IRS

 IRS Nixes “Pump-and-Dump” Obamacare Strategy

May 27, 2014 

IRS Nixes “Pump-and-Dump” Obamacare Strategy

Employers can’t get around the Obamacare “shared responsibility” provision simply by giving employees tax-free cash to pay for health insurance from a state-run exchange. In effect, this would pump up a worker’s pay and dump them in the marketplace. According to a new question and answer (Q&A) posted on the IRS website, as initially reported…

Ken Berry, JD

 150,000 Taxpayers Used New IRS Online Payment System

May 22, 2014 

150,000 Taxpayers Used New IRS Online Payment System

The Internal Revenue Service says that more than 150,000 taxpayers used its new web-based system IRS Direct Pay to pay their tax bills or make estimated tax payments directly from checking or savings accounts without any fees or pre-registration.

 IRS Names New Members of Tax Exempt Advisory Committee

May 21, 2014 

IRS Names New Members of Tax Exempt Advisory Committee

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that its Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT) will hold a public meeting on June 11, when the panel will submit its annual reports and recommendations to senior IRS executives. Ten newly appointed members of the panel (listed below) will also be introduced at the public…

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May 20, 2014 

Thomson Reuters Offers Solution to Help Firms Market Healthcare Reform Services

As trusted financial advisors to millions of Americans and businesses, accounting firms are uniquely positioned to provide their clients with information and services regarding the Affordable Care Act. Thomson Reuters is offering a new solution to help firms market their expertise to clients and has released a tax act overview and monthly client marketing newsletter…

 IRS Still Improperly Handling EITC Payments

May 13, 2014 

IRS Still Improperly Handling EITC Payments

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most widely-used credits by U.S. taxpayers, it's also often mis-used and even thought the Internal Revenue Service has been scolded for its poor management of the EITC, the agency is still lacking.

Isaac M. O'Bannon

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May 13, 2014 

Summertime Tax Tip #3: Tax Credits for Summer Camp

Are your clients making plans to send their kids off to camp this summer? Depending on the arrangements, they may be entitled to claim a healthy tax credit – the dependent care credit (also known as the “child care credit” ) – for the daily expenses. However, there are no tax benefits available for overnight…

Ken Berry, JD

 Bitcoin Users: IRS Throws Monkey Wrench Into the Works

May 13, 2014 

Bitcoin Users: IRS Throws Monkey Wrench Into the Works

After several years of head-scratching, the IRS has finally offered guidance on the tax treatment for virtual currencies like Bitcoin (IRS Notice 2014-21). In brief, taxpayers have been advised to treat Bitcoin as property for U.S. tax purposes. But accountants, particularly those with small business clients, are still struggling to get a better handle on…

Ken Berry, JD

 Summertime Tax Tip #2: Pocket Key Tax Breaks for Vacation Home Rentals

May 11, 2014 

Summertime Tax Tip #2: Pocket Key Tax Breaks for Vacation Home Rentals

If a client owns a “vacation home” in a resort area – say, a seaside cottage or a mountaintop cabin – the family may enjoy getaways there during the summer months. But when the kids grow up and the trip becomes a hassle, the place may lie dormant for much of the season. It could…