Tax

The Internal Revenue Service is urging individuals and businesses that are making contributions to charity to keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years. Accountants can pass along the advice to their clients who are making charitable contributions that they can claim on their taxes next year.

The Internal Revenue Service is warning tax preparers who do not send a Form 8867, “Paid Preparer’s Earned Income Credit” Checklist,” with the tax returns they file for clients who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit that they are subject to a $500 penalty per return.

The Internal Revenue Service plans to transition more of its services for taxpayers to online, automated self-service options next tax season to save money and manpower.

The Internal Revenue Service plans to begin accepting business tax returns on January 13, more than two weeks ahead of the start date for accepting individual tax returns.

With the New Year right around the corner, business owners are likely scrambling to identify tax credits they can take advantage of or a tax professional to help them ensure they’re properly reporting their tax information for 2013.

Consumer tax prep software maker TaxAct has signed an agreement with the health insurance exchange GetInsured to help taxpayers compare and apply for health insurance.

Switzerland’s 300 banks have enlisted an army of auditors, lawyers and in-house workers as they race to meet a Dec. 31 deadline on whether to seek U.S. amnesty for helping American clients evade taxes.

President Obama has nominated Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., as the next ambassador to China, potentially setting back efforts at comprehensive tax reform.

“It’s never too late for tax planning,” a wise CPA once told me. “You’ve got till the ball drops to take action, and if you do it later than that, then you’ve got an early start for next year.”

The Internal Revenue Service was unable to keep up with demand for telephone and correspondence services last tax season despite efficiency gains from processing more tax returns electronically, adding Web services, and shifting resources away from enforcement, according to a new government report.