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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 October 8, 2024
In The Headlines -Has Visa created a monopoly in the debit card market? The U.S. Department of Justice says it has.
What's New In The Tax World? -The presidential tax policy face-off continues: Harris turns her attention to manufacturing tax breaks while Trump continues his emphasis on tariffs
State-By-State Updates -Louisiana may see an automatic income tax cut in 2026.
Tax Planning Tips - Tax-sheltered savings accounts can provide a simple way to build wealth.
Around the Tax World – August 27, 2024
In The Headlines - Could Elon Musk be on the next presidential Cabinet?
What's New In The Tax World? - Harris and Trump disagree on corporate tax rates but agree on eliminating federal taxes on tips
State-By-State Updates - Colorado voters have a big decision to make: lower taxes or more affordable housing?
Tax Planning Tips -A higher child tax credit may be on the horizon for lower income families.
Around the Tax World – August 6, 2024
In The Headlines - Shares in gun manufacturers rose by as much as 10% in the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt.
What's New In The Tax World? - Making up for lost taxes: the IRS collects $1 billion in back taxes from high-income taxpayers.
State-By-State Updates - Nebraska’s governor proposes a plan to bring in $1 billion in sales tax revenue.
Tax Planning Tips - The Supreme Court’s recent decision put an end to a business strategy to avoid estate tax.
Around the Tax World – July 23, 2024
In The Headlines - Shares in gun manufacturers rose by as much as 10% in the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt.
What's New In The Tax World? - Making up for lost taxes: the IRS collects $1 billion in back taxes from high-income taxpayers.
State-By-State Updates - Nebraska’s governor proposes a plan to bring in $1 billion in sales tax revenue.
Tax Planning Tips - The Supreme Court’s recent decision put an end to a business strategy to avoid estate tax.
Around the Tax World – July 9, 2024
In The Headlines - Over 100,000 Americans lost access to their own funds due to the bankruptcy of banking-as-a-service platform Synapse.
What's New In The Tax World? - The IRS releases its final tax reporting rules for cryptocurrency
State-By-State Updates - Could rundown properties be subject to extra taxes in Georgia?
Tax Planning Tips - Will Biden’s corporate tax proposals make the cut?
Around the Tax World – June 25, 2024
In The Headlines - Boeing and Airbus are facing a federal investigation over the possible use of fake titanium.
What's New In The Tax World? - Partnerships must say goodbye to a tax loophole, while the IRS says hello to $50 billion in revenue.
State-By-State Updates - Illinois’ new $53.1 billion state budget is expected to bring in $1.2 billion in new tax revenue.
Tax Planning Tips - Struggling with skyrocketing property taxes? These states have seen a decrease over the past decade.
Around the Tax World – June 11, 2024
In The Headlines - Spotify is upping their subscription costs—and stock investors are responding favorably.
What's New In The Tax World? - Republicans hustle to assemble a new tax package in preparation for the election.
State-By-State Updates - California lawmakers are debating where online sales tax revenue should be funneled.
Tax Planning Tips - Do you qualify for an automatic extended tax filing deadline of June 17th? Make sure you understand which rules apply for you.
Around the Tax World – May 28, 2024
In The Headlines - Ryan Reynolds turns his entrepreneurial energy toward the world of sports.
What's New In The Tax World? - The IRS is cracking down on large partnerships and companies are evaluating how to prepare.
State-By-State Updates - California is poised to become the first state to levy an excise tax on guns and ammunition.
Tax Planning Tips - The list of vehicles that qualify for the EV tax credit is constantly shifting—which ones qualify now?
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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.