How Tax Professionals Can Navigate the IRS During Peak Season
For preparers, knowing the right IRS resources and when to use them can help you save time and keep returns moving through the pipeline.
Below is a guide to the most useful IRS contact options and strategies tax professionals rely on during the busiest part of the filing season.
Start with the Practitioner Priority Service (PPS)
The Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) is typically the fastest way for tax professionals to resolve account-related issues with the IRS.
Practitioner Priority Service Phone Number: 866-8...
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The Top 3 Cyber Risks Facing Tax Firms This Season
The Top 3 Cyber Risks Facing Tax Firms This Season — and What to Do First
Tax season brings tight deadlines, long hours, and constant communication with clients. It also brings something else: increased cyberattacks.
Criminals know tax offices are moving quickly and handling sensitive financial data. That combination makes firms especially attractive targets. The reality is that most successful attacks don’t start with sophisticated hacking — they start with a stolen login, a rushed click, or an unverified request.
The encouraging news? You don’t need to be an IT specialist to dramatica...
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Ohio IT 1040 – Processing Update
We were recently notified of an issue impacting Ohio individual returns. Due to a processing issue, all Ohio IT 1040 returns are currently being rejected in error.
The Ohio Department of Taxation has temporarily suspended processing of Ohio IT 1040, IT 10, and SD 100 returns while the issue is being resolved.
Impacted returns will be retransmitted once the issue has been resolved.
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Estate Planning After the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: What TaxAct Professionals Need to Know
When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)* — famously dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now called the Working Families Tax Cut Act — was signed into law, it reshaped the estate and gift tax landscape almost overnight. The ripple effects are still very much in play, especially as sunset provisions approach and clients reassess long‑term plans.
This post breaks down what changed, what’s still in effect, and how tax professionals can guide clients through smarter estate planning decisions in today’s environment.
A Quick Refresher: What the TCJA Changed for Estate Planning
The mos...
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IRS Research & What Tax Pros Should Watch in 2026
IRS Research & What Tax Pros Should Watch in 2026
As the 2026 tax season begins, professional tax preparers face a shifting compliance landscape shaped by new IRS research, audit priorities, and taxpayer behavior. Understanding these changes is key to helping clients avoid costly mistakes — and keeping your practice efficient and audit-ready.
1. IRS Audit Shifts: More Focus on High-Income and Complex Returns
Recent enforcement updates from the IRS point to a continued pivot toward auditing higher-income individuals, passthrough entities, and complex business returns. This stem...
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Form 8879 Printing Issue
We are aware of an issue where a not approved message may be encountered when attempting to print form 8879 from the print center, while doing a custom print, or directly from the form. We are working to correct the issue.
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Colorado e-File – Acks and Processing
The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) expects to begin issuing electronic filing acknowledgments (acks) for returns on or after the dates listed below:
Individual and Corporate returns: January 26, 2026.
S Corporation and Partnership returns: January 30, 2026.
Fiduciary returns: February 4, 2026.
While you will receive acknowledgments from the state, they will not begin processing e-filed returns until later. As a result:
Acks for some returns may still be delayed or continue to show as pending during this initial period.
Refunds will be delayed.
Direct debit paymen...
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SALT Deduction Changes for 2025: What Tax Professionals Need to Know
Recent legislation temporarily expands the SALT deduction cap, creating new planning opportunities — particularly for higher-income taxpayers and clients in high-tax states.What’s Changing in 2025For tax years 2025 through 2029, Congress increased the SALT deduction cap under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (also known as the Working Family Tax Cut Act).Key changes include:· The SALT cap increases to $40,000 for married filing jointly and $20,000 for married filing separately· The expanded cap is phased down for taxpayers with MAGI above $500,000 ($250,000 for MFS)· Both the c...
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Tax Season Readiness Guide – TY25 – With One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates
Our new Tax Year 2025 Season Readiness Guide is here. The guide includes important calendar dates, direct resources that are available, and also updated guidance for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
What’s the purpose of the Tax Season Readiness Guide?
To help alleviate some of the stress that comes with prepping for the upcoming tax season, we have created an updated season readiness guide every tax season. The information is important for you and your tax firm in order to help prep and stay ahead of the coming tax season. Plus, it’s a great resource for you to utilize in the depths of tax s...
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Cybersecurity Best Practices for 2025
Cybersecurity Best Practices for 2025
As a tax professional, you’re legally required to safeguard taxpayer data — and the stakes are higher than ever. Join us for this exclusive webinar, Jared Ballew (VP of Government Relations, TaxAct) will walk you through: -
Your obligations under the FTC Safeguards Rule
How to create and maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP)
Practical safeguards every tax pro must implement
What to do if a data breach occurs
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Form 4797, Tax Planning, Sales Allocation, and More
Form 4797, Tax Planning, Sales Allocation, and More
Simply put, IRS Form 4797 is the form used specifically for reporting the gains or losses resulting from the sale or exchange of business and income producing property used in a trade or business. However, this Form 4797 often generates a countless amount of uncertainty and anxiety. This course will assist tax pros in determining whether a transaction is a capital gain or ordinary income and what tax consequences are associated with each. Furthermore, it will clarify what parts of Form 4797 need to be completed and their holding periods. All...
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Rental Real Estate: Gig Economy & Advanced Tax Issues
Rental Real Estate: Gig Economy & Advanced Tax Issues
Reporting rental real estate for tax; short- term rentals, allocating expenses among co-owners, applying active participation rules, mixed- use properties, vacation rentals, commercial rentals, interest deduction criteria including interest tracing rules, real estate professional qualifications, home office, travel expenses and more. Review rental loss limitations; Basis, At Risk, Passive Activity, and the Business Interest Limitation. We'll also discuss material participation, grouping elections, depreciation and repair regs, QBI 162(...
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Divorce and the Various Tax Implications
Divorce and the Various Tax Implications
What happens when your clients divorce? Divorce is an emotional occurrence for all involved. What is the significance of the tax professional assisting clients through this difficult time? This course will explain the importance of working with and advising our clients on tax related divorce issues. We will discuss filing status, name change, joint & separate responsibility & liability. We will explore dependents and associated tax credits. Analyze retirement plans, alimony, child support, property settlements, allocating estimated payments, NO...
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Working Families Tax Cut Act: Insights and Support for Tax Pros
Working Families Tax Cut Act: Insights and Support for Tax Pros
This session breaks down the Working Families Tax Cut Act and its impact on today’s tax professionals and their clients. With guidance and regulations constantly evolving, staying up to date is essential. We’ll highlight key provisions, how they may affect your workflow, and the tools available to help you stay compliant. Get practical tips to navigate changes and better support your clients.
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Disaster Relief and Casualty Losses: What Tax Professionals Need to Know
Disaster Relief and Casualty Losses: What Tax Professionals Need to Know
Disasters can leave taxpayers financially and emotionally devastated—but they also trigger important tax relief options. Join us for a comprehensive webinar exploring how to guide clients through disaster-related tax issues, including casualty loss deductions, administrative relief, and safe harbor methods. We’ll cover how to use Form 4684, review recent changes under the OBBBA, and demonstrate relevant TaxAct tools. Real-world examples and IRS/FEMA guidance will help you confidently support clients affected by federally...
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