Two former IRS commissioners addressed the agency’s issues at an AICPA panel and sounded a note of optimism for the future, based on new funding and pending technology improvements.
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Growing tax gap shows need for better service, compliance, IRS says
The difference between taxes owed and taxes paid was $496 billion annually for tax years 2014 through 2016, and that figure is likely to grow, the IRS said.
IRS hires 4,000 customer service reps, plans to hire 1,000 more
The IRS announced that it has hired new customer service representatives, who will be trained to provide help to taxpayers in time for the 2023 tax season.
New process provided for anonymous reporting of ERC mills
In a move the AICPA supports, the IRS is providing a new way to make anonymous reports about third-party vendors promoting improper claims for the employee retention credit.
IRS initiates pilot program to thwart line-jumping on PPS calls
The IRS has begun a pilot program designed to thwart services that let callers jump ahead in the IRS Practitioner Priority Service phone queue.
Retirement account inflation adjustments issued for 2023
The IRS issued the retirement account inflation adjustments for 2023, including the maximum contribution amounts for 401(k) plans and IRAs.
Disaster area filing extensions apply to 2019, 2020 penalty relief
The IRS reminds taxpayers who live in certain areas covered by disaster declarations that the extra time they have to file also applies to filing returns to qualify for penalty relief for 2019 and 2020.
IRS announces annual inflation adjustments for tax year 2023
Changes include increases in the standard deduction for many taxpayers, new tax brackets, and a higher maximum earned income tax credit amount.
AICPA seeks guidance on corporate alternative minimum tax
The organization’s letter to the IRS and Treasury makes recommendations in five areas to help companies deal with the new tax.
Social Security wage base, COLA set for 2023
The Social Security Administration announced the maximum amount of wages subject to Social Security tax in 2023 and a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits. The COLA is 8.7%.
Final regulations adopt ‘family-friendly’ health care affordability test
Previous regulations had based the affordability of employer-offered coverage for family members on the cost of an employee’s self-only coverage.
R&D credit claim transition period extended
Taxpayers now have until Jan. 10, 2024, to supply missing information within 45 days of submitting a Sec. 41 research and development credit refund claim under new requirements.
IRS raises per diem standard rates for business travel
Under Notice 2022-44, the high-low method rates will be slightly higher and the list of high-cost localities in the continental United States is revised, both effective Oct. 1.
AICPA again critiques new IRS requirements for R&D credits
In a second letter, the AICPA takes issue with broad new documentation requirements for refund claims involving the Sec. 41 credit, outlined in an IRS memo in fall 2021.
Penalty relief deadline fast approaches for 2019, 2020 tax returns
Taxpayers must file by Sept. 30 to qualify for late-filing penalty relief from the IRS.
AICPA asks IRS to expand penalty relief
The AICPA, in a letter to the IRS, urged the Service to expand the relief under Notice 2022-36 to include several other Code sections and forms and to extend the deadline for requesting relief to Dec. 31, 2022.
AICPA recommends changing cryptoasset question
In a comment letter to the IRS, the AICPA recommended changes and clarifications regarding the tax treatment of cryptoassets or “virtual currency.”
Proposed revisions to the AICPA tax standards
The AICPA released proposed revisions to the SSTSs for public comment on Monday. The proposal includes new standards on data protection, reliance on tools, and representation of clients before taxing authorities.
AICPA disputes ‘misleading’ claims on new IRS funding, calls for service improvements
Despite “confusion and misinformation” about the Inflation Reduction Act’s allocations, concerns continue about the funding levels for taxpayer service, the AICPA’s president and CEO said.
IRS relieves penalties for 2019 and 2020
As part of COVID-19 pandemic relief, the IRS will automatically abate failure-to-file penalties for certain tax and information returns and refund those penalties already paid.
TAX PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
2025 tax software survey
AICPA members in tax practice assess how their return preparation software performed during tax season and offer insights into their procedures.
