Small Business Liaisons
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Upcoming events & IRS news releases 1/26/2016 Announcements & Upcoming Events: Identity Theft: Keeping Your Business & Your Customers Safe To register, click here: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1147/12536 A FREE webinar for small business organizations and their members, presented by the Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service and the Small Business Administration Thursday, February 11 9:00—10:15 am Alaska | 10:00—11:15 am Pacific | 11:00 am—12:15 pm Mountain Speakers from the FTC and IRS will discuss: The US Small Business Administration will give a brief overview of the programs and services they have available to small business owners. Before registering, be sure your spam filter is set to accept email from our webinar provider – confirmation and reminder emails will appear with the name “Internal Revenue Service SBSE Stakeholder Liaison Field” and will be from the email address no-reply@webcaster4.com. If you have any problems registering, contact us directly at SL.northwest@irs.gov SBA Free Workshop Thursdays (many are offered both in person and online): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-free-workshop-thursdays-february-11-tickets-20702622100 Tax Talks: What You Need to Know About Small Business Taxes February 11, 2016 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Learn the basics of small business taxes. Tax professionals will help you understand your tax reporting responsibilities. Topics include: record keeping, expenses and deductions, estimated taxes, home offices, and areas that may trigger an unwanted IRS tax audit. This event will be offered at the Seattle SBA office and also be broadcast as a live webinar. Tax Talks: Small Business Tax Deductions and Credits February 11, 2016 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Begin with an overview of deductions and credits as they apply to business taxes. This seminar will review definitions, documentation that is required to verify a business expense, and list common deductions and credits business can take. There will also be a discussion how one should be planning and strategizing using this information. This event will be offered at the Seattle SBA office and also be broadcast as a live webinar. To attend either workshop in person please register here: https://SeattleFreeWorkshopThursdaysFeb11.eventbrite.com To attend virtually register here: https://OnlineFreeWorkshopThursdaysfeb11.eventbrite.com Call 206-553-7310 for more information. Other SBA workshops can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/wa/seattle Free Tools for Starting a Business February 10, 2016 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Auburn WorkSource 2702 "I" Street NE, Auburn, WA, 98002 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/auburn-free-tools-for-starting-a-business-tickets-20236999410 Thinking about starting a business? You may be surprised to learn how many free and low-cost tools are available to you. Attend this workshop to learn about finding a business mentor or coach, market research tools, templates for writing a business plan, options for financing and government contracting opportunities. SCORE Workshops SCORE offers workshops designed to give you the skills necessary to start your own successful business. Seattle: http://seattle.score.org/localworkshops Feb 3, Mar 2 -- Starting a New Business Feb 26 -- Understanding Financial Statements Spokane: http://scorespokane.org/workshops Feb 3, Mar 2 -- How to Start a New Business Bellingham: https://bellingham.score.org/ Feb 20 -- Starting or Managing Your Own Business 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. Identity Theft Video Series Available; Special Series to Help Taxpayers Avoid Pitfalls and Stay Safe Online In coordination with the state revenue departments and the tax industry, the Internal Revenue Service released the first in a series of YouTube video tax tips designed to provide people critical information to help protect their tax and financial data. The videos, part of the continuing Security Summit effort combating identity theft and refund fraud, are part of an ongoing effort to educate taxpayers and provide them tools to stay safe online. The first of the Security Awareness YouTube videos includes tips from four state officials reminding taxpayers to check online accounts for problems, look for secure sites when shopping online and be careful to avoid phishing scams. IRS YouTube Security Summit Video Series: IRS Statement on the Opening of the 2016 Filing Season https://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Statement-on-the-Opening-of-the-2016-Filing-Season The IRS has successfully opened its systems for the 2016 tax filing season. More than 150 million individual returns are expected this filing season for tax year 2015. Choosing e-file and direct deposit for refunds remains the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund. IRS Free File Launches; Offers More Free Federal and Free State Tax Software Options The Internal Revenue Service and Free File Alliance announced the launch of Free File with many changes and updates for 2016, including more free state tax return options and easier Form W-2 imports. There are 13 brand-name tax software providers making their federal tax return products available for free. Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $62,000 or less during 2015 are eligible for at least one, if not more, of the 13 tax software products. The income limitation is $2,000 higher than last year. For taxpayers who earned more than $62,000, there’s Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. IRS Ready to Start 2016 Tax Season; Encourages use of IRS.gov and e-File; Works with States, Industry on Identity Theft Refund Fraud The nation’s 2016 individual income tax filing season opened Jan. 19, with more than 150 million tax returns expected to be filed this year. People will have several extra days to file their tax returns this year. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 18 to file their 2015 tax returns and pay any tax due because of the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., falling on Friday, April 15. Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts will have until Tuesday, April 19 because of Patriot’s Day observances on April 18. The IRS expects more than 70 percent of taxpayers to again receive tax refunds this year. Last year, the IRS issued 109 million refunds, with an average refund of $2,797. IRS YouTube Videos How New Identity Security Changes May Affect Taxpayers for 2016 https://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/How-New-Identity-Security-Changes-May-Affect-Taxpayers-for-2016 The Internal Revenue Service, the states and the tax industry have taken new steps for 2016 to protect you and help reduce the risk of identity theft affecting your tax returns this filing season. The new measures attack tax-related identity theft from multiple sides. Many changes will be invisible to you but invaluable to the IRS, states and tax industry in protecting you. See the article for some important changes you may see. And while we’re working to strengthen tax-filing security, we’re also asking taxpayers to take steps to help protect their information as part of our “Taxes.Security.Together” campaign. The full article has highlights and frequently asked questions. IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works https://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Identity-Theft-Victim-Assistance-How-It-Works The IRS knows identity theft can be frustrating and confusing for victims. When it comes to tax-related identity theft, the Internal Revenue Service wants to resolve cases as quickly as possible. The IRS has worked hard to help victims of identity theft by making improvements and shortening the time it takes to resolve these complex situations. Each taxpayer’s experience will vary, depending on whether they tell the IRS they may be a tax-related identity theft victim or the agency informs them there may be have been a suspicious tax return filed with their name on it. Further, the IRS may not realize the taxpayer is an identity theft victim until their return has been processed or an audit has been initiated. See the full article for a general outline of what you can expect. National Taxpayer Advocate Delivers Annual Report to Congress; Focuses on IRS’s Future Plans for Taxpayer Service National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson has released her 2015 annual report to Congress, expressing concern that the IRS may be on the verge of dramatically scaling back telephone and face-to-face service it has provided for decades to assist the nation’s 150 million individual taxpayers and 11 million business entities in complying with their tax obligations. The report reiterates a recommendation the Advocate made in June that the IRS release its “Future State” plan documents, provide additional detail about their anticipated impact on taxpayer service operations, and solicit comments from the public. The report also recommends that Congress conduct oversight hearings on the plan. Complete Report: 2015 Annual Report to Congress Help for International Taxpayers Begins on IRS.gov; Six YouTube Videos Now Available to Assist The Internal Revenue Service reminds U.S. taxpayers living abroad, as well as other international taxpayers, that IRS.gov provides the best starting place for getting answers to their important tax questions. This filing season, six new YouTube videos on common issues that international taxpayers face are also available. The International Taxpayers page on IRS.gov is packed with information designed to help taxpayers living abroad, resident aliens, nonresident aliens, residents of U.S. territories and foreign students. The web site also features a directory that includes overseas tax preparers. Filing Season Update on IP PINs Due to an error, taxpayers are receiving Identity Protection PIN letters with an incorrect year listed. Taxpayers and tax professionals should be advised the IP PIN listed on the CP 01A Notice dated Jan. 4, 2016, is valid for use on all individual tax returns filed in 2016. The notice incorrectly indicates the IP PIN issued is to be used for filing the 2014 tax return when the number is actually to be used for the 2015 tax return. The IRS emphasizes the IP PIN listed on the CP 01A notice is valid for the 2015 returns. Taxpayers and their tax professionals should use this PIN number for 2015 tax returns. The IRS apologizes for the confusion and any inconvenience. Update: The IRS began mailing follow-up notices to these taxpayers in mid-January noting that the IP PIN they received is still valid despite the incorrect reference to the year. For more information, see the questions and answers in the full article. Internal Revenue Service Reminds Taxpayers to Plan Ahead If You Need a Tax Transcript The IRS reminds taxpayers that the quickest way to get a copy of their tax transcript is to order it online using the Get Transcript application on IRS.gov. By planning ahead, they should receive their transcript in the mail within five to 10 days from the time the IRS receives the request online. The IRS continues to work to bring the viewable/printable functionality of the application back online in the near future with enhanced identity protection security features. In the meantime, taxpayers can still request a mailed transcript by going online to Get Transcript. 2016 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving Announced The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2016 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: The business mileage rate decreased 3.5 cents per mile and the medical, and moving expense rates decrease 4 cents per mile from the 2015 rates. The charitable rate is based on statute. Tax Tips http://www.irs.gov/uac/IRS-Tax-Tips Visit this page for the latest IRS tax tips. Here is a sample of the tips available: Six Reasons to E-file your Taxes in 2016 IRS, States and Tax Industry Deploy New Safeguards for 2016 Tips to Keep Your Tax Records Secure; Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Tips to Protect Your Personal Information While Online Get to Know Your Taxpayer Bill of Rights Who Can Represent You Before the IRS? Health Care Tax Tips https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/health-care-tax-tips2 Check out the tax tips for your health care questions on this page. Are You an Applicable Large Employer? Review Your Status Annually Five ACA Facts for Applicable Large Employers Getting Ready to File Your Tax Return: Health Coverage Reporting Requirement Getting Ready to File Your Tax Return: Health Coverage Exemptions and Payments https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/ The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace helps small businesses provide health coverage to their employees. The SHOP Marketplace is open to employers with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). This includes non-profit organizations. You can enroll in SHOP any time of year - there’s no restricted enrollment period. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov. The Affordable Care Act and Employers
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