Larson Accounting – Page 20 – Larson Accounting Group

1 de March de 2022

There’s still time to salvage this year’s tax filing season, or at least make a difference, if the IRS adopts recommended taxpayer relief measures, Jan F. Lewis, CPA, the chair of the AICPA’s Tax Executive Committee, told the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance in a hearing Thursday.

Lewis, who is also a tax partner with Haddox Reid Eubank Betts PLLC in Jackson, Miss., was joined by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins and Jessica Lucas-Judy, director, Strategic Issues, with the U.S. Government Accountability Office, in the committee’s hearing, titled “Spotlighting IRS Customer Service Challenges.”

Practitioner difficulties

Over the past few years, Lewis said in her testimony to the committee, tax practitioners have experienced difficulties in dealing with the IRS, mostly with the Service’s sending erroneous notices to taxpayers, being slow to process returns and correspondence, and failing to answer a large majority of phone calls.

“These problems have been magnified the past two years,” Lewis said, “and at times, we as CPAs feel powerless to help our clients navigate these IRS service issues.”

Some clients have received notices instructing them to file forms and returns they had already filed or to allow more time to resolve an issue about which they did not receive any original notice, she said.

“We’ve had clients receive notices regarding payroll Form 941 [Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return], stating that the IRS needs more time, but the client has no employees and does not even file payroll tax returns,” she said.

Other clients who did file Form 941 or the amended version, Form 941-X, on which they claimed an employee retention credit for 2020 or 2021, are still waiting for the resulting refunds, she said.

“I could go on for hours with examples,” Lewis said, but she described one particularly frustrating example: Several passthrough entities were unable to file returns before the 2020 extended due date because of pandemic-related difficulties, she said. None of the returns were more than a couple of months late.

“But despite the IRS’s indication that there would be penalty relief for late filings due to COVID, the telephone assisters had no knowledge of any special pandemic relief when we called,” and penalties were assessed, Lewis said.

The IRS did have its own dislocations to deal with, she noted, including shuttered offices and significant new tasks handed it by Congress, such as administering economic impact payments.

“Frankly, though, we expected a little more flexibility, and a little more empathy from IRS leadership,” Lewis said.

Strategic recommendations

While the AICPA has communicated long-term strategic recommendations to improve IRS service, it continues, with its partners in the Tax Professionals United for Taxpayer Relief Coalition, to advocate shorter-term recommendations that Lewis reiterated for the committee: temporarily postpone all automated compliance actions, adjust account hold times, liberalize the reasonable-cause penalty waiver process, and provide targeted relief from underpayment and late-payment penalties.

Lewis added another specific recommendation: The IRS should delay implementing its requirement that passthrough entities with “items of international tax relevance” file Schedules K-2, Partners’ Distributive Share Items — International, and K-3, Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. — International, and similar forms for S corporations.

She noted with appreciation that the IRS on Wednesday clarified that some entities did not have to file the schedules for 2021. But the schedules’ instructions were revised during the current filing season, and affected entities are currently unable to e-file them, Lewis pointed out, potentially exacerbating existing challenges for both taxpayers and the IRS.

The Tax Professionals United for Taxpayer Relief Coalition also on Thursday released its letter dated Feb. 16 to the House Oversight Subcommittee in support of Collins’s testimony there on Feb. 8 and restating the coalition’s relief recommendations.

IRS resources and backlog

Several senators questioned the witnesses on issues of IRS funding and the Service’s resources, particularly its outmoded and in some respects antiquated computer systems and processes that often rely on personnel performing manual tasks.

In describing the IRS’s still “snowballing” backlog of unprocessed returns and correspondence, Collins reiterated her earlier assessment that the IRS is buried in paper. Clearing the backlog and putting the IRS in a stable and healthy condition will require expanding electronic submission and automating not just returns but other forms and taxpayer correspondence as well.

While e-filing can be efficient, “paper is different,” Collins said.

“The IRS still transcribes paper line by line, number by number,” Collins said. The Service received roughly 17 million original paper returns last year, and processing them has extended over 10 months.

“And still we have over 4 million amended returns that taxpayers are waiting to be processed,” Collins said.

Lucas-Judy’s testimony, which the GAO also released as a report Thursday, focused on challenges in the IRS’s 2021 filing season, which included a tripling of taxpayer correspondence over 2019 levels and a fivefold increase in telephone calls.

Both Lucas-Judy and Collins pointed out the IRS’s alternative for taxpayers’ most likely reason for calling, its Where’s My Refund? online portal, leaves much to be desired: It tells taxpayers at the beginning of the process that the Service has received a return and at the end that a refund has been authorized and sent, but little to no information about what happens in the meantime.

In response to a question from Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., about the impact of the IRS’s problems on small businesses, Lewis said she is “passionate about” the issue, having grown up as the daughter of a pharmacist and store owner.

“It is burdensome, it is complex, but we’re here to help in any way that we can,” Lewis said. “But what’s burdening my small business clients right now is the unending notices and not being able to reach the IRS.”

Source: AICPA

by Larson Accounting

22 de February de 2022

The IRS announced today that a new option in the agency’s authentication system is now available for taxpayers to sign up for IRS online accounts without the use of any biometric data, including facial recognition. This is consistent with the IRS’s commitment earlier this month to transition away from the requirement for taxpayers creating an IRS online account to provide a selfie to a third-party service to help authenticate their identity. Taxpayers will have the option of verifying their identity during a live, virtual interview with agents; no biometric data – including facial recognition – will be required if taxpayers choose to authenticate their identity through a virtual interview.

Taxpayers will still have the option to verify their identity automatically through the use of biometric verification through ID.me’s self-assistance tool if they choose. For taxpayers who select this option, new requirements are in place to ensure images provided by taxpayers are deleted for the account being created. Any existing biometric data from taxpayers who previously created an IRS Online Account that has already been collected will also be permanently deleted over the course of the next few weeks.

While this short-term solution is in place for this year’s filing season, the IRS will work closely with partners across government to roll out Login.Gov as an authentication tool. The General Services Administration is currently working with the IRS to achieve the security standards and scale required of Login.Gov, with the goal of moving toward introducing this option after the 2022 filing deadline.

Source: IRS

by Larson Accounting

14 de February de 2022

WASHINGTON — As part of ongoing efforts to provide additional help for people during this period, the IRS announced today the suspension of more than a dozen additional letters, including the mailing of automated collection notices normally issued when a taxpayer owes additional tax, and the IRS has no record of a taxpayer filing a tax return.

These mailings include balance due notices and unfiled tax return notices. The IRS entered this filing season with several million original and amended returns filed by individuals and businesses that have not been processed due to challenges of the historic pandemic and is taking this step to help avoid confusion for taxpayers and tax professionals.

“IRS employees are committed to doing everything possible with our limited resources to help people during this period,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We are working hard, long hours pushing creative paths forward in an effort to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. Our employees continue to expend every effort to balance a confluence of multiple, unprecedented demands − including successfully starting the filing season, working our inventory of unprocessed tax returns as well as looking for additional ways to minimize burden for taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses.

“Our efforts are not limited to suspension of these additional letters and the possibility of similar actions going forward. We have redeployed and reallocated resources throughout the IRS and have implemented innovative strategies in an ongoing effort to provide a meaningful reduction in our inventories,” Rettig said.

These automatic notices have been temporarily stopped until the backlog is worked through. The IRS will continue to assess the inventory of prior year returns to determine the appropriate time to resume the notices.

Some taxpayers and tax professionals may still receive these notices during the next few weeks. Generally, there is no need to call or respond to the notice as the IRS continues to process prior year tax returns as quickly as possible.

However, if a taxpayer or tax professional believes a notice is accurate, they should act to rectify the situation for the well-being of the taxpayer. For example, the IRS cautions people with a balance due that interest and penalties can continue to accrue. In addition, IRS employees may in select circumstances issue notices to particular taxpayers to resolve specific compliance issues.

The IRS does not have the authority to stop all notices as many are legally required to be issued within a certain timeframe. The IRS will continue to assess other changes and system modifications that the IRS may be able to implement to assist taxpayers on an array of issues. The IRS will continue to make information available to taxpayers throughout the filing season.

The IRS encourages those who have a filing requirement and have yet to file a prior year tax return or to pay any tax due to promptly do so as interest and penalties will continue to accrue. Visit IRS.gov for payment options.

The suspended notices include:

Individual Taxpayer Notices
Notice/Letter Number	Title	Description
CP80	Unfiled Tax Return	This notice is generally sent when the IRS credited payments and/or other credits to a taxpayer’s account for the tax period shown on the notice, but the IRS hasn’t received a tax return for that tax period.
CP59 and CP759 (in Spanish)	Unfiled Tax Return(s) – 1st Notice	IRS sends this notice when there is no record of a prior year return being filed.
CP516 and CP616 (in Spanish)	Unfiled Tax Returns – 2nd Notice	Request for information on a delinquent return as there is no record of a return filed.
CP518 and CP618 (in Spanish)	Final Notice – Return Delinquency	This is a final reminder notice when there is no record of a prior year(s) return filed.
CP501	Balance Due – 1st Notice	This notice is a reminder that there is an outstanding balance on a taxpayer’s accounts.
CP503	Balance Due – 2nd Notice	This notice is the second reminder that a there is an outstanding balance on a taxpayer’s accounts.
CP504	Final Balance Due Notice – 3rd Notice, Intent to Levy	The IRS sends this notice when a payment has not been received for an unpaid balance. This notice is a Notice of Intent to Levy (Internal Revenue Code Section 6331 (d)).
2802C	Withholding Compliance letter	This letter is mailed to taxpayers who have been identified as having under-withholding of Federal tax from their wages. This letter provides instructions to the taxpayer on how to properly correct their tax withholding.

Business Notices
Notice/Letter Number	Title	Description
CP259 and CP959 (in Spanish)	Return Delinquency	IRS sends this notice when there is no record of a prior year return being filed.
CP518 and CP618 (in Spanish)	Final Notice – Return Delinquency	This is a final reminder notice that we still have no record of a prior year tax return(s).

Source: IRS

by Larson Accounting

1 de February de 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for those small businesses that have already applied for the Targeted EIDL Advance program, received a decline, and are interested in applying for reevaluation. Specifically, the following updated guidance is being provided:

Current Targeted EIDL Advance applicants:

Those interested in being considered for reevaluation can submit their reevaluation requests until February 15. The SBA is no longer accepting new Targeted EIDL Advance applications as of December 31, 2021.
This opportunity is for small businesses that were declined for the Targeted Advance program and can provide additional information to demonstrate their eligibility.

About the Targeted EIDL Advance program

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Targeted EIDL Advance program provides eligible applicants funds of up to $10,000 that do not have to be repaid. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Targeted Advance program has provided approximately $5 billion to nearly 600,000 businesses, especially our hardest-hit small businesses in underserved communities, a priority of Administrator Guzman. For small business owners who apply for reevaluation, it is recommended they confirm they meet the below eligibility criteria:

Located in a low-income community. To help applicants determine if they are in a low-income community as defined in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, a mapping tool (sbaeidl.policymap.com) is available. The business address must be in a low-income community to qualify. Applicants whose businesses have re-located to a low-income community since submitting their original application must submit proof of relocation, such as a lease agreement, utility bill, or mortgage with the name of the business.
Demonstrated reduction in revenue. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a more than 30 percent reduction in revenue during an eight-week period beginning on March 2, 2020, or later. If an applicant meets the low-income community criteria, they will be asked to provide gross monthly revenue (all forms of combined monthly earnings received, such as profits or salaries) to confirm the 30 percent reduction; and
Have 300 or fewer employees.

How to apply

If your business meets the eligibility criteria and your original application was declined, you may request Targeted EIDL Advance reevaluation by emailing targetedadvancereevaluation@sba.gov. Please include documentation that demonstrates your eligibility for the Targeted EIDL Advance program.

Small business owners may call SBA’s Customer Service Center 1-833-853-5638 (855-440-4960 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Multilingual representatives are available.

Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs, please visit www.sba.gov/relief.

Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners by visiting www.sba.gov/local-assistance.

Application Process and Fraud Control Enhancements

In addition to the policy enhancements, the SBA has invested in optimized processes and increased capacity to improve the customer service experience for applicants. Directed by Administrator Guzman to swiftly and drastically enhance COVID EIDL, the revamped management team implemented new processes and performance management, such as prioritizing personnel for COVID EIDL and increasing the average number of application decisions made. The SBA accelerated daily processing of loan increases from close to 2,000 applications to more than 37,000 applications daily. Loan officer productivity also went from 1.86 applications per day to 15 applications per day. As a result of these increased loan review rates, the 600,000+ loan increase backlog has been cleared, and new applications were processed immediately.

At the same time, and to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support businesses that need COVID EIDL funding most, the SBA increased fraud controls and is working in collaboration with the SBA Inspector General to closely monitor the program.

About Targeted Advance Grants

A component of the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Targeted Advance program provides up to $10,000 in funds that do not need to be repaid to small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories. The purpose of Targeted Advance is to provide additional financial assistance beyond the COVID EIDL Loan program, which allows small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 disaster to focus on running their businesses without the stress of repayment.

About Economic Injury Disaster Loans

In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories were able to apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The purpose of EIDL is to provide financial assistance for small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Source: SBA – 2022

by Larson Accounting

24 de January de 2022

With filing season beginning January 24, the Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers about several key items to keep in mind when filing their federal income tax returns this year.

Given the unprecedented circumstances around the pandemic and unique challenges for this tax season, the IRS offers a 5-point checklist that can help many people speed tax return processing and refund delivery while avoiding delays.

1. File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays. Taxpayers should electronically file and choose direct deposit as soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. Taxpayers have many choices, including using a trusted tax professional. For those using e-file, the software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math. It guides people through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer format.

2. For an accurate return, collect all documents before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate. In addition to collecting W-2s, Form 1099s and other income-related statements, it is important people have their advance Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment information on hand when filing.

Advance CTC letter 6419: In late December 2021, and continuing into January, the IRS started sending letters to people who received advance CTC payments. The letter says, “2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) Payments” near the top and, “Letter 6419” on the bottom righthand side of the page. Here’s what people need to know:
– The letter contains important information that can help ensure the tax return is accurate.
– People who received advance CTC payments can also check the amount of the payments they received by using the CTC Update Portal available on IRS.gov.
– Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.

Third Economic Impact Payment letter 6475: In late January 2022, the IRS will begin issuing letters to people who received a third payment in late January 2021. The letter says, “Your Third Economic Impact Payment” near the top and, “Letter 6475” on the bottom righthand side of the page. Here’s what people need to know:
– Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. This letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) for missing stimulus payments.
– People who are eligible for RRC must file a 2021 tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount.
– People can also use IRS online account to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts.

Both letters – 6419 and 6475 – include important information that can help people file an accurate 2021 tax return. If a return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review while the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this information when preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing.

3. Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS. Phone demand on IRS assistance lines remains at record highs. To avoid lengthy delays, the IRS urges people to use IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed — online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day.

Additionally, the IRS has several ways for taxpayers to stay up to date on important tax information:
– Follow the IRS’ official social media accounts and email subscription lists to stay current on the latest tax topics and alerts.
– Download the IRS2Go mobile app, watch IRS YouTube videos, or follow the IRS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates on tax changes, scam alerts, initiatives, products and services.
– Taxpayers can also get information in their preferred language. The IRS translates tax resources into several languages and currently has basic tax information in 20 languages. People can also file Schedule LEP, Request for Change in Language Preference, to receive written communications from the IRS in their preferred language.

4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return: In order to validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS, taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be processed, here’s a special tip to ensure the tax return is accepted by the IRS for processing. Make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s AGI on the 2021 tax return. For those who used a Non-Filer tool in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit or third Economic Impact Payment in 2021, they should enter $1 as their prior year AGI. Everyone else should enter their prior year’s AGI from last year’s return. Remember, if using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will auto-populate.

5. Free resources are available to help taxpayers file. During this challenging year, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are many options for free help, including many resources on IRS.gov. For those looking to avoid the delays with a paper tax return, IRS Free File is an option. With Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, there are eight products in English and two in Spanish. IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

Source: IRS – IR-2022-16, January 20, 2022

by Larson Accounting

19 de January de 2022

WASHINGTON — The IRS today announced the availability of Free File, providing taxpayers online tax preparation products available at no charge. Today’s launch of IRS Free File, available only through IRS.gov, provides people an early opportunity to file their taxes and claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the enhanced Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other important credits. Taxpayers can use Free File to claim the remaining amount of their Child Tax Credit and claim any advance payments of the Child Tax Credit they did not receive in 2021.

Leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, there are eight products in English and two in Spanish. IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021.

“Free File is part of a wide selection of services available on IRS.gov to help people file taxes during this challenging period,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “IRS Free File offers taxpayers an easy, free way to do their taxes from the safety of their own home. Free File also provides electronic filing with direct deposit, which is the best way to avoid delays and receive refunds quickly and securely.”

Because the filing season starts on January 24, 2022, IRS Free File providers will accept completed tax returns and hold them until they can be filed electronically on that date. The Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, will be available on January 24, 2022. Free File Fillable Forms is available for use by everyone, regardless of income, but should be used only by people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes.

Other important information related to the January 24 start of tax season is available on IRS.gov, including important filing tips.

How IRS Free File works

Each IRS Free File provider sets its own eligibility rules for products based on age, income, and state residency. However, for those who make $73,000 or less, they will find at least one product that matches their needs, and usually more. Some providers also offer free state income tax return preparation. [Some state tax benefits, such as state Earned Income Tax Credits, are based on information contained on the taxpayer’s federal income tax return. Taxpayers are encouraged to check with their state tax agency about state tax benefits and requirements to file a state income tax return.] Active-duty military can use any IRS Free File product if their income was $73,000 or less.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to find the right Free File product:

Go to IRS.gov/freefile.
Use the “Choose an IRS Free File Offer” tool for help in finding the right product, or
Review each offer by a provider using the “Browse All” tool.
Select a product.
Follow links to the provider’s website to begin a tax return.

No computer? No problem. Taxpayers can complete and file their tax return using IRS Free File products through smart phones or tablets.

Child Tax Credit, 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and other tax benefits

IRS Free File is all taxpayers need to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC), 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, and other tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The IRS also continues to urge people who received one or more advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021 to carefully review their taxes before filing. Families who received advance payments will need to compare the advance Child Tax Credit paymentsthey received in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can properly claim on their 2021 tax return. To help taxpayers who received an advance Child Tax Credit payment, the IRS started sending Letter 6419, 2021 Advance CTC, in late December 2021.

The letter contains important information on advance Child Tax Credit payments that can help ensure the tax return is accurate. People who received the advance CTC payments can also check the amount of their payments by using the CTC Update Portal available on IRS.gov.

In late January, the IRS will begin sending Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to individuals who received a third stimulus payment in 2021, including initial and “plus-up” payments. While most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments, or stimulus payments, this letter will help them determine if they are eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments. If so, they must file a 2021 tax return to claim this credit. People can also use IRS online account to view both payment amounts.

IRS Free File also can be used by workers to claim the EITC, which provides a refundable tax credit based on a filer’s income and family size.

Please remember that unemployment benefits paid by states are taxable income. States should send Forms 1099-G to those who received jobless benefits.

Source: IRS

by Larson Accounting

11 de January de 2022

The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation’s tax season will start on Monday, January 24, 2022, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns.

The January 24 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to perform programming and testing that is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. Updated programming helps ensure that eligible people can claim the proper amount of the Child Tax Credit after comparing their 2021 advance credits and claim any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 tax return.

“Planning for the nation’s filing season process is a massive undertaking, and IRS teams have been working non-stop these past several months to prepare,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “The pandemic continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people there are important steps they can take to help ensure their tax return and refund don’t face processing delays. Filing electronically with direct deposit and avoiding a paper tax return is more important than ever this year. And we urge extra attention to those who received an Economic Impact Payment or an advance Child Tax Credit last year. People should make sure they report the correct amount on their tax return to avoid delays.”

The IRS encourages everyone to have all the information they need in hand to make sure they file a complete and accurate return. Having an accurate tax return can avoid processing delays, refund delays and later IRS notices. This is especially important for people who received advance Child Tax Credit payments or Economic Impact Payments (American Rescue Plan stimulus payments) in 2021; they will need the amounts of these payments when preparing their tax return. The IRS is mailing special letters to recipients, and they can also check amounts received on IRS.gov.

Like last year, there will be individuals filing tax returns who, even though they are not required to file, need to file a 2021 return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the tax credit from the 2021 stimulus payments or reconcile advance payments of the Child Tax Credit. People who don’t normally file also could receive other credits.

April 18 tax filing deadline for most

The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Monday, April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. By law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way federal holidays do. The due date is April 18, instead of April 15, because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia for everyone except taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their returns due to the Patriots’ Day holiday in those states. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 17, 2022, to file.

Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2021 returns

Rettig noted that IRS employees continue to work hard on critical areas affected by the pandemic, including processing of tax returns from last year and record levels of phone calls coming in.

“In many areas, we are unable to deliver the amount of service and enforcement that our taxpayers and tax system deserves and needs. This is frustrating for taxpayers, for IRS employees and for me,” Rettig said. “IRS employees want to do more, and we will continue in 2022 to do everything possible with the resources available to us. And we will continue to look for ways to improve. We want to deliver as much as possible while also protecting the health and safety of our employees and taxpayers. Additional resources are essential to helping our employees do more in 2022 – and beyond.”

The IRS continues to reduce the inventory of prior-year individual tax returns that have not been fully processed. As of December 3, 2021, the IRS has processed nearly 169 million tax returns. All paper and electronic individual 2020 refund returns received prior to April 2021 have been processed if the return had no errors or did not require further review.

Taxpayers generally will not need to wait for their 2020 return to be fully processed to file their 2021 tax returns and can file when they are ready.

Key information to help taxpayers

The IRS encourages people to use online resources before calling. Last filing season, as a result of COVID-era tax changes and broader pandemic challenges, the IRS phone systems received more than 145 million calls from January 1 – May 17, more than four times more calls than in an average year. In addition to IRS.gov, the IRS has a variety of other free options available to help taxpayers, ranging from free assistance at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly locations across the country to the availability of the IRS Free File program.

“Our phone volumes continue to remain at record-setting levels,” Rettig said. “We urge people to check IRS.gov and establish an online account to help them access information more quickly. We have invested in developing new online capacities to make this a quick and easy way for taxpayers to get the information they need.”

Last year’s average tax refund was more than $2,800. More than 160 million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the traditional April tax deadline.

Overall, the IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever possible.

By law, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February, though eligible people may file their returns beginning on January 24. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

Some returns, filed electronically or on paper, may need manual review, which delays the processing, if our systems detect a possible error or missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. Some of these situations require us to correspond with taxpayers, but some do not. This work does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it may take the IRS more than the normal 21 days to issue any related refund. In those cases where IRS is able to correct the return without corresponding, the IRS will send an explanation to the taxpayer.

File electronically and choose direct deposit

To speed refunds, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit information as soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. If the return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review that may slow the tax refund. Having all information available when preparing the 2021 tax return can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing.

Most individual taxpayers file IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR once they receive Forms W-2 and other earnings information from their employers, issuers like state agencies and payers. The IRS has incorporated recent changes to the tax laws into the forms and instructions and shared the updates with its partners who develop the software used by individuals and tax professionals to prepare and file their returns. Forms 1040 and 1040-SR and the associated instructions are available now on IRS.gov. For the latest IRS forms and instructions, visit the IRS website at IRS.gov/forms.

Free File available January 14

IRS Free File will open January 14 when participating providers will accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax returns before January 24 to submit the returns when the IRS systems open.

The IRS strongly encourages people to file their tax returns electronically to minimize errors and for faster refunds – as well having all the information they need to file an accurate return to avoid delays. The IRS’s Free File program allows taxpayers who made $73,000 or less in 2021 to file their taxes electronically for free using software provided by commercial tax filing companies. More information will be available on Free File later this week.

In addition to IRS Free File, the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

Watch for IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments and third Economic Impact Payments

The IRS started sending Letter 6419, 2021 advance Child Tax Credit, in late December 2021 and continues to do so into January. The letter contains important information that can help ensure the return is accurate. People who received the advance CTC payments can also check the amount of the payments they received by using the CTC Update Portal available on IRS.gov.

Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.

The IRS will begin issuing Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to individuals who received a third payment in 2021 in late January. While most eligible people already received their stimulus payments, this letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments. If so, they must file a 2021 tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount. People can also use IRS online account to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts.

Both letters include important information that can help people file an accurate 2021 tax return. If the return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review while the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this information when preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing.

The fastest way for eligible individuals to get their 2021 tax refund that will include their allowable Child Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.

Tips to make filing easier

To avoid processing delays and speed refunds, the IRS urges people to follow these steps:

Organize and gather 2021 tax records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and this year’s Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers valid for calendar year 2022.

Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on reconciling advance payments of the Child Tax Credit or claiming a Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments. There is no need to call.

Set up or log in securely at IRS.gov/account to access personal tax account information including balance, payments, and tax records including adjusted gross income.

Make final estimated tax payments for 2021 by Tuesday, January 18, 2022, to help avoid a tax-time bill and possible penalties.

Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how to open an account at an FDIC-Insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

File a complete and accurate return electronically when ready and choose direct deposit for the quickest refund.

Key filing season dates

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season:

January 14: IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through IRS Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting January 24. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
January 18: Due date for tax year 2021 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.
January 24: IRS begins 2022 tax season. Individual 2021 tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins
January 28: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
April 18: Due date to file 2021 tax return or request extension and pay tax owed due to Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., even for those who live outside the area.
April 19: Due date to file 2021 tax return or request extension and pay tax owed for those who live in MA or ME due to Patriots’ Day holiday
October 17: Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2021 tax returns

Planning ahead

It’s never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season ahead. For more tips and resources, check out the Get Ready page on IRS.gov.

Source: IRS – 2022-08, January 10, 2022

by Larson Accounting

5 de January de 2022

hypatia-h-a0d94fba7514a5e11b387c4ee24ee7aa-h-ccf8d51a5d980e6edf0bf69e898463ed-1636498707.jpg

Millions of small business owners who rely on payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App could be subject to a new tax law that just took effect in January.

Beginning this year, third-party payment processors will be required to report a user’s business transactions to the IRS if they exceed $600 for the year. The payment apps were previously required to send users Form 1099-K if their gross income exceeded $20,000 or they had 200 separate transactions within a calendar year.

The new rule only applies to payments received for goods and services transactions, meaning that using Venmo or PayPal to send a loved one a gift, pay your roommate rent, or reimburse a friend for dinner will be excluded. Also excluded is anyone who receives money from selling a personal item at a loss; for example, if you purchased a couch for $300 and sold it for $250, the amount is not taxable.

To be clear, business owners are already required to report these incomes to the IRS. The new rule simply means that the IRS will figure out what business owners earned on the cash apps regardless of what that individual actually reports on their 1099-K because it broadens the scope of the threshold. (This rule is separate from another Democratic proposal that would require banks and other financial institutions to disclose accounts with $10,000 of annual deposits or outflows to the IRS).

Form 1099-K is used to report goods and services payments received by a business or individual in the calendar year, but there are certain exclusions from gross income and are therefore not subject to income tax. This includes: Amount from selling personal items at a loss, amounts sent as reimbursement and amounts sent as a gift.

“For the 2022 tax year, you should consider the amounts shown on your Form 1099-K when calculating gross receipts for your income tax return,” PayPal said in a Q&A on its website. “The IRS will be able to cross-reference both our report and yours.”

The cash apps will now be required to send users who meet the newest requirements Form 1099-K for transactions made electronically or by mail. Although the change took effect in the new year, it is not applicable to the 2021 tax season, meaning that small businesses do not need to take it into consideration until the 2022 tax-filing season begins next year.

The apps may request additional information from users in the near future in order to properly report your transactions, and users may be asked to provide their Employer Identification Number (EIN), Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) if it’s not already on file.

Source: FoxBusiness

by Larson Accounting

7 de December de 2021

Will the 2022 tax filing season be normal? According to tax attorney Ken Berry, it’s not likely that when Spring 2022 comes around that everything will be like it was in 2019 or before. Covid-19 will still be a concern, several stimulus tax laws will still be challenging for some filers, and new tax laws may very well be created between now and then that add more complexity.

But the income tax filing process will likely be closer to normal than either 2020 or 2021 were, which both had extended filing deadlines due to closures of IRS offices, the tax courts, and IRS and tax firm staff being new to remote working.

In other words… be ready to have your taxes filed (or an automatic extension filed) by Friday, April 15, 2022. The good news is that the federal and state income tax returns filing process should be closer to normal, as well. Depending on when a taxpayer files, they can often receive their tax refund payments (check or direct deposit) within only 2-3 weeks.

Traditionally (meaning pre-Covid), the IRS starts accepting tax returns during the last week of January. If major new tax legislation is passed at the end of the year, however, this could push the start of tax season back by a week or two. So, early tax filers who are a due a refund can often see them as early as mid or late February. However, taxpayers with the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit generally have their refunds delayed by about one month while the IRS confirms eligibility for these credits.

Although the last two tax filing seasons were significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the IRS extended both deadlines, the IRS is not expected to extend the tax filing deadline for 2022.

The below chart shows an estimated timeline for when a taxpayer is likely to receive their refund, based on the information we have now, and using projections based on previous years- and depending on when a person files their return. If your IRS income tax refund is delayed after you’ve filed, ask your tax professional, or simply use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website. Or download the IRS2Go app to check your refund status.

Most Americans who are expecting an income tax refund receive it by direct deposit in as little as 2 weeks, although it can take longer during the peak of the filing season, which starts in late March. So it’s a good idea to e-file your tax return as soon as you have all of your tax documents (like your W2, 1099s, mortgage and student loan interest, and other items).

Several factors can determine when a taxpayer may receive their tax return, including:

How early they file
If the taxpayer is claiming certain credits (especially EITC and CTC)
Whether the return is e-filed or sent by mail
Whether the taxpayer has existing debts to the federal government
The Covid stimulus payments sent out earlier in the year will not affect your income tax refund. (However, some taxpayers who did not receive one, may be determined to have been owed one, in which case they may be able to have it added to their 2022 refund as a credit. Ask your tax professional.)

Note: The IRS will delay processing by 2-3 weeks if an income tax return has the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), since these credits are often misused. The additional time allows the IRS to verify that taxpayers qualify for the credits.

So, here’s the chart you were looking for. If IRS changes tax season this year, we will update this chart. And remember: This is an estimate of when to expect your refund. It is not exact, as all taxpayers have different returns and situations.

IRS Accepts E-Filed Return By:	Direct Deposit Sent (Or Paper Check Mailed 1 week later):
IRS will start accepting income tax returns on Jan. 31, 2022.
Jan. 31, 2022*	Feb. 11 (Feb. 18)**
Feb. 7	Feb. 18 (Feb. 25)**
Feb. 14	Feb. 25 (Mar. 4)**
Feb. 21	Mar. 4 (Mar. 11)**
Feb. 28	Mar. 11 (Mar 18)
Mar. 7	Mar. 18 (Mar. 25)
Mar. 14	Mar. 25 (Apr. 2)
Mar. 21	Apr. 1 (Apr. 9)
Mar. 28	Apr. 8 (Apr. 15)***

* = IRS may delay start of tax season by a week or so.

** = Returns with EITC or CTC may have refunds delayed until March to verify credits.

*** = Filing during peak season can result in slightly longer waits.

IRS Accepts Return By:	Direct Deposit Sent (Or Paper Check Mailed one week later)
Apr. 4, 2022	Apr. 15 (Apr. 22)***
Apr. 11	Apr. 22 (Apr. 29)***
Apr. 18	Apr. 29 (May 6)
Apr. 25	May 6 (May 13)
May 2	May 13 (May 20)
May 9	May 20 (May 27)
May 16	May 27 (June 4)
May 23	June 4 (June 11)

IMPORTANT: If you file electronically (using an online tax program or preparer), the IRS will notify you of the actual date they “accepted” your return. This is often 1-3 days from the time you actually hit the “file” or “submit” button, and it is this date that you need to use for the above chart.

Taxpayers who mail a paper version of their income tax return can expect at least a 3-4 week delay at the front-end of the process, as the return has to be manually entered into the IRS system before it can be processed.

Be Safe – Hire a Professional

Taxpayers who use a professional, such as a CPA or EA, can ask that professional for the estimated date of their tax refund, and they can be more confident that their taxes have been properly (and legally) filed.

Other Notes:

In general, the IRS says that returns with refunds are processed and payments issued within 21 days. For paper filers, this can take much longer, however. The IRS and tax professionals strongly encourage electronic filing.

What If You Can’t File Your Income Taxes By April 15?

Taxpayers who don’t have all of the paperwork needed in order to file their taxes can easily file an extension form, “Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.” – This will give the taxpayer until October 15 to file their tax return. No reason or excuse is needed to receive this extension, and as the title states, it is automatically granted.

However, if a person will owe taxes, it is still their obligation to pay those taxes by April 15, even if they have requested an extension to file. A professional can assist with this. Those who are due a refund generally only need to file the extension request by April 15.

Source: CPA Practice

by Larson Accounting

7 de December de 2021

The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance for employers regarding the retroactive termination of the Employee Retention Credit. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was enacted on November 15, 2021, amended the law so that the Employee Retention Credit applies only to wages paid before October 1, 2021, unless the employer is a recovery startup business.

Notice 2021-65 PDF applies to employers that paid wages after September 30, 2021 and received an advance payment of the Employee Retention Credit for those wages or reduced employment tax deposits in anticipation of the credit for the fourth quarter of 2021 but are now ineligible for the credit due to the change in the law. The notice also provides guidance regarding how the rules apply to recovery startup businesses during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Employers who Received Advance Payments

Generally, employers that are not recovery startup businesses and received advance payments for fourth quarter wages of 2021 will avoid failure to pay penalties if they repay those amounts by the due date of their applicable employment tax returns.

Employers who Reduced Employment Tax Deposits

Employers that reduced deposits on or before December 20, 2021, for wages paid during the fourth calendar quarter of 2021 in anticipation of the Employee Retention Credit and that are not recovery startup businesses will not be subject to a failure to deposit penalty with respect to the retained deposits if—

The employer reduced deposits in anticipation of the Employee Retention Credit, consistent with the rules in Notice 2021-24 PDF,
The employer deposits the amounts initially retained in anticipation of the Employee Retention Credit on or before the relevant due date for wages paid on December 31, 2021 (regardless of whether the employer actually pays wages on that date). Deposit due dates will vary based on the deposit schedule of the employer, and
The employer reports the tax liability resulting from the termination of the employer’s Employee Retention Credit on the applicable employment tax return or schedule that includes the period from October 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. Employers should refer to the instructions to the applicable employment tax return or schedule for additional information on how to report the tax liability.

Due to the termination of the Employee Retention Credit for wages paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 for employers that are not recovery startup businesses, failure to deposit penalties are not waived for these employers if they reduce deposits after December 20, 2021.

If an employer does not qualify for relief under this Notice, it may reply to a notice about a penalty with an explanation and the IRS will consider reasonable cause relief.

More information for businesses seeking coronavirus-related tax relief can be found at IRS.gov.

Source: IRS-2021-242, December 6, 2021

Newer Posts

Older Posts

AICPA testifies to Congress on IRS service problems

IRS Statement — New features put in place for IRS Online Account registration; process strengthened to ensure privacy and security

IRS continues work to help taxpayers; suspends mailing of additional letters

The suspended notices include:

Individual Taxpayer Notices

Business Notices

SBA Announces Updated Guidance Regarding Deadline for Targeted EIDL Advance Program Reevaluations

Top 5 things to remember when filing income tax returns in 2022

IRS Free File available today; filers can claim important tax benefits

How IRS Free File works

Child Tax Credit, 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and other tax benefits

2022 tax filing season begins Jan. 24; IRS outlines refund timing and what to expect in advance of April 18 tax deadline

April 18 tax filing deadline for most

Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2021 returns

Key information to help taxpayers

File electronically and choose direct deposit

Free File available January 14

Watch for IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments and third Economic Impact Payments

Tips to make filing easier

Key filing season dates

Planning ahead

Venmo, PayPal and Cash App to report payments of $600 or more to IRS this year: What to know

2022 Estimated Income Tax Refund Date Chart – When Will You Get Your Tax Refund?

Be Safe – Hire a Professional

Other Notes:

What If You Can’t File Your Income Taxes By April 15?

IRS issues guidance regarding the retroactive termination of the Employee Retention Credit

Employers who Received Advance Payments

Employers who Reduced Employment Tax Deposits