Tax filing season to start Feb. 12, IRS announces
The IRS announced that it will start accepting 2020 tax returns on Feb. 12, a later date than usual. The delay stems from programming changes needed to account for year-end tax legislation.
Individual income taxation
Final regs. govern deductibility of fines and penalties
The IRS issued final regulations on when fines and penalties paid to a government are not deductible by a taxpayer, including defining when a payment counts as restitution, which may be deductible.
Final regs. address certain Sec. 163(j) rules
The IRS issued final regulations containing rules on the Sec. 163(j) interest expense limitation, including rules for specific passthrough entities and regulated investment companies.
Guidance permits change in vehicle use valuation during pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS is allowing employers to switch from the vehicle lease valuation method to the cents-per-mile method for determining the value of an employee’s personal use of a vehicle during the pandemic.
Filing season quick guide — tax year 2020
Download and print our annual quick guide, a tax season reference, highlighting dollar thresholds, tax tables, standard amounts, credits, and deductions.
Tax season preview
COVID-19 relief measures confront return preparers with novel predicaments. [Updated with tax provisions from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the COVID-19 relief package signed into law in late December 2020.]
2021 standard mileage rates decrease
The IRS issued the 2021 standard mileage rates for use in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving expense purposes. The rates all decreased from 2021 to 2020.
Some teleworkers could be hit with surprise tax bills
With many workers unaware of the implications when remote work crosses state lines, CPAs may face frustration and confusion in clients.
PPP loan forgiveness and taxes
The AICPA's Eileen Sherr, CPA, CGMA, MT, discusses recent IRS guidance regarding the tax treatment of loans under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program.
Several tax provisions set to expire at end of 2020
Among the expiring provisions are the lower 7.5% AGI floor for medical expense deductions and the deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.
A reckoning for payroll tax deferrals
Employers must be wary of the trust fund recovery penalty if they take advantage of deferrals in the CARES Act.
Appreciated stock donation not treated as a taxable redemption
The Tax Court holds that taxpayers made an absolute gift.
It’s a tough year for year-end tax planning
Advisers face the difficult task of helping clients plan for next year without knowing for certain which party will control the Senate.
Quiz: Are you ready for year-end planning during a pandemic?
When it comes time to put on your year-end planning hat, will you be prepared to provide the best tax and financial planning advice to clients? Take this quiz to see if you’re ready to tackle year-end planning for 2020.
Taxpayers are allowed charitable contribution deductions for land
The donations had donative intent, were reasonably valued, and were supported with documentation that substantially complied with the regulations, the Tax Court finds.
Limiting the impact of negative QBI
Here are the rules for the treatment of negative QBI and some planning ideas for mitigating its effect on the QBI deduction.
Guidance on deferred employee payroll tax issued
The IRS issued guidance to employers and employees on reporting deferred Social Security tax on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, under the Aug. 8 Presidential Memorandum authorizing the deferral.
2021 inflation adjustments and tax tables issued
The IRS issued the 2021 inflation adjustment amounts and tax tables for use in preparing 2021 tax returns in the 2022 filing season. Many of the over 60 items increased from 2020.
2021 Social Security wage base announced
The Social Security Administration announced that the maximum amount of wages subject to the old age, survivors, and disability insurance tax will increase to $142,800 in 2021 from $137,700 in 2020.
Nonfilers have until Nov. 21 to apply for economic impact payment
The IRS announced that it was extending the deadline from Oct. 15 to Nov. 21 at midnight for certain individuals to enter their information on the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool on the IRS website to receive the $1,200 stimulus payment due to individual taxpayers.
