The IRS, in addition to being a somewhat ominous government agency which exacts compliance and accuracy, also provides taxpayers with resources designed to simplify the tax reporting process. As a tax preparer, you should be aware of these resources and not only share them with clients but utilize them yourself. Here are just a few you should know about:
e-Services for Tax Pros. As described by the IRS, “e-Services is a suite of web-based products that will allow tax professionals and payers to conduct business with the IRS electronically. There services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the internet.” The following are available to all those who qualify:
- Registration
- e-file Application
- Transcript Delivery System (TDS)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Matching
- QuickAlerts Messaging Service
Basic Tools for Tax Professionals. In the event that you need to access information or instruction from the IRS, this would be the place to look for it. Organized in a list format with links to more information, this would make a good bookmark for all tax preparers.
Circular 230 Tax Professionals and Tax Code, Regulations and Official Guidance. If you’re interested in reading up on IRS regulations governing attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Actuaries, Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents, and Appraisers, this series of documents can provide you with the information for which you’re looking.
e-News Subscriptions. The IRS sends out updates and alerts to subscribers, so if you’re interested in being the first to hear about IRS news and tips, this is where you want to go.
Forms and Publications. This site provides all taxpayers with easy access to all IRS forms and publications.
Current Tax Tips and Fact Sheets 2014 are both useful resources that will enable you to be aware of any tax changes or alerts as you approach this year’s filing season.
Latest News. If you don’t subscribe to IRS updates and newsletters, you can still access the most recent news releases by visiting this screen.
PTIN Requirements. If you still haven’t secured your PTIN, you may want to visit this screen to learn more about the new IRS regulations for tax preparers. You can also apply for your PTN here.
Frequently Asked Tax Questions and Answers. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in any of those other resources, you’re likely to find it here, or at least be directed to where it might be.
The IRS has all this information and more, proving to be a helpful resource to many of us who may need it.
Universal Accounting is Also a Valuable Resource
Here at Universal, we’re interested in seeing you succeed as a tax preparer. Our Professional Tax Preparer Program is designed to help professionals like you master tax preparation, becoming efficient in the completion of individual and business returns. If you would like to learn more, visit Universal for a free video today! Or call us at 1-877-833-7909 to enroll now!
