IRS: TIGTA Audit Conclusions

August 12, 2020By Smeriglio Associates LLCNews

A recent Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) audit has concluded that most IRS applications have insufficient audit trails to detect unauthorized access to sensitive taxpayer information. The audit said that while the IRS has made “some progress” in implementing relevant solutions to address audit trail weaknesses, “[the] solutions are not effective, and the … Read More

IRS: $500 per Qualifying Child

August 11, 2020By Smeriglio Associates LLCNews

The IRS is issuing $500 per qualifying child to some parents. These individuals used the IRS Non-Filers tool before May 17, 2020, and claimed at least one qualifying child. These individuals didn’t receive the qualifying child portion of the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) because of an error that was corrected on May 17. Direct deposit … Read More

IRS: Special Funding & Benefit Limit CARES Act

August 10, 2020By Smeriglio Associates LLCNews

The IRS has issued guidance that addresses questions about the special funding and benefit limitations rules for single-employer defined benefit pension plans under the CARES Act. In a nutshell, the special rules state that a contribution that would otherwise be required to be made during the 2020 plan year must be made by Jan. 1, … Read More

Launching a business? How to treat start-up expenses on your tax return

August 4, 2020By Smeriglio Associates LLCNews

While the COVID-19 crisis has devastated many existing businesses, the pandemic has also created opportunities for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. For example, some businesses are being launched online to provide products and services to people staying at home. Entrepreneurs often don’t know that many expenses incurred by start-ups can’t be currently deducted. You should … Read More

Businesses: Get ready for the new Form 1099-NEC

August 3, 2020By Smeriglio Associates LLCNews

There’s a new IRS form for business taxpayers that pay or receive nonemployee compensation. Beginning with tax year 2020, payers must complete Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, to report any payment of $600 or more to a payee. Why the new form? Prior to 2020, Form 1099-MISC was filed to report payments totaling at least $600 … Read More

2020 – 07/08 – $1.4 Billion in EIP to Deceased Persons

July 31, 2020By Smeriglio Associates LLCNews

Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) totaling $1.4 billion were sent to deceased persons, said the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. How did that happen? The Government Accounting Office (GAO) said, in the interest of speed, initial batches of EIPs went out without reference to Social Security Administration death records. If similar payments are made in … Read More