Here’s who tax pros should contact if their business suffers a data theft or loss Tax Tip 2022-150, September 29, 2022 — Tax professionals are big targets of skilled cybercriminals scamming to get access to sensitive client information. File 2019 and 2020 tax returns by Sept. 30 to receive COVID penalty relief COVID Tax Tip 2022-149, September 28, 2022 — Individuals and businesses, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, may qualify for late-filing penalty relief if they file their 2019 and 2020 tax returns by September 30, 2022. This penalty relief is automatic. Tax pros can apply to be an IRS authorized e-file provider in a few simple steps Tax Tip 2022-148, September 27, 2022 — Over 90% of all individual federal tax returns are filed electronically. Becoming an IRS-authorized e-file provider is important for tax preparers who want to keep up with client demand and grow their business. All it takes is a few simple steps. Five things people can find on IRS.gov — besides tax filing info Tax Tip 2022-147, September 26, 2022 — Many people know IRS.gov has the latest filing info and tax forms, but they may not be aware that it also has a wide range of other tax-related topics. Here are five things people can find on IRS.gov besides filing info. IRS Alternative Media Center: Working to ensure tax info is accessible to everyone Tax Tip 2022-146, September 22, 2022 — The IRS is committed to providing the best service possible to all taxpayers, including those who use assistive technology. The agency’s Alternative Media Center offers a variety of resources and accessibility services for visually impaired taxpayers. All taxpayers should know the types of authorizations for third-party representatives Tax Tip 2022-145, September 21, 2022 — When working with the IRS, taxpayers have a right to represent themselves. They can also choose a third-party agent to represent them, like a tax professional or family member. Taxpayers should know what they’re getting when they choose a tax preparer Tax Tip 2022-144, September 20, 2022 — It’s filing extension crunch time, but people rushing to get their tax return filed should be cautious when choosing a tax preparer. Anyone can be a paid tax return preparer if they have an IRS preparer tax identification number. However, tax pros have different levels of skill, education and expertise. Every taxpayer has the right to retain representation when working with the IRS Tax Tip 2022-143, September 19, 2022 — Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them when they are dealing with the IRS. They also have the right to seek assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic if they cannot afford representation. IRS Free File available through Oct. 17 but, taxpayers shouldn’t wait to file 2021 returns COVID Tax Tip 2022-142, September 15, 2022 — Taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax return, should electronically file a complete and accurate return when they are ready, rather than wait until the last minute. For those who want to prepare their tax return themselves, IRS Free File remains available through the extension deadline, October 17, 2022. Got a letter or notice from the IRS? Here are the next steps Tax Tip 2022-141, September 14, 2022 — When the IRS needs to ask a question about a taxpayer’s tax return, notify them about a change to their account, or request a payment, the agency often mails a letter or notice to the taxpayer. Getting mail from the IRS is not a cause for panic but, it should not be ignored either. People who still haven’t filed a 2021 tax return should file electronically to avoid these common mistakes COVID Tax Tip 2022-140, September 13, 2022 — Summer is winding down and the filing deadline for people who requested an extension is quickly approaching. Everyone who still needs to file a 2021 tax return should do so as soon as possible. $1.2 billion in IRS penalty relief refunds coming for certain 2019 and 2020 tax returns COVID Tax Tip 2022-139, September 12, 2022 — To help struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS recently issued Notice 2022-36, which provides penalty relief to most people and businesses who filed certain 2019 or 2020 returns late. Know what’s deductible after buying that first home, sweet home Tax Tip 2022-138, September 8, 2022 — Making the dream of owning a home a reality is a big step for many people. Whether a fixer-upper or dream home, homeownership is a milestone that can come with a learning curve. First-time homeowners should make themselves familiar with authorized deductions, programs that can assist with home ownership and the use of housing allowances that can be beneficial. Help wanted? Businesses that are hiring should know about the work opportunity tax credit Tax Tip 2022-137, September 7, 2022 — Businesses hanging up their Help Wanted signs should be sure to check out the work opportunity tax credit This credit encourages employers to hire workers certified as members of any of ten targeted groups facing barriers to employment. The credit has been extended through the end of 2025. A few simple steps can keep tax pros ahead of email and cloud-based scams Tax Tip 2022-136, September 6, 2022 — Even a savvy person can get duped by a phishing email if they don’t know the warning signs of a scam. It’s unfortunate when anyone is fooled by an identity thief, but tax pros especially need to be aware of evolving scams that steal client data. Don’t be an easy mark: What every tax pro should know about identity theft Tax Tip 2022-135, September 1, 2022 — It can be a challenge to stay ahead of identity thieves. These criminals are tech and tax savvy, and they like to target tax pros. They can either trick or hack their way into tax professionals' computer systems to access client data. Tax Tip Archive IRS Tax Tips from January 2011 forward.
