What is an enrolled agent?
An enrolled agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax practitioner who has proven technical expertise in the field of taxation. Enrolled agents are empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for audits, collections, and appeals. Only EAs, attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs) may represent taxpayers before the IRS.
How can an EA help me?
Enrolled agents advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. The expertise of EAs in the continuously changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS.
Privilege and the Enrolled Agent
The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allows federally authorized practitioners (those bound by U.S. Department of the Treasury Circular 230 regulations) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the enrolled agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations in which the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collection matters. It is not applicable to the preparation and filing of a tax return. This privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege.
Are enrolled agents required to take continuing professional education?
In addition to the stringent testing and application process, the IRS requires enrolled agents to complete 72 hours of continuing professional education, reported every three years, to maintain their EA status. NAEA members are obligated to complete 90 hours per three-year reporting period. Because of the knowledge necessary to become an EA and the requirements to maintain the license, there are only about 40,000 practicing EAs.
What are the differences between enrolled agents and other tax professionals?
Only EAs are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all EAs specialize in taxation. EAs are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the U.S. Government (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states).
Are enrolled agents bound by standards?
Enrolled agents are required to abide by the provisions of U.S. Department of the Treasury Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of EAs before the IRS. National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) members also are bound by the NAEA Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct.
Why should I choose an enrolled agent who is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents?
The principal mission of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and its members is qualified, accurate, and ethical representation of the financial positions of taxpayers before governmental agencies. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS required minimum. NAEA members comprise a strong network of experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to make the tax code fair and reasonably enforced.
At Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services we have two Enrolled Agents who are NAEA members- Sara Zaro and Robyn Yelton. Feel free to call us if we may be of assistance.
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Friday, June 20, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Small Tax-Exempts Annual Reporting Reminder
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Home Based Businesses- New Optional Deduction
The Internal Revenue Service recently reminded people with home-based businesses that this year for the first time they can choose a new simplified option for claiming the deduction for business use of a home.
In tax year 2011, the most recent year for which figures are available, some 3.3 million taxpayers claimed deductions for business use of a home (commonly referred to as the home office deduction) totaling nearly $10 billion.
The new optional deduction, capped at $1,500 per year based on $5 a square foot for up to 300 square feet, will reduce the paperwork and recordkeeping burden on small businesses by an estimated 1.6 million hours annually.
Read more
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
In tax year 2011, the most recent year for which figures are available, some 3.3 million taxpayers claimed deductions for business use of a home (commonly referred to as the home office deduction) totaling nearly $10 billion.
The new optional deduction, capped at $1,500 per year based on $5 a square foot for up to 300 square feet, will reduce the paperwork and recordkeeping burden on small businesses by an estimated 1.6 million hours annually.
Read more
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Year End Tax Tips from the IRS
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Tax Checklist
This is to assist you in gathering your income tax information. Use it as a guide for information you need to provide.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
□ First, middle initial, and last names of taxpayers and dependents as written on the Social Security cards, and dates of birth for taxpayers and all dependents, especially new dependents.
□ Address (city, state, zip), telephone number, and e-mail address.
□ Marital Status: Single ___ Married ___ Head of Household ___ Separated ___
□ Number of Dependents: ___ Did any dependents have any income? Yes ___ No ___
□ Do all dependents live with you? Yes ___ No ___
TYPES OF INCOME AND TAX REPORTING FORMS:
□ Wages: All W-2's □ Income from Rentals: All 1099-MISC
□ Pensions/Retirements: 1099-R □ Business Income: All 1099-MISC & 1099-K
□ Social Security: SSA-1099 □ Farm Income
□ Bank Interest: 1099-INT □ Alimony Received: Total amount
□ Dividends: 1099-DIV □ Unemployment: 1099-G
□ Commissions: 1099-MISC □ State Tax Refund: 1099-G
□ Tips and Gratuities □ Miscellaneous: Jury Duty, Gambling, Other
□ Sales of Stock, Mutual Funds: 1099-B
BUSINESS INCOME & EXPENSE ITEMS:
This list is not all encompassing. If you don’t see an expense listed below, ask.
Total (Gross) Income Advertising Auto: Parking &Tolls
Business Phone Expense Cell Phone Expense Subcontractors
Commissions Paid Insurance Interest Paid
General Office Expense Rent/Lease Fees Paid Legal or Professional Fees
Repairs Cleaning/Maintenance Dues & Publications
Equipment/Supplies Tools License Fees/Taxes Paid
Utilities Education Expense Association Dues
Bank/Credit Card Fees Postage Meals/Entertainment
Business Miles & Total Miles Asset Purchases Hotel/Travel Expense
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES:
Keys Condo/PUD Fees Management Fees
Mortgage Statements Yard Work Termite Treatment Expense
Utilities Mileage/Travel Other
DEDUCTIONS/CREDITS TO INCOME:
Self-employed Health Insurance IRAs /Keogh/SEPs Retirement Saver’s Credit
Medical Savings Account Teacher Expenses Adoption Expenses
Penalty on Early Withdrawal of Savings Moving Expenses
American Opportunity/Lifetime Learning/Student Loan Interest/Education Expenses
* Total Alimony Paid: Must have name and Social Security number of recipient, and amount paid.
* Child Care/Day Care Credit: Must have name, address, Social Security number or EIN of provider, and amount paid per child.
ESTIMATED TAXES PAID:
Date of payment and amount paid for each Federal and State quarterly tax estimate.
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS:
MEDICAL
Medical & Dental bills Prescriptions Glasses/Contact Lenses
Out-of-pocket expenses Medical miles Lab fees
Hearing Aids Medical/dental/long term care insurance
TAXES
Prior year state tax paid City/local tax Sales tax
Real estate tax Personal property tax Other
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Church Boy/Girl Scouts United Way/CFC
March of Dimes American Heart Easter Seals
Red Cross MDA/MS YWCA/YMCA
Salvation Army FoodBank Payroll deductions
Out-of-pocket Volunteer Expenses Charitable miles Other
Date of donation, list and Fair Market Value for each donation of household goods and clothing items donated to a Charitable Organizations.
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
GENERAL INFORMATION:
□ First, middle initial, and last names of taxpayers and dependents as written on the Social Security cards, and dates of birth for taxpayers and all dependents, especially new dependents.
□ Address (city, state, zip), telephone number, and e-mail address.
□ Marital Status: Single ___ Married ___ Head of Household ___ Separated ___
□ Number of Dependents: ___ Did any dependents have any income? Yes ___ No ___
□ Do all dependents live with you? Yes ___ No ___
TYPES OF INCOME AND TAX REPORTING FORMS:
□ Wages: All W-2's □ Income from Rentals: All 1099-MISC
□ Pensions/Retirements: 1099-R □ Business Income: All 1099-MISC & 1099-K
□ Social Security: SSA-1099 □ Farm Income
□ Bank Interest: 1099-INT □ Alimony Received: Total amount
□ Dividends: 1099-DIV □ Unemployment: 1099-G
□ Commissions: 1099-MISC □ State Tax Refund: 1099-G
□ Tips and Gratuities □ Miscellaneous: Jury Duty, Gambling, Other
□ Sales of Stock, Mutual Funds: 1099-B
BUSINESS INCOME & EXPENSE ITEMS:
This list is not all encompassing. If you don’t see an expense listed below, ask.
Total (Gross) Income Advertising Auto: Parking &Tolls
Business Phone Expense Cell Phone Expense Subcontractors
Commissions Paid Insurance Interest Paid
General Office Expense Rent/Lease Fees Paid Legal or Professional Fees
Repairs Cleaning/Maintenance Dues & Publications
Equipment/Supplies Tools License Fees/Taxes Paid
Utilities Education Expense Association Dues
Bank/Credit Card Fees Postage Meals/Entertainment
Business Miles & Total Miles Asset Purchases Hotel/Travel Expense
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES:
Keys Condo/PUD Fees Management Fees
Mortgage Statements Yard Work Termite Treatment Expense
Utilities Mileage/Travel Other
DEDUCTIONS/CREDITS TO INCOME:
Self-employed Health Insurance IRAs /Keogh/SEPs Retirement Saver’s Credit
Medical Savings Account Teacher Expenses Adoption Expenses
Penalty on Early Withdrawal of Savings Moving Expenses
American Opportunity/Lifetime Learning/Student Loan Interest/Education Expenses
* Total Alimony Paid: Must have name and Social Security number of recipient, and amount paid.
* Child Care/Day Care Credit: Must have name, address, Social Security number or EIN of provider, and amount paid per child.
ESTIMATED TAXES PAID:
Date of payment and amount paid for each Federal and State quarterly tax estimate.
ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS:
MEDICAL
Medical & Dental bills Prescriptions Glasses/Contact Lenses
Out-of-pocket expenses Medical miles Lab fees
Hearing Aids Medical/dental/long term care insurance
TAXES
Prior year state tax paid City/local tax Sales tax
Real estate tax Personal property tax Other
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Church Boy/Girl Scouts United Way/CFC
March of Dimes American Heart Easter Seals
Red Cross MDA/MS YWCA/YMCA
Salvation Army FoodBank Payroll deductions
Out-of-pocket Volunteer Expenses Charitable miles Other
Date of donation, list and Fair Market Value for each donation of household goods and clothing items donated to a Charitable Organizations.
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Fast Track Settlement Program Now Available Nationwide
Fast Track Settlement Program Now Available Nationwide; Time-Saving Option Helps Small Businesses Under Audit
IR-2013-88, Nov. 6, 2013
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the nationwide rollout of a streamlined program designed to enable small businesses under audit to more quickly settle their differences with the IRS.
The Fast Track Settlement (FTS) program is designed to help small businesses and self-employed individuals who are under examination by the Small Business/Self Employed (SB/SE) Division of the IRS. Modeled on a similar program long available to large and mid-size businesses (those with more than $10 million in assets), FTS uses alternative dispute resolution techniques to help taxpayers save time and avoid a formal administrative appeal or lengthy litigation. As a result, audit issues can usually be resolved within 60 days, rather than months or years. Plus, taxpayers choosing this option lose none of their rights because they still have the right to appeal even if the FTS process is unsuccessful.
Jointly administered by SB/SE and the IRS Appeals office, FTS is designed to expedite case resolution. Under FTS, taxpayers under examination with issues in dispute work directly with IRS representatives from SB/SE’s Examination Division and Appeals to resolve those issues, with the Appeals representative typically serving as mediator.
The taxpayer or the IRS examination representative may initiate Fast Track for eligible cases, usually before a 30-day letter is issued. The goal is to complete cases within 60 days of acceptance of the application in Appeals.
SB/SE originally launched FTS as a pilot program in September 2006. For more information on taking advantage of the Fast Track Settlement program, please view the short FTS video. Additional background is available on IRS.gov on the Alternative Dispute Resolution webpage and in IRS Announcement 2011-05.
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
IR-2013-88, Nov. 6, 2013
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the nationwide rollout of a streamlined program designed to enable small businesses under audit to more quickly settle their differences with the IRS.
The Fast Track Settlement (FTS) program is designed to help small businesses and self-employed individuals who are under examination by the Small Business/Self Employed (SB/SE) Division of the IRS. Modeled on a similar program long available to large and mid-size businesses (those with more than $10 million in assets), FTS uses alternative dispute resolution techniques to help taxpayers save time and avoid a formal administrative appeal or lengthy litigation. As a result, audit issues can usually be resolved within 60 days, rather than months or years. Plus, taxpayers choosing this option lose none of their rights because they still have the right to appeal even if the FTS process is unsuccessful.
Jointly administered by SB/SE and the IRS Appeals office, FTS is designed to expedite case resolution. Under FTS, taxpayers under examination with issues in dispute work directly with IRS representatives from SB/SE’s Examination Division and Appeals to resolve those issues, with the Appeals representative typically serving as mediator.
The taxpayer or the IRS examination representative may initiate Fast Track for eligible cases, usually before a 30-day letter is issued. The goal is to complete cases within 60 days of acceptance of the application in Appeals.
SB/SE originally launched FTS as a pilot program in September 2006. For more information on taking advantage of the Fast Track Settlement program, please view the short FTS video. Additional background is available on IRS.gov on the Alternative Dispute Resolution webpage and in IRS Announcement 2011-05.
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Fourth Quarter Interest Rates 2013
Last week the IRS announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning Oct. 1, 2013. According the the announcement the rates will be:
* three (3) percent for overpayments [two (2) percent in the case of a corporation]
* three (3) percent for underpayments
* five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments
* one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of the corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.
To read full article CLICK HERE
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
* three (3) percent for overpayments [two (2) percent in the case of a corporation]
* three (3) percent for underpayments
* five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments
* one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of the corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.
To read full article CLICK HERE
For more information, contact Elite Bookkeeping & Tax Services at (800) 416-3820 or (775) 884-6188 Address: 123 West Nye Lane, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706. Visit our website at www.elitebookkeeping.biz
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