On Thursday, the IRS issued final regulations governing national taxpayer advocate (NTA) taxpayer assistance orders when a taxpayer is suffering hardship because of the way the IRS is administering the tax laws (TD 9519). Under IRC § 7811 the NTA can issue a taxpayer assistance order if the NTA “determines
Advertisement
FASB Chairman Provides Update on Financial Instruments
Editor’s note: On April 14, FASB and the IASB said the priority projects on revenue recognition, leases and financial instruments, scheduled to be completed in June, would require a few more months of work. No specific deadline was set for the projects. Read “FASB, IASB Announce Delay on Priority Projects”
AICPA Calls for Safeguards for Electronic Data Provided for IRS Exams
The AICPA called on the IRS to start a dialogue to fix what it views as an important problem for some small businesses under audit examination: providing electronic records to the IRS while protecting confidential information that is not relevant to the IRS’ request. The IRS maintains that the
FinCEN: Commercial Real Estate Fraud Poses Risks to Economy
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) said reported incidences of suspicious activity in commercial real estate (CRE) financing almost tripled between 2007 and 2010. The analysis of suspicious activity reports (SARs) from depository institutions said a key concern in this area is the fact that an estimated $1.4 trillion in
Guidance Issued on 100% Bonus Depreciation Rules
The IRS issued guidance on how taxpayers can deduct 100% of the cost of qualified business property placed in service in 2011 under rules enacted last year (Revenue Procedure 2011-26). The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (PL 111-312) allows taxpayers to deduct 100% of
FinCEN: Bankruptcy Fraud, Mortgage Loan Fraud Increasingly Intertwine
Mortgage loan fraud was cited in 54% of suspicious activity reports (SARs) referencing bankruptcy fraud in 2010, up from 42% in 2009, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reported Monday. The division of the U.S. Treasury Department also noted growth in reports of real estate “flopping” over the course of 2010,
IRS Issues Final Regs and Guidance on Mandatory E-Filing Requirements
The IRS issued final regulations (TD 9518) and several pieces of guidance relating to the requirement that return preparers e-file tax returns, starting this year. The final regulations adopt, with minor amendments, proposed regulations (REG-100194-10) that were published last December, and they require specified tax return preparers to e-file if
FinREC Releases Working Draft of Revised “Cheap Stock” Practice Aid
The AICPA’s Financial Reporting Executive Committee (FinREC) on Monday released a working draft of the revised practice aid Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, also known as the “Cheap Stock” practice aid. This is an update of the practice aid, which was originally issued in April
Unfair Lending Practice Settlement Does Not Result in Income to Borrower
In Chief Counsel advice, the IRS stated that adjustments to loan principal amounts under a settlement to reform unfair lending practices do not result in income to the borrower, even though the adjustments result in a reduction in the amount the borrower will pay under the loan (CCA 201112008). The
FASB Balances Revenue Recognition Guidance With Principles
Editor’s note: On April 14, FASB and the IASB said the priority projects on revenue recognition, leases and financial instruments, scheduled to be completed in June, would require a few more months of work. No specific deadline was set for the projects. Read “FASB, IASB Announce Delay on Priority Projects”
Tax Filing Season Resources—Tax Year 2010
This is the one-stop shop for all the updates you need to know for this year’s tax filing season. Find resources from the Journal of Accountancy, plus tax return checklists and tax savings tips from the AICPA, categorized by tax topic. INDIVIDUAL TAX Free File Program Expanded to Include Returns Filed
Free File Program Expanded to Include Returns Filed From Overseas
The IRS on Friday announced that taxpayers who live in foreign countries can now use the Free File program to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns (IR-2011-30). The program is available to both U.S. citizens and resident aliens, and currently five of the Free File software providers can accept
GASB Offers $5K Grants to Stimulate Research on Standards
GASB issued its 2011 request for research through the Gil Crain Memorial Research Grant. The board offers grants of up to $5,000 annually to encourage academic research relevant to the board’s standard-setting activity. The board intends to award at least one $5,000 research grant and possibly more, depending on the
Uncertain Tax Position FAQs Posted
The IRS has posted a series of questions and answers (FAQs) about the new requirement for large corporations to report their uncertain tax positions. The seven FAQs address both reporting requirements for Schedule UTP, Uncertain Tax Position Statement, and the IRS’ policy of restraint. For the 2010 tax year, corporations
First-Time Homebuyer Credit Recapture Causing IRS Processing Problems
On Wednesday, the IRS announced that it is having problems processing tax returns that involve repayment of the IRC § 36 first-time homebuyer credit for 2008 home purchases. The IRS stated that it has assigned additional staff and resources to the issue to resolve it promptly. One group of affected
IRS Releases 2010 Gift Tax Return
The IRS on Friday released the final 2010 version of Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, and its instructions. The updated form reflects changes made by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (PL 111-312), which was enacted Dec. 17, 2010.
AICPA, CIMA Joint Venture Would Offer New Management Accounting Designation
The AICPA and the London-based Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) are proposing forming a joint venture to develop and promote a new global management accounting designation. The joint venture is designed to give management accounting a higher profile in the United States, advance the science of management accounting worldwide,
IRS Proposes Permanently Extending Period for Receiving Authorization to Disclose Return Information
The IRS on Thursday issued a proposed regulation that would permanently extend from 60 days to 120 days the permitted period for submission of taxpayer authorizations allowing disclosure of returns and return information to third-party designees (REG-153338-09). IRC § 6103(c) authorizes the IRS to disclose a taxpayer’s returns or return
PCAOB: Audits of Chinese Reverse Mergers Create Compliance Concern
A PCAOB research note released on Tuesday attributes instances of noncompliance with AU section 543 to the increasing prevalence of transactions the regulator classified as Chinese reverse mergers (CRMs). The PCAOB’s research assessed data from a July 2010 audit alert that had raised a concern that some U.S.-registered accounting firms
IRS Issues Final Regs on Disclosing Return Information to Whistleblowers
On Monday, the IRS released final regulations regarding disclosure of return information by the Treasury Department in connection with written contracts among the IRS, whistleblowers and, if applicable, their legal representatives (TD 9516). The new IRS Whistleblower Office may determine during the course of an investigation that it needs the
Features
SPONSORED REPORT
Preparing clients for new provisions next tax season
As the 2025 filing season approaches, H.R. 1 introduces significant tax reforms that CPAs must be prepared to navigate. These legislative changes represent some of the most comprehensive tax updates in recent years, affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers. This report provides in-depth analysis and guidance on H.R. 1.
From The Tax Adviser
November 30, 2025
Digital asset transactions: Broker reporting, amount realized, and basis
October 31, 2025
Recent developments in estate planning
October 31, 2025
