FYI: Request Your Assistance to promote Educational Webinars for National Small Business Week (via Thunderclap. Thank you!)

Hello Everyone,

The IRS is starting an online campaign to share news of several new educational webinars during National Small Business Week, May 1 to 7.

We’re using a platform called Thunderclap, and I’m inviting you to add your Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr support.

Thunderclap is a "crowd-speaking" platform that lets individuals and companies rally people together to spread a message.

Supporters on Thunderclap sign-up and agree to share a key message on Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr.

Then, providing the originator reaches its target goal of people on board, Thunderclap will automatically send preset information about that topic to supporters at a specific date and time.

It is completely safe and will automatically post exactly one message on your own social media account.

Here’s how to sign up for the IRS Small Business Week Thunderclap:

1.)  Follow this link: http://thndr.me/wuPspB

2.)  Click on support with … Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr

3.)  Authorize Thunderclap to post this one-time message to your social media platform by clicking on the “Support With” tabs. You will need to input your social media username and password.   

 

When we have 100 or more participants, the message will be set to go out the first business day of National Small Business Week: Monday, May 2, 2016, at 11 a.m. EST.

It will automatically be sent to each organization and person that backed our cause which in turn reaches every one of their friends, followers and beyond … all at the same time. Thunderclap will amplify the message throughout all social media.

Please consider participating.

We aim to flood Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr with this message:

It couldn’t be any easier to help get the word out. The more people who sign up, the “louder” our Thunderclap will be!

Sign up now at: http://thndr.me/wuPspB

Thank you for your consideration and help in getting information out about these educational webinars for National Small Business Week.  Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #1000247447

Stakeholder Liaison Specialist

Communications Stakeholder Outreach

Work cell phone:  510-926-0175

Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov

IRS Video Portal
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FYI: News & Events from IRS Stakeholder Liaison

Hello Everyone,

 

Congratulations on making it through the tax filing season! 

 

Below is the latest News & Events from IRS Stakeholder Liaison.  (Please feel free to share the below information with your colleagues).

 

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News & Events from IRS Stakeholder Liaison - Select the blue links to see the full article.

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General News

Written Testimony of Commissioner Koskinen before the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Oversight on the 2016 Filing Season, Cybersecurity and Protecting Taxpayer Information

 

IRS Seeks Applications for the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee

 

IRS Seeks Volunteers for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel through May 16

 

IRS Seeks Applications for Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee

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After the Deadline

IRS Offers New Cash Payment Option

IR-2016-56, April 6, 2016 — The IRS announced today a new payment option for individual taxpayers who need to pay their taxes with cash. In partnership with ACI Worldwide’s OfficialPayments.com and the PayNearMe Company, individuals can now make a payment at over 7,000 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

 

Tax Time Guide: Easy Electronic Payment and Payment Agreement Options Available to People Who Owe Tax

IR-2016-58, April 7, 2016 — The IRS today reminded taxpayers that it’s easier than ever to pay their taxes electronically, and for those who can’t pay on time, quick and easy solutions are available.

 

• Things You Should Know about Filing Late and Paying Penalties
• Tips for Those Who Missed the Tax Deadline
• Paying Your Taxes; Tips to Remember
• Amending Your Tax Return: Ten Tips

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Security

New Tax Scam Targeting Tax Professionals

April 15, 2016 — In advance of the tax deadline, the IRS today warned tax professionals of a new scam in which cybercriminals obtain remote control of preparers’ computer systems, complete and file client tax returns and redirect refunds to the thieves’ accounts.

 

IRS Warns of Continued Scams, Varied Tactics as the Tax Deadline Nears

IR-2016-62, April 13, 2016 — The IRS today issued a warning that scammers may try using the April 18 tax deadline to prey on hard-working taxpayers by impersonating the IRS and others with fake phone calls and emails.

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Affordable Care Act

Health Care Tax Tips

• What to Do if You Get a Corrected or Voided Form 1095-A
• What to Do if You Get a Letter about the Premium Tax Credit
• Interactive Tools Help You Understand Health Care Law’s Effect on Your Taxes

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Technical Guidance

TD 9761 Inversions and Related Transactions – Final and Temporary Regulations. These regulations are effective on April 8, 2016.

 

RIN 1545–BM45 Inversions and Related Transactions – Proposed rule. Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by July 7, 2016.

 

RIN 1545–BN40 Treatment of Certain Interests in Corporations as Stock or Indebtedness – Proposed rule. Written or electronic comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by July 7, 2016.

 

Announcement 2016-16 states that the Treasury Department and the IRS intend to withdraw certain provisions of proposed regulations published on January 29, 2016 (81 FR 4976) relating to nondiscrimination requirements applicable to qualified retirement plans under § 401(a)(4). 

 

Revenue Procedure 2016-24 provides indexing adjustments for certain provisions under sections 36B and 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code.

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Events

 

The 2016 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums Are Now Open for Registration

 

2016 IRS and San Jose State University Tax Institute – Santa Clara, June 22, 2016

TE/GE Worker Classification: Employee or Independent Contractor? Webinar – May 12, 2016

 

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 and request removal of your name.

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #1000247447

Stakeholder Liaison Specialist

Communications Stakeholder Outreach

Work cell phone:  510-926-0175

Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov

IRS Video Portal
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube

 

 

FYI: New Tax Scam Targeting Tax Professionals

 

FYI:  The Internal Revenue Service warns tax professionals of a new emerging scam in which cybercriminals obtain remote control of preparers’ computer systems, complete and file client tax returns and redirect refunds to thieves’ accounts.

Although the IRS knows of a handful of cases to date, this scam has potential to impact the filing of fraudulent returns is yet another example of tax professionals being targeted by identity theft criminals.

The IRS urges all tax preparers to take the following steps:

• Run a security “deep scan” to search for viruses and malware;
• Strengthen passwords for both computer access and software access; make sure your password is a minimum of 8 digits (more is better) with a mix of numbers, letters and special characters;
• Be alert for phishing scams: do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders;
• Educate all staff members about the dangers of phishing scams in the form of emails, texts and calls;
• Review any software that your employees use to remotely access your network and/or your IT support vendor uses to remotely troubleshoot technical problems and support your systems.

o   Remote access software is a potential target for bad actors to gain entry and take control of a machine.

 

Tax professionals should review Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, A Guide for Your Business, which provides a checklist to help safeguard taxpayer information and enhance office security.

 

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #1000247447

Stakeholder Liaison Specialist

Communications Stakeholder Outreach

Work cell phone:  510-926-0175

Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov

IRS Video Portal
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube

 

 

 

 

 

 

FYI: IRS Tax Tip: The Health Care Law & Your Taxes: Last Minute Filing Tips

FYI:  IRS Health Care Tax Tip, “The Health Care Law and Your Taxes: Last Minute Filing Tips”, makes three basic points for taxpayers who have not yet filed: 

1.     Just Check the Box (it’s easy and you may not really need more time to file),

2.     Apply for an Extension (if you can’t get your return done in time you must apply for an automatic extension) and

3.     Don’t Wait to File (an exemption doesn’t mean you should wait - file ASAP especially if you must reconcile advance payments of the premium tax credit received in 2015).

 

 

This tax tip is posted on the IRS.gov website:  https://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/Individuals-and-Families/The-Health-Care-Law-and-Your-Taxes-Last-Minute-Filing-Tips

 

 

(Monday, April 18, 2016 is the tax filing deadline).

 

 

Jennifer Henrie-Brown, ID #1000247447

Stakeholder Liaison Specialist

Communications Stakeholder Outreach

Work cell phone:  510-926-0175

Jennifer.Henrie-Brown@irs.gov

IRS Video Portal
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube