CURRENT EDITION

10 Ways Certified Tax Planners Can Prepare for Increased IRS Focus on Documentation During Audits
The IRS is ramping up scrutiny of high-net-worth individuals and businesses, increasing audit rates by over 50% for those earning above $10 million. Recent IRS initiatives backed by Inflation Reduction Act funding have intensified enforcement on wealthy taxpayers, large partnerships, real estate investors, and tech businesses. IRS agents are digging deeper during audits and expecting taxpayers to produce more documentation to support every position on their returns. To help clients navigate this environment, certified tax planners must take proactive steps to bolster documentation and audit readiness. Below are ten authoritative strategies, complete with industry examples, IRS policy references, and best practices, to prepare for the increased IRS focus on documentation.
READ MORELeaving the United States, Part III: Dual Citizenship
In Part I of this three-part series, we discussed the implications and taxes for American expatriates. In Part II we turned our attention to renouncing citizenship. Here in Part III, we will consider the halfway point of dual citizenship. And as you would expect, taxes are a serious consideration.
Read MoreReflecting On Rothing
I have been dissatisfied with most of the articles that I have read about what I call Rothing, i.e. foregoing a deduction for retirement savings with the prospect of tax-free distributions in the future or taking the tax hit on a deferred account to convert it to a tax-free account. The articles generally have a pro-Roth bias. Suze Orman, for example, swears by Roths. They also tend to not have numbers in them. What I am going to do here is to reflect on the idea of Rothing and discuss what I see as some key numbers. I’m not going to dive deep into technical issues.
Read MoreConsidering a Historic Building for Your Business? These Tax Credits are Good News
Historic buildings make a beautiful location for doing business. Unfortunately, many of them may seem out of the price range of small business owners. But, that’s not necessarily the case. The state and federal governments have an interest in preserving these properties, and they are willing to give you tax credits for buying and restoring a historic building. The credits reimburse a large proportion of your restoration costs. This really is a great incentive to go for a building that will give your company a unique and professional feel.
Read MoreTAX COURT ROUNDUP – February 2025
When we enter upon a new Administration, we wonder at the shape of things to come. But surely since 1916, we have never had an incoming Administration promise us a repeal of the income tax and the reestablishment of the import tariff as the principal source of Federal funding. I would not, however, immediately cease to follow the proceedings of the US Tax Court.
Read MoreEditor’s Pick: BOI Reporting: A Game of Legal Ping-Pong
For tax professionals trying to guide their clients on Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting, the last few months have felt like watching a never-ending game of legal ping-pong. Deadlines have been set, overturned, reinstated, delayed, and challenged in court—leaving many businesses (and their advisors) unsure of when, or if, they need to file.
Read MoreHow to Advise on the EV Tax Credit
At one time, a federal tax credit toward the cost of an electric car seemed like a permanent idea to help fight pollution and climate change. Now, a political shift in the U.S. endangers the notion and, more to the point, makes advising clients tougher in a tighter timeframe. How and when can those clients interested in an electric car and the credit still secure a tax break?
Read MoreLeaving the United States, Part II: Renouncing Your Citizenship
In Part I of this 3-part series, we discussed the tax ramifications of living abroad, becoming an expat. In Part II, we go to the extreme by leaving America and renouncing our citizenship. And as you would guess, there are tax consequences to such an action. Before we step into renouncing our U.S. citizenship, we need to address how we can lose our citizenship.
Read MoreIs Student Loan Forgiveness Taxable? It Depends…
Is student loan forgiveness taxable? Yes. No. Maybe. Sometimes. It primarily depends on the student loan forgiveness program. But like everything else with student loans, there are a number of other factors at play. Why make it easy when you can thoroughly confuse taxpayers, federal student loan servicers and financial planners for years to come? Keep reading to learn when student loan forgiveness might be tax-free and how to prepare your clients for taxable loan forgiveness.
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CURRENT EDITION

10 Ways Certified Tax Planners Can Prepare for Increased IRS Focus on Documentation During Audits
The IRS is ramping up scrutiny of high-net-worth individuals and businesses, increasing audit rates by over 50% for those earning above $10 million. Recent IRS initiatives backed by Inflation Reduction Act funding have intensified enforcement on wealthy taxpayers, large partnerships, real estate investors, and tech businesses. IRS agents are digging deeper during audits and expecting taxpayers to produce more documentation to support every position on their returns. To help clients navigate this environment, certified tax planners must take proactive steps to bolster documentation and audit readiness. Below are ten authoritative strategies, complete with industry examples, IRS policy references, and best practices, to prepare for the increased IRS focus on documentation.

Best Practices for Surviving (and Helping Your Client Survive) an IRS Audit
Few things strike fear in our clients’ hearts more than an IRS notice, especially one that says a client’s tax return is being examined or audited. While this must be dealt with on a timely basis, it is not a reason for you, the tax professional, or the client to panic. Here, I’ll discuss a range of best practices to ensure the success of your client’s case, plus what to do when things go awry.

If You Have an IRS Audit Coming Up, Make Sure You Have the Tax Law on Your Side
When you have to go toe-to-toe with the IRS, make sure you keep the fight clean. The only way to succeed when arguing your case with an auditor is to follow the IRS’s own procedures. And, the primary way to do that is—you guessed it—keeping proper documentation. With this article, you’ll better understand where tax authority is derived, what rules the IRS must stick to, and what rules the IRS accepts.