Tax in Action: Practical Strategies for Tax Pros

By Jeremy Wells, EA, CPABusiness Education

Tax in Action: Practical Strategies for Tax Pros episodes

December 24, 2025 Tax-Free Employee Benefits Part 2: Company Vehicles, Cell Phones, and Office Snacks
Jeremy continues his series on IRC Section 132 fringe benefits, focusing on working condition fringes and de minimis benefits—two categories that help employees be more productive or boost workplace morale. From company vehicle mileage tracking and employer-provided cell phones to why office snacks are excludable but gift cards never are, this episode clarifies which everyday workplace benefits can legally avoid taxation. Jeremy emphasizes the critical importance of documentation and explains the strict substantiation requirements that apply to many of these benefits.
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Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
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This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
1 hr 1 min
December 10, 2025 Tax-Free Employee Benefits Part 1: No-Cost Services and Employee Discounts
Section 132 allows employers to provide certain fringe benefits tax-free, but only if they follow specific rules. Jeremy breaks down no additional cost services, like airline employees flying on empty seats, and qualified employee discounts, explaining the 20% cap on services and the gross profit limitation on products. He covers the critical "line of business" requirement, who qualifies as an employee beyond current workers, and why highly compensated employees face stricter rules.
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Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
55 min
November 26, 2025 The Hobby Loss Rule: How to Defend Your Business Against the IRS
Jeremy explores the hobby loss rule through the landmark case of artist Susan Crile, who successfully defended her art business against IRS claims despite reporting losses in nearly all of 25 years. The episode breaks down the nine-factor test used to determine whether an activity has a genuine profit motive, examining how professional conduct, record-keeping, and business decisions matter more than consistent profitability. This case offers crucial lessons for practitioners working with creative professionals, startups, and any clients going through extended periods without turning a profit.
Sponsors
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Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
1 hr 2 min
November 12, 2025Breaking Up with Your S-Corp Part 2
Jeremy wraps up his two-part series on S corporation terminations by diving into what happens after an election ends, whether intentional or inadvertent. He explains the IRS's relief procedures for common mistakes like violating the one-class-of-stock rule, the crucial five-year waiting period before re-electing, and why a terminated S corp doesn't just revert back to an LLC but becomes a C corporation instead. The discussion includes real tax court cases and the specific steps needed to clean up termination issues before the IRS discovers them.
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(00:00) - Introduction and Recap of Part One
(01:40) - Three Ways to Terminate an S Election
(03:30) - Administrative Dissolutions at the State Level
(08:00) - What Happens After S Election Termination
(13:10) - Inadvertent Terminations Explained
(17:00) - The One Class of Stock Rule
(21:30) - Maggard v. Commissioner Tax Court Case
(26:20) - Profit Interests and Phantom Equity Problems
(29:40) - IRS Relief for Inadvertent Terminations
(34:30) - Revenue Procedure 2022-19
(39:20) - Missing S Election Acceptance Letters
(42:00) - Filing the Wrong Return Type
(44:10) - Six Areas of Relief Without a PLR
(47:10) - Short Year Returns and Pro Rata Allocation
(51:30) - The Five-Year Rule Explained
(54:20) - Reverting from C Corp Back to LLC Status
(56:50) - Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
59 min
October 29, 2025 Breaking Up with Your S-Corp
Jeremy breaks down the three ways an S-corporation election can terminate: voluntary revocation (including the lesser-known withdrawal option from the IRM), ceasing to qualify as a small business corporation, and excessive passive investment income. He walks through the specific mechanics of each termination method, from shareholder consent requirements to the 100-shareholder limit and the one-class-of-stock rule.
Sponsors
Thomson Reuters - http://taxshow.promo/taxautomation

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
55 min
October 15, 2025The Legal Case for Better Books: Why Recordkeeping Isn't Optional
Jeremy dives into the often-overlooked legal requirements for taxpayer recordkeeping under IRC Section 6001, explaining why accurate books aren't just nice to have: they're mandatory. He breaks down the Cohan rule (and why it's widely misunderstood), explores how good recordkeeping can shift the burden of proof to the IRS under Section 7491, and offers practical ways tax professionals can encourage better client recordkeeping without becoming bookkeepers themselves.
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(00:00) - Introduction: The Struggles of Accounting Firms
(01:06) - Challenges with PBC Data
(01:56) - Balancing Bookkeeping and Tax Services
(04:03) - Legal Requirements for Bookkeeping
(04:43) - The Cohan Rule Explained
(10:23) - Penalties for Inadequate Record Keeping
(23:26) - When Cohan Doesn't Apply
(28:31) - Ethical Considerations for Tax Practitioners
(33:04) - Encouraging Better Bookkeeping Practices
(42:37) - Leveraging Technology for Record Keeping
(45:33) - Offering Bookkeeping Review Services
(51:31) - Building a Network of Preferred Partners
(54:17) - Pricing and Providing Additional Services
(01:01:02) - Conclusion: Adding Value Without Extra Work

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of Earmark Media
1 hr 3 min
October 01, 2025The Aftermath: Tax Rules for Replacing Involuntarily Converted Property
Jeremy concludes his three-part series on losses by examining IRC Section 1033, the tax code's provision for what happens after you replace property lost to casualty, theft, or government condemnation. When clients receive insurance payouts or condemnation proceeds, they face a critical decision: recognize the gain immediately or defer it by purchasing qualifying replacement property within specific timeframes. Jeremy breaks down the "similar use" requirements, the two to four year replacement periods depending on property type, and how basis carries over to help clients avoid unexpected tax bills when bad things force them to start over.
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(00:00) - Welcome to Tax in Action
(00:19) - Recap of Previous Episodes
(00:53) - Involuntary Conversions Explained
(04:06) - Case Study: Jessica's Print Shop
(05:41) - Defining Involuntary Conversions
(07:01) - Government Seizures and Condemnations
(07:36) - Court Cases and Legal Precedents
(18:52) - Replacement Property Rules
(33:35) - Special Rules for Principal Residences
(48:36) - State Tax Law Considerations
(52:34) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
55 min
September 17, 2025From Discovery to Deduction: Modern Theft Loss Rules Explained
Jeremy explores the complex world of theft loss deductions, examining how digital asset scams have renewed interest in these tax provisions under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The episode breaks down the three key criteria for claiming theft losses, explains why timing of discovery matters more than when the theft occurred, and analyzes five modern scam scenarios from IRS Chief Counsel guidance including pig butchering schemes and romance scams. Jeremy concludes with a fascinating 1984 court case involving Civil War veterans' land rights that shows even tax court judges can disagree on fundamental questions of tax law.
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(00:00) - Introduction: Digital assets spark new interest in theft losses
(03:00) - The three types of losses under IRC Section 165
(08:00) - Three criteria for claiming a theft loss deduction
(13:00) - When discovery matters more than when theft occurred
(19:00) - State law defines theft for federal tax purposes
(24:00) - Simple disappearance is not theft
(27:00) - Casualty losses vs theft losses: Key differences
(29:00) - Stock declines don't qualify as theft losses
(33:00) - Ponzi schemes get special safe harbor treatment
(41:00) - Five modern scam scenarios from IRS Chief Counsel
(53:00) - Reporting theft losses on Form 4684
(56:00) - The Booth case: When smart judges disagree
(01:02:00) - Wrap-up and final thoughts

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
1 hr 3 min
September 03, 2025When Disaster Strikes: Navigating Casualty Loss Deductions
Natural disasters, accidents, and sudden destructive events can create significant financial hardship, but the tax code provides some relief through casualty loss deductions. This episode breaks down the complex rules governing what qualifies as a deductible casualty loss, including the critical distinction between personal and business losses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Jeremy walks through the three-part test for casualty losses, calculation methods using fair market value changes, and the reporting requirements on Form 4684, using a real-world hurricane damage scenario to illustrate these concepts.
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(00:00) - Introduction to the Series
(01:08) - Understanding Casualty Losses
(02:57) - Case Study: Jessica's Print Shop
(05:16) - Types of Casualty Losses
(06:57) - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact
(12:22) - Determining Deductible Casualty Losses
(18:36) - An Identifiable Event
(25:34) - Determining Casualty Loses or Gains
(30:29) - Filing an Insurance Claim
(39:44) - Reporting Casualty Losses
(49:16) - What to Do For Casualty Gain
(55:46) - Conclusion and Recap

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
1 hr
August 20, 2025Section 121: The $500k Exclusion Explained
Jeremy breaks down the complex rules surrounding Section 121's capital gains exclusion for home sales, using the Weber v. Commissioner tax court case to illustrate how taxpayers can lose out on excluding up to $500,000 in gains. The episode covers the critical two-out-of-five year ownership and use tests, explains how rental conversions can disqualify you from the exclusion, and details the partial exclusion exceptions for employment changes, health issues, and unforeseen circumstances. Understanding these nuances is essential since home sales often represent the largest financial transactions in taxpayers' lives.
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(00:00) - Section 121
(01:05) - Capital Gain Exclusion Introduction
(03:21) - Case Study: Webert vs Commissioner
(05:51) - Defining Principal Residence
(15:58) - Ownership and Use Tests
(26:08) - Understanding Spousal Eligibility for Exclusion
(27:16) - Principal Residence Usage Requirements
(29:17) - Counting Days and Periods of Absence
(31:01) - Special Considerations for Older Taxpayers
(32:22) - Ownership Through Trusts and LLCs
(35:22) - The Once Every Two Years Rule
(39:35) - Non-Qualified Use Explained
(45:31) - Case Study: The Webers' Tax Court Case
(46:37) - Partial Exclusions and Safe Harbors
(55:16) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Connect with Jeremy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax
https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com
Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TaxinAction
Earn CPE for Listening to This Podcast
https://www.earmark.app/
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
57 min

About Tax in Action: Practical Strategies for Tax Pros

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Join Jeremy Wells, EA, CPA, as he breaks down the complexities of tax law into practical guidance you can apply immediately. Each episode focuses on a specific tax strategy, credit, or compliance…