Advertisement
TOPICS

New IDR Procedures Postponed Until March 3

The IRS announced in an email to practitioners that it is pushing back the effective date for its new information document request (IDR) procedures.

An Overview of AICPA and IRS Rules of Practice

This column refreshes practitioners on the AICPA and IRS rules of practice, provides a list of resources for questions and answers, and details the relationship and similarities between the AICPA and IRS ethics standards related to tax practice.

Taxpayer Did Not Have Fraudulent Intent

The Tax Court held that a taxpayer who used an “agent-principal” scheme to avoid paying taxes on income from his business was not liable for a civil fraud penalty because the IRS had failed to prove that the taxpayer had fraudulent intent.

Valuation-Misstatement Penalty Applies to Tax Shelter Transactions

The Supreme Court held in that the Sec. 6662(b)(3) penalty for tax underpayments attributable to valuation misstatements applies to an underpayment resulting from a basis-inflating transaction that is disregarded for a lack of economic substance.

Final Version of Net Investment Income Tax Form Released

Just in time for the start of tax season, the IRS has released the final version of Form 8960, Net Investment Income Tax—Individuals, Estates, and Trusts, which will be used by individuals and trusts and estates to compute the new 3.8% tax.

Large Tax Preparation Franchise Company Closed by Court Order

A federal district court in Ohio has issued a permanent injunction ordering ITS Financial LLC, the parent company of Instant Tax Service tax franchiser, to cease operations. The order, which was issued as a result of a two-week trial in June, also bars Fesum Ogbazion, the sole owner and CEO of ITS Financial, from operating or being involved with any business relating to tax-return preparation.

Implementation Guidance for Appeals Judicial Approach and Culture Project

The goal of the IRS Appeals Judicial Approach and Culture Project is to promote a quasi-judicial approach in how the Appeals office handles its cases. It is part of an effort to improve internal and external customer perceptions of a fair, impartial, and independent Appeals office.

Isley and IRS Appeals Cannot Work It On Out

The Tax Court held that IRS Appeals could not unilaterally accept an offer in compromise proposed by Ronald Isley, vocalist and founding member of the Isley Brothers, because the OIC covered liabilities related to a case that had been referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

Fast-Track Settlement Program Expanded to Small Businesses

Formerly available only to large and midsize businesses and in a geographically limited pilot program for smaller entities, the IRS’s Fast Track Settlement program is now available to smaller businesses nationwide.

Top Tax News Developments in 2013

The past year featured a large number of tax developments, some of which got extensive coverage in the media, and many of which got less coverage but affect almost all taxpayers and practitioners. As we get ready to welcome a new year, here’s a look back at the most important

INDIVIDUALS

Current Developments in Taxation of Individuals: Part 1

This update surveys recent federal tax developments involving individuals, including court cases, rulings, and guidance issued during the six months ending October 2025.