More is sure to surface on IRS appraiser standards at the ASA International Conference in Brooklyn next week, especially given the New York Times’ announcement just this past Sunday that the IRS is cutting half of its in-house gift and estate attorneys: (www.nytimes.com/2006/07/23/business/23tax.html). The IRS says the cost savings will allow it to hire more agents to audit estate/gift returns—but detractors say that the cuts are the Bush administration’s “back door” attempt to repeal the Death Tax.

With all the current questions causing a summer buzz, don’t miss the chance to register for Ask the IRS telephone conference this Thursday, July 27, 2006, featuring Michael Gregory, ASA, an IRS Engineering Territory Manager; and Roger Wilde CPA, ABV (Anacapa Valuations). Go to www.bvresources.com/conferences.