COVID-19 tax news and information

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January 29, 2024

IRS to hold ERC education sessions for tax pros in February

The sessions, which will be hosted by IRS Criminal investigation special agents at locations nationwide, are aimed at tax professionals who claimed ERCs for clients on previous years’ tax returns.

December 21, 2023

ERC voluntary disclosure program requiring 80% claim payback launched

The IRS announced the launch of a program that will allow businesses to repay money from questionable employee retention credit claims and avoid penalties and interest.

December 21, 2023

The AICPA’s tax policy and advocacy work: 2023 highlights

It’s worth pausing to reflect on the AICPA’s successes in advocating for the profession with Congress and the IRS this year.

December 20, 2023

IRS announces penalty relief, resumption of collection notices

The relief will go to about 4.7 million taxpayers — most with income under $100,000 a year — who did not receive automated collection reminder notices during the pandemic.

December 6, 2023

ERC disallowance letters sent to 20K+ taxpayers

The letters are part of the wide-ranging IRS campaign to curb abuse in the pandemic-era employee retention credit.

October 25, 2023

COVID-19 changes allowing e-signatures made permanent

A temporary COVID-19 change to allow e-signatures on some forms, documents, and returns has been made permanent in the Internal Revenue Manual. The AICPA had advocated for making this change to the e-signature rules permanent.

October 1, 2023

The true cost of ERC noncompliance

The eligibility requirements for the ERC are strict, despite dubious assertions that all employers qualify, propelled by a manufactured fear of missing out.

September 21, 2023

ERC abuse brings renewed push for regulation of paid tax preparers

AICPA and Treasury advocate for congressional action to help thwart the unscrupulous promoters that use the employee retention credit to make money by taking advantage of small businesses.

September 19, 2023

‘Tsunami’ of ERC claims required IRS action to halt fraud, experts say

Attorneys and a former IRS commissioner say the employment retention credit started as a benefit for small business in the pandemic but has morphed into one that allows ERC mills to take advantage of taxpayers.

September 15, 2023

Moratorium imposed on new ERC claim processing to curb abuse

The IRS issues a moratorium on new ERC claims processing through at least the end of the year and allows taxpayers to withdraw claims that have been filed but not processed.