Tax Talk

  • Tax Certifications For Professional Tax Preparers

    Tax season is a busy time for everyone involved, but it’s especially important for taxpayers in the market for a qualified tax preparer. Tax laws are complex and ever-changing, and it can be difficult for taxpayers to keep up with the latest changes. This is where professional tax preparers come in. Professional tax preparers can […]

    IRS Shutting Down MeF E-File System on November 18th, 2023: File Your Taxes Early!

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be shutting down its Modernized e-File (MeF) system on November 18th, 2023, for annual maintenance. This means that taxpayers will not be able to e-file their individual income tax returns during this time. The MeF system is used by both taxpayers and tax preparers to e-file individual income tax […]

    2024 PTIN Renewals Open

    The PTIN portal is officially open for new 2024 PTINs and for PTIN renewals for 2024. A little bit of good news is that the price is a little less than it was last year. The fee to renew or obtain a PTIN for 2024 is $19.75. The fee is set at $11 per application […]

    How Do I Get an ITIN?

    An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number (SSN).  There are several ways to obtain an ITIN. Mail You […]

    What is a Tax Purpose for ITINs?

    A “tax purpose” for an individual is the reason why they file a tax return or are listed on the tax return of someone else. It is not the same thing as a tax filing requirement, however, tax filing requirement is a tax purpose. People who have no tax filing requirement can and still should […]

  • IRS to End Moratorium on CAA ITIN Program

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that it will reopen the Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) program in late 2023. The CAA program allows certain organizations to help taxpayers obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs). ITINs are tax processing numbers issued to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). The CAA […]

    IRS Notice 2022-36 Waives Late Filing Penalties

    IRS Notice 2022-36 waives late filing penalties for 2019 and 2020 returns filed late but on or before Sept. 30, 2022. Applies to income tax returns:  1040, 1040NR  1041  1065, 1120, 1120S  990 PF  And more  Does not apply to estimated tax, underpayments, preparer penalties   If late filing […]

    IRS Changing E-file Application Fingerprint Process As of 8/15/22

    One component of becoming an e-file provider is getting fingerprinted for a background check. This has traditionally been completed with paper fingerprint cards which were mailed to the IRS and matched to the applicant’s application. However, as of September 25th the IRS will be implementing a new electronic fingerprinting process which will require an applicant […]

    Hub Testing Begins 1/18/2022

    Hot off the presses! IRS HUB Testing to start tomorrow, January 18th and continue through Friday January 21st.  Tax returns intended for early processing can be submitted now!  What is IRS HUB Testing? -This is when the IRS pulls and processes returns that have been submitted as part of a controlled test launch of the e-file […]

    Immigrant Tax Services in High Demand

    Tax and immigration services are in high demand as immigration reform is on the horizon. All undocumented immigrants living and working in the United States need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in order to file and pay their taxes. ITIN holders are eligible for various tax credits which can result in tax refunds, but […]

  • Online Tax Software vs. Desktop Tax Software

    Benefits of Online Tax Software Online tax prep software can be used on any computer – Mac or PC Online tax software auto updates and is self-maintaining Acknowledgments automatically applied No need to back up files since they are stored in the cloud Functionally similar to desktop versions Fluid movement between software years Several preparer roles […]

    Benefits of Becoming a Tax Professional

    Should I become a tax preparer? That is a common question that we get to discuss with entrepreneurs on a daily basis. Becoming a tax professional is not glamorous, but it does place you into an industry that has proven over the years to be stable and in demand. Become your friends, family, and clients’ […]

    California Declares Uber Drivers ARE Employees

    If you haven’t heard of Uber by now, let me briefly explain. Uber is a car service cheaper than that of a regular taxi because Uber drivers user their own car and choose when they work. Think of a ride-share or carpool that you pay for,but you don’t pay as much as a taxi. Long […]

    Tax Preparation for Immigrants – The Rules Change Again…

    Just as quickly as we update our ITIN materials and guidelines the ITIN policy office within the IRS has changed their stance yet again! Just released: ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) will expire after 5 consecutive years of non-filing use.  This is a change from the services’ previously stated policy of automatically expiring ITINs after […]

    Want to pay less tax? Keep these receipts during the year.

    Want to know how to pay less taxes? One of the easiest ways to reduce one’s tax liability is by keeping receipts for taxes. While not everything is tax-deductible, saving receipts for taxes is pretty easy and will help you keep good track of your deductions without doing any work! So, what is the best […]

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  • Federal Direct knows the focus and dedication it takes to grow your tax business!


  • Ready to offer tax services to undocumented aliens? We have the training and support to make it happen!


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