IRS guidance still needed on key tax reform issues

As a CPA in tax, you know it’s vital to stay on top of tax reform. That means you’re watching the news coverage. You’re reading the articles. You’ve subscribed to e-News and various news alerts. You’re joining webcasts and taking self-study courses.

But there’s still a lot to learn, and some information just isn’t available yet.

The U.S. saw the most significant overhaul of its tax code in more than three decades at the end of last year. And when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was finally signed, it set off a guidance chain reaction at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

While processing its typically heavy busy-season workload, the IRS also focused on issuing guidance on several high-priority changes to allow for effective implementation of the new law. The IRS continues to issue news releases, notices, instructions and other forms of informal guidance on the most pressing items.

Wanted: Guidance for Bitcoin Tax Compliance

One of the most popular crypto-currencies available today is Bitcoin. Launched in 2009, this digital currency is similar to real currency in that it holds value which can be used to buy goods and services. More noticeable, however, are some of the key differences between Bitcoin and real currency:

Bitcoin operates independent of a central bank;

Bitcoin does not have legal tender status by any government; and

Bitcoins are treated as property by the IRS for tax purposes.

How the IRS Revamped Tax-Exempt Applications

With a new leadership team in place, the Internal Revenue Service Exempt Organizations Division has swiftly come together to introduce a shorter and easier application form (Form 1023-EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) for organizations seeking section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The IRS estimates up to 70% of all applicants will qualify to use the new streamlined approach.

Prior to the form’s July release, Tamera Ripperda, IRS Exempt Organizations Division’s newly appointed director, shared insights with CPAs at the AICPA Not-For-Profit Industry Conference and explained the significant role the simplified form will play in the new IRS transition process her team has internally dubbed: “Moving Exempt Organizations Forward.” 

Tax Relief for Disaster Victims: We Can Do Better, Sooner

In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit landfall along the Gulf Coast, the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (H.R. 3768) was introduced and passed by Congress in less than two weeks.

Unfortunately, this prompt response is not the standard model each time a disaster occurs.    Relief offered through the tax system varies, and as explained in the AICPA’s comment letter submitted to Congress last November, “this process results in taxpayers receiving different treatment for similar losses and not knowing what tax treatment they will receive until Congress enacts some form of relief, which frequently occurs long after the disaster.”

To Match or Not to Match? 1099-K Notices Bewilder Taxpayers

Do you have tax clients who run small businesses or decided to sell their household items on eBay this past year? Or perhaps you are a CPA who accepts credit card payments from your clients? If so, you may have already received a notice from the IRS or should be aware of the latest updates on the IRS push for information matching with Form 1099-Ks (Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions). Some AICPA members have received 1099-K mismatch notices assessing thousands of dollars in penalties.