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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 – May 8, 2024
In The Headlines - The Biden administration faces another lawsuit battle against the Chamber of Commerce. The topic? Non-compete clauses.
What's New In The Tax World? - New guidelines for clean energy tax credits will impact electric vehicles, aviation fuel, and monetization of tax credit transfers.
State-By-State Updates - Colorado approves a tax reform package that includes changes to income tax, sales tax, and state revenue refunds.
Tax Planning Tips - Biden’s proposal to tax unsold assets is met with pushback.
Around the Tax World – April 25, 2024
In The Headlines - Samsung edges out Apple as the top phonemaker worldwide.
What's New In The Tax World? - Biden publicly releases his tax returns as presidential candidates continue the conversation on tax policy
State-By-State Updates - Californians living in San Diego county get an extended tax deadline
Tax Planning Tips - Could the expanded Child Tax Credit still manifest in 2024?
Around the Tax World – April 9, 2024
In The Headlines - Will Trump be out $450 million?
What's New In The Tax World? - Scams abound during this tax season: here’s how to avoid falling prey
State-By-State Updates - Illinois is recruiting volunteer firefighters by offering a special tax credit.
Tax Planning Tips - Planning for retirement? Don’t overlook the saver’s tax credit.
Around the Tax World – March 21, 2024
In The Headlines - Will the U.S. become a TikTok-free zone?.
What's New In The Tax World? - A $78 billion tax bill passes the House but hits walls in the Senate
State-By-State Updates - Colorado residents may be eligible for an $800 refund this tax season.
Tax Planning Tips - Is your property tax bill astronomical? Consider whether you can appeal your property tax assessment.
Around the Tax World – March 7, 2024
In The Headlines - H&R Block and TurboTax have been accused of “deceptive advertising” by the FTC.
What's New In The Tax World? - The IRS levels up on cryptocurrency tax compliance with the help of two former crypto executives.
State-By-State Updates - Kansas shuts down a $1.6 billion tax cut package including a flat income tax rate of 5.25%
Tax Planning Tips - Planning your retirement? Consider these states with the lowest tax rates.
Around the Tax World – February 22, 2024
In The Headlines - Who will win in the battle between The New York Times and OpenAI?
What's New In The Tax World? - The popular EV tax credit has yielded $135 million in reimbursements for automotive dealers this year.
State-By-State Updates -California considers a ballot initiative that would limit local and state governments’ ability to raise taxes.
Tax Planning Tips - If you have long-term care insurance, keep in mind these tax deduction limitations.
Around the Tax World – February 8, 2024
In The Headlines - Super Bowl LVIII means record-breaking ticket prices for football fans and revenue spikes for Las Vegas small businesses.
What's New In The Tax World? - To file or not to file? With new proposed tax breaks coming up fast, the IRS urges taxpayers to move ahead with their tax returns
State-By-State Updates -A Connecticut task force tries to bid farewell to the state’s car tax.
Tax Planning Tips - With TJCA tax provisions soon to expire, 2024 will be a crucial year for tax planning.
Around the Tax World – January 25, 2024
In The Headlines - Spirit Airlines and JetBlue may be star-crossed business partners.
What's New In The Tax World? - 2024 may be the Year of the Tax Break—from the expanded child tax credit to business benefits
State-By-State Updates -The Kansas Legislature is stepping on the gas when it comes to income and sales tax reform.
Tax Planning Tips - The latest industry boom is in selling energy tax credits—a market worth up to $9 billion.
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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.