Category Archives: IRS

2014 Tax Offender of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Russ

It’s time again for that most prestigious of prestigious awards, the 2014 Tax Offender of the Year. The winner of this award must do more than just cheat on his or her taxes. It has to be special; it really … Continue reading →

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IRS Announces Tax Season to Start on January 20th

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Russ

The IRS announced today that they anticipate opening tax season normally — on Tuesday, January 20, 2015. (Monday, January 19th is Martin Luther King day and is a federal holiday.) Paper return processing will also begin on the same day. … Continue reading →

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While I Was Out: 2015 Standard Mileage Rates Issued

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Russ

While I was on my vacation the IRS announced the 2015 standard mileage rates: Beginning on Jan. 1, 2015, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck will be: 57.5 cents per mile … Continue reading →

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Business Efiling Annual Shutdown on Friday

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Russ

The IRS will begin its annual business electronic filing shutdown on Friday, December 26th. This shutdown enables the IRS to add the new year (2014) tax products for business electronic filing. I’d expect business efiling to resume in mid to … Continue reading →

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Tax Extenders Signed Into Law

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Russ

President Obama signed legislation that extended for one year the “Tax Extenders.” Tax Extenders include items such as the deduction for sales tax, mortgage/cancellation of debt tax relief, “bonus” depreciation, and many others. As the legislation didn’t have much in … Continue reading →

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A Rare Piece of Efficiency from the IRS

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Russ

We have to take our victories in dealing with the IRS where we find them. As an Enrolled Agent, every three years I have to renew my license. I go online, check various boxes, note the continuing education I’ve taken, … Continue reading →

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IRS Clarifies Electronic Signature Requirements

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Russ

The IRS released a new version of Publication 1345 today (html version only is available for now). Included in it is the following: Note: An electronic signature via remote transaction does not include handwritten signatures on Forms 8878 or 8879 … Continue reading →

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The Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Upcoming Tax Season

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Russ

If you’re a tax professional here’s a warning: The 2015 Tax Season will be one you’re almost certain to remember for all the wrong reasons. If you’re a client of a tax professional be forewarned: Your tax professional will be … Continue reading →

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AICPA Lawsuit Against IRS Dismissed Over Standing

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Russ

Earlier this year the IRS announced its new “Annual Filing Season Program,” a voluntary program for tax preparers to register with the IRS. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) filed a lawsuit asking for the program to be … Continue reading →

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SARs Leading to Forfeiture: The IRS Oversteps

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Russ

There have been plenty of stories on civil forfeiture recently. Two poker players had their cash seized in Iowa while driving home from a poker tournament in Illinois. They had their funds returned, but have now filed a lawsuit against … Continue reading →

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