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1. PTIN Requirements Not Affected by Court Ruling on Tax Preparer Regulation

    

   On Jan. 18, 2013, the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia issued an injunction to keep the IRS from enforcing regulatory requirements for tax return preparers. In accordance with this order, tax return preparers covered by this program are not required to complete competency testing or secure continuing education. The ruling does not affect the regulatory practice requirements for CPAs, attorneys, enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents or enrolled actuaries. 

    

   On Feb. 1, 2013, the court released a modified order clarifying that all paid tax return preparers must still obtain a PTIN. Following this clarification, the IRS has reopened the PTIN system. Learn the specifics about what this ruling means for tax professionals on the Tax Preparer Regulation page of the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s (TAS) Tax Toolkit.

    

2. IRS Announces Processing of Returns Claiming Education Credits by mid-February

   The IRS recently announced that taxpayers using Form 8863, Education Credits, can begin filing their tax returns for processing in mid-February. Form 8863 is used to claim two higher education credits – the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. Learn more about tax credits available to you on the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)’s Tax Toolkit.

3. National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson Releases 2012 Annual Report to Congress; Identifies Most Serious Problems Facing Taxpayers Today

   National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson released her 2012 Annual Report to Congress on Jan. 9, 2013. The report identifies the most serious problems facing taxpayers today, such as the complexity of the U.S. tax code, reduced IRS funding, and the rise in tax-related identity theft, and provides the IRS and highest levels of government with recommendations for resolving them. For more information and access to the full report, visit the 2012 Annual Report to Congress site.

4. Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Estimator Now Available and Change to RSS Feed Email Delivery

   A new tool is available that helps small businesses determine whether they’re eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit and if so, estimate the amount they could receive. Visit the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Estimator for more information.

   In addition, please note, if you receive the Tax Toolkit RSS Feed via Feed My Inbox, you will need to take action to continue receiving these updates, as Feed My Inbox is shutting down in early January. Visit the RSS Feed page for instructions.

5. National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina Olson Discusses the “Fiscal Cliff” on C-SPAN

   NTA Nina Olson appeared on C-SPAN and discussed the “fiscal cliff” and its potential impact on taxes on Dec. 14, 2012. A link to the video is now available on the home page of the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s Tax Toolkit.

6. Taxpayer Advocate Service Area Director Position

   Would you like to lead a team of dedicated people, protecting taxpayer rights and making a difference in the lives of thousands of Americans each year? The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is looking for an Area Director, based in Manhattan, to manage seven of our local offices. Learn more about this position or apply for this position via the Area Director job listing.

7. LITC Director Receives NTA Award

   Mark Moreau, director of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, has received the National Taxpayer Advocate Award for his years of work on behalf of low income taxpayers, including outstanding efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf oil spill. Learn more about Mark’s work with SLLS on the Low Income Taxpayer Clinics page of the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Tax Toolkit.

8. Video Now Available: National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina Olson’s Testimony on Identity Theft and Tax Fraud

   NTA Nina Olson testified before the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform yesterday. Olson addressed tax-related identity theft and tax fraud as growing problems for the IRS. A video of her testimony is now available on the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform’s website or the Speeches and Testimony page of the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Tax Toolkit.

9. National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina Olson Testifies on Identity Theft and Tax Fraud

   NTA Nina Olson testified before the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. Olson addressed tax-related identity theft and tax fraud as growing problems for the IRS. Read her written statement on the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s (TAS) Tax Toolkit.

10. Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) Releases 2011 Annual Report

    The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) recently released its 2011 Annual Report, highlighting the 41 recommendations and 25 projects TAP provided to the IRS for improving customer service and satisfaction. TAP is a Federal Advisory Committee that makes recommendations to the IRS and the National Taxpayer Advocate. More information about TAP’s 2011 accomplishments is available on TAP’s website, ImproveIRS.org, or the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel page of the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Tax Toolkit.

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