Friday, July 15, 2011

FYI: IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in San Jose

We've been asked by our National Public Liaison Team to help promote the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in San Jose. This is the first year an IRS Nationwide Tax Forum has been offered in San Jose!  Thus far the registration has been low compared to other locations. If you've been to the Forum in Las Vegas, you have probably dealt with crowds and long lines.  The Forum in San Jose will provide a much more relaxed and comfortable experience since there are fewer registered. You will have easier access to all of the same sessions offered in Las Vegas with smaller crowds Also, the California Franchise Tax Board and the Board of Equalization will have representatives at the San Jose Forum but not at the Las Vegas Forum.  Please encourage your members to attend the Forum in San Jose! 
 
 

REGISTER NOW:  www.irstaxforum.com

 Dear California Enrolled Agent: 

 
The IRS invites you and other tax professionals to register early for one of the six IRS Nationwide Tax Forums being held this summer. Those who take advantage of the early registration save $129.  The enrollment cost for those who register early is $206 per person, a savings of over 38 percent off the late or on-site registration price of $335. The early registration period closes two weeks prior to each forum.
 
The forums are three-day events presented by IRS experts and partner organizations that offer up-to-date information on federal and state tax issues and the opportunity to receive up to 18 continuing education credits. In a 2010 survey, the forums received a 95 percent satisfaction rate.  This year, 40 different topics are being covered, each qualifying for continuing professional education credit for enrolled agents and certified public accountants. 

In addition to the seminars and workshops, the forums feature a two-day expo designed with the tax professional in mind, with representatives from the IRS and other tax, financial, and business communities offering their products and services.  Attendees can also visit the IRS Preparer Services Room and learn about the agency’s e-Services to benefit their business, offer comments on various initiatives and programs, or participate in a focus group session.

Finally, attendees are invited to bring their most challenging unresolved case to the Case Resolution Room.  Participants are encouraged to bring the case resolution data sheet (see the Forum website) completed to speed the process faster.  Last year, a total of 1235 cases had a 97 percent on-site resolution rate. 

The only Forum being held in Californiwill be in San Jose. To register for this Forum, visit http://www.irstaxforum.com.   Thank you! 

 
Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #94-07690
Stakeholder Liaison Specialist
SBSE Communications, Liaison & Disclosure
510-637-2199/ fax 510-637-2434

   

IRS News & Events from Stakeholder Liaison (July 15, 2011)

Hello Everyone,

 

Please share the below information with your members and colleagues.  Select the blue links to see the full article.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 


Newsroom                                                                                                                  July 15, 2011

 

Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance Outlining Phased Implementation of FATCA Beginning in 2013
IR-2011-76, July 14, 2011 — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today issued a notice announcing plans to phase in the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

IRS Nationwide “Fresh Start” Open House Set for Saturday July 16
IR-2011-75 July 13, 2011 –– More than 70 Taxpayer Assistance Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.

IRS Identifies 100,000 Preparers Who Failed to Follow New PTIN Rules
IR-2011-74, July 12, 2011 — As part of its new oversight program of the nation’s tax return preparation industry, the IRS announced it will send letters to approximately 100,000 tax return preparers who prepared returns in 2011 but failed to follow new requirements.

IRS Urges Taxpayers to Avoid Becoming Victims of Tax Scams
IR-2011-73, July 11-2011 — Taxpayers are encoraged to be on their guard against those who would encourage them to file tax returns with false claims to get refunds to which they are not entitled.

 

IMRS Hot Issues - July 1, 2011

CP 2000 Notices on “dotted line” Entries, Notice 2011-45, and the Related Final Regulation TD 9527, Regulations Governing Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service, Standard Mileage Rates Change on July 1 and more . . .


 

IRS Technical Guidance

 

Tax Exempt Bonds Questionnaire Project: Final Report on Governmental and Charitable Financings

The Tax Exempt Bonds function of the IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division has published the final report on its Tax-Exempt Charitable Financings Compliance Check Questionnaire and Governmental Bond Financings Compliance Check Questionnaire projects.

 

Employee Plans News Issue Number:    2011-5 - Inside This Issue

2009 Form 8955-SSA and 2010 Form 5500-EZ Released, Form 5500 – Special Extensions of Time to File, Employee Plans Rulings & Agreements Priority Items and more . . .

 

FSLG Newsletter - July 2011

Section 3402(t) Withholding Delayed Until 2013; FSLG and the National Research Program; Withholding Agents and Form 1042-S; FSLG Offers Webinars to Governments; Repeal of Expanded Information Reporting; Directory of FSLG Specialists

 

IRS Video Explains How to Regain Exempt Status

The IRS explains how small nonprofits can get their tax-exempt status reinstated in this new YouTube video

Watch this and other videos on the IRS’s YouTube Channel

 

Summer SSA/IRS Reporter

The Summer 2011 issue of SSA/IRS Reporter is now available online in English and Spanish.

 

Outreach Corner 

Find it easy to spread the word about key income tax topics!  This page offers you electronic communication materials to use in reaching out to the people you serve. Get free news you can use each month, targeted by time of year to coincide with what your customers, employees, volunteers, etc. need to know about new tax law legislation, IRS events and other activities that affect them.


Events

 

National/Local Phone Forums and Webinars for Practitioners

 

Information for Tax Exempt Bond Community:

·         Ethics For Employee Plans Practitioners - July 29, 2011

·         EPCRS :  Plan Correction Issues  -   August 25, 2011

 

IRS Nationwide Tax Forums  - Plan ahead – Here are the locations for the 2011 Forums!


 

I hope you find this information useful.  If you would like additional information, you can subscribe to an IRS e-Subscription by going to the Subscription page on IRS.gov.

 

If you would like to discontinue receiving my local Stakeholder Liaison e-mails, please e-mail me at Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov and request removal of your name.

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #94-07690
Stakeholder Liaison Specialist
SBSE Communications, Liaison & Disclosure
510-637-2199/ fax 510-637-2434