IRS.gov/ptin is open for renewals for the coming year. Log into or, if you’re a new preparer, create your PTIN account, verify personal information, and pay for your PTIN. Payment is now required again after many years of no charge. Pay the $35.95 renewal fee via credit/debit/ATM card or eCheck. Upon completion of your application […]
Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, ITINs that have not been used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three consecutive years and those issued before 2013 will expire. This year ITINs with middle digits 88 will expire Dec. 31, 2020. Additionally, ITINs with middle digits 90, 91, […]
Having a well-rounded training program is important for any tax office, but it is vital for a tax office looking to penetrate the market. Independent tax offices have several areas of training on which to focus. No one comes to a tax professional with the easy stuff! They come to you because you are versed […]
Selecting the name of your new tax office can seem a little overwhelming but it does’t need to be so complicated. Many, if not most, franchises require you to use that name. After all, you are essentially buying the goodwill that accompanies that tax service name. However, if you are a Federal Direct partner or […]
The IRS has announced the return of fees for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Additionally, they have outsourced processing of applications and payments so there is an additional fee on top of the basic application fee. The IRS fee is set to be $21 per application or renewal plus a $14.95 fee to the […]
Tax planning help may be needed for taxpayers who, through a combination of tax credits, usually receive a tax refund as opposed to owing, which may be just the opposite in the next couple of years as many common and often used tax credits are set to expire. The following common tax deductions and credits […]
Instant Tax Service has had their doors closed by US district court Judge Timothy Black. Instant Tax was said to have been promoting a “culture of fraud and deception” within its franchisee base. Along with promoting unrealistic and undeliverable refund options to clients, Instant Tax was also sited for filing returns based off of pay […]
Anyone who, for compensation, prepares or helps prepare any federal return or claim for refund must have a valid PTIN from the IRS. The PTIN must be used as the identifying number on returns prepared. “We ask that you renew your PTIN as soon as possible to avoid a last-minute rush. It’s easy to let […]
Citing the need for “adequate time to program and test tax processing systems,” the service announced that it expected a one- to two-week delay in the start of tax season, and that it would start accepting and processing 2013 individual tax returns no earlier than Jan. 28, 2014, and no later than February 4. Tax […]
Late breaking news: IRS to delay the start of e-filing season again this year, blaming the recent government shutdown. While the IRS reserves the right to issue the final decision for the start of the 2014 filing season until December they are estimating the start date being pushed back from the original date of January […]