Issue Number: 2019-27
Inside This Issue
- Tax Security 2.0: Beware of the Continuing Threat of Phishing Emails
- IRS Nationwide Tax Forums: Cybersecurity for Tax Professionals
- Enrolled Agent Inactivation and Termination Letters
- Aug. 15 Webinar: Understanding Form 2290 – Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax
- Reminder: Modernized e-File Systems Shutdown for System Upgrade
-
Technical Guidance
1. Tax Security 2.0: Beware of the Continuing Threat of Phishing Emails
Tax professionals should beware of the continuing threat of phishing emails, which remain the most common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data. Educating personnel on the dangers of phishing emails is the third item on the “Taxes-Security-Together” Checklist.
“You can take all the cybersecurity steps in the world, but tax professionals and others in the business world should remember you are only as safe as your least educated employee,” said Chuck Rettig, IRS Commissioner. “Cybercriminals use phishing emails and malware to gain control of computer systems or to steal usernames and passwords. These can provide a treasure trove of information that can lead to tax-related identity theft.”
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2. IRS Nationwide Tax Forums: Cybersecurity for Tax Professionals
Would you like to learn about the most pressing cyber threats and tips on how to prevent, protect and respond to cyber incidents? Attend the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in Orlando on Aug. 13 -15, which will feature several seminars on cybersecurity including the Cybersecurity for Tax Professionals session. This session will include discussions of cyber opportunities and threats; enterprise risk management and prevention; effective responses to an attack and/or security breach.
Visit the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum website to register and learn about all of the cybersecurity seminars offered.
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3. Enrolled Agent Inactivation and Termination Letters
As this year’s enrolled agent renewal cycle has finished, the IRS is beginning its annual clean-up of enrolled agents who have social security numbers ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3 and did not renew. Enrolled agents who did not renew during the 2016 and 2019 cycles will be moved to terminated status. Those who did not renew during the 2019 cycle will be moved to inactive status. Beginning this week, the IRS will send letters to those affected advising them of this action.
An enrolled agent in inactive status can still submit a late renewal for approval with proof of continuing education credit. Any enrolled agent in terminated status must re-take the Special Enrollment Exam to apply for re-enrollment. If an enrolled agent disagrees and has a record of previously renewing, he or she should contact the number on the letter.
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4. Aug. 15 Webinar: Understanding Form 2290 – Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax
The IRS will present the webinar, Understanding Form 2290 – Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax, at 2 p.m. ET on Aug. 15. This 60-minute webinar will discuss Form 2290 filing requirements, due dates, and e-Filing requirements.
To see a complete list of webinars, visit the Upcoming Webinars page on IRS.gov.
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5. Reminder: Modernized e-File Systems Shutdown for System Upgrade
The IRS Modernized E-File system (MeF) will be unavailable from 12:01 a.m. ET Aug. 3, through 11:59 a.m. ET Aug. 5, for a system upgrade. MeF submissions should not be made during the outage period. A Quick Alert will be issued once MeF is available for submissions again.
Please monitor the MeF Operational Status Page for updates.
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6. Technical Guidance
Revenue Procedure 2019-33 allows a taxpayer to make a late election, or to revoke an election, under section 168(k) for certain property acquired by the taxpayer after Sept. 27, 2017, and placed in service by the taxpayer during its taxable year that includes September 28, 2017.
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