The 1040 Handbook

This classic reference explains how to use the 1040 return as a discovery tool in divorce cases, showing where to start a review and how to discover cash flow and the existence of assets. A line-by-line analysis of a hypothetical couple's federal tax form and its schedules provides guidance for drafting a detailed and effective discovery plan for assets and income.

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This one-of-a-kind resource explains how to use the 1040 return as a discovery tool in divorce cases -- in practice, not theory. Showing where to start a review of an individual's return and how to discover cash flow, the existence of assets and other valuables, The 1040 Handbook provides practical assistance for drafting a detailed and effective discovery plan for assets and income, personal as well as business.


Using a hypothetical couple's 2020 tax return, The 1040 Handbook provides a line-by-line analysis of the federal tax form and its schedules to suggest appropriate areas of inquiry. Author Jack Zuckerman shows what each line reveals about a couple's assets and the income, and notes the clues that should be followed up on, the red flags to watch for, and the indications that additional key documents exist and should be obtained. It also discusses the important facts to gather during the initial client consultation and how the 1040 form can be used to:





Draft a tentative list of assets

Identify appropriate areas of inquiry

Ask the appropriate questions

Develop a list of additional documents to obtain


Individual chapters cover the 1040's most commonly used schedules and forms, providing a clearly written discussion of each along with a sample form. In addition, this book offers a wealth of information on:





Identifying income and assets

Recognizing assets disguised as deductions

Tip-offs to predivorce movement of assets

Business expenses that could be considered income

Deductions and assets that may be future tax liabilities

IRAs and Keogh accounts

And much more!