IRS News Updates
IRS Moves to Next Phase of Return Preparer Initiative; New Competency Test to Begin
The Internal Revenue Service is moving into the next phase of its effort to improve the tax preparation industry by launching the new Registered Tax Return Preparer competency test. Read more
Prepared Remarks of IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman at the AICPA Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 8, 2011
It's great to be here with the AICPA. I think it's fair to say that it has been a busy time for all of us in the tax community…and especially the IRS. Read more
IRS Urges Tax Professionals to Prepare Now for New e-File Rules
The Internal Revenue Service today advised tax professionals and tax firms that do not have Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) to start the process to obtain EFINs now so they can meet new e-file requirements for 2012. Read more
IRS Issues Proposed Regulations That Would Require Tax Preparers to File Due Diligence Checklist with All EITC Claims Submitted in 2012
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 8867, with any federal return claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Read more
IRS Begins PTIN Renewals for 2012 Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the nation's 738,000 tax return preparers who have Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) can now renew their PTINs for the 2012 filing season. Read more
IRS Issues Guidance to Further Implement Return Preparer Oversight
The Internal Revenue Service today provided additional clarification for tax return preparers about when to renew their preparer tax identification numbers (PTINs), how suitability testing will be conducted, and when the continuing education requirement will begin. Read more
IRS Releases Specifications for Registered Tax Return Preparer Test
The Internal Revenue Service today released the specifications for the competency test individuals must pass to become a Registered Tax Return Preparer. Read more
IRS Identifies 100,000 Preparers Who Failed to Follow New PTIN Rules
As part of its new oversight program of the nation's tax return preparation industry, the Internal Revenue Service today announced it will send letters to approximately 100,000 tax return preparers who prepared returns in 2011 but failed to follow new requirements. Read more
IRS Begins Enforcement of New Return Preparer Rules
The Internal Revenue Service is taking steps to stop tax preparers with criminal tax convictions or permanent injunctions from preparing tax returns. Read more
March IRS Live Webinar Focuses on Requirements for Federal Tax Return Preparers
The Internal Revenue Service's next IRS Live webinar, "Requirements for Federal Tax Return Preparers" is Wednesday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Read more
IRS Reminds Paid Tax Preparers to Register Now for PTINs
As year end approaches, the Internal Revenue Service today strongly encouraged paid tax return preparers to register now for their new...Read more
IRS Releases Proposed Regulations that Would Reduce Enrolled Agent Fees
The Internal Revenue Service today released proposed regulations that would reduce fees related to application and renewal for enrolled agents and enrolled retirement plan agents. Read more
Now You can Follow the IRS on Twitter
The Internal Revenue Service is using Twitter and other social media tools to share information with taxpayers and the tax professional community. Read more
IRS Continues Efforts to Ensure Accurate Return Preparation; Reminds Tax Preparers to Sign Up for PTINs
The Internal Revenue Service has started sending out more than 10,000 letters to tax return preparers nationwide to remind them of their obligation to prepare accurate tax returns on behalf of their clients. Read more
Starting in 2011, Many Paid Preparers Must e-File Federal Income Tax Returns for Individuals, Estates and Trusts
The Internal Revenue Service today detailed how, starting Jan. 1, 2011, paid tax return preparers can comply with a new law that requires paid tax return preparers who meet the definition of "specified tax return preparer" … Read more
What Every Tax Return Preparer Needs to Know about Applying for a PTIN
New regulations require all paid tax return preparers to apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number — even those who already have one — before preparing any federal tax returns in 2011. Read more
IRS Begins Notifying Tax Return Preparers on PTIN Renewals
The Internal Revenue Service has begun notifying about 1 million tax return preparers to remind them that they must renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN)... Read more
New Online Registration System for Paid Tax Return Preparers Is Now Available
As part of an initiative to ensure that tax return preparers are competent and qualified, the Internal Revenue Service today issued final regulations requiring... Read more
Proposed Regulations Expand the Use of Electronic Payment System and Discontinue Paper Coupons Next Year
Consistent with a Financial Management Service initiative announced in April of this year, the IRS today issued proposed regulations to significantly increase the number of electronic transactions between taxpayers and the federal government. Read more
IRS Announces New Return Preparer Application System & User Fee
The Internal Revenue Service today announced that a new online application system for compensated tax return preparers is expected to go live in mid-September. Read more
What You Need to Know About the 2010 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums
Updated August 6, 2010 – To qualify for discounted enrollment costs you must pre-register for the Las Vegas forum by August 10 and the San Diego forum by August 17. Read more
IRS Removes Debt Indicator for 2011 Tax Filing Season
The IRS announced that starting with next year's tax filing season it will no longer provide tax preparers and associated financial institutions with the "debt indicator," Read more
Three Things to Do Now to Prepare for New IRS Regulations
In tax year 2010, the IRS will begin implementing new regulations for paid tax return preparers who prepare all, or substantially all of a federal tax return. Preparers will be required to register with the IRS, pass testing, complete continuing education and e-file if filing more than 100 individual federal returns. Read more
What You Need to Know About the 2010 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums
The 2010 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are about to begin! The tax forums are three-day events that provide tax professionals with the most up-to-date information on federal and state tax issues presented by IRS experts and partner organizations. Read more
IRS Provides Guidance on Identifying Numbers for Tax Return Preparers
The Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations allowing the IRS to require that tax return preparers use Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) as the preparer's identifying number on all tax returns. Read more
IRS Issues Proposed Regulations Adjusting Use of Some Taxpayer Information
The Internal Revenue Service today announced the issuance of proposed and temporary regulations and related revenue rulings addressing the use or disclosure of tax return information by tax return preparers. Read more
IRS Proposes New Registration, Testing and Continuing Education Requirements for Tax Return Preparers Not Already Subject to Oversight
The Internal Revenue Service kicked off the 2010 tax filing season today by issuing the results of a landmark six-month study that proposes new registration, testing and continuing education of tax return preparers. Read more
Archive
2009 Stimulus Provisions Worth Getting to Know Now
Although the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will put more money into the pockets of individuals and small businesses, it will make preparing 2009 federal returns a little more challenging. Read more
