Tax Talk

  • How to Name Your Tax Office

    Selecting the name of your new tax office can seem a little overwhelming but it does’t need to be so complicated. Many, if not most, franchises require you to use that name. After all, you are essentially buying the goodwill that accompanies that tax service name.  However, if you are a Federal Direct partner or […]

    PTIN Fees Return With Extra Fees

    The IRS has announced the return of fees for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).  Additionally, they have outsourced processing of applications and payments so there is an additional fee on top of the basic application fee. The IRS fee is set to be $21 per application or renewal plus a $14.95 fee to the […]

    IRS Payment Options

    There are many IRS payment options that they will accept. Pay your balance due at the time of filing. (No cost to set up beyond preparation fees) Direct Pay (No cost if it’s from a checking or savings account) Businesses can use EFTPS (The electronic federal tax payment system) Taxpayers can pay with a credit […]

    Michigan Funding Opportunity for Grants or Loans

    Michigan businesses may be eligible for a recovery grant or a business microloan to help them during this time of uncertainty. There are several requirements for eligibility but most are easy to meet.  There is even a webinar to help potential applicants gather and complete their required documents for a grant or loan.  Grant money can […]

    Economic Impact Payment Web Portal Open for Non-filers

    The non-filer tool, developed in partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, provides a free and easy option designed for people who don’t have a return filing obligation, including those with too little income to file. The feature is available only on IRS.gov, and users should look for Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here […]

  • IRS Attempts to Catch Up, Resumes processing refunds & Says Wait to Call

    The IRS has reopened phone lines and says that they expect an increased demand in phone services. Due to the back log of work due to the government shutdown, the Service politely requests that you wait to call or contact them based on the severity of your situation. The service expects to be caught up […]

    2014 PTIN Renewal Period Delayed Due to Lapse in Funding

    When asked about the status of the 2014 PTIN, the IRS stated, “Due to the lapse in government funding, the 2014 PTIN renewal season is delayed. An email or letter will be sent to all current PTIN holders notifying you when the 2014 renewal season opens.  The online PTIN system is still available for users […]

    Government Shutdown Over & IRS Open

    The government reopens! All governmental bodies should be open after the end of the shutdown and congress goes back to work. While offices are open, there is now a backlog of work for these governmental departments and workers, so keep in mind that call times could be longer than normal, even hours.  IRS phone lines […]

    IRS Getting Stricter on Enforcing Preparer Penalties

    According to a report by TIGTA (requested by the IRS Oversight Board to determine its efficiency in using the existing requirements and penalty regime that applies to unenrolled paid tax return preparers) there are several areas where the IRS could improve.   The overall objective was to determine whether controls are in place to ensure […]

    RTRP Goes To Appeals Court for Oral Arguments

    The IRS is appealing the court’s decision in the case of Loving vs the IRS.  While their defense calls upon an 1884 law, the judges were noted to have been “engaged.” There is no doubt that this ability for the IRS to regulate preparers is long over due and much needed, but if this appeal […]

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