National Small Business Week; Secure Access reminder; use current OIC Form; Tax Forums; and more?

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

a { color:#0073AF !important;} a:hover { color:#004673 !important;}
IRS.gov Banner
e-News for Tax Professionals May 5, 2023

Useful Links:

IRS.gov [ [link removed] ]

Tax Professionals Home [ [link removed] ]

All Forms and Instructions [ [link removed] ]

Stakeholders Partners' [ [link removed] ]
Headliners [ [link removed] ]

Training and [ [link removed] ]
Communication Tools [ [link removed] ]

e-Services [ [link removed] ]

Taxpayer Advocate?Service [ [link removed] ]

Disaster Relief [ [link removed] ]

Internal Revenue Bulletins [ [link removed] ]

IRS Social Media [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events

Seminars, Workshops, Conferences, and Other Practitioner Activities By State:

Nationwide Webinars [ [link removed] ]

Alabama [ [link removed] ]
Alaska [ [link removed] ]
Arizona [ [link removed] ]
Arkansas [ [link removed] ]
California [ [link removed] ]
Colorado [ [link removed] ]
Connecticut [ [link removed] ]
Delaware [ [link removed] ]
District of Columbia [ [link removed] ]
Florida [ [link removed] ]
Georgia [ [link removed] ]
Hawaii [ [link removed] ]
Idaho [ [link removed] ]
Illinois [ [link removed] ]
Indiana [ [link removed] ]
Iowa [ [link removed] ]
Kansas [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Kentucky [ [link removed] ]
Louisiana [ [link removed] ]
Maine [ [link removed] ]
Maryland [ [link removed] ]
Massachusetts [ [link removed] ]
Michigan [ [link removed] ]
Minnesota [ [link removed] ]
Mississippi [ [link removed] ]
Missouri [ [link removed] ]
Montana [ [link removed] ]
Nebraska [ [link removed] ]
Nevada [ [link removed] ]
New Hampshire [ [link removed] ]
New Jersey [ [link removed] ]
New Mexico [ [link removed] ]
New York [ [link removed] ]
North Carolina [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

North Dakota [ [link removed] ]
Ohio [ [link removed] ]
Oklahoma [ [link removed] ]
Oregon [ [link removed] ]
Pennsylvania [ [link removed] ]
Rhode Island [ [link removed] ]
South Carolina [ [link removed] ]
South Dakota [ [link removed] ]
Tennessee [ [link removed] ]
Texas [ [link removed] ]
Utah [ [link removed] ]
Vermont [ [link removed] ]
Virginia [ [link removed] ]
Washington [ [link removed] ]
West Virginia [ [link removed] ]
Wisconsin [ [link removed] ]
Wyoming [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Back to top [ #top ]


Issue Number:? 2023-18

Inside This Issue

* National Small Business Week resources, information [ #First ]
* Reminder: Secure Access platform is retiring; sign up through ID.me now to avoid delays [ #Second ]
* Use current version of Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet [ #Third ]
* Register for IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, learn directly from the IRS [ #Fourth ]
* Tax relief for Florida storm victims [ #Fifth ]
* Career opportunities at the IRS Independent Office of Appeals [ #Sixth ]
* Webinars for tax practitioners [ #Seventh ]
* Going green could help taxpayers qualify for expanded home energy tax credits [ #Eighth ]
* News from the Justice Department?s Tax Division [ #Ninth ]
* Technical Guidance [ #Tenth ]
________________________________________________________________________

*1.??National Small Business Week resources, information*________________________________________________________________________

During National Small Business Week [ [link removed] ], April 30 to May 6, the IRS has joined the Small Business Administration and others in both the public and private sector to celebrate the hard work, ingenuity and dedication of America?s small businesses and their contributions to the economy. The IRS also shares the following tips and resources you may share with your small business clients:


* Begin planning now to take advantage of new and existing tax benefits and prepare for reporting changes [ [link removed] ]. And as a reminder, eligible employers who overlooked the *Employee Retention Credit* (ERC) when they filed payroll tax returns for 2020 and 2021 can still claim it by filing an amended federal payroll tax return. But beware of the many ERC-related scams. Anyone who improperly claims the ERC must pay it back, possibly with penalties and interest.
* Make the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center [ [link removed] ] the first stop for finding just about everything to stay informed and compliant with small business tax obligations. Whether that small business owner is self-employed, an independent contractor, a gig worker or a business with employees, the site provides in-depth information, tools and helpful education.
* See changes to help small business taxpayers better interact with the IRS in ways that work best for them [ [link removed] ]. New improvements to phone service, in-person and online options will allow small business taxpayers get the help when they need it.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*2.??Reminder: Secure Access platform is retiring; sign up through ID.me now to avoid delays*________________________________________________________________________

As announced earlier, the IRS will require an ID.me account to access e-Services, Tax Pro Account and other online applications because Secure Access is being decommissioned. The change is effective May 17. The IRS uses a technology provider, ID.me, to provide identity verification for access to IRS online services. If users need help verifying their identity or to submit a support ticket, visit the ID.me IRS Help Site [ [link removed] ]. IRS continues to explore other ways for taxpayers to authenticate their identities, including a government-sponsored option. See the How to Register for Certain Online Self Help Tools [ [link removed] ] page on IRS.gov for more information.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*3.??Use current version of Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet*________________________________________________________________________

The IRS recently released its April 2023 version of the Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet [ [link removed] ]. Tax professionals should always download and use the most current version of this form to avoid processing delays. The booklet also includes the forms taxpayers must complete as part of the OIC process and is now available in Spanish [ [link removed] ]. Offers in compromise let taxpayers settle their tax debts for less than the full amount they owe once they?ve exhausted all other payment options. The IRS will consider each taxpayer?s unique set of facts and circumstances before accepting an OIC.

Share this IRS Tax Tip [ [link removed] ] with clients that explains the OIC process in detail including how to:


* Avoid paying an OIC application fee if a taxpayer qualifies as low-income (as defined by Form 656).
* Confirm if a taxpayer is eligible to file an OIC and calculate a preliminary offer amount using the OIC Pre-Qualifier Tool [ [link removed] ].
* File an offer and what information to gather for completing the various forms by watching a how-to OIC video playlist series [ [link removed] ] that?s now also available in Spanish and Simplified Chinese.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*4.??Register for IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, learn directly from the IRS*________________________________________________________________________

Attend the upcoming IRS Nationwide Tax Forums [ [link removed] ] and have access to the latest insights and expertise straight from the IRS. Each of the five tax forums is a three-day event with more than 40 seminars and workshops on a wide variety of federal and state tax issues presented by experts from the IRS and partner organizations from the tax community. Attendees may earn up to 18 continuing education credits.

In addition to continuing professional education, attendees get access to the popular Case Resolution Program as well as dozens of exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall. Attendees can also participate in focus groups and network with colleagues. The IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are back in-person and will take place in the following five cities:


* *New Orleans:* July 11-13
* *Atlanta:* July 25-27
* *Washington, D.C. area:* Aug. 8-10
* *San Diego:* Aug. 22-24
* *Orlando:* Aug. 29-31

For more information or to register, visit IRStaxforum.com [ [link removed] ].

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*5.??Tax relief for Florida storm victims*________________________________________________________________________

Florida storm victims [ [link removed] ] now have until Aug. 15, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) because of tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred from April 12-14. This means that individuals and households that reside or have a business in Broward County qualify for tax relief. Other areas added later to the disaster area will also qualify for the same relief. This news release is also available in Spanish [ [link removed] ] and Simplified Chinese. [ [link removed] ]

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*6.??Career opportunities at the IRS Independent Office of Appeals*________________________________________________________________________

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals [ [link removed] ] is hiring Appeals Officers. This job announcement [ [link removed] ] will remain open for 12 months, but selections can take place throughout the 12-month timeframe. An Appeals Officer has the responsibility for administratively resolving tax controversies brought before the IRS. They conduct research, hold conferences and negotiate issues with taxpayers and/or their representative to resolve tax disputes in a fair and impartial manner. The IRS offers a wealth of workplace flexibilities, highly competitive pay and benefits. We invite members of the tax pro community to share and consider applying for this exciting career opportunity.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*7.??Webinars for tax practitioners*________________________________________________________________________

Tax pros: Here are some upcoming webinars for the tax practitioner community. For more information or to register, visit IRS.gov [ [link removed] ].


* *Bankruptcy and the IRS* on May 9 at 2 p.m. ET. Earn up to 2 CE credits; certificates of completion are being offered.
* *Digital Day by IRS?s Online Services* on May 18 at 2 p.m. ET. Earn up to 2 CE credits; certificates of completion will be offered to all participants who qualify.
* *Americans Abroad: Tax Obligations and Reporting Requirements* on June 13 at 1 p.m. ET. Earn up to 2 CE credits; certificates of completion will be offered to all participants who qualify.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*8.??Going green could help taxpayers qualify for expanded home energy tax credits*________________________________________________________________________

Remind your clients that making certain energy efficient updates to their homes could qualify them for home energy tax credits [ [link removed] ]. Homeowners who improve their primary residence will find the most opportunities to claim a credit for qualifying expenses. Renters may also be able to claim credits, as well as owners of second homes used as residences. Landlords cannot claim this credit. This news release is also available with Spanish [ [link removed] ] and Simplified Chinese [ [link removed] ].

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*9.??News from the Justice Department?s Tax Division*________________________________________________________________________

New Jersey certified public accountant James H. Benkoil [ [link removed] ] pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by promoting fraudulent tax shelters to high-income clients. The scheme facilitated false claims of inflated charitable contribution tax deductions in connection with the ?donation? of the conservation easement over land, allowing Benkoil?s high-income clients to buy deductions to illegally shelter their income from taxation. Benkoil faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Texas tax preparer Adela Cruz [ [link removed] ] was sentenced to 27 months in prison for willfully assisting clients in the preparation and filing of false tax returns with the IRS. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Cruz has been ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay a $1,500 fine and $129,239 in restitution to the United States.

John Wells Jr. [ [link removed] ], a former Mississippi tax preparer, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing false tax returns. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells conspired with others at Sunbelt Tax Services to claim fraudulently inflated tax refunds for clients by reporting false education credits, itemized deductions and business profits or losses. Wells is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

*10.? Technical Guidance*________________________________________________________________________

Notice 2023-36 [ [link removed] ] provides the solicitation for items for the annual priority guidance plan.

Back to top [ #top ]

________________________________________________________________________

FaceBook Logo [ [link removed] ]??YouTube Logo [ [link removed] ] ?Instagram Logo [ [link removed] ]? Twitter Logo [ [link removed] ] ?LinkedIn Logo [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for subscribing to e-News for Tax Professionals an IRS e-mail service.

If you have a specific concern about your client's tax situation, call the IRS Practitioner Priority Service 1-866-860-4259.

This message was distributed automatically from the mailing list e-News for Tax Professionals. *Please Do Not Reply To This Message *

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from another list, please go to the e-News Subscriptions [ [link removed] ] page on the IRS Web site.



?

________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [ [link removed] ].


body .abe-column-block {min-height: 5px;} ________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] by: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ? Internal Revenue Service ? 1111 Constitution Ave. N.W. ? Washington DC 20535 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}