Check the Preparer’s Qualifications. People can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications. This tool helps taxpayers find a tax return preparer with specific qualifications. The directory is a searchable and sortable listing of preparers. Check the Preparer’s History. Taxpayers can ask the Better Business Bureau about the…
Details
This publication discusses common business expenses and explains what is and is not deductible. The chapters cover general rules for deducting business expenses and specific expenses. What Can I Deduct? To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your trade…
Details
The IRS has reopened following the end of the government shutdown, and IRS employees are working hard to resume normal operations and help taxpayers as much as possible. As the IRS resumes operations, there are some important pieces of information for taxpayers and tax professionals to keep in mind in several areas: Audits. For taxpayers…
Details
Due to the lapse in appropriations, most IRS operations are closed during the shutdown. An IRS-wide furlough began on December 22, 2018, that affects many operations. During this period, the IRS reminds taxpayers that the underlying tax laws remain in effect, and all taxpayers should continue to meet their tax obligations as normal. Individuals and…
Details
ABOUT PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes) prohibits the IRS from releasing tax refunds prior to February 15 for taxpayers claiming EITC and/or ACTC refundable tax credits. The law may create tax refund delays up to six weeks or more. TAXPAYERS IMPACTED Taxpayers claiming any of the following credits before February 15 may be…
Details
WASHINGTON ― Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning January 28, 2019 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled. “We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown. I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to…
Details
Governor Jerry Brown and the Legislature created the first-ever California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). California joins 24 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting a state EITC to supplement the federal EITC. CalEITC is a cash back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. In its first…
Details
The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2019 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 58 cents per…
Details
The Internal Revenue Service today issued Notice 2018-97 offering guidance on a recent tax law change that allows qualified employees of privately-held corporations to defer paying income tax, for up to five years, on the value of qualified stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) granted to them by their employers. The tax law change was included…
Details
The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations today for a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which limits the business interest expense deduction for certain taxpayers. Certain small businesses whose gross receipts are $25 million or less and certain trades or businesses are not subject to the limits under this provision. For tax years beginning…
Details