Tag Archive for Circular 230

Audit Assistance vs Audit Representation: Is There a Difference? Part 4

Loving and Cir. 230

In February of 2014 the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the D.C. Circuit Court’s 2013 decision that the IRS had overstepped it’s authority in establishing certification and continuing education requirements for all tax preparers, not just the traditional “representatives” including Attorneys, CPA’s, and EAs.

The regulations had been seen by CPA’s and Enrolled Agents as a way to level the playing field. Without the regulations, we could be at a disadvantage because we are required to comply with competency and quality control regulations under IRS Circular 230, while unlicensed tax return preparers are not. Read More

Written by | Posted in Audit

Take It Off!

I had put it on some time ago. I kept it on everywhere I had a presence. I was submissive and had a desire to be obedient. The ramifications of not doing as the master said weren’t nearly as pleasurable as complying with my master’s commands.

Having become a creature of habit, and not wanting to displease my master, I had put it on everywhere. Having quite the presence online, I had it on in lots of places. You could see on me in my blog posts, my web page, my social media posts. Everywhere I was, I had it on.

Now, after months of making sure I’d covered my a**, I’m told to TAKE IT OFF!

Yep. In a webinar presented by the Office of Professional Responsibility, Karen Hawkins Read More

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A Practical Guide To The New Circular 230 Amendments

Introduction

On June 12, 2014 the Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (hereinafter the “Service”) issued final regulations that made noteworthy amendments to Circular 230. As a reminder, Circular 230 sets forth the requirements and responsibilities of tax professionals (e.g., Certified Public Accountants, Attorneys, Enrolled Agents, and Enrolled Actuaries) admitted to practice before the Service. The final regulations recognize that the Covered Opinion Rules are no longer necessary, and have been replaced with new standards for issuing written tax advice. As a consequence, the “Circular 230 Disclaimer” will no longer be required on written correspondence. The general consensus is that removal of the disclaimer is a positive step for tax professionals by reducing the Read More

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