Here’s how tax preparers can protect themselves and their clients

/in /by

Cybercriminals are stepping up their attacks on tax professionals. Because of this, the IRS urges tax preparers to take steps to protect client data and their computer networks from these threats.

Thieves search for client data so they can create a fraudulent tax return that looks legit and might bypass IRS filters. They also impersonate tax professionals, using stolen Electronic Filing Identification Numbers, Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, and Centralized Authorization File numbers.

Read more

Tips for tax preparers on how to create a data security plan

/in /by

IRS Tax Tip 2018-151, September 27, 2018

The IRS reminds tax preparers that protecting taxpayer information isn’t just good for their clients and good for business – it’s also the law. The Federal Trade Commission’s Safeguards Rule requires that tax preparers create and enact security plans.

Although the IRS and its partners in the Security Summit are making progress against tax-related identity theft, cybercriminals continue to evolve. In fact, data thefts at tax professionals’ offices are on the rise. Thieves use stolen data from tax preparers to create fraudulent returns that are harder to detect.

Read more

Strong passwords help protect accounts against cybercriminals

/in /by

 

The IRS urges everyone with any type of online account to review new, stronger standards to protect their passwords. Doing so will help protect against savvy cybercriminals who wants to access people’s accounts and steal their identities.

Read more

IRS.gov has many resources for tax preparers

/in /by

IRS.gov has many resources for tax preparers

As 2018 comes to a close, tax professionals around the country are getting ready for the 2019 tax filing season. Many of them will have questions, and many of these questions can be answered on IRS.gov. Here is a rundown of the tools and resources available on IRS.gov that will help tax preparers be prepared for 2019:

Read more

Tool on IRS.gov helps taxpayers research charities before making donations

/in /by

Tool on IRS.gov helps taxpayers research charities before making donations

When people are done giving thanks at the dinner table, many start another kind of giving. The annual Giving Tuesday happens the week after Thanksgiving to kick off the season of charitable giving. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on Tuesday, November 27.

Read more

Tax pros should remember to renew their PTIN

/in /by

Tax pros should remember to renew their PTIN

Federal tax return preparers must renew their preparer tax identification numbers for 2019 as all current PTINs will expire Dec. 31, 2018. Here are several facts about PTINs and the PTIN renewal process:

Read more

New IRS publication helps taxpayers Get Ready for tax reform

/in /by

The IRS issued a new publication to help taxpayers learn about tax reform and how it affects their taxes. Taxpayers can access Publication 5307, Tax Reform Basics for Individuals and Families, on IRS.gov/getready.

While last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes tax changes for both individuals and businesses, this publication is specifically geared to individual taxpayers. It breaks down the law in easy-to-understand language. The publication highlights the changes that taxpayers will see on their 2018 federal tax returns they file in 2019.

Read more

Here’s how tax reform changed accounting methods for small businesses

/in /by

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – better known simply as tax reform – allows more small business taxpayers to use the cash method of accounting. Tax reform now defines a small business taxpayer as a taxpayer that has average annual gross receipts of $25 million or less for the three prior tax years and is not a tax shelter.

Read more

Business Owners Can Claim a Qualified Business Income Deduction

/in /by

Eligible taxpayers may now deduct up to 20 percent of certain business income from domestic businesses operated as sole proprietorships or through partnerships, S corporations, trusts, and estates.  The deduction may also be claimed on certain dividends.  Eligible taxpayers can claim the deduction for the first time on the 2018 federal income tax return they file in 2019. This provision is the result of tax reform legislation passed in December 2017.

Read more

Use Text Marketing to Grow and Win Amazon Echo

/in /by

Taxware Systems is always looking to provide information and technology that could benefit and improve the tax practices of our clients.

Read more