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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- August 8, 2022
World NEWS - Pop singer Shakira could face up to eight years in prison for tax fraud...
U.S. NEWS - Democrats’ new economic package receives pushback from Senator Kyrsten Sinema, blocking the latest set of federal tax proposals...
STATE NEWS - Colorado taxpayers will start seeing rebate checks this month…
TAX PLANNING - State taxes on digital goods are becoming increasingly common, requiring advance planning for companies...
Around the Tax World- July 27, 2022
World NEWS - A proposed levy on Disneyland tickets fails to move ahead...
U.S. NEWS - Debate brews over Democratic lawmakers’ proposal for the IRS to launch a free tax filing service...
STATE NEWS - A watchdog group in Utah is speaking out about the use of the state’s surplus revenue...
TAX PLANNING - For higher-income taxpayers, Social Security taxes could increase due to the rising wage ceiling...
Around the Tax World- June 29, 2022
World NEWS - New IRS voice bots can assist callers with setting up or changing payment plans...
U.S. NEWS - President Biden calls on Congress to establish a national gas tax holiday...
STATE NEWS - Virginia finalizes a two-year budget with $4 billion in tax cuts...
TAX PLANNING - The IRS announces that the end is in sight for backlogged 2021 tax returns...
Around the Tax World- June 8, 2022
World NEWS - The tax fraud investigation surrounding the Trump Organization continues...
U.S. NEWS - States’ attempt to provide relief to taxpayers may be contributing to rising inflation...
STATE NEWS - Virginia votes to adjust its budget plan to include $4 billion in tax relief...
TAX PLANNING - Using cryptocurrency as compensation raises tax issues for employees and employers alike...
Around the Tax World- May 27, 2022
World NEWS - The global minimum tax deal struggles to move toward implementation...
U.S. NEWS - US technology and innovation sectors may see tax breaks in new bill aimed at reducing reliance on China...
STATE NEWS - Minnesota legislators plan to eliminate state taxes on Social Security income...
TAX PLANNING - The IRS is expected to pay interest to taxpayers with delayed tax refunds...
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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.