Advances made by a taxpayer in its business of managing an arena were not bona fide debt, and the taxpayer was not entitled to a bad-debt deduction when the advances became worthless.
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Tax
Estate’s portability election held invalid
The taxpayer’s predeceased spouse’s estate failed to timely file an estate return and did not qualify for the safe harbor in Rev. Proc. 2017-34, so its portability election was invalid, the Tax Court held.
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IRS finalizes regulations for Roth catch-up contributions under SECURE 2.0 … IRS releases draft form for tip, overtime, car loan, and senior deductions … IRS warns taxpayers: Social media advice can lead to costly penalties … Guidance on research or experimental expenditures under H.R. 1 issued … Draft 2026 Form W-2 includes boxes and codes for tips and overtime … Treasury posts preliminary list of jobs eligible for no tax on tips
AICPA asks Treasury, IRS to change approach to dual consolidated losses
A letter urges an exception to the current “all or nothing” approach that prevents U.S. companies from deducting any part of a dual consolidated loss if even a portion of the DCL was used in a foreign country.
About 1 million taxpayers to get automatic penalty relief next year
During a session at the AICPA National Tax Conference, the national taxpayer advocate said the IRS will start applying first-time abatements automatically next year.
IRS clarifies how employees can claim 2025 tip and overtime deductions
The IRS also is updating some income tax forms and instructions to help taxpayers claim the deductions.
AICPA warns that merger of IRS offices would ‘confuse’ taxpayers
The proposed merger of the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Return Preparer Office would blur “the public’s ability to perceive the distinction between credentialed, uncredentialed, and unenrolled preparers,” the AICPA said in a letter.
Is the IRS just between shutdowns? Former IRS commissioners are worried
Three former IRS leaders, speaking at the 2025 AICPA National Tax Conference, discussed the agency’s future and what happens if a shutdown occurs during filing season.
AICPA honors service and professional contributions in tax
Arthur Auerbach, an AICPA volunteer for 23 years, and Cory Perry, the chair of the AICPA’s Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Task Force, received the tax profession’s highest honors.
Inflation adjustments to retirement account limits issued for 2026
The IRS announced inflation-adjusted limits on benefits and contributions for various retirement accounts on Thursday, including maximum contribution amounts for 401(k) plans and traditional and Roth IRAs.
Almost 1,400 IRS employees receive layoff notices, adding to staff losses
In court documents filed in a lawsuit, officials said 1,446 Treasury employees received reduction-in-force notices, including 1,399 at the IRS.
IRS ends Direct File, shifts focus to Free File upgrades and private sector
The IRS cited low usage and high costs as reasons for shuttering the program, which began during the previous administration.
Real estate tax changes that advisers need to understand
A firm partner and AICPA conference speaker breaks down rule changes related to bonus depreciation and opportunity zone investment. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
Employers get reporting relief on tips, overtime; won’t face penalties for tax year 2025
An IRS notice says employers won’t face penalties if they don’t provide a separate accounting of cash tips and overtime compensation for tax year 2025 under H.R. 1.
Tax Court allows ordinary deduction of termination fees
Rights and obligations of an agreement pursuant to which the taxpayer paid a “break fee” terminating a proposed merger were in the nature of services, the court held, denying the IRS’s recharacterization of the fee under Sec. 1234A as a capital loss.
Sixth Circuit affirms application of split-dollar regulation
A life insurance policy’s premiums were held nondeductible by a dentist’s practice, and its increase in cash value was taxable income to the dentist.
Frivolous arguments rejected by Tax Court
Cut-and-paste “gibberish” from tax-protester websites does not produce winning arguments.
Blocking and tackling: Engagement letters for tax compliance services
Failure to have a proper engagement letter can lead to tax claims being asserted against firms. Learn how to help lower your risks.
SALT implications of M&As: Due diligence and risk mitigation
Explore a target’s unpaid state and local tax liabilities and other tax pitfalls to avoid souring a merger or acquisition.
How OBBBA alters charitable deduction strategies for 2025 and 2026
New rules could shrink an individual’s tax benefit from charitable contributions starting next year, prompting many to accelerate donations into this year. Here’s what donors and advisers need to know.
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