e-News for Tax Professionals 2023-18

During National Small Business Week, 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. 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 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. New improvements to phone service, in-person and online options will allow small business taxpayers get the help when they need it.

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. 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 page on IRS.gov for more information.

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. 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. 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 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.
File an offer and what information to gather for completing the various forms by watching a how-to OIC video playlist series that?s now also available in Spanish and Simplified Chinese.

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

Attend the upcoming IRS Nationwide Tax Forums 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.

5.??Tax relief for Florida storm victims

Florida storm victims 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 and Simplified Chinese.

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

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals is hiring Appeals Officers. This job announcement 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.

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.

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.

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. 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 and Simplified Chinese.

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

New Jersey certified public accountant James H. Benkoil 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 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., 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.

10.? Technical Guidance

Notice 2023-36 provides the solicitation for items for the annual priority guidance plan.

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