RJS LAW - A Tax Law Firm

RJS LAW - A Tax Law Firm RJS LAW is a full service law firm that can help resolve your personal, small business, and corporate RJS LAW was founded by Ronson J. degrees.

RJS LAW is San Diego and Southern California’s leading tax law firm. We are a full-service law firm that can help resolve your personal, business, and corporate tax problems with the IRS and all of California’s taxing authorities. Our practice encompasses all aspects of taxation, with an emphasis on tax controversy, tax planning, international tax, criminal tax defense, and sales tax issues. RJS L

AW also maintains a vibrant Estate Planning practice providing estate planning and trust creation, as well as all aspects of probate, trust administration, and litigation. RJS LAW can also help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. Our office gained prominence in the San Diego community, through our diligent client representation, a history of successes, and the glowing recommendations received from our past and current clients. RJS LAW consistently appears before the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. RJS attorneys also work with the Department of Justice – Tax Division, as consultants on IRS Wealth Squad audits, and with various US Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Shamoun, a three-time graduate of the University of San Diego, where he received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Accountancy, his Juris Doctor (J.D.), and his Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.) Ronson has over 20 years of experience in the field of taxation. In 2016, Ronson co-founded the annual USD School of Law RJS LAW Tax Controversy Institute – a leading educational event for tax professionals and the tax community at large to discuss current issues including newly enacted legislation, IRS initiatives and programs, criminal prosecutions, and other tax topics of interest. USD School of Law RJS LAW Tax Controversy Institute is one of a few prestigious tax institutes in the United States.

What Is Considered Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) Organizations?Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) OrganizationsFo...
06/04/2026

What Is Considered Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) Organizations?

Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) Organizations
For decades, tax-exempt organizations operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code have confronted one of the most consequential restrictions in nonprofit law: the absolute prohibition against political campaign intervention. Despite years of IRS guidance, many organizations continue to cross this line, not out of willful misconduct, but out of genuine confusion about where permissible advocacy ends and prohibited campaigning begins. So, what is considered political campaigning for 501(c)(3) organizations and what are the boundaries every 501(c)(3) organization must understand about political campaigning?

The Absolute Prohibition on Political Campaigning

The Internal Revenue Code is unambiguous. All Section 501(c)(3) organizations are completely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. This prohibition is not a matter of degree. Unlike the lobbying restriction, which permits a limited amount of legislative activity, the political campaign intervention ban is total. A single violation can result in revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of a minimum 10% excise tax that could rise to as much as 100% if the violation is not corrected in a timely manner.

The term “candidate for public office” is interpreted broadly by the IRS. It covers any individual who offers himself or herself, or is proposed by others, as a contestant for an elective public office, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Notably, the prohibition extends beyond declared candidates. An organization that encourages a prominent individual to enter or leave a race may also be deemed to have crossed the line.

Learn more on our blog (see comments)

Register Today! Join Us Friday, July 17, 2026, for the 11th Annual USD School of Law - RJS LAW Tax Institute.A Leading E...
06/04/2026

Register Today! Join Us Friday, July 17, 2026, for the 11th Annual USD School of Law - RJS LAW Tax Institute.

A Leading Educational Event for Tax, Accounting, and Business Professionals

"We Bring the Whole Tax Community Together"

The Institute is the premier annual tax event in San Diego. The region’s top tax attorneys, enrolled agents (EAs), certified public accountants (CPAs), law and business school professors will discuss topics including government loan relief and abuses, challenges in cross-border transactions, and practical and realistic solutions in trust, estate planning, and tax matters.

DATE AND TIME
Friday, July 17, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Theatre
5555 Marian Way, San Diego, CA 92110

EVENT STATUS
Open to the Public | See Registration Link in Comments

University of San Diego School of Law

Does Your 501(c)(3) Need to Register With the State Before Asking for Donations?Many nonprofit leaders assume that once ...
05/28/2026

Does Your 501(c)(3) Need to Register With the State Before Asking for Donations?

Many nonprofit leaders assume that once an organization receives its 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS, it is free to immediately start soliciting donations. That assumption is legally dangerous. Federal tax-exempt status and state-level authority to fundraise are two entirely separate legal matters and conflating them can expose an organization to significant penalties, disrupted fundraising campaigns, and the loss of its ability to operate in a given state. Learn more about 501(c)(3) registration.

What Are Charitable Solicitations?

Before examining the registration question, it is essential to understand what the law considers a “solicitation.” The definition is broader than most nonprofit leaders realize. A charitable solicitation is any request for a contribution intended for charitable purposes, regardless of the form it takes. This includes direct mail campaigns, emails, verbal requests, newsletter appeals, social media posts, fundraising events such as auctions or dinners, and text message campaigns.

The most consequential and most frequently overlooked form of solicitation, however, is a nonprofit’s own website. In most states, a publicly accessible website with a “Donate Now” button constitutes a continuous solicitation directed at residents of every state in which the site can be viewed. An organization whose donation page is visible to a California resident is, under most interpretations, soliciting in California, regardless of where the nonprofit is incorporated or where its staff is located. For large organizations fundraising online, this single fact has more compliance implications than any other.

Understanding the full scope of the solicitation definition is the critical first step in determining registration obligations.

Your Tax Relief Starts Here at RJS LAW - A Tax Law Firm. What Should You Do If You Receive an EDD Audit Notice? Receivin...
05/21/2026

Your Tax Relief Starts Here at RJS LAW - A Tax Law Firm. What Should You Do If You Receive an EDD Audit Notice?

Receiving an EDD audit notice can feel stressful, but how you respond early on makes a big difference. The first step is simple: do not ignore it. These notices come with deadlines, and delaying your response can limit your options or make things worse.

Most EDD audits focus on payroll taxes and worker classification especially whether workers were properly labeled as independent contractors or employees. This is where many businesses run into trouble.

You will likely be asked for documents such as:

• Payroll records
• 1099s and W-2s
• Contracts
• Bank statements

If you receive an EDD audit notice, we are here to help. Contact us at (619) 595-1655 for a free consultation.

Today, RJS LAW recognizes National First Generation Lawyers Day, honoring the attorneys who are the first in their famil...
05/20/2026

Today, RJS LAW recognizes National First Generation Lawyers Day, honoring the attorneys who are the first in their families to enter the legal profession.

Their achievements reflect perseverance, sacrifice, and leadership, and their journeys continue to inspire the next generation of lawyers.

Discover scholarship opportunities supporting first-generation students on their path to law through RJS LAW and the University of San Diego School of Law (see comments)

What Should I Do If I Receive an EDD Audit Notice?Receiving an EDD audit notice can feel stressful, but how you respond ...
05/20/2026

What Should I Do If I Receive an EDD Audit Notice?

Receiving an EDD audit notice can feel stressful, but how you respond early on makes a big difference. The first step is simple: do not ignore it. These notices come with deadlines, and delaying your response can limit your options or make things worse.

Understand What the Audit Is About. Most EDD audits focus on payroll taxes and worker classification , especially whether workers were properly labeled as independent contractors or employees. This is where many businesses run into trouble.

You will likely be asked for documents such as:

• Payroll records
• 1099s and W-2s
• Contracts
• Bank statements

At this stage, it’s not just about handing over paperwork it is about how that information will be interpreted.

Do Not Rush to Respond. A common mistake is sending everything immediately without reviewing it. We often see business owners unintentionally expand the audit by providing more than necessary. Take time to organize your records and understand what’s being requested before responding.

Get Guidance Early. EDD audits are more complex than they seem. Small details, especially around worker classification, can lead to large financial consequences. Getting professional help early can:

• Control communication with the EDD
• Limit the scope of the audit
• Identify risks before they turn into penalties

Think Ahead
Start looking at your own practices:
Do your contracts match how work is actually performed?
Are your classifications consistent?

Many audits escalate because of gaps between what’s written and what’s actually happening.

Final Thoughts: An EDD audit notice does not mean you have done something wrong, but it does mean you need to take it seriously. A careful, strategic response early on can often prevent bigger problems later.

If you receive an EDD audit notice, we are here to help. Contact us at (619) 595-1655 for a free consultation.

Register Now! Join Us Friday, July 17, 2026, for the 11th Annual USD School of Law - RJS LAW Tax InstituteA Leading Educ...
05/14/2026

Register Now! Join Us Friday, July 17, 2026, for the 11th Annual USD School of Law - RJS LAW Tax Institute

A Leading Educational Event for Tax, Accounting, and Business Professionals

"We Bring the Whole Tax Community Together"

The Institute is the premier annual tax event in San Diego. The region’s top tax attorneys, enrolled agents (EAs), certified public accountants (CPAs), law and business school professors will discuss topics including government loan relief and abuses, challenges in cross-border transactions, and practical and realistic solutions in trust, estate planning, and tax matters.

DATE AND TIME
Friday, July 17, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Theatre
5555 Marian Way, San Diego, CA 92110

EVENT STATUS
Open to the Public

University of San Diego School of Law

Fun times at this year’s BIG GIVE BASH at RJS LAW! 🎉A big thanks to everyone who came out and supported the University o...
05/13/2026

Fun times at this year’s BIG GIVE BASH at RJS LAW! 🎉

A big thanks to everyone who came out and supported the University of San Diego School of Law

We are grateful to be part of such an amazing community coming together for a great cause. Looking forward to next year!

#2026

What Is Considered Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) Organizations?For decades, tax-exempt organizations operating und...
05/07/2026

What Is Considered Political Campaigning for 501(c)(3) Organizations?

For decades, tax-exempt organizations operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code have confronted one of the most consequential restrictions in nonprofit law: the absolute prohibition against political campaign intervention. Despite years of IRS guidance, many organizations continue to cross this line, not out of willful misconduct, but out of genuine confusion about where permissible advocacy ends and prohibited campaigning begins. So, what is considered political campaigning for 501(c)(3) organizations and what are the boundaries every 501(c)(3) organization must understand about political campaigning?

The Absolute Prohibition on Political Campaigning

The Internal Revenue Code is unambiguous. All Section 501(c)(3) organizations are completely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. This prohibition is not a matter of degree. Unlike the lobbying restriction, which permits a limited amount of legislative activity, the political campaign intervention ban is total. A single violation can result in revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of a minimum 10% excise tax that could rise to as much as 100% if the violation is not corrected in a timely manner.

The term “candidate for public office” is interpreted broadly by the IRS. It covers any individual who offers himself or herself, or is proposed by others, as a contestant for an elective public office, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Notably, the prohibition extends beyond declared candidates. An organization that encourages a prominent individual to enter or leave a race may also be deemed to have crossed the line.

Learn more on our blog (see comments)

What Should I Do If I Receive an EDD Audit Notice?Receiving an EDD audit notice can feel stressful, but how you respond ...
05/06/2026

What Should I Do If I Receive an EDD Audit Notice?

Receiving an EDD audit notice can feel stressful, but how you respond early on makes a big difference. The first step is simple: do not ignore it. These notices come with deadlines, and delaying your response can limit your options or make things worse.

Understand What the Audit Is About. Most EDD audits focus on payroll taxes and worker classification , especially whether workers were properly labeled as independent contractors or employees. This is where many businesses run into trouble.

You will likely be asked for documents such as:

• Payroll records
• 1099s and W-2s
• Contracts
• Bank statements

At this stage, it’s not just about handing over paperwork it is about how that information will be interpreted.

Do Not Rush to Respond. A common mistake is sending everything immediately without reviewing it. We often see business owners unintentionally expand the audit by providing more than necessary. Take time to organize your records and understand what’s being requested before responding.

Get Guidance Early. EDD audits are more complex than they seem. Small details, especially around worker classification, can lead to large financial consequences. Getting professional help early can:

• Control communication with the EDD
• Limit the scope of the audit
• Identify risks before they turn into penalties

Think Ahead

Start looking at your own practices:
• Do your contracts match how work is actually performed?
• Are your classifications consistent?

Many audits escalate because of gaps between what’s written and what’s actually happening.

Final Thoughts: An EDD audit notice does not mean you have done something wrong, but it does mean you need to take it seriously. A careful, strategic response early on can often prevent bigger problems later.

If you receive an EDD audit notice, we are here to help. Contact us at (619) 595-1655 for a free consultation.

Address

San Diego, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+16195951655

Website

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