Part III – Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous Restrictions on Use of the Term Registered Tax Return Preparer Notice 2011-45 The Department of the Treasury and the IRS are implementing the recommendations contained in Publication 4832, “Return Preparer Review.” As part of this implementation, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS have issued final regulations
Restrictions on Use of the Term Registered Tax Return Preparer
Tax Preparers Would be Required to File Due Diligence Checklist with All EITC Claims in 2012
IRS Issues Proposed Regulations That Would Require Tax Preparers to File Due Diligence Checklist with All EITC Claims Submitted in 2012 IR-2011-98, Oct. 6, 2011 WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it is issuing proposed regulations that would require paid tax return preparers, beginning in 2012, to file a due diligence checklist, Form
Industry News Flash
Recent IRS News View recent, tax-related IRS news releases below. Resources for Tax Preparers: IRS Releases Specifications for Registered Tax Return Preparer Test IR-2011-89, Sept. 6, 2011 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today released the specifications for the competency test individuals must pass to become a Registered Tax Return Preparer. The test is part of an ongoing
IRS Plans to Add Additional Email Option for PTIN Renewal
Tax preparation software for tax preparers and PTIN hassle. WASHINGTON, D.C. (NOVEMBER 23, 2011) The Internal Revenue Service said it plans to add a new option to its Preparer Tax Identification Number system in December for users who need to change the email address associated with their online PTIN accounts. The new option
Due to Inflation Adjustments Many Tax Benefits Will Increase In 2012
In 2012, Many Tax Benefits Increase Due to Inflation Adjustments IR-2011-104, Oct. 20, 2011 WASHINGTON — For tax year 2012, personal exemptions and standard deductions will rise and tax brackets will widen due to inflation, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. By law, the dollar amounts for a variety of tax provisions, affecting virtually every
IRS Delays Tax Preparer Fingerprinting Requirement
The Internal Revenue Service is temporarily shelving its controversial plan to fingerprint tax preparers, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said Tuesday. Speaking at the American Institute of CPAs’ National Tax Conference, Shulman described some of the IRS’s latest moves, including ones influenced by the AICPA. The AICPA wrote to Shulman last month asking the agency
Tax Preparers Must Prove Skills to IRS but Some are Exempt
In the wake of studies that found that tax returns filed by paid preparers can be riddled with mistakes, the Internal Revenue Service is clamping down on the industry. Up to now, paid tax preparers in the vast majority of states were free to hold themselves out as experts without any training whatsoever. Nor did they
Individual Retirement Account – Decide on Success
While nearly everyone these days is familiar with the individual retirement account, many people remain unaware of the additional control possible by converting to or selecting the self-directed individual retirement account. Need more control over your retirement future? Want more, different, and better investment choices ? Do you want to choose the custodian for your account? If you want to control the decisions that could decide your financial future, then a self-directed individual retirement account should be right for you. It’s simple to get started. Research custodial companies to find out which allows the investment types that fit your goals. Beyond conventional stocks, bonds and mutual funds there are a variety of tangible investments to consider , including gold, silver, real estate and tax liens. Confirm that the custodian has a good level of experience with these kinds of investments. With some minimal paperwork, you can roll over an existing IRA or open a new self-directed individual retirement account. Always ask about the fee structure for transactions, wire transfers, maintenance and other work done on behalf of the account. The custodian will then, at the investor’s instruction , make the specific investments requested for the account. Profits from the investments will flow directly back into the self-directed individual retirement account. The investor no longer has to rely on the meager earnings of under-performing stocks or be pitched by a brokerage house on their newest funds and other investment opportunities. Taking control means paying attention and having a plan. It’s having clarity on your personal and retirement goals, and working to reach them with wise investment options and consistent contributions to the individual retirement account. Everyone can take advantage of the tax-advantaged IRA to start building retirement wealth. Determine which self-directed individual retirement plan will best serve in achieving your goals. A Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA can both be self-directed, so the ultimate control remains with you.
They say it’s a fee, but $36,500,000 is more like tax
Starting 2012 (2011 Tax year) all tax returns, prepared by tax return preparers who are paid for their services and prepare more than 10 tax returns, must be electronically filed. That includes 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1041, 1065, 990, and all extensions. IRS counts extensions as part of 10 returns. According to the IRS rules if you prepare more than 10 tax returns and do not file tax returns electronically there will be a $50 penalty to the taxpayer. Most states have jumped at the chance of reducing their work force as well. New York, for example, has made it mandatory to e-file and e-pay returns and in 2012 there will be more states that will follow.
In 2011 new regulations came into affect requiring all paid tax return preparers to obtain a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). This will be a yearly renewal and for 2012 it is expected to start » Read more..
Industry News Flash
Recent IRS News
View recent, tax-related IRS news releases below.
Resources for Tax Preparers:
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IRS Releases Specifications for Registered Tax Return Preparer Test IR-2011-89, Sept. 6, 2011
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today released the specifications for the competency test individuals must pass to become a Registered Tax Return Preparer.
The test is part of an ongoing effort by the IRS to enhance oversight of the tax preparation industry. Preparers who pass this test, a background check and tax compliance check as well as complete 15 hours of continuing education annually will have a new designation: Registered Tax Return Preparer.
The specifications identify the major topics that will be covered by the test, which will be available starting this fall. Although individuals who already have a provisional preparer tax identification number (PTIN) from the IRS do not have to pass the exam until Dec. 31, 2013, they may take the exam at any time once it is available.
The test will have approximately 120 questions in a combination of multiple choice and true or false format. Questions will be weighted and individuals will receive a pass or fail score,
Things you need to do to get ready for tax season
As you are aware starting 2010 tax season all income tax preparers must have IRS assigned PTIN number. If you do not have one, you can REGISTER with the IRS and your PTIN number will arrive within 28 days or you can register by printing and filling out Form W-12 and then mail it to the IRS.
If you already have PTIN number, you will need to RENEW your application.
If you fail to sign-up for or refresh your PTIN, penalties may apply. Tax return preparers who use their SSN, EIN, EFIN, or ETIN, instead of a valid PTIN, on tax returns or claims for refund filed after December 31, 2010 may be subject to penalty » Read more..
Services Offered to Tax Preparers
When tax season rolls around and you need office help, by you using my service you can eliminate all the hassles of looking and teaching someone who has no clue what your business is all about. If you are a tax preparer and spend your time visiting clients, my service is your best solution.
I will send you input sheets that are really easy to fill out. The first year will take a little longer because we don’t have any data. The following year will be a lot simpler. You will receive a proforma which will have all data from prior year printed in the prior year column. All you have to do is give me input for the current year. It is THAT SIMPLE. » Read more..
Tax returns, e-File and things to come!!!
Starting 2012 (2011 Tax year) all tax returns, prepared by tax return preparers who are paid for their services and prepare more than 10 tax returns, must be electronically filed. That includes 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1041, 1065, 990, and all extensions. IRS counts extensions as part of 10 returns. According to the IRS rules if you prepare more than 10 tax returns and do not file tax returns electronically there will be a $50 penalty » Read more..