The IRS audits address tax shelters. They're not giving the same level of attention to the cash economy.

This makes a lot of sense. Our group [the American Association of Attorney-CPAs] needs greater access to e-Services, but many members don't file returns and can't get into it. We suggest that whenever the IRS sends a notice, they also send a transcript - don't wait for a request, just send it along with the notice.

In the ideal world, the return should be simple enough for the taxpayer to compute without help. We're never going to get there, but we can move toward it.

She's right on target with her core principles. Taxpayers should have some, but not too many, choices. The pension arena is a good example. There are too many choices of plans. The same is true of education. Here there are two different credits, as well as various deductions for the same purpose.

Berlusconi is desperate and he's latching on to what he can to deflect attention away from the economy; it's the most prominent chink in the armor. That's why he's jumped on the wiretapping scandals.

We certainly are going to be giving (parking) lots special attention over the next couple of weeks.