My Tax Blog

  • ITINs Expiring in 2018

    Many individual tax identification numbers will expire at the end of 2018 unless renewed. Those not used on a return in any of the last three years expire on Dec. 31. Also expiring at year-end are ITINs with middle digits of 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 81 or 82. Affected individuals may renew their ITINs […]

    Bill to Regulate Preparers Proposed- RTRP May Come Back

    After the IRS created the Registered Tax Return Preparer program based on licensing of tax preparers they were sued.  In court, and in appeal, they were not found to have statutory authority to regulate unenrolled preparers.  Senator Rob Portman has introduced a new bill that would grant the IRS the authority that they need to […]

    How to become a Tax Return Preparer

    Thinking about becoming a tax return preparer? If you are feeling overwhelmed by the tax code changes, business start up costs, or timeliness of your endeavor, stop.  Becoming a tax return preparer is easier than it may seem.  At least the technical aspects are not too difficult.  Finding time to develop your stills may be […]

  • 2014 PTIN Renewal Period Delayed Due to Lapse in Funding

    When asked about the status of the 2014 PTIN, the IRS stated, “Due to the lapse in government funding, the 2014 PTIN renewal season is delayed. An email or letter will be sent to all current PTIN holders notifying you when the 2014 renewal season opens.  The online PTIN system is still available for users […]

    Government Shutdown Over & IRS Open

    The government reopens! All governmental bodies should be open after the end of the shutdown and congress goes back to work. While offices are open, there is now a backlog of work for these governmental departments and workers, so keep in mind that call times could be longer than normal, even hours.  IRS phone lines […]

    IRS Getting Stricter on Enforcing Preparer Penalties

    According to a report by TIGTA (requested by the IRS Oversight Board to determine its efficiency in using the existing requirements and penalty regime that applies to unenrolled paid tax return preparers) there are several areas where the IRS could improve.   The overall objective was to determine whether controls are in place to ensure […]

    RTRP Goes To Appeals Court for Oral Arguments

    The IRS is appealing the court’s decision in the case of Loving vs the IRS.  While their defense calls upon an 1884 law, the judges were noted to have been “engaged.” There is no doubt that this ability for the IRS to regulate preparers is long over due and much needed, but if this appeal […]

    IRS Proposes Higher Fees for OIC & Payment Arrangements

    Due  to continuous budget cuts for the IRS, the Agency has proposed plans to raise fees for programs that help taxpayers who are struggling with enormous tax debt. These proposed raise will be on fees which are charged for an Offer in Compromise or fees to set up payment installation agreements.  These fees have not […]

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