Tax & Accounting News
TaxBuzz Chat: What Tax Season Challenges Are You Facing?
It's already March, and you know what that means: the last #TaxBuzzChat before the tax filing deadline! (We skip April each year.)
Our March conversation – hosted on our Twitter account @TaxBuzzOnline – was still busy (even during tax season), as we invited pros across the country to join us to discuss questions such as:
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Several influential members of Congress have called on the IRS to extend the filing season. Commissioner Rettig said the IRS is not planning on an extension, but said a final decision has not been reached. What is your prognosis?
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Client calls about the Economic Impact Payments (stimulus payments) can be distracting – especially from clients that follow the news and think proposed legislation already applies. How are you dealing with these calls?
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The Biden plan includes a $1,400 stimulus payment, based upon the 2020 return or 2019 return if the 2020 return has not been filed. This provides an opportunity to delay filing the 2020 return if using 2019 return AGI and family make up would provide a better outcome. Are you giving your clients that opportunity?
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Has the late start of the tax season impacted your ability to service your clients? If so, what steps are you taking to mitigate the problem?
Thank you to all the members of the #TaxTwitter community who participated in our March chat – and welcome to all our new attendees. Make sure to check out the full recap below for top highlights of our conversation and sign up to receive our chat invites and recaps via email here.
@TaxBuzzOnline will be hosting our next #TaxBuzzChat on Wednesday, MAY 5th at 10am PT/ 1pm ET. (We will be skipping April due to the tax filing deadline.) Check back for updates to make sure you don't miss out on the conversation and Tweet us if there are topics that you'd like to chat about in the future.
Best of luck with the rest of tax season!
Q1. Several influential members of Congress have called on the IRS to extend the filing season. Commissioner Rettig said the IRS is not planning on an extension, but said a final decision has not been reached. What is your prognosis? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/3KpkPrnzxr
A1. They'll extend it. Or we'll extend it for them by creating more work for them for extensions and penalty abatement letters. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but the work ain't getting done by 4/15. #TaxBuzzChat
A1. I don't freaking care if they extend the deadline - just give us automatic extensions to 9/15 or 10/15. We can calculate extn pymts if needed, but $0 extensions are a waste of time. #TaxBuzzChat
A1 If Congress includes that in the Rescue Act, it will be law.
Otherwise, not happening - file an extension#TaxBuzzChat
A1. Remember, you can always bring issues to the IMRS meetings - they happen every month and are open to constructive suggestions. It may take months or longer to implement - but many things do change. #TaxBuzzChat
Bold prediction Justin #TaxBuzzChat 😜
A1. I don't personally support an extension; however, I think political pressure may cause Treasury to intervene to have the IRS provide a shorter postponement than last year, perhaps until June 15. #TaxBuzzChat
A1. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
They should extend it to focus on going through their mail.#TaxBuzzChat https://t.co/Hyxg52takh
A1. I wanted to think Rettig was just posturing, but now, I'm pretty sure he's determined to fight moving the deadline as hard as he can. I think Congress will ultimately prevail.https://t.co/3ismIyBBgx#TaxBuzzChat
A1. Once the next relief Bill is signed into law the deadline will be extended. Right after the 3/15 deadline conveniently. #taxbuzzchat
Q2. What percentage of your clients are you interviewing via video chat? What is the feedback from clients? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/s8jQnMYzn3
A2. Essentially 100%. Almost all communications with clients is virtual, Zoom, Skype, etc. But my firm is a virtual firm so this has been the situation for years, plus the majority of my clients are non-US based foreign companies (so virtual is the only option) #TaxBuzzChat
A2. We aren't doing any in-person meetings, so it's all video or emails. Despite what our Governer says, we remain closed to the public, for our safety and our clients. #TaxBuzzChat
A2. 100% video chat or regular phone. No in person interviews. Most of my clients are okay with it. #TaxBuzzChat
A2 #TaxBuzzChat I have several that feel the same way Jared. I do miss seeing them in person just to visit. I put in my client letter, "I am offering very limited in-person appointments, e-mail me to request one." So it makes them take one more step to say they really want one.
A2. That seems to be the best approach. Gather info pre interview so you don't waste time. And can actually add advice versus paper chasing during the interview. #TaxBuzzChat
A2. So are we. Mostly, we see clients just to have lunch or socialize. But, in depth planning will often happen with long phone calls, regardless. #TaxBuzzChat
A2. About 40%. The other 60% are just uploading docs and answer follow ups via email/phone. #TaxBuzzChat
After wanting to resist in person meetings (and still will to a degree) I've realized its a differentiator for the right clients.
I have no commute (2.5 mi from the office) so it's a pretty easy add for me, but it can make a difference for those that need it ... plenty of that!
A2. Clientele is older, concerned about COVID, as am I (older and concerned). Video chat, telephone - just a reach out and touch with everyone - more important than ever. #TaxBuzzChat
A2: About 15 percent (mainly zoom and google places) - the rest are good with phone, email, portal & dropoff/pickup. So far not many complaints except occasional WiFi spottiness. #TaxBuzzChat
Q3. Has the added complexity in client situations added a significant amount of time to complete each return? If yes, are you charging for this? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/oNGfzbHLRH
A3. I just did a pretty big increase to my base fee this year to compensate me for last year, this year, and next year. #TaxBuzzChat
A3 The client may not have added complexity, but the current tax climate has added to the conversations we have with them. i.e., No, TikTok is wrong, and the new law doesn't apply to you. #TaxBuzzChat
So you missed of @LorilynWilson's #TikTok's last year that allowed us some stress relief? #TaxBuzzChat
A3. I think this is something we're going to see more of, generally, in the #tax space. Even straightforward returns may have nuance bc of new legislation and changing circumstances.
Quoting Scorsese: There's no such thing as simple. Simple is hard. #TaxBuzzChat
A3. One thing less complicated in my practice is compiling all my performing artists' travel expenses and per diem. No one traveled! Or only for January & February 2020. Seriously, though, we have a lot of new ground to cover and discuss with our clients for 2020. #TaxBuzzChat
A3 #TaxBuzzChat Same, Tom. I love not tracking my time.
A3. Most definitely and it depends. Some things we'll absorb but we're tracking extraordinary items separately and will bill accordingly as appropriate. #TaxBuzzChat
Q4. Client calls about the Economic Impact Payments (stimulus payments) can be distracting - especially from clients that follow the news and think proposed legislation already applies. How are you dealing with these calls? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/spTDuIt1GM
A4. I'm not spending any time on this. I'll email a quick summary explanation but that's it. There are too many more important issues right at the moment. #TaxBuzzChat
A4. I'm not answering them. I have a "canned" e-mail response that I send to callers with e-mail. I return unsolicited calls with questions at specified times during the week. #TaxBuzzChat
Just hung up from one myself. You're spot on, every situation requires we stop and do the jobs our clients expect of us - no cookie cutter responses on this one...yet
A4. That and the thousands of IRS notices about people not filing 2019 returns - just because the IRS didn't finish processing all that paper. (Is is papier mache' yet?)#TaxBuzzChat
A4 Lots of deep breaths, especially when the conversation starts by trashing some politician. Until this year, my motto has been that until it's signed, I don't care what anyone says. Unfortunately, that doesn't work as much anymore. #TaxBuzzChat
Q5. There is pending legislation that would retroactively exclude the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits from taxation. Are you delaying filing returns pending the outcome of the legislation, amending if it passes, or giving the client the option? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/Aa6CH9wAXO
A5. Recommending that we wait -- for now. I'm giving clients the option, but no one has decided to file yet. I'm gonna suggest to get through this bill and at least a few days to take the temperature of what the Dems want next. #TaxBuzzChat
Exactly. You wait, no harm, no foul. I have to amend? You're paying me for that. #TaxBuzzChat
A5. It might bite me in the booty, but I'm not waiting on this particular bit of legislation. #TaxBuzzChat
A5. It pure accounting fashion: It depends. I've got some clients who really need their refund money and they need it now. I'm okay with amending those if necessary. #Taxbuzzchat
Agreed with this stance wholeheartedly. Very curious to see what the Senate does with the extra money they're saving from the minimum wage portion of the bill and now the changed phase out for stimmies. #TaxBuzzChat
And as with the other answer, if someone tells me they want to delay filing, I make sure to tell them the risks.
If you delay filing, your stimulus checks might be delayed. They might be delayed by a very long time, if certain events occur.
A5. Totally Client option! Amending a return electronically for 2020 may not be before August 2021 when IRS ready. If they owe, it is a factor. If a refund, they want it now. #TaxBuzzChat
Q6. Biden's plan includes a $1,400 stimulus check, based upon the 2020 return or 2019 return if the 2020 return has not been filed. Are you giving your clients the opportunity to delay filing if using 2019 return AGI & family make-up would provide a better outcome? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/NhrXmt4PrM
A6 #TaxBuzzChat But if they want to delay filing, I'm putting the onus of them to watch it. I send out the Docusign, it stays active for 4mo. I file whenever they sign, so they can wait until after it passes if they like, but then I don't have to give that my mental energy. 2/
A6. Yes. I'm watching it for clients who are "on the bubble." #TaxBuzzChat
Thank you. I'm getting a lot of "sleazy" vibes for doing right by my clients. My clients feel guilty for taking money they don't need, but I find they're donating it to family members in need to local charities. Plus - it's my job to show them their options. #Taxbuzzchat
Or save some or all of the $$ in case they need it. There's still a lot of uncertainty over what might happen in the next 1 to 2 yrs w/this pandemic.
A6. I am advising all clients whose 2020 AGI would reduce their payment (versus using 2019 AGI) to hold their returns. I have several on hold. No client has objected so far. IMO, it is a simple, legal way to advocate for our client's financial interests. #TaxBuzzChat
You're not manipulating the system IMO. The fact that Congress basically told you to do this AND is giving you the ability to get a catch-up payment later on if 2020 was indeed more favorable is telltale enough for me. #TaxBuzzChat
Fair enough. That's why I like this group. I'll fall back, regroup, and reassess those waiting to be filed. @adammarkowitzEA Do you (or anyone else) have a quick & dirty cheat sheet on this one? #TaxBuzzChat
Anyone over $50k (S)/$100k (M) who has more income in 2020 than in 2019 OR has fewer dependents in 2020 than in 2019 I'm holding onto for the time being. #TaxTwitter #TaxBuzzChat
Remember, there's the "second chance" at getting that money later in the year. I know that people want their EMERGENCY payments this second, but that money is still going to be there later even if 2021 ends up featuring too high AGI. #TaxBuzzChat
A6. If by 'giving clients the opportunity to delay filing" you mean burying myself in 1120S and 1065 returns, then yes. #TaxBuzzChat
Q7. Data is indicating a surge in new business startups. Are you starting to see or forecasting additional accounting and CFO work in 2021? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/QGemc5XIvP
A7. A huge focus on mine is eCommerce/online retail. Not only have my online retail clients withstood the pandemic, they've done extremely well (due to shift to online purchasing) Seeing LOTS of inquiries from online retail start-ups, was initially surprised by this #TaxBuzzChat
A7 #TaxBuzzChat I'm not seeing much, but I think #AB5 and other factors here in CA is making entrepreneurs pay a higher cost to start a business.
A7. I think we're going to see different kinds of businesses in 2021 which will present both opportunities for growth and challenges for existing practitioners. The world has changed a lot during the pandemic, #tax included. #TaxBuzzChat
A7.... blindly formed an LLC, typically in a state like WY. It's evident from their inquiry they received no advice & assume they won't be subject to the state tax laws in other states - are surprised to hear their LLC CAN have #statetax nexus in other states #TaxBuzzChat 2/2
A7. Some of my clients in industries that were badly hurt did some start up work on new projects. I think we'll see a number of new small businesses in the near future. (And some of them look pretty awesome!) #Taxbuzzchat
A7 If by start ups you mean folks fleeing corporate jobs, then yes. Especially in companies who do not have generous WFH options post-pandemic, your going to see a surge in turn over. #taxbuzzchat
A7. And anticipated to grow this year, as people who have deferred payroll taxes (employees/ers) get into more trouble. Glad you're there to help. #TaxBuzzChat
A7: I have already been meeting with a couple people who are starting new businesses in 2021 (some new clients, some old.) My phone has been ringing and emails from potential new people for 2020 work just because of my page 1 google listing and five-star reviews. #TaxBuzzChat
Q8. Biden changed the PPP loan qualifications for SE individuals with less than 20 employees, basing the loan amount on 2.5 times the 2019 average monthly gross. Loan applications are being accepted for 2 weeks and started on Feb. 24. Is this enough time? Thoughts? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/JHUcAXp4ND
A8. I know the PPP loan qualifications provide for this new calculation for SE individuals (based on gross receipts), but from what I see, the lenders have no applications for the new calculation. Potential borrowers are anxious, but the logistics are not in place. #TaxBuzzChat
Q8. I have such mixed feelings about this. Very unfair to SE folks who already got PPP 1 & 2, somewhat unfair to other entity types. But here's hoping that it does help some SE folks who really need it. And NO I don't think that's enough time. #TaxBuzzChat
Aw, Adam, but this is what I'm here for - the Adam Markowitz uncensored content! #Taxbuzzchat pic.twitter.com/5YlWqQRu5c
Q8. HUH???? Feb 24th. People barely even heard about the option. The time will get extended again, though.
It always does. It's government.#TaxBuzzChat
A8. Is there ever enough time? #TaxBuzzChat
A8. Precisely. And that's exactly what I teach my EA students - aim for a few great clients, instead of hundreds of penny-ante clients!#TaxBuzzChat
A8: Even with the revised rules it is definitely not enough time. It closes next week. Really? #TaxBuzzChat
Q9. Has the late start of the tax season impacted your ability to service your clients? If so, what steps are you taking to mitigate the problem? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/55rOfxIpFk
A9. Just keep swimming. #Taxbuzzchat It seems everyone uploaded or dropped off their documents at the same time. And now they're all calling for status updates. pic.twitter.com/0waoIphLQu
A9. February 12th starting date? Not so much of an impact on my practice. Extending the filing deadline would be much more meaningful. #TaxBuzzChat
A9. Crying more. Cussing more. Spending less time with the unnecessary things in life like sleeping. #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/RohZPMIhoL
A9. Yes and no. My clients tend to be late starters anyway but the compressed 2021 filing season combined with lingering effects of 2020 are sure making me FEEL less effective. And extra salty. #TaxBuzzChat
A9. That's a different issue, Karl. In general, I am about a month behind on all my own workload.
Reaching the point where it's sufficiently overwhelming that I am turning away lots of clients, speaking engagements, etc. (referring clients to my graduates, though)
A9 No, we go ahead and prepare and then wait for the forms to be released. My big problem is we are still waiting on states to release forms 🙃 #TaxBuzzChat
A9. The later e-file start date? No effect. All the tax info in the CAA passed at end of Dec? Add'l stimulus? PPP round 2? Can now take ERC & PPP but no guidance until this wk? Another round of stimulus? That has been v. difficult to manage on top of regular work. #TaxBuzzChat
@ajthecpa1226 Care to share your new system?
A9. Texas was hit with the "freeze" and we have extensions until June 15, so no, in fact, taxpayers are slower than usual to get their information to us. I have forgotten what a "normal" tax season used to look like. #TaxBuzzChat
Q10. What are your thoughts on a wealth tax in principle? Do you believe it will take money out of the private sector that is used for investment, or that it can be an effective way to help pay for government spending? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/I0wEL2efmc
A10. Is "neither" an option. I don't think the private sector is investing their extra cash. They are either giving dividends, buying back shares, or sitting on it. That said, I'm not sure it's an effective way to help pay for government spending. #TaxBuzzChat
A10. I get it. But it's just setting up for more complexity and tax avoidance (both the legal and the illegal kind). The principle is fine. The execution would probably be a disaster, though. An effective way of gvmt spending would be balancing debits and credits. #TaxBuzzChat
A10 #TaxBuzzChat I agree, the concept of a wealth tax ignores those cash-poor, single-asset-rich who could/would be destructively hit.
A10. Gah - tough question. I don't think it will take money out of the private sector. and we need something - wealth inequality has gotten way out of control. What we need is for more large biz's to pay their EE's a fair wage. #TaxBuzzChat
A10. Skip the wealth tax, increase income tax rates, probably have a similar effect on wealthy peeps. Maybe eliminate the exemption of federal tax on muni bonds. #TaxBuzzChat
And if you don't believe that, I'll have you talk to my low income clients who are convinced that they have to pay estate taxes when they die. #Taxbuzzchat
A10. A wealth tax is something that sounds good in theory to people who will not be subject the tax. From a more realistic and practical perspective, it would be tremendously difficult to implement, and it is highly unlikely to receive sufficient support in Congress. #TaxBuzzChat
A10. We don't need a new tax regime. Please modify the existing income tax to meet our budgetary and social goals. We need simplification, not new complex tax law provisions. #TaxBuzzChat
A10: Just another way to tax things beside income and make it complicated to implement, regulate and account for. Politicians should be required to account for some of the tax items they pass!!😠 #TaxBuzzChat
That's a wrap #TaxTwitter! Thanks to all of you for joining this month's #TaxBuzzChat. Feel free to keep chatting today - recap will be up soon. There will be NO CHAT in April due to the tax deadline. Good luck and we'll see you MAY 5th @ 10am PT for the next one!
— TaxBuzz.com (@taxbuzzonline) March 3, 2021
Lauren Detweiler
I am equal parts marketer, traveler, and writer, and I've been doing all three for as long as I can remember. I have spent most of my time since graduating university traveling and working remotely in Africa and Europe. My passion lies in conveying the right messaging to the right people, and being a part of the CountingWorks and TaxBuzz team means I get to do that not only for our company, but for clients across the country as well.
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