The IRS will be filing all returns through the new Modernized E-File (MEF) system this coming tax season.  This translates to your clients getting their refunds in as little as 5 days.  This represents a reduction in refund delays by 2 days.  The IRS reserves the right to delay returns with questionable Earned Income Tax [...]

PTIN renewal for the coming tax season is now available.  The 2011 system was made operational October 20th.  All paid tax return preparers must obtain or renew Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). If you have a PTIN that was issued in 2010, the renewal fee is $63.00.  If you are applying for the first time, [...]

As well as registering with the IRS on a federal level NY state tax return preparers must also register with the New York Department of Finance and Taxation.  You must register if you are a tax preparer who prepares at least 1 New York state tax return, or if you will be offering bank product [...]

The IRS incorrectly distributed approximately 80,000 notices to taxpayers stating that they needed to begin repayment of their first time homebuyer’s credit.  Many of these mistakenly sent out statements were sent to taxpayers who purchased their homes in 2009, who do not need to repay the credit at all.  Also the IRS attempted to identify [...]

The IRS released statistics showing total filing figures for the country along with individual state statistics also. One of the most notable statistics reported was that there was nearly 2 million (1,730,061) fewer tax returns filed for the 2009 tax year versus the 2008 tax year. Many sources relate this to the economic downturn in [...]

President Obama just recently proposed a new tax credit for hiring veterans that have recently returned from combat overseas.  The credit ceilings would range from $4,800 to $9,600, depending on the longevity of the position these veterans are employed for and the length that they have been unemployed and if they have any disabilities.  This [...]

The bill to increase the US debt ceiling passed both the House and Senate Monday evening.  The bill raises the debt ceiling in several increments throughout the next year and gets us past the 2012 election.  A “super committee” comprised of both Republicans and Democrats will convene to approve another 1.5 trillion in borrowing for [...]

Note to all offices preparing MN state tax returns – Minnesota has placed their state government offices and agencies on a skeleton schedule while they attempt to pass an acceptable budget.  This state processing shutdown will have an effect on any clients that are currently waiting for a MN state tax refund, as they are [...]

Let your legislator know how you feel about them removing the Debt Indicator!  Click Here for methods of  making your voice heard regarding congress’ action to remove the IRS debt indicator, which has changed the landscape of the RAL and tax preparation industry.

Many tax businesses operate perfectly fine without getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and if you are the only one working in your business you really do not need one.   If you think that you will be hiring employees this season, you should get one.  This will allow for you to not have to [...]