TIGTA identifies fraud scheme

A recent announcement identified a scheme that could’ve cost taxpayers $3.5 billion in fraudulent payments. An investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) found that individuals had obtained Employer ID Numbers (EINs) for businesses that may not be active. The EINs were used to file tax returns claiming Employee Retention Tax Credits […]

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Watch out for “income in respect of a decedent” issues when receiving an inheritance

Most people are genuinely appreciative of inheritances, and who wouldn’t enjoy some unexpected money? But in some cases, it may turn out to be too good to be true. While most inherited property is tax-free to the recipient, this isn’t always the case with property that’s considered income in respect of a decedent (IRD). If […]

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2020 Deadline tomorrow

May 17 is an important upcoming deadline for the 1 million people who didn’t file their 2020 federal tax returns and are due a refund. Indeed, that’s the filing deadline to claim an estimated more than $1 billion in tax refunds that the IRS says remain available. There’s no penalty for failing to file if […]

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When businesses may want to take a contrary approach with income and deductions

Businesses usually want to delay recognition of taxable income into future years and accelerate deductions into the current year. But when is it wise to do the opposite? And why would you want to? One reason might be tax law changes that raise tax rates. The Biden administration has proposed raising the corporate federal income […]

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IRS warns on another scam

The IRS is warning about a tax scam that takes advantage of a U.S. tax treaty with Malta. Bad actors encourage U.S. taxpayers to make unlimited noncash contributions to Maltese individual retirement arrangements. Promoters may refer to them as “pension funds.” Participants usually contribute highly appreciated assets, which are then sold for cash. They’re told […]

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GAO issues audit of IRS

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued an audit report (https://bit.ly/4drmu79  ) for the IRS’s fiscal year 2023 financial statements. Although the GAO generally believes the agency’s internal controls are effective in preventing misstatements, it cautions about ongoing “significant deficiencies” when it comes to unpaid assessments and information system controls. It also identifies three new […]

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