Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009

[Brad Imsdahl]

The following link is our coverage of the new law:

http://www.thetaxbook.com/view_update.asp?1=162

[veritas]

When did employees

become workers?

[TaxmannEA]

Several of mine never did!

[Bees Knees]

E filing

Anyone notice the new law now mandates e-filing for everyone who does 10 or more returns?

Begins in 2011.

[JohnH]

become workers?

Reminds me of a story I heard years ago in Mexico City. A visiting dignitary was commenting on how large the 52-story Pemex headquarters tower was and he asked "How many people work in that huge building?" His guide responded, "About half of them."

[Snaggletooth]

Yes, but

Difficult to understand the requirements if a preparer prepares less than 250 returns. Also 250 returns may be ALL returns, not just 1040s.

I have some clients who have steadfastly refused electronic filing from the start.

[jimmcg]

Anyone notice the new law now mandates e-filing for everyone who does 10 or more returns?

Begins in 2011.

Noticed that. Obviously the tax software developers and providers have a strong lobby group. If that comes to past, and I am not sure it will remain at ten after the dust settles, I personally will consider more retirement time and just stick to the tax representation work on a limited basis.

[Bees Knees]

Noticed that. Obviously the tax software developers and providers have a strong lobby group. If that comes to past, and I am not sure it will remain at ten after the dust settles, I personally will consider more retirement time and just stick to the tax representation work on a limited basis.

Minnesota required us to e-file several years ago. I refused until I was mandated to do so. Now I think it is a good thing.

Try it, you will like it.

[jimmcg]

Minnesota required us to e-file several years ago. I refused until I was mandated to do so. Now I think it is a good thing.

Try it, you will like it.

Good advice Bees however sunshine and warmer temps in January and February are beginning to sound more inviting each year.

[Snaggletooth]

Protocol

Minnesota required us to e-file several years ago. I refused until I was mandated to do so. Now I think it is a good thing.

Try it, you will like it.

I do think once this happens, there will be electronic protocol mandated by the IRS as well and inserted into tax software packages. Without the inclusion of this mandated protocol, the e-file will be rejected, and the originator thus obligated to proliferate compatible information. This really puts the IRS in the drivers' seat as far as what to require of preparers.

As long as e-file is not required, IRS is willing to remove as many barriers as it can. When e-file becomes mandatory, they will be throwing up barriers to enforce their agenda. Don't think for a minute that IRS is our friend and won't do this.

[Bees Knees]

As long as e-file is not required, IRS is willing to remove as many barriers as it can. When e-file becomes mandatory, they will be throwing up barriers to enforce their agenda. Don't think for a minute that IRS is our friend and won't do this.

I'm not sure what you mean by throwing up barriers. They are doing it because Congress passed a law requiring them to do it. I doubt there is a hidden agenda, other than wanting to save money from all the duplicate work involved when someone prepares a return on a computer, prints out the copy, then sends it to the IRS, causing a second person to do the same work all over again entering it into the IRS computers.

It also saves a ton of paper.

[Lion]

It's not me

I like efiling. It's a couple of my clients that I've not been able to convince after years of trying. Hope they develop an opt-out form...

[Snaggletooth]

Hidden Agenda

No hidden agenda as we speak, Bees. But after e-filing becomes mandatory, there will be all manner of hoops to jump through or the return will be electronically rejected. If they tried this at present, client simply files a paper return.

Being able to allow or reject will create a new hierarchy of control that does not currently exist. And, in time, they will use it.

I hope I'm wrong. Time will tell.

[jimmcg]

No hidden agenda as we speak, Bees. But after e-filing becomes mandatory, there will be all manner of hoops to jump through or the return will be electronically rejected. If they tried this at present, client simply files a paper return.

Being able to allow or reject will create a new hierarchy of control that does not currently exist. And, in time, they will use it.

I hope I'm wrong. Time will tell.

Snag you hit the nail right on the head there; it's all about "control." They will get it and we will loose it.

[Jesse]

I think it is more about saving money than control.

Wisconsin has mandated E-filing for several years also. I think it was for paid preparers of >100 returns, I'm not positive. Sales and Use tax reports are E-file mandated for 2010 also, unless you request a waiver for undue hardship. Again, it is a money saver for the Departments.