Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman, L.L.P. - Attorneys at Law

2009 Conference Podcasts

• 8:00 a.m. - 8:55 a.m.

  • The IRS Program on Undisclosed Foreign Accounts Closed on September 23, 2009 -- What to do if Your Client did not Come in Under the Program

  • Discover what the common traps in foreign compliance are and the options available if you discover that your client has foreign transactions that have not been disclosed in the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program that has now expired.
    Josh O. Ungerman, J.D., CPA and Anthony P. Daddino, J.D.

• 8:55 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

  • Tax Planning for Financially Distressed Partnerships

  • Gain insight into tax planning for partnership debt workouts, the partnership debt-for-equity rules, application to partnerships of the Stimulus Bill election to defer COD income, tax treatment of worthless partnership interests and operation of the mandatory basis adjustment rules for partnerships with "Substantial Built-In Losses".

  • Thomas (Tom) G. Hineman, J.D., LL.M.

• 10:05 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

  • Planning on the Precipice

  • Global economic downturn, historically low interest rates, an energized and aggressive IRS and total uncertainty regarding the status of estate and gift tax laws make planning feel like a walk along a steep cliff. Hear bold predicitions of future law changes, updates on IRS rulings and court cases that affect planning, and a summary of planning techniques designed to bring your clients safely back from the edge.

  • Alan K. Davis, J.D., CPA

• 11:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.

  • Hot Issues in Texas Tax: Areas Where You Can Save Your Clients Money and Add to Your Bottom Line

  • Learn of areas in Texas tax where clients are potentially over-paying in tax or unnecessarily exposing themselves to liability. Learn what you can do to save your clients money in these areas while at the same time contributing to your bottom line.

  • David E. Colmenero, J.D., LL.M., CPA

• 11:55 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

  • Professionals Under the Microscope

  • Not only is the government broadening its attack on professionals but plantiff firms are seeking to avoid tort reform laws by suing professionals for malpractice. Hear about the latest attacks including the Texas Supreme Court decision in Smith vs. O'Donnell (June 2009) and the best ways to defend against these attacks.

  • Charles M. Meadows, Jr., J.D., CPA

• 1:10 p.m. - 2:05 p.m.

  • Divorce and Separation: A Taxing Experience

  • Explore the myriad of considerations affecting the tax consequences of marital dissolution before, during and after divorce. Issues to be addressed include allocation of income and deductions, filing status, allocation of tax liability, alimony, child support, property transfers and innocent spouse relief. We will analyze the tax considerations inherent in the transfer of equity interests in pass-through entities, such as partnerships, LLC and S corporations, and in specific types of other assets, such as retirement accounts.

  • Charles D. Pulman, J.D., LL.M., CPA

• 2:05 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  • Federal Income Tax Update -- Planning Opportunities and Pitfalls

  • The Federal income tax has been the subject of many significant developments in 2009. In addition, there are signs that many other significant changes may be made to the Federal income tax over the next few years. The speakers will discuss how the 2009 developments can be applied for the benefit of your clients and highlight pitfalls to be avoided. Engage in a discussion on hints from the Obama administration regarding future Federal income tax changes.
    Todd A. Kraft, J.D., LL.M. and Stephen A. Beck, J.D., LL.M.

• 3:15 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.

  • Traps to Avoid When Dealing with the IRS

  • The tax practitioner faces many challenges when dealing with the IRS. It is important for tax practitioners to be aware of various issues and traps to avoid. Gain practical tips for dealing with the IRS at all stages of a tax controversy, from examination to appeal to collection. Topics covered include maintaining privileges, ways to obtain information from the IRS, shifting the burden of proof, practice strategies and more.
    Joel N. Crouch, J.D. and Stephanie D. Mongiello, J.D.

• 4:10 p.m. - 5:05 p.m.

  • Preparing for and Defending the Examination of Estate and Gift Tax Returns

  • Determine what thought is needed in anticipation of an IRS examination of a client's 706 and 709, as well as what to do once the audit starts. Review the selection of valuation experts, the presentation of their opinions and preservation of important records that need to be considered in the preparation process.

  • William R. Cousins III, J.D., LL.M., CPA