Latest IRS Updates and News Releases
Announcements & Upcoming Events: (updated - 05/20/13)
Tax questions or need to check on a tax account issue?
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Toll Free number, 1-800-829-4933, open Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time). You can find a complete list of IRS toll free numbers here. Did you know? One of the best ways to get information is by visiting the IRS Small Business Tax Center where you can learn everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online to how to best navigate an audit.
A Week of Free Workshops May 20-24 – SBA’s Jumpstart Your Business Series
http://events.sba.gov/eventmanagement/eventlisting.aspx?state=WA
Jump Start Your Business is a series of free workshops designed to help start-up and existing small business owners improve the bottom line.
Workshops are happening the week of May 20. Please see the link above or call 206-553-2664 to find out dates and times, and to register.
Workshops will be held at the 4th & Battery Building - 2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450, Seattle
Small Business Workshops – Seattle SBA Education and Training CenterSmall Business Taxes & Bookkeeping for the Small Business Owner -2nd & 4th Thursday of each month - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn about important information regarding your tax responsibilities as a small business owner. Topics covered:
- What taxes to pay and when they are due
- How to choose the right accountant and the right accounting software
- How to document expenses and activities
- How to take care of employee and contractor payroll taxes
- The difference between city, county, state, and federal taxation
- What the tax advantages are for the sole proprietor or for business entities in general
Workshops are held at the 4th & Battery Building - 2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450, Seattle
Please pre-register by calling 206-553-2664 or e-mail workshops@sba.gov.
SBA and SCORE also offer a variety of other workshops for small business owners – find out more here: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3157
Seattle SCORE Workshops
http://seattle.score.org/localworkshops
SCORE offers workshops designed to give you the skills necessary to start your own successful business.
June 5, Aug 7 -- Starting a New Business
4th & Battery Building - 2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450, Seattle
Spokane SCORE Workshops
http://www.scorespokane.org/workshops
Spokane Regional Business Center (SRBC), 801 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 444, Spokane
How to Start a Business – June 5 -- 8:00 am – 12:30 pm – Cost: $40
Small Business Financial Management – May 22 – 8:00 am – 12:30 pm – Cost: $40
Check website for current listings and registration information.
Washington State Dept of Labor & Industries - Free Contractor Training Days
http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/Workshops/Contractor/
More than 25 different classes are offered on subjects including: safety, managing your claims to control your workers' compensation costs, public works contracting, business planning, risk management, marketing and more. See the link above for registration information.
Upcoming dates:
May 17 – Renton -- Renton Technical College (www.rtc.edu).
June 28 – Mt. Vernon -- Skagit Valley College
Employer's Introduction to L&I Workshops
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/TrainTools/Workshops/Available/EmpOrien/default.asp
This workshop is designed for new businesses or businesses that plan to hire workers for the first time. It explains an employer’s rights and responsibilities and provides an overview of the services and resources available at Labor and Industries.
May 23 – Tacoma – 9am – 12 pm
June 5 – Tukwila – 9am – 12 pm
June 20 – Bremerton – 9am – 12 pm
July 11 – Port Angeles– 9am – 12 pm
New Business Tax Workshops – Washington State Department of Revenue
https://fortress.wa.gov/dor/efile/SecureForms/Content/WorkshopsAndEducation/AttendAWorkshop/RegisterForWorkShop.aspx?ID=213
Learn the basics of Washington State taxes. This free workshop will help you understand your tax reporting responsibilities. Tax reporting classifications, deductions, sales tax collection, and recordkeeping requirements will be discussed. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions regarding taxes that apply specifically to your business. To find out when the next workshop will be held in your area, and to register, see the link above. Can’t attend a workshop in person? Watch an online workshop or tutorial.
IRS Updates & News Releases:
Did you know? One of the best ways to get information is by visiting the IRS Small Business Tax Center where you can learn everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online to how to best navigate an audit.
IRS Criminal Investigation Issues Fiscal 2012 Report
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Criminal-Investigation-Issues-Fiscal-2012-Report
IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) released its Annual Report for fiscal 2012, highlighting strong gains in enforcement actions and penalties imposed on convicted tax criminals. The 28-page report summarizes a wide variety of IRS CI activity on a range of tax related issues during the year ending Sept. 30, 2012. CI investigates potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes in a manner to foster confidence in the tax system and compliance with the law.
IRS Seeks Applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Seeks-Applications-for-the-Internal-Revenue-Service-Advisory-Council-2013
The Internal Revenue Service announced it is accepting applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC). Applications will be accepted through June 14, 2013. IRSAC’s purpose is to provide an organized public forum for IRS officials and representatives of the public to discuss relevant federal tax administration issues. IRSAC members submit a report to the IRS Commissioner annually at a public meeting in the fall.
IRSAC is comprised of up to 35 members, who are appointed to three-year terms by the Commissioner. Applications are currently being accepted for approximately 11 appointments that will begin in January 2014. Nominations of qualified individuals may come from individuals or organizations. IRSAC members are drawn from substantially diverse backgrounds. Membership is balanced to include representation from the tax professional community, including but not limited to: tax attorneys, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, appraisers and the business community.
IRS Seeking Applications for Volunteer Tax Assistance Program Grants
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Seeking-Applications-for-Volunteer-Tax--Assistance-Program-Grants
The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applications for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant programs, which will allow some organizations to apply for annual funding for up to three years. Applications will be accepted only through Grants.gov until May 31, 2013. Previous grant recipients will have the option to apply for up to three years of annual funding which would reduce the amount of paperwork they must complete over the three-year period. This annual funding will also help recipients with budget planning.
Tax Tips for 2013
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Tips-for-2013-1
Tips to Start Planning Next Year's Tax ReturnTax Tip 2013-62, April 24, 2013
IRS Offers Tips for Dealing with NoticesTax Tip 2013-61, April 23, 2013
IRS Warns Donors about Charity Scams Following Recent Tragedies in Boston and TexasSpecial Edition Tax Tip 2013-09, April 19, 2013
Ten Facts on Filing an Amended Tax ReturnTax Tip 2013-59, April 19, 2013
Recent Articles from e-News for Small Businesses
Recent legislation extended the Work Opportunity Tax Credit through Dec. 31, 2013
Notice 2013-14 also provides employers additional time beyond the 28-day deadline for submitting Form 8850, Pre-screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit, to Designated Local Agencies.
SSA/IRS Reporter
The spring edition of the SSA/IRS Reporter includes articles on:
- The Outreach Corner – a free resource for communicators
- Spring cleaning of your payroll records
- IRS wants your help to reduce taxpayer burden