The Tax Professionals Blog
Why You Should Participate in the IRS Voluntary Preparer Program
Posted by Lee Reams Sr. on
In the past, unenrolled preparers (1) where able to represent returns they prepared in an office audit or correspondence audit with the IRS. This will no longer be true beginning in 2016, even if you have Power of Attorney from your client. Starting in 2016, unenrolled preparers must have a “Record of Completion (2)” for the year the return was prepared and one for the year of audit. Without a “Record of Completion” for each year, your ability to practice as a tax preparer will be substantially limited.
IRS Website Hacked By Identity Thieves
Posted by Lee Reams Sr. on
According to the IRS, identity thieves have gained access to the IRS website and accessed tax return and personal information for more than 100,000 taxpayers.
IRS Refunding RTRP Fees
Posted by Lee Reams Sr. on
The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the decision of the District Court in Loving v. IRS, that the IRS lacked authority to mandate competency testing for paid tax return preparers
Court Denies Excess Home Mortgage Interest As Investment Interest.
Posted by Lee Reams Sr. on
The court, while noting that the qualified residence interest regulations allow debt exceeding the applicable limit to potentially be allocated to an otherwise deductible category of interest, has denied the taxpayers' investment interest deduction because they failed to show that the funds, which were from a loan secured by a qualified residence, were actually used for investing. Minchem International, Inc., TC Memo 2015-56
Individual FBAR Filers Get New E-Filing Option (FinCEN)
Posted by Lee Reams Sr. on
The BSA E-Filing System now provides an alternative e-filing method for individuals filing the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).