Tax Alerts
Tax Briefing(s)
IRS Postpones Tax Deadline to July 15 for Select Taxpayers
The IRS reminded individuals who live and work abroad that they have until July 15, 2020, to file their 2019 federal income tax return and pay any tax due. The usual deadline is June 15. The...
The IRS reminded individuals who live and work abroad that they have until July 15, 2020, to file their 2019 federal income tax return and pay any tax due. The usual deadline is June 15. The...
IRS Extends Estimated Tax Payments Deadline to July 15
The IRS has extended the estimated tax payments deadline from April 15 and June 15, to July 15 for tax year 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, any individual or corporation that has a quart...
The IRS has extended the estimated tax payments deadline from April 15 and June 15, to July 15 for tax year 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, any individual or corporation that has a quart...
Electronic Filing of Form 1040-X Coming
The IRS has announced that later this summer taxpayers will for the first time be able to electronically file their Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, using available tax sof...
The IRS has announced that later this summer taxpayers will for the first time be able to electronically file their Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, using available tax sof...
IRS Urges Taxpayers to Remain Vigilant Against Coronavirus-Related Tax Fraud
The IRS has urged taxpayers to remain vigilant against scammers who continue to use the COVID-19 emergency to perpetrate tax fraud. The IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has seen a variety of E...
The IRS has urged taxpayers to remain vigilant against scammers who continue to use the COVID-19 emergency to perpetrate tax fraud. The IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has seen a variety of E...
EIPs Belong to Recipients, Not Care Facility Providers
The IRS has warned nursing homes and other care facilities that Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) generally belong to the recipients, not the organizations providing the care, even if a nursing home or ...
The IRS has warned nursing homes and other care facilities that Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) generally belong to the recipients, not the organizations providing the care, even if a nursing home or ...
IRS Rules Encourage Leave-Based Donation Programs for Victims of COVID-19
The IRS has provided relief to support employer leave-based donation programs to aid victims of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Under these programs, employees may forgo vacation, sick or persona...
The IRS has provided relief to support employer leave-based donation programs to aid victims of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Under these programs, employees may forgo vacation, sick or persona...
Empowerment Zone Designations Automatically Extended Through 2020
The termination date for an empowerment zone designation is generally deemed to extend until December 31, 2020. However, the state or local government that nominated the zone may decline the deemed ex...
The termination date for an empowerment zone designation is generally deemed to extend until December 31, 2020. However, the state or local government that nominated the zone may decline the deemed ex...
IRS Enhances Get My Payment Tool
The IRS has announced significant enhancements to the "Get My Payment" tool to deliver an improved and smoother experience for Americans eligible to receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). ...
The IRS has announced significant enhancements to the "Get My Payment" tool to deliver an improved and smoother experience for Americans eligible to receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). ...
IRS Urges Low-Income Individuals to Use Non-Filers Tool to Get Economic Impact Payment
The IRS has reminded low-income individuals to use the free online tool Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to easily register to receive their Economic Impact Payment. Further, the IRS emphasize...
The IRS has reminded low-income individuals to use the free online tool Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to easily register to receive their Economic Impact Payment. Further, the IRS emphasize...
IRS’s Website Holds Answers to Common EIP Questions
The IRS reminded taxpayers that IRS.gov included answers to many common questions. This included the two recently launched Economic Impact Payment (EIP) tools, Get My Payment&...
The IRS reminded taxpayers that IRS.gov included answers to many common questions. This included the two recently launched Economic Impact Payment (EIP) tools, Get My Payment&...
EIP Amounts Could Vary
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) amounts could be different than anticipated. Some Americans could have received a payment amount different than what they expected...
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) amounts could be different than anticipated. Some Americans could have received a payment amount different than what they expected...
IRS Adds Phone Operators for Economic Impact Payment Queries
The IRS will be adding 3,500 telephone representatives to answer queries about Economic Impact Payments. IRS Telephone Assistance and other services will remain limited, but answers for most common qu...
The IRS will be adding 3,500 telephone representatives to answer queries about Economic Impact Payments. IRS Telephone Assistance and other services will remain limited, but answers for most common qu...
2021 Health Savings Account Inflation Adjustments
The IRS has released the 2021 inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts under Code Sec. 223. For calendar year 2021, the annual limitation on deductions for an individual with self-o...
The IRS has released the 2021 inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts under Code Sec. 223. For calendar year 2021, the annual limitation on deductions for an individual with self-o...
New Refundable Payroll Tax Credits for Small Employers; Highlights of Key Features of Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Two new refundable payroll tax credits are provided for small and midsize employers, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their empl...
Two new refundable payroll tax credits are provided for small and midsize employers, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their empl...
Employee Retention Credit Available for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
The Treasury Department and the IRS have launched the employee retention credit for businesses that have been financially affected by COVID-19. The credit is specifically designed to encourage busines...
The Treasury Department and the IRS have launched the employee retention credit for businesses that have been financially affected by COVID-19. The credit is specifically designed to encourage busines...
Claim Employee Retention Credit for First Quarter Qualified Wages on Second Quarter Form 941
The IRS has instructed employers that file quarterly employment tax returns (Form 941, 941-SS, or 941-PR) and are eligible for the new employee retention credit to not claim the credit on th...
The IRS has instructed employers that file quarterly employment tax returns (Form 941, 941-SS, or 941-PR) and are eligible for the new employee retention credit to not claim the credit on th...
Online Tool Helps Non-Filers Register for Economic Impact Payments
The Treasury Department and the IRS urge taxpayers who do not normally file a return to use the newly launched online tool called "Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here" ( https://www.irs...
The Treasury Department and the IRS urge taxpayers who do not normally file a return to use the newly launched online tool called "Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here" ( https://www.irs...
SSI Recipients to Get Automatic Economic Impact Payments
The IRS, the Treasury Department, and the Social Security Administration, announced that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) would automatically receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). S...
The IRS, the Treasury Department, and the Social Security Administration, announced that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) would automatically receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). S...
IRS Reports Rise in Free File Use
The IRS reported a record increase in the use of Free File products for entering and filing federal income taxes. A total of 2.9 million tax returns was recorded through the Free File program since Ja...
The IRS reported a record increase in the use of Free File products for entering and filing federal income taxes. A total of 2.9 million tax returns was recorded through the Free File program since Ja...
VA Benefits Recipients Will Automatically Receive EIPs
The IRS has announced that recipients of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA benefits) will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Veterans and their beneficiaries who...
The IRS has announced that recipients of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA benefits) will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Veterans and their beneficiaries who...
IRS Spotlights Social Media, e-News Resources for Updates on COVID-19
The IRS urges taxpayers, businesses, tax professionals and others to follow its official social media accounts and email subscription lists to stay updated in connection with COVID-19 and economic imp...
The IRS urges taxpayers, businesses, tax professionals and others to follow its official social media accounts and email subscription lists to stay updated in connection with COVID-19 and economic imp...
Taxpayers Warned Against Coronavirus Scams
The IRS has warned taxpayers against tax scams and identity thefts related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Taxpayers are expected to watch out for calls, emails, text messages, websites and social medi...
The IRS has warned taxpayers against tax scams and identity thefts related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Taxpayers are expected to watch out for calls, emails, text messages, websites and social medi...
IRS to Audit More High-Income Taxpayers, Mnuchin Tells Lawmakers
The IRS is planning to audit more high-income taxpayers, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told House lawmakers. The plan comes on the heels of recent reports that the IRS has conducted more audits of...
The IRS is planning to audit more high-income taxpayers, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told House lawmakers. The plan comes on the heels of recent reports that the IRS has conducted more audits of...
IRS Highlights Tax Tips and Benefits for Service Members
The IRS highlighted tax tips and benefits for military members, veterans and their families to assist in meeting federal income tax filing obligations. This includes active duty or reserve members of ...
The IRS highlighted tax tips and benefits for military members, veterans and their families to assist in meeting federal income tax filing obligations. This includes active duty or reserve members of ...
Population Figures Provided for Calculating Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
State and local housing credit agencies that allocate low-income housing tax credits and states and other issuers of tax-exempt private activity bonds have been provided with a listing of the proper p...
State and local housing credit agencies that allocate low-income housing tax credits and states and other issuers of tax-exempt private activity bonds have been provided with a listing of the proper p...
Additional Tax on Early Distribution from Retirement Plan is Constitutional
An individual who received a distribution from her qualified retirement plan when she was not yet 59-1/2 years old, was not disabled, and was not eligible for any of the exceptions under Code Sec...
An individual who received a distribution from her qualified retirement plan when she was not yet 59-1/2 years old, was not disabled, and was not eligible for any of the exceptions under Code Sec...
IRS Increases User Fee for Offers in Compromise
The IRS has released final regulations that increase the user fee for processing an offer in compromise from $186 to $205, effective for offers in compromise submitted on or after April 27, 2020.The f...
The IRS has released final regulations that increase the user fee for processing an offer in compromise from $186 to $205, effective for offers in compromise submitted on or after April 27, 2020.The f...
IRS Encourages Taxpayers to Save for Retirement
Highlighting the tax provisions of the newly enacted Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (the Act), the IRS has encouraged taxpayers to save for retirement. The Act includes a number of tax ...
Highlighting the tax provisions of the newly enacted Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (the Act), the IRS has encouraged taxpayers to save for retirement. The Act includes a number of tax ...
IRS to Increase Visits to High-Income Nonfilers
The IRS has announced that it will step up efforts to visit high-income taxpayers who in prior years have failed to timely file one or more of their tax returns. With the recent and ongoing hiring of ...
The IRS has announced that it will step up efforts to visit high-income taxpayers who in prior years have failed to timely file one or more of their tax returns. With the recent and ongoing hiring of ...
Proposed Regs Reflect Changes to Entertainment and Meal Deductions
Proposed regulations reflect the significant changes that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ( P.L. 115-97) made to the Code Sec. 274 deduction for travel and entertainment expenses. For ...
Proposed regulations reflect the significant changes that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ( P.L. 115-97) made to the Code Sec. 274 deduction for travel and entertainment expenses. For ...
Reporting Relief for 2020 IRA Required Minimum Distributions
The IRS has provided guidance to financial institutions on reporting required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. The concern is that financial institutions might mistakenly treat IRA owners who tu...
The IRS has provided guidance to financial institutions on reporting required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. The concern is that financial institutions might mistakenly treat IRA owners who tu...
Final Regs Reflect Updated Due Dates for Income Tax and Information Returns
The IRS has issued final regulations that update the due dates and extensions of time to file certain income tax returns and information returns to reflect legislative changes. The regulations replace...
The IRS has issued final regulations that update the due dates and extensions of time to file certain income tax returns and information returns to reflect legislative changes. The regulations replace...
IRS Launches New “Identity Theft Central” Online Resource
The IRS has announced the launch of the "Identity Theft Central," a resource designed to improve online access to information on identity theft and data security protection for taxpayers, ta...
The IRS has announced the launch of the "Identity Theft Central," a resource designed to improve online access to information on identity theft and data security protection for taxpayers, ta...
Professionals, Taxpayers Urged to Use Multi-Factor Authentication
The IRS has urged tax professionals and taxpayers to use the multi-factor authentication feature offered on tax preparation software products for preventing data thefts. Multi-factor authentication re...
The IRS has urged tax professionals and taxpayers to use the multi-factor authentication feature offered on tax preparation software products for preventing data thefts. Multi-factor authentication re...
2020 Foreign Housing Expense Limitations Released
The IRS has provided the adjustments to the limitation on foreign housing expenses for specific locations for tax year 2020. Generally, a qualified individual whose entire tax year is within the appli...
The IRS has provided the adjustments to the limitation on foreign housing expenses for specific locations for tax year 2020. Generally, a qualified individual whose entire tax year is within the appli...
2020 Standard Mileage Rates Released
The IRS has released the optional standard mileage rates for 2020. Most taxpayers may use these rates to compute deductible costs of operating vehicles for business, medical, and charitable purposes.2...
The IRS has released the optional standard mileage rates for 2020. Most taxpayers may use these rates to compute deductible costs of operating vehicles for business, medical, and charitable purposes.2...
Closed School Student Loan Relief Extended
The IRS has established a safe harbor that extends relief to certain taxpayers who took out federal or private student loans to finance attendance at certain nonprofit or for-profit schools. Under the...
The IRS has established a safe harbor that extends relief to certain taxpayers who took out federal or private student loans to finance attendance at certain nonprofit or for-profit schools. Under the...
Interim Guidance on 2020 Withholding from Retirement and Annuity Distributions
The IRS has issued interim guidance for the 2020 calendar year on income tax withholding from periodic payments for pensions, annuities, and certain other deferred income under Code Sec. 3405(a)....
The IRS has issued interim guidance for the 2020 calendar year on income tax withholding from periodic payments for pensions, annuities, and certain other deferred income under Code Sec. 3405(a)....
IRS Launches Assistant to Help Small Businesses Withhold Tax
The IRS has launched a new online assistant designed to help employers, especially small businesses, easily determine the right amount of federal income tax to withhold from their workers’ pay. ...
The IRS has launched a new online assistant designed to help employers, especially small businesses, easily determine the right amount of federal income tax to withhold from their workers’ pay. ...
IRS Launches Gig Economy Tax Center
The IRS has announced the launch of the new Gig Economy Tax Center on its website, to help individuals in this growing area meet their tax obligations through more streamlined information. I...
The IRS has announced the launch of the new Gig Economy Tax Center on its website, to help individuals in this growing area meet their tax obligations through more streamlined information. I...
IRS Provides Procedures to Claim Fuel Credits
The IRS has provided a process for eligible taxpayers to make a one-time claim for the credits and payments allowed under Code Secs. 6426(c), 6426(d) and 6427(e) for biodiesel...
The IRS has provided a process for eligible taxpayers to make a one-time claim for the credits and payments allowed under Code Secs. 6426(c), 6426(d) and 6427(e) for biodiesel...
IRS to Return Sequestered Funds Affected by OMB Determination
The IRS will return sequestered funds to businesses that were affected by a recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determination regarding the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act o...
The IRS will return sequestered funds to businesses that were affected by a recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determination regarding the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act o...
IRS to Consider Repatriation Double Taxation Relief
The IRS has announced that it has become aware of limited circumstances in which it may be appropriate to provide relief from double taxation resulting from the application of the repatriation tax und...
The IRS has announced that it has become aware of limited circumstances in which it may be appropriate to provide relief from double taxation resulting from the application of the repatriation tax und...
IRS Updates Rules on Using Per Diem Rates to Substantiate Expenses Incurred Away from Home
The IRS has updated Rev. Proc. 2011-47 to reflect changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ( P.L. 115-97).The guidance provides the rules for determining the amount of an employee's ordinary a...
The IRS has updated Rev. Proc. 2011-47 to reflect changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ( P.L. 115-97).The guidance provides the rules for determining the amount of an employee's ordinary a...
Electronic Filing Now Required for Requesting Unused Low-Income Housing Credit Carryover
The IRS has released guidance to qualified states regarding how to request an allocation of unused housing credit carryover under Code Sec. 42(h)(3)(D)(iii). The new guidance requires allocation reque...
The IRS has released guidance to qualified states regarding how to request an allocation of unused housing credit carryover under Code Sec. 42(h)(3)(D)(iii). The new guidance requires allocation reque...
IRS Extends Certain Deadlines, Penalty Relief for Health Coverage Forms
Health insurance providers (including employers and health insurance companies) now have until March 2, 2020, to furnish to individuals Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, and Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided...
Health insurance providers (including employers and health insurance companies) now have until March 2, 2020, to furnish to individuals Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, and Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided...
Interim Amendments for Hardship Distributions Clarified and Deadline Extended
The IRS has clarified which amendments are integral to a plan provision that fails to satisfy the qualification requirements by reason of a change made by the final hardship distribution regulations. ...
The IRS has clarified which amendments are integral to a plan provision that fails to satisfy the qualification requirements by reason of a change made by the final hardship distribution regulations. ...
2019 Required Amendments List for Employee Plans
The IRS has issued its 2019 Required Amendments List (2019 RA List) for individually designed employee retirement plans. Beginning with the 2019 list, all RA Lists will apply to both Code Sec. 401(a) ...
The IRS has issued its 2019 Required Amendments List (2019 RA List) for individually designed employee retirement plans. Beginning with the 2019 list, all RA Lists will apply to both Code Sec. 401(a) ...
Date Extended for Applying Foreign Branch Rules
A one-year extension has been granted for applying the Code Sec. 987 final regulations, and certain related final and temporary regulations covering foreign branch transactions of U.S. corporations. T...
A one-year extension has been granted for applying the Code Sec. 987 final regulations, and certain related final and temporary regulations covering foreign branch transactions of U.S. corporations. T...
Guidance Updated for Making Adequate Disclosure
The IRS has updated its guidance that identifies circumstances under which a disclosure on a taxpayer’s income tax return with respect to an item or position is "adequate" for reducing the under...
The IRS has updated its guidance that identifies circumstances under which a disclosure on a taxpayer’s income tax return with respect to an item or position is "adequate" for reducing the under...
IRS Releases 2020 Inflation-Adjusted Tax Tables, Other Amounts
The IRS has released the annual inflation adjustments for 2020 for over 60 tax provisions, including the income tax rate tables. The IRS issues these cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) each year to re...
The IRS has released the annual inflation adjustments for 2020 for over 60 tax provisions, including the income tax rate tables. The IRS issues these cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) each year to re...
2020 Inflation Adjustments for Pension Plans, Retirement Accounts
The IRS has released the 2020 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for pension plan dollar limitations, and other retirement-related provisions.Highlights of 2020 ChangesThe contribution limit for emplo...
The IRS has released the 2020 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for pension plan dollar limitations, and other retirement-related provisions.Highlights of 2020 ChangesThe contribution limit for emplo...
IRS Updates Guidance on Computing Deductions for Operating a Vehicle
The IRS has released guidance that updates Rev. Proc. 2010-51, I.R.B. 2010-51, 883 to reflect changes made to Code Secs. 67 and 217 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ( P.L. 115-97). Rev. Proc. 2010-...
The IRS has released guidance that updates Rev. Proc. 2010-51, I.R.B. 2010-51, 883 to reflect changes made to Code Secs. 67 and 217 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ( P.L. 115-97). Rev. Proc. 2010-...
Accounting Method Change Procedures Updated
The IRS has released guidance listing the specific changes in accounting method to which the automatic change procedures in Rev. Proc. 2015-13, I.R.B. 2015-5, 419, apply. This guidance updates and sup...
The IRS has released guidance listing the specific changes in accounting method to which the automatic change procedures in Rev. Proc. 2015-13, I.R.B. 2015-5, 419, apply. This guidance updates and sup...
Proposed Updated RMD Tables Issued
The IRS has proposed updated life expectancy and distribution period tables under the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. The proposed tables reflect the general increase in life expectancy, an...
The IRS has proposed updated life expectancy and distribution period tables under the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. The proposed tables reflect the general increase in life expectancy, an...
Joint Directive on Work Opportunity Tax Credit Issued
The IRS Large Business and International Division (LB&I) and Small Business/Self-Employed Division (SBSE) have issued a joint directive to provide instructions to LB&I and SBSE examiners on th...
The IRS Large Business and International Division (LB&I) and Small Business/Self-Employed Division (SBSE) have issued a joint directive to provide instructions to LB&I and SBSE examiners on th...
New LB&I Campaign on Deferred Foreign Income
The IRS Large Business and International (LB&I) has added a new active campaign to the IRS website called "IRC 965." The campaign’s goal is to promote compliance with Code Sec. 965, Treatmen...
The IRS Large Business and International (LB&I) has added a new active campaign to the IRS website called "IRC 965." The campaign’s goal is to promote compliance with Code Sec. 965, Treatmen...
IRS Highlights Steps For Smooth Processing of Taxpayers' 2019 Federal Tax Returns
The IRS urged taxpayers to act now to ensure the smooth processing of their 2019 federal tax return. This reminder, first in a series, was aimed to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing...
The IRS urged taxpayers to act now to ensure the smooth processing of their 2019 federal tax return. This reminder, first in a series, was aimed to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing...
CA - Assessment appeals filing periods set for 2020
The regular appeals filing periods for 2020 for California county property tax assessments have been certified. The regular appeals filing periods will begin on July 2 and end on either:September 15; ...
The regular appeals filing periods for 2020 for California county property tax assessments have been certified. The regular appeals filing periods will begin on July 2 and end on either:September 15; ...
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Welcome to Mark Schaefer Associates LLP COVID-19 UPDATE - Paycheck Protection Program CPAs and Business Consultants Welcome and thank you for visiting our website. We are a CPA and Business Consulting Firm that provides assistance for growing your business, managing it better and improving profitability. Running a business and moving it in the direction you want is both challenging and time consuming. The many resources we offer can often make a big difference in assisting you when facing those challenges and allowing you more time to focus on your business. Please take a look through our website to see how the business and tax experience of our team members might be a good fit for what you need. You will find valuable business and tax information in our newsletters, financial tools and links. In addition to our business services, we work closely with individuals on tax projection and tax planning as well as preparation of personal income, trust and estate tax returns. While some tax areas have become simplified, others have become more complex. Please contact us to review your accounting, consulting and tax situations so we can suggest how best we can help you. Sincerely, Jim Schaefer, CPA, MBA, PartnerGil Stromsoe, CPA, PartnerMark Schaefer Associates LLP200 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 320Pasadena CA 91105(626) 446-3126
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