broker-commission-antitrust-website Sun, 24 Mar 2024 21:56:57 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6332 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. Main Settlement Website: https://www.realestatecommissionlitigation.com/ What are the Settlements about? The Settlements resolve claims against Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. f/k/a Realogy Holdings Corp. (“Anywhere”), [...]

The post Memo – FAQ – NAR Lawsuit – Broker Commissions Antitrust Settlements appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now?

Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

Main Settlement Website: https://www.realestatecommissionlitigation.com/

What are the Settlements about?

The Settlements resolve claims against Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. f/k/a Realogy Holdings Corp. (“Anywhere”), RE/MAX LLC (“RE/MAX”), and Keller Williams Realty, Inc. (“Keller Williams”) in a lawsuit that alleges the existence of an anticompetitive agreement that resulted in home sellers paying inflated commissions to real estate brokers or agents in violation of antitrust law.

What do the Settlements provide?

To be eligible to receive the benefits of the Settlements, you must have: (1) sold a home during the Eligible Date Range (see the Long Form Notices); (2) listed the home that was sold on a multiple listing service (“MLS”) anywhere in the United States; and (3) paid a commission to any real estate brokerage in connection with the sale of the home. The Eligible Date Ranges can be found on the Anywhere/RE/MAX Settlements Long Form Notice and Keller Williams Settlement Long Form Notice and also in FAQs 6 and 7.  

*Note: You do not need to have sold a home using an Anywhere, RE/MAX, or Keller Williams agent to make a claim.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The Notices have been posted for the benefit of potential members of the Settlement Class. If you are uncertain about whether you are a member of the Settlement Class, you may contact the Settlement Administrator at 888-995-0207.

    The Notices have been posted because members of the Settlement Class have a right to know about proposed settlements of a class action lawsuit in which they are class members, and about all of their options, before the Court decides whether to approve the Settlements. If the Court approves the Settlements, and after objections or appeals relating to the Settlements are resolved, the benefits provided by the Settlements will be available to members of the Class.

    The Notices explain the lawsuits, the Settlements, your legal rights, what benefits are available, who is eligible for them, and how to get them. A full copy of the Settlement Agreements may be viewed on the Important Documents page. The Notices contain only a summary of the Settlements.

    The Court in charge of the Settlements is the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.  The case before this Court is known as Burnett et al. v. National Association of Realtors, et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB. The people who filed this lawsuit are called the Plaintiffs.  The people being sued are called the Defendants.  Defendants include The National Association of Realtors (“NAR”) and the following large real estate brokerage firms: Anywhere, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.  Of these Defendants, the Settlements concern only Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams.

    The Settlements also resolve claims against Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams raised in at least two other lawsuits: Moehrl et al. v. National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-01610-ARW (Northern District of Illinois); and Nosalek v. MLS Property Information Network, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-12244-PBS (District of Massachusetts). 

  • The lawsuits claim that Defendants created and implemented rules that require home sellers to pay commissions to the broker or agent representing the buyer and that caused home sellers to pay total commissions at inflated rates. They also allege that Defendants enforced these rules through anticompetitive and unlawful practices.

    The lawsuits claim that these rules are anticompetitive and unfair, and that they violate antitrust laws. You can read Plaintiffs’ complaints on the Important Documents page.

    Specifically, the lawsuits allege violations of the Sherman Act (a federal antitrust statute found at 15 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).

    The Sherman Act claims apply to home sales that occurred anywhere in the United States during the Eligible Date Range.

  • Although the Court has authorized notice to be given of the proposed Settlements, the Notices do not express the opinion of the Court on the merits of the claims or defenses asserted by either side of the lawsuit.

    Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams dispute Plaintiffs’ allegations and deny all liability to Plaintiffs and the Class. You can read the Answers filed by Anywhere, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams on the Important Documents page.

  • In a class action, one or more people called Class Representatives sue on behalf of other people who have similar claims. The people together are a “Class” or “Class Members.” The consumers who sued Defendants — and all the Class Members like them — are called Plaintiffs. The companies they sued are called the Defendants. One court resolves the issues for everyone in the Class – except for those who choose to exclude themselves from the Class.

    Here, the Court decided that this lawsuit can be a class action for settlement purposes because it preliminarily meets the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23, which governs class actions in federal courts. Specifically, the Court found that: (1) there are numerous people who fit the class definition; (2) there are legal questions and facts that are common to each of them; (3) the Plaintiffs’ claims are typical of the claims of the rest of the Class; (4) Plaintiffs, and the lawyers representing the Class, will fairly and adequately represent the Class Members’ interests; (5) the common legal questions and facts are more important than questions that affect only individuals; and (6) this class action will be more efficient than having individual lawsuits.

  • The Court did not decide this case in favor of the Plaintiffs or Defendants. Instead, Counsel for the Settlement Class investigated the facts and applicable law regarding Plaintiffs’ claims and Defendants’ defenses. The parties engaged in lengthy arms-length negotiations to reach the Settlements. Plaintiffs and Counsel for the Settlement Class believe that the proposed Settlements are fair, reasonable, and adequate, and in the best interest of the Class.

    Both sides agree that by settling, Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams are not admitting any liability or that they did anything wrong. Both sides want to avoid the uncertainties and expense of further litigation.

  • To be eligible to receive the benefits of the Settlements, you must have: (1) sold a home during the Eligible Date Range; (2) listed the home that was sold on a multiple listing service (“MLS”) anywhere in the United States; and (3) paid a commission to any real estate brokerage in connection with the sale of the home. The Eligible Date Ranges can be found below for the Anywhere and Re/Max Settlements, and in FAQ 7 for Keller Williams.

    You do not need to have sold a home using an Anywhere, RE/MAX, or Keller Williams agent to make a claim.

     

    What Eligible Date Ranges apply to me?
    Where was my home listed? Applicable Date Range
    • Heartland MLS (encompassing the Kansas City metropolitan area, counties in eastern Kansas, counties in southwest Missouri, and counties in northwest Missouri);
    • MARIS MLS (encompassing the St. Louis metropolitan area, counties in eastern Missouri, and counties in western Illinois);
    • Columbia Board of Realtors MLS (encompassing Columbia, Missouri and its surrounding areas); or
    • Southern Missouri Regional MLS (encompassing Springfield and Joplin, Missouri and their surrounding areas).
    April 29, 2014 through February 1, 2024
    • Bright MLS (Delaware, Baltimore, Maryland area, District of Columbia, parts of New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, Richmond, Virginia areas, parts of West Virginia);
    • Carolina/Canopy MLS (Charlotte, North Carolina area, including portions of South Carolina);
    • Triangle MLS (Research Triangle Area, North Carolina);
    • Stellar MLS (Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota, Florida areas);
    • Miami MLS (Miami, Florida area);
    • Florida Gulf Coast (Fort Myers, Florida area);
    • Metro MLS (parts of Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee areas);
    • Yes MLS/MLS Now (Cleveland, Ohio, Eastern Ohio, and parts of West Virginia);
    • Columbus Realtors MLS (Columbus, Ohio areas);
    • Northstar MLS (Minnesota, Wisconsin);
    • Wasatch Front/Utah Real Estate (Salt Lake City, Utah area);
    • REcolorado/Metrolist (Denver, Colorado area);
    • Pikes Peak MLS (Colorado Springs, Colorado area);
    • GLVAR MLS (Las Vegas, Nevada area);
    • SABOR (San Antonio, Texas area);
    • ACTRIS/ABOR (Austin, Texas area);
    • HAR MLS (Houston, Texas area);
    • NTREIS (Dallas, Texas area);
    • ARMLS (Phoenix, Arizona area); and
    • Realcomp II (Detroit, Michigan area) 
    March 6, 2015 through February 1, 2024
    • MLS PIN (Massachusetts)
    December 17, 2016 through February 1, 2024
    • Any MLS in the United States other than the MLSs listed above
    February 1, 2020 through February 1, 2024
  • To be eligible to receive the benefits of the Settlements, you must have: (1) sold a home during the Eligible Date Range; (2) listed the home that was sold on a multiple listing service (“MLS”) anywhere in the United States; and (3) paid a commission to any real estate brokerage in connection with the sale of the home. The Eligible Date Ranges can be found below for the Keller Williams Settlement, and in FAQ 6 for the Anywhere and RE/MAX Settlements. 

    You do not need to have sold a home using an Anywhere, RE/MAX, or Keller Williams agent to make a claim.

     

    What Eligible Date Ranges apply to me?
    Where was my home listed? Applicable Date Range
    • Heartland MLS (encompassing the Kansas City metropolitan area, counties in eastern Kansas, counties in southwest Missouri, and counties in northwest Missouri);
    • MARIS MLS (encompassing the St. Louis metropolitan area, counties in eastern Missouri, and counties in western Illinois);
    • Columbia Board of Realtors MLS (encompassing Columbia, Missouri and its surrounding areas); or
    • Southern Missouri Regional MLS (encompassing Springfield and Joplin, Missouri and their surrounding areas).
    April 29, 2014 through February 1, 2024
    • Bright MLS (Delaware, Baltimore, Maryland area, District of Columbia, parts of New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, Richmond, Virginia areas, parts of West Virginia);
    • Carolina/Canopy MLS (Charlotte, North Carolina area, including portions of South Carolina);
    • Triangle MLS (Research Triangle Area, North Carolina);
    • Stellar MLS (Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota, Florida areas);
    • Miami MLS (Miami, Florida area);
    • Florida Gulf Coast (Fort Myers, Florida area);
    • Metro MLS (parts of Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee areas);
    • Yes MLS/MLS Now (Cleveland, Ohio, Eastern Ohio, and parts of West Virginia);
    • Columbus Realtors MLS (Columbus, Ohio areas);
    • Northstar MLS (Minnesota, Wisconsin);
    • Wasatch Front/Utah Real Estate (Salt Lake City, Utah area);
    • REcolorado/Metrolist (Denver, Colorado area);
    • Pikes Peak MLS (Colorado Springs, Colorado area);
    • GLVAR MLS (Las Vegas, Nevada area);
    • SABOR (San Antonio, Texas area);
    • ACTRIS/ABOR (Austin, Texas area);
    • HAR MLS (Houston, Texas area);
    • NTREIS (Dallas, Texas area)
    • ARMLS (Phoenix, Arizona area); and
    • Realcomp II (Detroit, Michigan area) 
    March 6, 2015 through February 1, 2024
    • MLS PIN (Massachusetts)
    December 17, 2016 through February 1, 2024
    • Any MLS in the United States other than the MLSs listed above
    October 31, 2019 through February 1, 2024
  • You are a part of the Settlement Class if you: (1) sold a home during the Eligible Date Range; (2) listed the home that was sold on a multiple listing service anywhere in the United States; and (3) paid a commission to a real estate brokerage in connection with the sale of the home.

    If you are uncertain as to whether you are a member of the Settlement Class, you may contact the Settlement Administrator at 888-995-0207 to find out.

  • If you are a member of the Settlement Class, you are eligible to receive a benefit under the Settlements.

    Anywhere and RE/MAX have agreed to pay, collectively, $138,500,000 into settlement funds and Keller Williams will add an additional $70,000,000 for a total of $208,500,000. The funds will be distributed to qualifying Settlement Class members who submit an approved claim form, after any awarded attorneys’ fees, expenses, settlement administration costs, and service awards have been deducted.

  • The Plaintiffs will propose a plan of allocation of the proceeds of the settlements to the Court prior to any distribution of settlement funds to claimants. That proposal will be posted to this website and emailed to all individuals who submit a claim with an opportunity to object to the plan of allocation.  The plan will be subject to the approval of the Court.  It is anticipated that the plan will take into account the amount of commissions class member claimants paid to a real estate broker or agent during the relevant statute of limitations periods for the MLS in which the sale was made. To the extent the value of total claims exceeds the amount available for distribution from the settlement funds, each class member’s share of the settlement may be reduced on a pro rata basis.

  • To receive a benefit, a Settlement Class Member must submit a claim form with information pertaining to and/or evidence of your home sale and commissions paid to the Notice and Claims Administrator. The Notice and Claims Administrator will be responsible for reviewing all claim forms and evidence of purchase to determine whether a claim is an approved claim.  The Notice and Claims Administrator will reject any claim that is not: (a) submitted timely and in accordance with the directions on the claim form, the provisions of the Settlement Agreement, and the Preliminary Approval Order; (b) fully and truthfully completed by a Settlement Class Member with all of the information requested in the Claim Form; and (c) signed by the Settlement Class Member. Claims that cannot be confirmed by the Settlement Administrator may be subject to challenge, nonpayment, or a reduced share of the available funds.

    You can submit a claim form by clicking this link, or by printing off the claim form from the Important Documents page and returning it to the Settlement Administrator via mail or email on or before May 9, 2025.

    Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al.
    c/o JND Legal Administration
    PO Box 91479
    Seattle, WA 98111

    Email: info@RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com

  • If you sold multiple homes during the Eligible Date Range, you will need to submit a separate Claim Form for each property you sold. You may submit multiple claims without entering a Unique ID and PIN by clicking “Next” on the Online Claim Form page.   

  • The Court will hold a final Fairness Hearing at 10AM on May 9, 2024 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 400 E. 9th St., Courtroom 7B, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, to decide whether to finally approve the Settlements. If the Settlements are approved, there may be appeals. Payments to members of the Settlement Class will be made only if the Settlements are approved and after any appeals are resolved. This may take some time, so please be patient.

  • Upon the Court’s approval of the proposed Settlements, all members of the Settlement Class who do not exclude themselves (as well as their representatives) will release Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams (and their affiliates, subsidiaries, franchisees, employees, and certain others who may be subject to claims with respect to Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams as specified in the Settlement Agreements). All members of the Settlement Class who do not exclude themselves will release claims whether known or unknown that they ever had, now have, or hereafter may have and that have accrued as of the date of preliminary approval of the Settlement arising from or related to the Released Claims. “Released Claims” means any and all manner of claims regardless of the cause of action arising from or relating to conduct that was alleged or could have been alleged in the Actions based on any or all of the same factual predicates for the claims alleged in the Actions, including but not limited to commissions negotiated, offered, obtained, or paid to brokerages in connection with the sale of any residential home. The release does not extend to any individual claims that a class member may have against his or her own broker or agent based on a breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, malpractice, negligence or other tort claim, other than a claim that a class member paid an excessive commission or home price due to the claims at issue.

    This release may affect your rights, and may carry obligations, in the future. To view terms of the release, review the Settlement Agreements, which are available on the Important Documents page of this website.

  • If you do not want a payment from one or more of the Settlements, and you want to keep the right to sue or continue to sue Anywhere, RE/MAX or Keller Williams, on your own, about the legal issues in this case, then you must take steps to get out. This is called excluding yourself—or is sometimes referred to as opting out of the Settlement Class.

  • To ask to be excluded, you must execute and submit a Request for Exclusion to the Court postmarked on or before the end of April 13, 2024.  A Request for Exclusion must be personally signed by each potential Settlement Class Member requesting exclusion.  Additionally, a Request for Exclusion must include the potential Settlement Class Member’s present name and address, a clear and unequivocal statement that the potential Settlement Class Member wishes to be excluded from the Settlement Class as to Anywhere, RE/MAX, Keller Williams or all three, and the signature of the putative Settlement Class Member or, in the case of a potential Settlement Class Member who is deceased or incapacitated only, the signature of the legally authorized representative of the putative Settlement Class Member.

    If the request is not postmarked on or before April 13, 2024, your exclusion will be invalid, and you will be bound by the terms of the Settlements approved by the Court, including without limitation, the judgment ultimately rendered in the case, and you will be barred from bringing any claims against Anywhere, RE/MAX or Keller Williams which arise out of or relate in any way to the claims in the case as specified in the release referenced in FAQ 13 above.

  • No. Unless you exclude yourself, you give up any right to sue Anywhere, RE/MAX and/or Keller Williams for the claims that the Settlements resolve. If you have a pending lawsuit against Anywhere, RE/MAX or Keller Williams, speak to your lawyer in that case immediately. You may have to exclude yourself from this Class to continue your own lawsuit. Remember, the exclusion deadline is April 13, 2024.

  • No. If you exclude yourself as to the Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams settlements, do not send in a claim form to ask for any money. If you exclude yourself only as to Anywhere, you may still ask for money from the Settlements with RE/MAX and Keller Williams. If you exclude yourself only as to RE/MAX, you may still ask for money from the Settlements with Anywhere and Keller Williams. If you exclude yourself only as to Keller Williams, you may still ask for money from the Settlements with Anywhere and RE/MAX. If you exclude yourself as to Anywhere, RE/MAX or Keller Williams, you may sue, continue to sue, or be a part of a different lawsuit against Anywhere, RE/MAX or Keller Williams.

  • The Court decided that the law firms Ketchmark and McCreight P.C.; Williams Dirks Dameron LLC; Boulware Law LLC; Hagens Berman Sobal Shapiro LLP; Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC; and Susman Godfrey LLP, are qualified to represent you and all other Settlement Class Members. These lawyers are called “Class Counsel.” You will not be charged for these lawyers. They are experienced in handling similar cases against other entities. More information about the law firms, their practices, and their lawyers’ experience is available at: www.kansascitylawoffice.comwww.williamsdirks.comwww.boulware-law.comwww.hbsslaw.comwww.cohenmilstein.com, and www.susmangodfrey.com.

    Class Counsel represent the interests of the Settlement Class. You may hire your own attorney to advise you, but if you hire your own attorney, you will be responsible for paying that attorney’s fees.

  • Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys’ fees, in an amount not to exceed one-third (33.3%) of the settlement fund, plus out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the case. The Court may award less. Class Counsel will also seek compensation for each current and/or former class representative in the actions captioned Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB, pending in the Western District of Missouri; and Moehrl et al. v. The National Association of Realtors, Case No. 19-CV-01610-ARW, pending in the Northern District of Illinois.

    The Class Representatives will make their request for attorneys’ fees, costs, and service awards on or before February 29, 2024, and that request will be published on the Important Documents page of this website.

    Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams will pay the fees and expenses that the Court awards from the settlement fund.  You are not responsible for any fees or expenses that the Court awards.

  • You can tell the Court that you don’t agree with the Settlements or some part of them.

  • If you are a Class Member, you can object to Anywhere, RE/MAX and/or Keller Williams Settlements if you do not like any part of them, including the forthcoming motion for attorneys’ fees, costs and service awards. You can give reasons why you think the Court should not approve them. The Court will consider your view. To object, you must file or send a written objection to the Court, in accordance with any instructions ordered by the Court, by April 13, 2024 or you will be deemed to have waived all objections and shall be foreclosed from making any objection (whether in opposition to the motion for Preliminary Approval, motion for attorneys’ fees, costs and service awards, motion for Final Approval, on appeal, or otherwise) to the Settlements. Be sure to include the case name and number (Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB), your name, address, telephone number, your signature, and the reasons you object to the Settlements.

    You must file any objection with the Clerk of the Court at the address below by April 13, 2024:

    United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
    400 E. 9th St., Room 7462, Kansas City, Missouri 64106
    Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB

     

    You must also send your objection by first class mail, postmarked on or before April 13, 2024, to Class Counsel and Defendants’ Counsel. These documents should be mailed to Class Counsel at:

    Williams Dirks Dameron LLC
    c/o Eric Dirks
    1100 Main Street, Suite 2600
    Kansas City, MO 64105

     

    and to Anywhere and RE/MAX Counsel at:

    Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
    c/o Aaron Van Oort
    2200 Wells Fargo Center, 90 South Seventh Street
    Minneapolis, MN 55402
    Jones Day
    c/o Jeffrey LeVee
    555 S Flower Street, 50th Floor
    Los Angeles, CA 90071
    and Keller Williams Counsel at: 
    Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP
    c/o Boris Bershteyn
    One Manhatten West
    New York, NY 10001

    Any member of the Settlement Class who does not file and serve an objection in the time and manner described above will not be permitted to raise that objection later.

  • Objecting is simply telling the Court that you don’t like something about the Settlements. You can object to a Settlement only if you stay in it. Excluding yourself is telling the Court that you do not want to be part of a Settlement. If you exclude yourself, you have no basis to object because the Settlement no longer affects you.

  • There will be a final Fairness Hearing to consider approval of the proposed Settlements at 10AM on May 9, 2024 at the United State District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 400 E. 9th St., Courtroom 7B, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The hearing may be postponed to a later date without further notice but any such postponements will be posted on the Key Dates page of this website. The purpose of the hearing is to determine the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the terms of the Settlements, whether the Settlement Class is adequately represented by the Plaintiffs and Class Counsel, and whether an order and final judgment should be entered approving the proposed Settlements. The Court will also consider Class Counsel’s application for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses, and any class representative service awards.

    You will be represented by Class Counsel at the Fairness Hearing unless you choose to enter an appearance in person or through your own counsel. The appearance of your own attorney is not necessary to participate in the Fairness Hearing.

  • No. Class Counsel will represent the Settlement Class at the Fairness Hearing, but you are welcome to come at your own expense. If you send any objection, you do not have to come to Court to talk about it. As long as you filed and mailed your written objection on time, the Court will consider it. You may also pay your own lawyer to attend if you wish.

  • You may ask the Court for permission to speak at the Fairness Hearing. To do so, you must send a letter saying that it is your “Notice of Intention to Appear in Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB.” Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number and your signature. Your Notice of Intention to Appear must be postmarked no later than April 13, 2024, and be sent to the Clerk of the Court, Class Counsel and Counsel for Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams, at the addresses on FAQ 19. You cannot speak at the hearing if you excluded yourself.

  • There are other class actions involving similar claims that are related to the Settlements, including: Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB, pending in the Western District of Missouri; Moehrl et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-01610-ARW, pending in the Northern District of Illinois; and Nosalek v. MLS Property Information Network, Inc. et al., Case No. 20-CV-12244-PBS, pending in the district of Massachusetts, among others. The Settlements will settle the claims against Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams that were brought in those cases, but it will not settle the claims against other Defendants in those cases. If you are a member of a class in one of those cases, you may have additional rights to participate in or exclude yourself from ongoing litigation in that case. 

  • The Notices are only summaries. For a more detailed statement of the matters involved in the lawsuit or the Settlements, you may refer to the papers filed in this case during regular business hours at the office of the Clerk of Court, United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 400 E. 9th St, Kansas City, Missouri 64106: Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., Case No. 19-CV-00332-SRB. The full Settlement Agreements and certain pleadings filed in the case are also available on the Important Documents page, or can be requested from Williams Dirks Dameron LLC, c/o Eric Dirks, 1100 Main Street, Suite 2600, Kansas City, MO 64105.  

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#nar #narsettlement #realestatenews #realestateupdates #narlawsuit#entrepreneur #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Memo – FAQ – NAR Lawsuit – Broker Commissions Antitrust Settlements appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6332
Memo – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/state-of-the-union-2024 Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:40:45 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6321 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. To listen to the podcast version of memo click here —> Podcast Version The most important concern we all should have in an election year is a [...]

The post Memo – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

To listen to the podcast version of memo click here —> Podcast Version

The most important concern we all should have in an election year is a selfish one. Is my family doing better financially? Will the person who we vote for maintain or create an environment that puts my family and our country and its citizens first?

One main way to assess your family’s financial health is at tax time.

Did you know that President Trump’s tax cuts are set to expire at the end of 2025?

If this is allowed to happen, the cost in increased taxes, especially to middle class families, will be devastating.

If the wrong person is elected president in November, 2024, you can be sure that these once in a lifetime tax reductions given to us by President Trump will be history.

What could this mean in real dollars for your family?

The average tax increase, or tax inflation as I call it, will be 20%.

Can you afford that along with all the price increases and inflation we have been enduring the past four years?

My family can’t and neither can yours.

Here are a few representative examples.

First Example

Single Person with $75,000 of taxable income.

Total Tax Pre-Trump $14,489
Total Tax Post-Trump $11,553
Increase in taxes coming when Trump tax cuts expire $2,936.
A 25.4% increase.

Second Example

Single Person with $150,000 of taxable income.

Total Tax Pre-Trump $34,082
Total Tax Post-Trump $29,043
Increase in taxes coming when Trump tax cuts expire $5,939.
A 20.5% increase.

Third Example

Middle class family with $250,000 of taxable income.

Total Tax Pre-Trump $56,885
Total Tax Post-Trump $46,085
Increase in taxes coming when Trump tax cuts expire $10,800.
A 23.4% increase.

Fourth Example

Family with $500,000 of taxable income.

Total Tax Pre-Trump $141,883
Total Tax Post-Trump $115,750
Increase in taxes coming when Trump tax cuts expire $26,134.
A 22.6% increase.

This November, vote selfishly.

Vote for the long term financial health of your family.

Vote for the candidate that will extend the Trump tax cuts.

Remember, casting the wrong vote for the wrong candidate can dramatically increase your tax bills for the coming decade.

Maintaining Trump’s tax cuts is the most pressing and direct personal financial issue to consider when you cast your ballot this November.

All the other talking points are misdirections meant to divert our attention from this real issue we need to be fighting for to keep our families solvent.

Vote with your family’s financial future in mind.

Nothing is more important this election year.

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#StateOfConfusion #StateOfTheUnion #StateOfTheUnion2024 #StateOfTheUnionAddress #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Memo – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6321
Podcast – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/podcast-state-of-the-union-2024 Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:37:04 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6318 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop listening and call me on (732) 673-0510. To read the text version of this podcast click here —> Text Version Click the video below to listen to this episode of The Street Level Business Podcast [...]

The post Podcast – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop listening and call me on (732) 673-0510.

To read the text version of this podcast click here —> Text Version

Click the video below to listen to this episode of The Street Level Business Podcast with Chris Whalen, CPA where he discusses:

Podcast – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective

To read the text version of this podcast click here —> Text Version

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by clicking here —> http://eepurl.com/7rJdT

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#StateOfConfusion #StateOfTheUnion #StateOfTheUnion2024 #StateOfTheUnionAddress #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Podcast – State Of The Union 2024 – Income Tax Perspective appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
Chris Whalen, CPA 4:46 6318
Memo – Parents, Students: Check Out College Tax Benefits https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/college-tax-benefits-2024-02 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:08:07 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6309 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. RED BANK, NJ ― With back-to-school season in full swing, I wanted to remind parents and students about tax benefits that can help [...]

The post Memo – Parents, Students: Check Out College Tax Benefits appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

RED BANK, NJ ― With back-to-school season in full swing, I wanted to remind parents and students about tax benefits that can help with the expense of higher education.

Two college tax credits apply to students enrolled in an eligible college, university or vocational school. Eligible students include the taxpayer, their spouse and dependents.

American Opportunity Tax Credit
The American Opportunity Tax Credit, (AOTC) can be worth a maximum annual benefit of $2,500 per eligible student. The credit is only available for the first four years at an eligible college or vocational school for students pursuing a degree or another recognized education credential. Taxpayers can claim the AOTC for a student enrolled in the first three months of 2018 as long as they paid qualified expenses in 2017.

Lifetime Learning Credit
The Lifetime Learning Credit, (LLC) can have a maximum benefit of up to $2,000 per tax return for both graduate and undergraduate students. Unlike the AOTC, the limit on the LLC applies to each tax return rather than to each student. The course of study must be either part of a post-secondary degree program or taken by the student to maintain or improve job skills. The credit is available for an unlimited number of tax years.

To claim the AOTC or LLC, use Form 8863, Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits). Additionally, if claiming the AOTC, the law requires taxpayers to include the school’s Employer Identification Number on this form.

Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, is required to be eligible for an education benefit. Students receive this form from the school they attended. There are exceptions for some students.

Other education benefits
Other education-related tax benefits that may help parents and students are:

  • Student loan interest deduction of up to $2,500 per year.
  • Scholarship and fellowship grants. Generally, these are tax-free if used to pay for tuition, required enrollment fees, books and other course materials, but taxable if used for room, board, research, travel or other expenses.
  • Savings bonds used to pay for college. Though income limits apply, interest is usually tax-free if bonds were purchased after 1989 by a taxpayer who, at time of purchase, was at least 24 years of age.
  • Qualified tuition programs, also called 529 plans, are used by many families to prepay or save for a child’s college education. Contributions to a 529 plan are not deductible, but earnings are not subject to federal tax when used for the qualified education expenses.

To help determine eligibility for these benefits, taxpayers should use tools on the Education Credits Web page and IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov.

Keep A Copy of Tax Returns
You should keep a copy of their tax return for at least three years. Copies of tax returns may be needed for many reasons. If applying for college financial aid, a tax transcript may be all that is needed. A tax transcript summarizes return information and includes adjusted gross income. Get one from the IRS for free.

The quickest way to get a copy of a tax transcript is to use the Get Transcript application. After verifying identity, taxpayers can view and print their transcript immediately online. The online application includes a robust identity verification process. Those who can’t pass the verification must request the transcript be mailed. This takes five to 10 days, so plan ahead and request the transcript early.

Additional IRS Resources:

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#entrepreneur #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Memo – Parents, Students: Check Out College Tax Benefits appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6309
Podcast – Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator) https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/podcast-tpa-third-party-admin-2024 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:36:07 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6299 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop listening and call me on (732) 673-0510. To read the text version of this podcast click here —> Text Version Click the video below to listen to this episode of The Street Level Business Podcast [...]

The post Podcast – Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator) appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop listening and call me on (732) 673-0510.

To read the text version of this podcast click here —> Text Version

Click the video below to listen to this episode of The Street Level Business Podcast with Chris Whalen, CPA where he discusses:

Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator)

To read the text version of this podcast click here —> Text Version

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by clicking here —> http://eepurl.com/7rJdT

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#retirement #retirementplanning #financialfreedom #investment #financialplanning #insurance #money #investing #lifeinsurance #finance #family #seniorliving #realestate #wealth #savings #seniorcare #financialadvisor #personalfinance #financialliteracy #health #business #retirementgoals #invest #entrepreneur #assistedliving #financialindependence #k #love #seniors #retirementcommunity #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Podcast – Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator) appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
Chris Whalen, CPA 3:25 6299
Memo – Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator) https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/tpa-third-party-admin-2024 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:03:14 +0000 https://www.chriswhalencpa.com/?p=6296 Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510. To listen to the podcast version of memo click here —> Podcast Version As a business owner, if you offer retirement plans to your employees, a TPA [...]

The post Memo – Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator) appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>

Want my podcasts and blog posts delivered to your inbox? Click here to subscribe

Any Questions or Concerns right now? Stop reading and call me on (732) 673-0510.

To listen to the podcast version of memo click here —> Podcast Version

As a business owner, if you offer retirement plans to your employees, a TPA (Third Party Administrator) is the professional that maintains your official retirement plan documents and keeps them in compliance with the IRS’s ever-changing rules.

A third party administrator (TPA) is an organization that manages many day-to-day aspects of your employee retirement plan.

A TPA performs responsibilities such as:

1) Designing retirement plan documents
2) Preparing employer and employee benefit statements
3) Ensuring the plan is in compliance with the IRS non-discrimination requirements
4) Preparing annual returns and reports required by IRS, DOL or other government agencies

That makes them almost as important as me!

But most business owners, also called Plan Sponsors, aren’t aware of this vital person / company representing their company.

Did you know you were the Plan’s Sponsor? Many business owners are never informed of this.

But it is imperative that you form a direct personal relationship with your TPA if you are a business owner offering any type of retirement plan to your employees.

Also, many business owners are not aware that they can choose their own TPA. Many times a financial advisor selects one for the business owner.

I suggest avoiding this. The TPA is much too important to not interview and select one on your own.

As they keep you in compliance with the IRS retirement plan rules, they are extremely important.

I have relationships with seasoned Third Party Administrators who I trust implicitly and can introduce you to.

If you are a business owner offering a retirement plan and you don’t know your TPA, or your TPA is not responsive enough, call me so we can remedy that today.

Like any other specialist your business relies upon, finding your own TPA is vital to your retirement plan success.

Questions? Concerns? Call me on (732) 673-0510.

Get my podcasts and memos in your inbox by Clicking Here

Click here to request a consultation or ask me a question.

Please reach out to me without hesitation with any tax, business or

accounting question, and to schedule a consultation.

Tax Laws are complex.

It is very easy to make mistakes that can incur penalties.

Do you have a Tax, Accounting or Business Question?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Is your CPA or Attorney

ignoring your Phone Calls and Emails?

Call Me Immediately. (732) 673-0510.

Remember,

“If We Aren’t Working For You, Then You Aren’t Working At Your Best”

Chris Whalen, CPA
(732) 673-0510
81 Oak Hill Road
Red Bank, NJ 07701
www.chriswhalencpa.com

Red Bank • Rumson • Colts Neck • Holmdel • Middletown • Lincroft • Brick • Toms River • Sea Bright • Deal • Little Silver • Long Branch • Asbury Park • Bradley Beach • Belmar • Brielle • Eatontown • Fair Haven • Farmingdale • Highlands • Atlantic Highlands • Howell • Locust • Monmouth Beach • Shrewsbury • Spring Lake • Tinton Falls • Monmouth County

#retirement #retirementplanning #financialfreedom #investment #financialplanning #insurance #money #investing #lifeinsurance #finance #family #seniorliving #realestate #wealth #savings #seniorcare #financialadvisor #personalfinance #financialliteracy #health #business #retirementgoals #invest #entrepreneur #assistedliving #financialindependence #k #love #seniors #retirementcommunity #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusinesses #cpa #irs #taxes #1040 #IRS #CPA #BusinessIdeas #incometaxes #incometax #jerseyshore #taxplanning #Accounting #TaxReturns #selfemployed

The post Memo – Business Owners With A Retirement Plan | Who Is Your TPA? (Third Party Administrator) appeared first on Chris Whalen CPA.

]]>
6296