by | Oct 30, 2021 | Tax Tips and News
While most of the nation’s attention is turned to fall colors and the Thanksgiving holidays, residents of some Mississippi counties still have all-too-vivid memories of meaner weather earlier in the summer.
That’s when Hurricane Ida ravaged the state with high winds, heavy rain and serious flooding. Because of the problems caused by Ida, the Internal Revenue Service is placing some Mississippi Counties in the relief measures tailored to help the storm’s worst-off victims.
Not all of the state is covered by this relief package. Currently, the expanded relief applies to Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, Georgia, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pearl River, Pike, Simpson, Walthall, Wayne and Wilkinson counties.
Other counties may be added if they become part of the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) disaster declaration, which names counties and localities that qualify for individual or public assistance.
The terms of relief
In a nutshell, the IRS relief package postpones various deadlines for filing and paying federal taxes in the named counties until Jan. 3, 2022. In other parts of Mississippi—covered by a separate relief measure previously—the deadline remains Nov. 1 of this year.
To see a full list of eligible locations, check out the disaster relief page on the IRS website.
This new relief package applies only to the counties named, and delays filing and payment deadlines that otherwise would have started on August 28. The relief applies to qualified individuals and businesses alike, giving them until Jan. 3, 2022, to file tax returns and pay any tax that would have otherwise been due during that time.
Taxpayers with a valid extension to file by Oct. 15, 2021, now have until Jan. 3, 2022 to file. In the case of extensions, however, any tax due should have already been paid back on the original filing deadline of May 17 and is not covered by the new relief package.
What else is covered?
Quarterly estimated income tax payments, usually due in September, are also postponed due to the new relief terms, as are quarterly payroll and excise tax returns that would otherwise be due on November 1.
In addition, businesses with an original or extended due date have more time; this includes calendar-year partnerships and S corporations with 2020 extensions that ran out in September, and calendar-year corporations with 2020 extensions that ended on October 15.
Calendar-year tax-exempt organizations with 2020 extensions ending November 15 are also covered.
To see a full list of what returns, payments and other tax-related actions qualify for the January 3 filing date, visit the IRS disaster relief page.
Do not contact the IRS
There’s no need for taxpayers to contact the IRS to see if they qualify for the delayed filing and payment deadline. The agency automatically determines eligibility by the taxpayer’s address of record on file when a return is filed.
Taxpayers who qualify for relief but live outside one of the 19 currently named counties should contact the IRS at 866-562-5227; this includes relief workers who are part of a recognized government or philanthropic organization.
Taxpayers within the federal disaster area who seek to claim their uninsured or unreimbursed losses from the storm on their federal income tax return can do it in one of two ways. They can claim the losses on the return for the year the loss occurred—in this case, on their 2021 return that will be filed next year—or they can claim the loss on the return for the prior year, which would be 2020.
In either case, the taxpayer has to write the FEMA declaration number on any return claiming a loss. To claim a loss in the original disaster area, which includes the entire state of Mississippi, the declaration number is EM-3569.
The declaration number for the new, 19-county disaster declaration is EM-4626.
Publication 547 has details on filing and claiming disaster losses.
The IRS says its disaster relief measures are part of a coordinated response to Hurricane Ida that includes not just FEMA and the IRS, but a number of federal agencies. For the full scope of the federal response to the hurricane, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
Source: IR-2021-210
– Story provided by TaxingSubjects.com
by | Oct 29, 2021 | Tax Tips and News
The Internet is filled with cybersecurity threats that can jeopardize family finances. Just one of many scams, identity theft tax refund fraud (ITTRF) is big business for criminals, and it can cause big headaches for victims.
The IRS, state departments of revenue, and private members of the tax industry established the Security Summit in 2015 to help combat the rising incidence of tax-related scams. One of the primary ways the group works toward this goal is by spreading awareness of new scams, common phishing tactics, and basic data security strategies.
4 tips for safely using the Internet from the Security Summit
For National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Security Summit is providing four tips that “children, teens, and other vulnerable groups” can follow to avoid scams and malware when online:
- Teach them to recognize and avoid scams. Phishing emails, threatening phone calls and texts from thieves posing as the IRS or legitimate organizations pose ongoing risks. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
- Remind them why security is important. Be careful not to reveal too much personal information. Keeping data secure and only providing what is necessary minimizes online exposure to scammers and criminals. Birthdates, addresses, age, financial information such as bank account and Social Security numbers are among things that should not be shared freely.
- Teach them about public Wi-Fi networks. Connection to Wi-Fi in a mall or coffee shop is convenient but it may not be safe. Hackers and cybercriminals can easily intercept personal information. Always use a virtual private network when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Make sure the security software is always turned on and can automatically update. Remember, to encrypt sensitive files such as tax records stored on computers. Be sure all family members have comprehensive protection especially if devices are being shared. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Finally, the Summit closes the press release by reminding that the IRS “does not use text messages or social media to discuss personal tax issues, such as those involving tax refunds, stimulus payments, or tax bills.” Instead, the agency will first reach out to taxpayers in an official letter or notice before following up with other methods of communication.
Want to learn more about data security?
Check out the following links from the IRS to learn more about data security issues:
Need help creating or updating a written tax office security plan?
Download the Drake Software Tax Office Security Plan.
Source: IR-2021-209
– Story provided by TaxingSubjects.com
by | Oct 27, 2021 | Tax Tips and News
There’s not much doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a strong labor market and turned it on its ear, producing a shortage of available workers.
To help employers navigate these uncertain waters, the Internal Revenue Service is reassuring them that businesses rehiring retirees or keeping employees after they reach retirement age won’t put them crossways with their pension plans.
Many employers, including governmental agencies—public school districts, for example—have had to resort to these measures in order to keep key positions filled. Previously, hiring back workers who retired or retaining those older than the normal retirement age while paying them retirement benefits may have jeopardized the status of their pension plans.
The IRS, however, has posted two new sets of frequently asked questions (FAQs) giving guidance to public and private employers who have pension plans for their employees. These new instructions are aimed helping employers meet their staffing needs while still managing to comply with their pension plan’s qualification rules.
The FAQs explain an employer can usually deal with unexpected hiring needs by rehiring former employees—even if they have already retired and started receiving pension benefits. If the plan permits, these rehired employees can even continue getting pension benefits after they are rehired.
Giving employers another tool to retain older employees, the FAQs also allow employers to make retirement distributions available to existing workers who reach age 59 1/2—or whatever the normal retirement age of their plan may be.
The IRS is also hosting two webinars in October on school labor shortages. Webinar 1 deals with teacher and substitute teacher shortages, while Webinar 2 targets staff shortages, such as bus drivers and food service workers. Follow the links to preregister.
Source: IR-2021-208
– Story provided by TaxingSubjects.com
by | Oct 23, 2021 | Tax Tips and News
It’s that time again: time for federal tax return preparers to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) for the coming year. It’s no time to procrastinate, since 2021 PTINs will expire on Dec. 31.
A valid PTIN is required for anyone who prepares—or assists in preparing—a federal tax return for a fee. This requirement includes Enrolled Agents, whether or not EAs actually prepare returns.
A PTIN must be valid before the tax pro prepares any returns for the year, and should show up on filed returns as part of the identifying number.
“Taxpayers are relying on your expertise to help them meet their tax obligations and for some to complete their largest financial transaction for the year. Make sure you’re ready by renewing your PTIN now,” said Carol A. Campbell, director, Return Preparer Office.
The cost for a 2022 PTIN is $35.95, which is non-refundable. Whether the tax professional is renewing a PTIN or applying for the first time, the entire amount must be paid before the PTIN process will complete.
It’s faster online
In the case of renewing a PTIN, the Internal Revenue Service recommends using its online renewal process. It takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Renewing online is easy, and you get confirmation after completion:
- Start at gov/taxpros.
- Select the “Renew or Register” button.
- Enter the user ID and password to login to the online PTIN account.
- Follow the prompts to verify information and answer a few questions.
Besides renewing their PTINs, tax pros can use the online system to bring up a summary of the number of filed returns linked to their PTIN in the current year, and to get communications from the IRS Return Preparer Office through a secure mailbox.
First-time applicants can also get a PTIN online, using the same system, with prompts tailored to their process:
- Start at gov/taxpros.
- Select the “Renew or Register” button and select “Create Account” in the New User box.
- First-time users are issued a temporary password and will be prompted to change their password upon logging in.
- Once logged in, select the appropriate “PTIN Sign Up” option.
- Follow the prompts to obtain a PTIN online.
There is a paper option which uses Form W-12 and its instructions, usable for both applications and renewals, but this option can take up to six weeks to process. Depending on when the paper form is submitted, tax pros choosing this option might find themselves in danger of being without a valid PTIN at the start of tax season.
Non-credentialed tax preparers have professional education opportunities
A voluntary IRS offering, the Annual Filing Season Program, seeks to encourage non-credentialed tax pros to get the credentials they need through continuing education courses. this increases their knowledge and boosts their filing season readiness at the same time.
Program participants have to renew their PTIN, finish 18 hours of continuing education from IRS-approved CE providers and agree to follow the specific obligations set out in Circular 230, all by Dec. 31, 2021. An IRS video shows how to sign the Circular 230 consent form and how to print the Record of Completion.
A preparer successfully completing the program gets an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion from the IRS, and is listed in a public IRS directory of return preparers with credentials and other qualifications.
The directory can be used by taxpayers to find tax pros in their area who have completed the program or hold other IRS-recognized credentials.
IRS suggests tax pros get the Enrolled Agent credential
The IRS issues its elite Enrolled Agent certification to tax pros who have shown special competence in in a number of areas, including federal tax planning, individual and business tax return preparation, and representation. Enrolled Agents have the ability to represent any client before the IRS on any tax matter.
The IRS encourages non-credentialed preparers to consider becoming Enrolled Agents to push their careers to a higher level.
Continuing education opportunities are available from DrakeCPE
Tax professionals who need to complete continuing education requirements can sign up for courses at DrakeCPE.com.
Source: IR-2021-207
– Story provided by TaxingSubjects.com
by | Oct 22, 2021 | Tax Tips and News
Criminals pushing phishing scams impersonate a wide range of people and organizations to trick victims out of their private information and money. The seemingly endless flood of charity scams perhaps best demonstrates that there truly is no honor among thieves. Luckily, we don’t have to face identity thieves alone.
The Internal Revenue Service announced that they are taking part in Charity Fraud Awareness Week to help spread the word about this persistent threat to individuals and charitable organizations. The agency says they are “joining international organizations and other regulators in highlighting Charity Fraud Awareness Week,” which runs from October 18 to October 22 this year.
What is Charity Fraud Awareness Week?
According to the IRS, Charity Fraud Awareness Week is a campaign “run by a partnership of charities, regulators, law enforcers, and other not-for-profit stakeholders from across the world … [that] raise awareness of fraud and cybercrime affecting organizations and to create a safe space for charities and their supporters to talk about fraud and share good practice.”
How is the IRS participating in Charity Fraud Awareness Week?
The IRS is highlighting helpful resources that have been created by organizations participating in Charity Fraud Awareness Week. Specifically, the press release includes a link to a UK-based website designed to aggregate helpful information related to the campaign: PreventCharityFraud.org.uk.
According to the IRS, this site is designed to help “[Charity Fraud Awareness Week] partners, charities, and other tax-exempt organizations and non-profits find” the following information:
- Details about the awareness week
- Free resources
- A fraud pledge for organizations
- A listing of webinars and other events held as part of the week
Data-security-awareness campaigns aren’t new to the IRS. As part of the Security Summit, the agency works year round to provide taxpayers the resources they need to avoid falling victim to myriad phishing scams. Part of that effort includes publishing their annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams and providing online resources, like the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
The Tax Exempt Organization Search tool is useful in avoiding fake charity scams listing legitimate charities that are currently eligible “to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.” The tool’s page on IRS.gov notes the types of information that can be searched for any given charity:
- Form 990 Series Returns
- Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
- Pub. 78 Data
- Automatic Revocation of Exemption List
- Determination Letters
As for avoiding scams impersonating legitimate charities, taxpayers should stay up to date on the latest phishing scams highlighted by the IRS, Security Summit, and Charity Fraud Awareness Week partners.
Sources: IR-2021-205; “Tax Exempt Organization Search,” IRS.gov
– Story provided by TaxingSubjects.com
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