IRS practice & procedure

TOPICS / TAX

February 4, 2016

IRS restores e-filing services

The IRS’s tax return e-filing system was back in operation Thursday afternoon, a day after a computer hardware failure knocked out it and other IRS system services.

February 1, 2016

Let it snow (but to be sure, use an IRS-approved PDS)

The Tax Court sides with a taxpayer in holding that a snow day extended the time to file a petition.

February 1, 2016

Tax ID theft victims may obtain copies of fraudulent returns

In a policy reversal, the IRS will provide redacted copies of returns filed by identity thieves.

January 19, 2016

What CPAs need to know about new PPACA forms

This filing season, certain employers, as well as providers of minimum essential coverage, will have to meet significant information-reporting requirements.

January 6, 2016

IRS IP PIN notice contains wrong tax year for filing

The IRS warned that identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) notices it has recently sent to victims of identity theft refer to the wrong tax year.

January 1, 2016

Missing signature means return is invalid

A joint federal income tax return unsigned by one spouse was not a valid tax return.

January 1, 2016

Resolving IRS disputes through audit reconsideration

Taxpayers may be able to apply for a “rework” of a previous audit.

December 18, 2015

Congress passes extender and other tax legislation

The omnibus spending bill passed by Congress on Friday, which extends a long list of expired tax provisions, also contains a large number of other tax items.

December 14, 2015

Tell your client to hang up on the ‘IRS’

But when the “IRS” calls your client, it probably isn’t really the IRS.

December 7, 2015

Criminal tax prosecutions run the gamut

In its annual business report for 2015, the IRS’s Criminal Investigation division discussed notable criminal tax prosecutions.

December 4, 2015

Bill with passport and third-party tax collection provisions passes Congress

The highway funding bill passed by Congress includes provisions that will allow the government to revoke the passports of seriously delinquent tax debtors and will require the IRS to use third-party debt collectors.

November 24, 2015

IRS warns practitioners of an e-Services phishing scam

The IRS issued a QuickAlert to tax practitioners, warning of a phishing scam that is attempting to capture practitioners’ e-Services usernames and passwords.

November 13, 2015

Tax ID theft victims may obtain copies of fraudulent returns

In a change of policy, the IRS announced procedures for victims of tax ID theft or their authorized representative to request copies of bogus returns filed by identity thieves.

November 3, 2015

Demanding tax season likely ahead, IRS commissioner tells AICPA

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen told the AICPA that continuing cuts to the agency’s budget mean less enforcement revenue and continued challenges in properly serving taxpayers’ and practitioners’ needs during the crush of tax season.

November 2, 2015

Here’s how to fix problems caused by late and amended Forms 1099

Brokerage firms’ practice of issuing late and amended Forms 1099 is causing many taxpayers provide data to preparers later than in prior years to avoid having to file amended returns

November 1, 2015

IRS proposes rule updates and clarifications to penalty for nondisclosure of reportable transactions

Changes conform with amendments to Sec. 6707A made by the Small Business Jobs Act.

November 1, 2015

Court affirms FBAR penalties while faulting IRS’s conduct in assessing them

The IRS’s administration of FBAR penalties for nonwillful failure to file was arbitrary and capricious under the APA.

November 1, 2015

IRS ends automatic extensions for Forms W-2

Allowing only nonautomatic extensions is intended to help deter fraudulent returns using stolen taxpayer identities.

October 29, 2015

PTIN user fee will be lowered

The IRS issued regulations lowering the fee for PTINs, effective for the coming filing season, from $50 to $33, effective Nov. 1, 2015.

October 21, 2015

IRS issues 2016 inflation adjustments and tax tables

The IRS issued the annual inflation adjustments for 2016 for more than 50 tax provisions as well as the 2016 tax rate tables for individuals and estates and trusts.