Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Woman Takes on the IRS - And Wins!




In a story that should be encouraging to the Everyman out there, a Maryland woman has defied the odds and successfully challenged the IRS. The topic? Tuition for her M.B.A.

Why should you care? First, there is the obvious reason in that it may make it easier for you to deduct your own education expenses. However, I think it is also a step in the right direction for the empowerment of the Everyman in their ongoing battle to retain what they have rightfully earned.

Look, I'm not someone who advocates cheating on your taxes. By all means, give to Caesar what is Caesar's. However, if you can reduce your tax liability within legal parameters, why would you turn that opportunity down? Sure, the government has proven to be responsible investors and a fine example of financial responsibility (yes, that is sarcasm), but I have faith in you, the Everyman, to be able to do with your money what you wish.

Anyway, back to the story. It was ruled that the nurse from Maryland was correct in deducting her tuition expenses on her tax return for her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix (nearly $15,000). What is more interesting is that she represented herself! Not only did she take on the vaunted Internal Revenue Service, but she did it without lawyers. There is a God!

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