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.
COVID-19 tax news and resources
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.
To combat fraud, IRS steps up ERC claim enforcement
Having made significant progress in the ongoing effort against fraudulent employee retention credit claims, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said the agency has entered a new phase of increasing scrutiny on dubious submissions while renewing consumer warnings against aggressive marketing.
Final regs. allow assessment of COVID-19 related tax credit refunds
The IRS issues final regulations that allow for the assessment of erroneous refunds of COVID-19 related paid sick leave, family leave, and employee retention credits.
Considerations for IRS examinations of ERC claims
With an extended examination period for the employee retention credit and repeated IRS warnings of promoted schemes, practitioners and their clients should take care to document and support credit claims.
COVID-19 coverage without a deductible ends next year
A high-deductible health plan will no longer be permitted to provide coverage without a deductible for testing for and treatment of COVID-19 after Dec. 31, 2024.
A pandemic-era tax break that remains rife with abuse — the ERC
The IRS issues at least its seventh warning about the employee retention credit since October 2022.
IRS returns to in-person public hearings; telephone still an option
With COVID-19 no longer considered a national emergency, the IRS will return to public hearings for proposed regulations published in the Federal Register beginning in May while keeping telephone access as an option.
ERC claims on returns prepared by others raise questions for tax pros
The IRS Office of Professional Responsibility issued a bulletin that reviews the Circular 230 professional responsibilities that apply to claims for the employee retention credit.
In-person IRS tax forums scheduled for first time since pandemic start
The three-day forums, last held in person in 2019, are designed specifically for CPAs and other tax professionals.
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.
