NEWSWIRE

IRS Software Glitch Delays Some Tax Refunds

The Internal Revenue Service's new software system for handling electronic tax returns has experienced problems during the tax filing season, angering some taxpayers whose refunds have been delayed.

Controls Too Weak over IRS Undercover Agents

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division needs to strengthen its controls over the undercover operations used to detect and probe criminal tax activities, according to a new government report.

IRS Opens Registration for Tax Forums

The Internal Revenue Service’s National Tax Forums are now open for registration.

IRS Updates Status of Tax Refund Delays

The Internal Revenue Service is providing an update on the status of the tax refund delays that plagued the agency this season.

IRS Warns of New Emerging Tax Scam

The Internal Revenue Service is warning senior citizens, working families, church members and other potential victims to beware of an emerging tax scam that tempts them into filing fraudulent tax returns claiming bogus refunds.

Changes Proposed for Engagement Team Ethics

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants has released for public exposure proposed changes to the definition of “engagement team” in the IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

IRS Probe of Tax-Exempt Political Groups Questioned

The Internal Revenue Service is facing renewed pressure over its reluctance to grant tax-exempt status to political fundraising and advocacy organizations, particularly Tea Party-affiliated groups.

NEWSWIRE

Sweep Nets Hundreds of NYC Tax Preparers Violating Laws

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs conducted a two-week-long enforcement sweep of tax preparers across the city and issued violations to one out of every three preparers it inspected, mainly for violating laws governing refund anticipation loans and disclosure of their true qualifications and fees.

IRS Caught $1.6B in Erroneous Homebuyer Tax Credits

The Internal Revenue Service disallowed nearly $1.6 billion in erroneous First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits, but could have flagged even more, according to a new government report.

Congress Cooperates on Small Business Jobs Bills

In a rare sign of bipartisanship, Congressional Republicans and Democrats are moving forward with a group of widely supported jobs bills, aimed at improving capital formation for small businesses and spurring the growth of startups.

Small Biz Owners Not Prepared for Retirement

Many small business owners are unprepared for retirement, with a third of the women and a quarter of the men in a new survey having no estimate of how much they will need when they retire.

NEWSWIRE

IRS Experiences Further Tax Refund Delay Problems

The Internal Revenue Service has been having more problems with delayed tax refunds.

Expats Press Capitol Hill for Tax Reforms

A nonprofit group representing the interests of U.S. citizens living overseas met with congressional staffers to push for a residence-based taxation system.

Most Taxpayers Plan to Save, Not Spend, Tax Refunds

Just over 50 percent of Americans anticipate they will receive a refund on either their federal or state income tax return this year, according to a new survey, and of those 63 percent said they plan to save or invest at least part of the money.

IRS Makes Allowances for Taxpayers in ‘Arab Spring’ Countries

The Internal Revenue Service is giving extra time to taxpayers who lived in some of the countries caught up in the “Arab Spring” upheavals in the Middle East.

IRS Makes Allowances for Taxpayers in ‘Arab Spring’ Countries

The Internal Revenue Service is giving extra time to taxpayers who lived in some of the countries caught up in the “Arab Spring” upheavals in the Middle East.

IRS Stops Tax Preparers Accused of Stealing Client Refunds

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division has cracked down on a pair of Southern California tax preparers accused of stealing their clients’ tax refunds.

NEWSWIRE

Taxpayers Concerned about Security of Tax Filing

A majority of taxpayers are concerned about the security and privacy of their personal and financial information when filing their state and federal tax returns online, according to a new survey.

IRS Proposes Regulations on Taxable Medical Devices

The Internal Revenue Service has issued proposed regulations to provide guidance on the excise taxes imposed on the sale of medical devices under the health care reform law.

IRS Proposes Regulations on Taxable Medical Devices

The Internal Revenue Service has issued proposed regulations to provide guidance on the excise taxes imposed on the sale of medical devices under the health care reform law.

Jobless Rate Falls to 8.3 Percent

The economy created jobs at the fastest pace in nine months in January and the unemployment rate dropped to a near three-year low of 8.3 percent, providing some measure of comfort for President Barack Obama who faces re-election in November.

NEWSWIRE

IRS Extends Tax-Filing Deadline to April 17
The Internal Revenue Service opened the 2012 tax season on Wednesday by extending the tax-filing deadline until April 17.


Taxpayers Warned of Changes for Tax Season
While 2011 ended without many last-minute tax law changes aside from the payroll tax cut extension, taxpayers should still be aware of a number of changes.


Monthly Social Security Benefits Increase 3.6%
Retirees will be receiving a 3.6 percent increase in their monthly Social Security and Supplementary Security Income benefits in 2012.


Treasury Stops Selling Paper Savings Bonds
The Treasury Department has stopped selling paper U.S. savings bonds at banks, ending a tradition stretching back to 1935.


IRS Will Accept PTIN Renewals after Year-End Expiration
While all Preparer Tax Identification Numbers from last tax season expired on December 31, the Internal Revenue Service said its PTIN system would continue to accept renewals after the deadline.

NEWSWIRE

Payroll Tax Cut Extended 
Lowered Social Security tax withholding extended through Feb. 29.

2012 Mileage Rates
Most rates remain the same as they were in July.

2012 Inflation Adjustments 
Many tax benefits increase in 2012 due to inflation adjustments.

Securities America Announces Promotions

Broker-dealer Securities America announced its officer promotions for 2012.

TIGTA Recommends Tighter E-Filing Controls

Better controls are needed to ensure tax preparers filing electronically are complying with new preparer regulations, according to a report released Thursday by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

IRS Drafts New Asset Repair Guidelines

The IRS has issued new temporary taxpayer guidelines in the Federal Register to help clarify the difference between a a repair and a capital improvement.

NEWSWIRE

• AT&T ends its $39 billion bid to acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom amid anti-trust.
• Stocks slide after Bank of America's shares slip below $5. Dow closes down 100 points. Nasdaq and S&P each lose about 1.2%
• Shares of Sprint are up more than 7% following AT&T's move to drop its bid for T-Mobile
• Bank of America shares close below $5
• Euro zone IMF loan target in danger as UK declines help
• Euro zone IMF loan target in danger as UK declines help
• US homebuilders less gloomy despite few buyers
• Saudi prince invests $300 million in Twitter
• Congress moves toward standoff over payroll tax
• A device attempts to elevate the iPad's keyboard
• Oil prices up slightly in light trading

SPORTS

Aramis headed to Milwaukee, pending physical
The Brewers-Cubs rivalry may get a little more interesting. Aramis Ramirez, considered the top free-agent third baseman, reportedly agreed to a three-year deal Monday with one of the Cubs' rivals, the Brewers, pending a physical.


Interesting choices pepper non-tender deadline
The Hot Stove reached another high point Monday night, with clubs making some tough decisions on whether to tender contracts to players under team control.


Pirates pick up McGehee in swap with Brewers
The Pirates and Brewers swapped arbitration-eligible players on Monday, with power-hitting infielder Casey McGehee coming to Pittsburgh in exchange for right-hander Jose Veras.

Red Sox ‘still eyeing’ Ryan Madson?
Market for Nene slimming?
D-backs addition of Cahill makes Saunders expendable
Michael Cuddyer leaning toward rejoining Twins
Ankle sprain shouldn’t sideline Ben Roethlisberger
Rangers focused on trade for pitcher, not signing Fielder
Clippers waiting on Chauncey Billups
Rays acquire Badenhop in trade with Marlins

NEWSWIRE

Retail Sales Rise Less Than Expected
Retail sales rose less than expected in November as a drop in receipts for food and beverages weighed against stronger sales of motor vehicles, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday


Another Grim Year for 2012: Mark Dow
The same trends that have defined the global economy for much of the last two years will remain in place in 2012, says hedge fund manager Mark Dow of Pharo Management


The Real Victims of Jon Corzine & MF Global’s Bankruptcy
The embattled former Senator, Governor, head of Goldman Sachs, and CEO of MF Global will testify again today, this time in front of his pals and former peers in the U.S. Senate.


Howard Buffett: Why His Future Role Means Nothing for Investors
Buffett unofficially announced that his son, Howard, will eventually take the reins of the 8th largest company in America... sort of.


WaMu settles dispute, eyes bankruptcy exit
Apple in talks to buy Anobit for $400-$500M
Banks park more money with ECB
Unemployment benefits extension reviewed for 9th time
Agencies face budget curbs in $1 trillion bill
Jon Corzine testifies again, $1.2 billion still missing
House and Senate agree on sweeping defense bill
Army helicopters crash on Washington base, 4 dead
Obama: Headed for a landslide?

SPORTS

MLB

Four teams after Josh Willingham?

Rockies offering three years to Michael Cuddyer?

Yankees, Blue Jays and Rangers after Yu Darvish?

Rangers and Cubs discussing Matt Garza trade

Market for Carlos Beltan ‘very thin’?

Yankees trying to trade A.J. Burnett

Report: No trade request from Hanley Ramirez

NBA

Knicks pursuing Jamal Crawford and J.J. Barea

Chris Paul now aiming to join the Clippers?

Chauncey Billups joining Lakers or Heat?

Knicks offered Amar’e Stoudemire to Hornets?

Dwight Howard prefers playing for the Nets?

Cavaliers waiving Baron Davis?

NEWSWIRE

SF Becomes First U.S. City to Top $10 Minimum Wage
Come New Year's Day, San Francisco will make history by becoming the first city in the nation to scale a $10 minimum wage.


IPO Fever: Busiest Week in Four Years
As many as 11 companies are expected to go public, including online gaming king Zynga.


How Much Money Do You Need to Feel Rich?
A new survey asked Americans what income level they consider to be "rich." Here’s a breakdown of the responses.


Holiday Shopping Guide: Consumers Go Mobile and Go for Deals, Gilt’s Lyne Says
This week tends to be one of the busiest for online retailers as consumers place their orders before the cutoff for guaranteed holiday arrival.


A New Way to Access the Pre-IPO Market
Zynga, Jive Software and Michael Kors are set to go public in one of busiest IPO weeks in four years.


7 Ways to Tweak Your Retirement Plan for 2012
Even the best-built plan needs a check-up. Here's a list of tips, tweaks and reminders for the year ahead.

NEWSWIRE

IRS Sets Deductible Mileage Rates for 2012
The Internal Revenue Service released on Friday the optional standard mileage rates that business taxpayers can use in 2012 to figure the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes, and for the most part they have not changed a great deal.


Thomson Reuters Acquires Web Designer Emochila
The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters has acquired San Francisco-based Web design company Emochila for an undisclosed sum.


Olympus Tries to Clean up Its Accounting
Olympus has until December 14 to fix its financial statements in the wake of a high-profile accounting scandal if the camera maker wants to retain its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.


House Republicans Offer Payroll Tax Cut Bill
House Republicans introduced their version of a payroll tax cut extension bill on Friday, a day after competing Republican and Democratic versions of payroll tax cut legislation failed for the second time to advance in the Senate.


Group Disputes State Tax Avoidance Study
A pro-business lobbying group is disputing the claims in a recently released report that found some of the most profitable corporations avoiding billions of dollars in state taxes.


IRS to Use SAS Analytics to Combat Fraud
The Internal Revenue Service has signed a $6.25 million contract with the SAS Institute to use the company’s analytical software to help it identify tax evasion and fraud as part of the agency’s Return Review Program.


Corzine Faces Congress over MF Global Bankruptcy
Former U.S. Senator and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine faced questions from a skeptical congressional panel Thursday over his role in the collapse of MF Global and the disappearance of $1.2 billion from customer accounts.


New York State and Yonkers withholding tax changes
We're developing new tables that will be effective January 1, 2012. Sign up for Subscription Service to get the tables as soon as they're available.

NEWSWIRE

NNA Webinar To Focus On Proper Use And Recording Of Credible Witnesses In Notarial Acts

As part of the new “Commonly Asked Questions” webinar series, the NNA will be hosting a 30-minute webinar on Monday, December 12 focusing on the proper use and recording of credible witnesses during a notarization. The webinar is free of charge and open to all Notaries. 

Sources: Albert Pujols, Angels agree

DALLAS -- Albert Pujols has agreed to a 10-year deal for at least $250 million with the Los Angeles Angels, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Thursday.  The deal includes a full no-trade clause, which Pujols had been seeking and may have been a sticking point in his negotiations with the Miami Marlins.  Pujols had turned down an offer from the Cardinals, the only team he has ever played for, about a year ago, but St. Louis was still in the bidding as of Wednesday.

Angels To Sign C.J. Wilson
The Angels completed a deal with lefty C.J. Wilson, an executive who spoke to the team told Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Corporate Tax Avoidance Cost States $42 Billion

Sixty-eight of the most consistently profitable Fortune 500 companies paid no state corporate income tax in at least one of the last three years, and 20 of the companies averaged a tax rate of zero or less from 2008-2010.

IRS Skirted Stimulus Procurement Rules

The Internal Revenue Service did not always follow the strict purchasing regulations required under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 when it spent the funds it received from the economic stimulus law, according to a new government report.

Small Business Optimism Holds Steady

Optimism among small business owners stayed relatively the same in November as in October, according to payroll provider SurePayroll.

NEWSWIRE

Congress Considers Tax Reform of Financial Products

The Senate and the ’s tax-writing committees held a rare joint hearing on reforming the tax treatment of financial products such as derivatives.House

IRS Sets Rules for Tax Education and Accreditation Groups

The Internal Revenue Service outlined the standards Tuesday for becoming an IRS-approved continuing education provider and accrediting organization.

CPA Execs Predict Economy Will Improve Next Year

Senior-level CPA executives are planning to increase their spending next year, but lingering pessimism about the pace of the recovery means they remain reluctant to expand hiring.

IRS Needs to Do Better Audits of Small Corporations

The Internal Revenue Service has been doing a better job of auditing small corporations in recent years, according to a new government report, but potential quality concerns remain.

Christie Brinkley Plans to Pay off IRS Tax Lien

The Internal Revenue Service has filed a $531,720 tax lien against supermodel Christie Brinkley.

Reid Offers Compromise on Payroll Tax Cut

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., offered Monday to compromise on how to pay for the payroll tax cut extension in an effort to convince more Republican lawmakers to vote for the bill.

IRS to Ease Tax Penalties for Americans in Canada

The Internal Revenue Service has reportedly backed away from plans to heavily penalize U.S. citizens and dual citizens living in Canada who may have not paid all of their taxes.

New York State Tax Department Introduces Prepaid Card Option For Personal Income Tax Returns

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced a new option taxpayers can choose to receive their State income tax refunds. Beginning next year, a prepaid card will be available as an alternative to paper checks.

NEWSWIRE

Senate Fails to Pass Payroll Tax Cut Extension Bills

Senate Democrats and Republicans were unable to muster the necessary number of votes to pass two competing bills to extend the expiring payroll tax cut on Thursday night. 

 

Average Itemized Tax Return Fee Totaled $233 

The National Society of Accountants has found that the cost of preparing an itemized tax return average $233 across the country, but there was still variation in different parts of the country. 

 

NSA Advises Waiting until after April 15 to Take IRS Tax Prep Exams

The National Society of Accountants is recommending that tax preparers not rush to sign up for the Internal Revenue Service’s upcoming tax preparation compliance exams.

 

IRS Stuck with $153.3M in Undelivered Tax Refunds

The Internal Revenue Service said Wednesday that it has $153.3 million in undelivered tax refund checks waiting to be sent to 99,123 taxpayers across the country.

 

Tax Preparer Gets 6-Month Sentence

A New Jersey tax preparer was sentenced Wednesday to six months in prison for preparing false tax returns for numerous clients that resulted in an estimated tax loss to the federal government of between $30,000 and $80,000.

 

NYS Sales tax returns are due December 20

You must use Sales Tax Web File for your quarterly and monthly returns. See our video and demo to learn more. 

NYS Offer in compromise reform

Individuals seeking a fresh start from overwhelming tax debts may now be eligible for relief under our Offer in Compromise Program if they are facing an undue economic hardship. 

NYS Property tax and assessment administration information

Our site now includes property tax and assessment administration information for individuals, businesses, and government and researchers. We've merged our Web site with the Office of Real Property Tax Services site.

Do you owe back taxes? Our Voluntary Disclosure program allows eligible taxpayers to avoid penalties and possible criminal charges if they satisfy their tax obligations.

Press releases

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Announces Extended Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Due to Snowstorm

Press releases

Transition Period for Streamlining N-Form Processing Ends Dec. 2, 2011

USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2012 H-1B Cap

USCIS Reminds Haitians to Follow Late Filing Instructions for TPS

Temporary Protected Status Extended for Hondurans

Temporary Protected Status Extended for Nicaraguans

18-Month Extension of Honduras and Nicaragua for Temporary Protected Status

USCIS Redesigns Employment Authorization Document and Certificate of Citizenship to Enhance Security and Combat Fraud
State-of-the-art technology will deter counterfeiting, obstruct tampering, and facilitate quick and accurate authentication

USCIS Improves Processing for Naturalization and Citizenship Forms
Enhancements to Streamline Processing Begin Oct. 30, 2011

DHS Announces 18-Month Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Sudan and Designation for South Sudan
Current TPS Beneficiaries Also Granted Automatic Extension of Work Authorization 

Transcript: Press Conference: USCIS Announces "Entrepreneurs in Residence" Initiative, Oct. 11, 2011 

USCIS Announces FY 2011 Grant Recipients During Constitution Week
Funding to Support Citizenship Preparation Programs in 27 States and the District of Columbia

USCIS Announces FY 2011 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Recipients $9 Million Awarded to Expand Citizenship Preparation Programs for Permanent Residents
Fact Sheet
$9 Million Awarded to Expand Citizenship Preparation Programs for Permanent Residents  

Relief Provided to Thousands of Victims of Crimes
USCIS Achieves Significant Milestone - Approves 10,000 U-Visa Petitions for Second Straight Year

USCIS to Welcome More Than 27,000 New Citizens During Annual Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Celebration