Federal Tax Updates

In this episode, Roger and Annie discuss a variety of tax-related topics, including updates on the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). They also cover issues with the postal service causing delays in tax payments reaching the IRS, the benefits of taxpayers and tax professionals setting up online accounts with the IRS, and recent c...

Roger testified April 30th, before the House Committee on Small Business. Roger was asked to speak on the small business perspective during a full committee hearing titled, "Under the Microscope: Examining FinCEN's Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act." Roger's goal in attending this hearing on behalf of Padgett's firm owners and small business clients was to help clarify the current i...

Roger and Annie review how the 2024 tax filing season went, discussing improvements in IRS customer service metrics but also lingering issues like postal delays. They cover key post-filing topics like evaluating firm performance, addressing remaining extensions and IRS notices, and navigating complex new requirements like beneficial ownership reporting. They also provide updates on the Employee Re...

After the chaos of tax season, it's the perfect time to evaluate your accounting practice and make changes for a smoother upcoming year. In this episode, Roger is joined by guest Amanda Aguillard to discuss strategies to "right-size" your client roster, optimize technology usage, diversify service offerings, and implement better work-life balance. They share tips on reviewing clients, pricing appr...

In this episode, Roger sits down with Catharine Madeley, a tax practitioner who recently experienced a data breach at her firm. Catherine shares her firsthand account of how the breach unfolded, the steps she took to respond, and the lessons she learned along the way. She offers valuable insights into the importance of having a robust cybersecurity plan, the critical role of communication with cli...

Tax professionals must steer through a complex maelstrom during the 2024 filing season. Roger and Annie serve as experienced guides, helping listeners chart a course around hazards like the Employee Retention Credit squalls, the revised "economic realities" path for worker classification under new Department of Labor rules, and proposed tax law changes including an enhanced Child Tax Credit and R&...

In this episode, Roger Harris is joined by special guest Blake Oliver to unpack some of the biggest tax stories making headlines. From a federal court ruling deeming a new business reporting law unconstitutional to the staggering estimates of tax evasion by the wealthy. They also dive into the IRS's foray into direct filing for simple returns, the potential role of AI in tax preparation, and how s...

Here's an excerpt from next week's Federal Tax Updates podcast, Episode 27. Blake Oliver joins Roger to discuss the latest tax news headlines including how the Corporate Transparency Act has been ruled unconstitutional. Be sure to download the full episode, Monday, March 11, to hear the entire discussion. Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE...

As tax season kicks off, Annie and Roger discuss tips for practitioners and taxpayers, including using e-file and direct deposit for fastest refunds, being vigilant about IRS scam alerts, reviewing Circular 230 rules on duties and liabilities, and evaluating your processes after April to improve efficiency. They also touch on state filing deadlines, new disaster relief forms delaying state returns...

Roger and Annie kick off the 2024 tax season by explaining the new beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act. They detail who must comply, what information must be disclosed, and the tight deadlines and penalties involved. They also discuss whether accountants should assist clients with these complex filings or refer them to attorneys. Additionally, Annie pro...

Get ready for the 2024 tax season with Roger and Annie! They cover critical deadlines, documentation tips, e-filing requirements, ERC updates,  and other need-to-know changes that affect small businesses and tax preparers this year. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening...

In this episode of Federal Tax Updates, hosts Roger Harris and Annie Schwab are joined by special guest Megan Killian, Executive Vice President of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA).  Megan discusses her background in association management and her role leading NAEA, the premier organization representing the interests of Enrolled Agents. She talks about the benefits of NAEA members...

With tax provisions constantly expiring and major questions looming about the future of the tax code, uncertainty reigns. Roger, Annie, and guest Thad Inge break down the state of play on tax extenders, the likelihood of action on expiring tax cuts, and the challenges businesses face in planning amidst the uncertainty. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips (00:00) - Welcome t...

Dave Gribben shares insights on how his firm navigated ERC complexities through client communication, staff training, and establishing trust to overcome questionable third-party fraud claims. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips (00:00) - Welcome To Federal Tax Updates (03:59) - Communicating with clients at the start of the pandemic (07:40) - Making information available as...

Joey Vrooman, CPA, joins the show today and helps explain the importance of working to educate clients on financial literacy, despite common disinterest. He discusses tactics for simplifying complex terminology, using visual tools, meeting clients at their level, and the "win win" benefits for both advisor and business owner. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips (00:00) - Fe...

Roger and Annie discuss key steps tax practitioners should take before the new year, including renewing PTINs, reviewing engagement letters, having tax planning conversations with clients, and learning about new beneficial owner reporting rules. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates (03:36) - Preparing for next tax season (06:17) - IRS...

*This episode was originally recorded as a live webinar as part of Earmark's new Webinars+ series Has your client filed an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim with the IRS and now need to withdraw it? Join Roger Harris, EA and Annie Schwab, CPA, hosts of the Federal Tax Podcast, for this important episode where they will cover everything you need to know about withdrawing ERC claims. In this epi...

Expert guest Jeff Darley joins Roger and Annie to discuss how to choose the right business entity for small business owners. They cover LLCs vs S-Corps, reasonable salary, payroll taxes, and more. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips (00:00) - Federal Tax Updates Episode 18 (01:46) - Background on Jeff Darley (14:32) - Payroll Taxes and Social Security (19:28) - S Corp vs C...

Roger and Annie discuss updates on the employee retention tax credit, including the IRS's new moratorium on processing claims, as well as new requirements for reporting beneficial owners coming in 2023 which have tight 30-day reporting deadlines. They also cover the IRS's changing audit focus to target more complex returns like partnerships and high net-worth individuals, along with the IRS active...

In this bonus episode of Federal Tax Updates, co-host Roger Harris provides witness testimony to the United States House Committee on Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Hearing on the Employee Retention Tax Credit Experience: Confusion, Delays, and Fraud. Roger and other tax experts break down the issues small businesses and tax professionals have faced in claiming this credit, including long d...

In this episode, Roger and Annie cover recent federal tax updates and urge tax professionals to gear up for the October 15 extension by assessing their performance and contemplating tax software changes. They delve into rising IRS audit notices for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), the new 1099-K reporting threshold, the IRS's halt on surprise visits by revenue officers, and the impending Corpo...

The drama and confusion around Employee Retention Credits continues into 2023 with new guidance creating more questions than answers. In this episode, Roger and Annie provide an update on the latest ERC developments, including new problems facing practitioners and small business owners as well as lingering unresolved issues around amending returns, repayments, and fraud. Join Roger and Annie as th...

On this episode Roger and Annie review strategies for tax pros to strengthen their firms, including evaluating clients and fees, developing a niche, implementing new technologies, transitioning to subscription pricing, and creating a succession plan. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE...

On this episode Roger and Annie discuss expiring tax provisions, the latest on ERC audits, the resumption of student loan payments, and IRS budget challenges. They provide guidance on planning for changes, spotting fraudulent ERC providers, and embracing technology to thrive as a firm. Sponsors Padgett -   Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE Launch the...

On this episode, Roger and Annie discuss making changes to tax firms during the summer season, emphasizing the need to reflect on the current business to create a better work-life balance. They talk about examining price structure and client list, addressing estimated taxes, and offering advisory meetings to increase revenues. They also emphasize the need for tax practitioners to be proactive in a...