I have seen actual cases where this has happened; estates have been eaten away over several years by lawyer fees. This usually happens when there is a lengthy probate because a living trust wasn’t used or one was handled incorrectly. The most common mistake I’ve seen is where a living trust is established, but no assets are ever transferred into its name, negating any ability it could have to avoid probate, which reduces more estates than the death tax does.

As long he reports all of his income.

This obviously applies to Realtors, as well as to stockbrokers.

Of course, the fact that those of us in the so-called white collar professions (legal, medical, accounting) are said to be “practicing” probably isn’t much more reassuring to those who entrust their lives (legal, financial and actual) with us.

From the latest issue of Intuit ProConnection:

How to Handle Last-Minute Deductions That Aren’t on Form 1040 – Includes sample client doc file on these extender changes. 

Who’s the “good” guy and who’s the “bad” guy depends on the perspective.

One of my favorite types of comedy has long been parody and satire.  The only part of the Academy Awards shows I’ve watched over the past dozen or so years have been Billy Crystal’s movie parodies at the beginning.

I am also a big fan of British comedy, so it wasn’t a big shock to see that some folks in England have produced a hilarious and very well done six and a half minute faux expose comparing wild accounting graduates to street walkers.

I found it here on TaxGirl’s blog, where she has even included a link for downloading the video to your own computer.  I no longer have a waiting room for clients, as I did back on the Left Coast; but I could envision playing this on a TV for clients’ entertainment.