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Around the Tax World- March 10, 2025
In The HeadlinesNew leadership, fewer lawsuits—changes are afoot at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
What's New In The Tax World?Will federal budget cuts be enough to offset the revival of TCJA tax cuts?
State-By-State UpdatesFlorida’s governor advocates to axe the state’s property tax.
Tax Planning TipsHCould repealing the clean energy tax credits drive up electricity bills?
READ MOREAround the Tax World- February 24, 2025
In The HeadlinesCVS Health could be making a revenue comeback in 2024.
What's New In The Tax World?Could $4.5 trillion in tax cuts be coming down the federal pipeline?
State-By-State UpdatesA new Georgia bill could provide taxpayers with another special refund.
Tax Planning TipsHave a home equity loan? Be clear on the tax deductions available to you.
Around the Tax World- February 10, 2025
In The HeadlinesIs DeepSeek the wave of the future of A.I.—or a threat to data security?
What's New In The Tax World?Will Trump’s $4 trillion tax cut plan prevail? Not without progress on reducing the national deficit
State-By-State UpdatesIdaho lawmakers aim to tackle rising property taxes.
Tax Planning TipsAvoid an audit by making sure these important forms are submitted.
Around the Tax World- January 23, 2025
In The Headlines Meta will be cutting 5% of its staff in efforts to raise performance standards.
What's New In The Tax World?What tax changes are Americans most likely to see in the early months of the Trump administration?
State-By-State UpdatesCould Arkansas soon say farewell to its grocery tax?
Tax Planning TipsA new year’s resolution: Stay on top of your taxes in 2025.
Around the Tax World- January 09, 2025
In The Headlines The S&P 500 has its worst performance in over 70 years in the stretch between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
What's New In The Tax World?The newly-minted Department of Government Efficiency may take an axe to the IRS.
State-By-State UpdatesKansas legislators will battle it out over new property tax cuts.
Tax Planning TipsTaxpayers in these nine states will see an income tax reduction starting this year.
Around the Tax World- December 10, 2024
In The Headlines Using A.I. to fight A.I.—Meta plans to use facial recognition to protect users from celebrity-bait scams.
What's New In The Tax World?Inauguration Day may also be new tariffs day as Trump returns to the White House.
State-By-State Updates.California’s governor queues up a tax credit for zero-emission vehicles.
Tax Planning Tips
Around the Tax World- November 22, 2024
In The Headlines Biden rushes to roll out his chip manufacturing program—will Trump reverse it?
What's New In The Tax World?Saying hello to the next Trump administration may mean goodbye to Biden’s EV tax credit.
State-By-State UpdatesCalifornia may up its tax credit offerings to the film and television industry.
Tax Planning TipsWill overtime pay taxes disappear under the Trump administration? And how much will that impact workers?
Around the Tax World- November 7, 2024
In The Headlines -Starbucks wants to win you back—with simpler menu offerings and lower prices
What's New In The Tax World?Is the elimination of federal income tax a real possibility?
State-By-State UpdatesCalifornia may up its tax credit offerings to the film and television industry.
Tax Planning TipsWhat happens if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions expire? You can prepare today for the future of your estate.
Around the Tax World October 24, 2024
In The Headlines -Amazon will be delivering something new this fall—your 2024 election news
What's New In The Tax World? The Trump campaign touts ten tax cut promises, not including the ongoing conversation about tariffs
State-By-State Updates Coloradans can vote on a number of tax-centric measures, including a tax increase to fund affordable housing.
Tax Planning Tips A proposal to fund Social Security benefits could mean a higher tax for high-income earners
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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.