by Tax News | Jul 11, 2025 | Tax Tips and News
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to safeguard your federal tax return from identity theft and fraud. It ensures that only you, or someone you authorize, can file a tax return using your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Why is an IP PIN Important?
Tax-related identity theft is on the rise, and fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to file false returns to claim refunds. An IP PIN acts as a lock on your tax account, blocking unauthorized returns. Without the correct IP PIN, the IRS will reject any e-filed return or delay the processing of paper returns with your SSN.
Who Should Get an IP PIN?
- Victims of tax-related identity theft
- Anyone who wants to proactively protect their tax return
- Taxpayers who want extra peace of mind during tax season
How to Get an IP PIN
You can obtain an IP PIN through the IRS’s Get an IP PIN tool. The process requires identity verification, including access to your tax and financial records. Once enrolled, you will receive a new IP PIN each calendar year.
Important Things to Remember
- Never share your IP PIN with anyone other than your trusted tax preparer.
- Keep your IP PIN in a secure place – it is valid for one year only.
- The IRS will never ask for your IP PIN via phone, email, or text.
- An IP PIN is not mandatory for most taxpayers but is available for added protection.
Adding an IP PIN to your tax filing routine is a simple step that provides strong protection against fraud. If you have not already, consider applying for one today!
– Article provided by Tax News.
by Tax News | Jul 10, 2025 | Tax Tips and News
Summer wedding bells may have just finished ringing, but tax season will be here before you know it. As newlyweds, it’s important to make a few key updates now to ensure a hassle-free tax filing experience next year. Here’s a quick IRS-backed checklist to help you start married life on a financially smart note.
1. Update Your Name with the SSA
If either of you changed your name, be sure to report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your name and Social Security number must match on your tax return to avoid processing delays.
2. Update Your Address
Moved in together? Let the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service know your new address. Use IRS Form 8822 to notify the IRS directly.
3. Notify Employers
Make sure your employers update your name and address on W-2s. This ensures accurate reporting of your income.
4. Check Your Withholding
Your combined income may bump you into a higher tax bracket. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to make adjustments via Form W-4. Doing this now can prevent an unexpected tax bill later.
5. Decide How to File
Most couples benefit from filing jointly, but it’s worth considering both options. Filing separately might make sense if one spouse has significant medical expenses or miscellaneous deductions.
6. Consider the Bigger Picture
Buying a home? Starting a business? Adding dependents? All of these life changes come with tax implications. It’s a good time to speak with a tax professional to make a plan tailored for your new life together.
7. Protect Your Identity
Consider signing up for an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This extra step helps prevent tax-related identity theft.
Getting married is a huge milestone. Make sure your taxes reflect your new status to avoid surprises and potentially save money down the road. Congrats, and may your future be as financially smooth as your honeymoon was sweet!
The post Just Married? Here’s Your Tax Checklist for a Smooth Start appeared first on taxPRO Websites.
– Article provided by Tax News.
by Taxing Subjects | Jul 1, 2025 | Tax Tips and News
6 Practical Tips for Managing Difficult Tax Clients
Tax season can bring out the best—and worst—in your clientele. Stress, deadlines, and complex financial issues may cause some tax customers to act impatient, defensive, or outright combative. As a professional tax preparer, knowing how to handle difficult clients is essential for maintaining professionalism, protecting your time, and delivering accurate returns.
Here are six actionable tips for client management for tax preparers when dealing with difficult tax clients.
Set Clear Expectations Early
Before you prepare a single form, make sure your clients understand the scope of your services, timelines, required documents, and associated costs. Provide an onboarding packet or checklist that outlines what they need to bring. This reduces confusion and gives you a reference point if disputes arise.
Pro tip: Share Drake Software’s Client Tax Document Checklist to get clients organized early.
Use Calm, Assertive Communication
Difficult conversations are best handled with a calm tone and steady posture. When tensions rise, try not to match the client’s energy. Instead, use clear, direct language and reframe issues around solutions rather than blame.
Pro tip: Acknowledge the client’s position and present action items. For example, “I understand this is frustrating. Let’s look at what we can do next to resolve it.”
Don’t Skip Documentation
In any case where there’s a dispute or pattern of hostility, make sure you’re documenting conversations and decisions. Keep copies of email threads, engagement letters, and notes from phone calls. If needed, this can help protect you from liability or justify your decisions to the IRS.
Create Boundaries Around Availability
Managing clients during tax season requires time-blocking and structure. Let your clients know your office hours and how to reach you for urgent versus non-urgent needs. Establish boundaries for same-day turnaround and weekend availability — you can even include these details in your voicemail or email signature during peak season.
Empathize, But Stay Professional
Sometimes, tax clients are difficult because they’re anxious about refunds, audits, or unfiled returns. Acknowledge their emotions without taking on their stress. Keep the conversation focused on facts, not feelings.
Pro tip: For example, you could say, “It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. We’ll work through this step by step.”
Know When to Say Goodbye
If a client is consistently disrespectful, refuses to follow your advice, or becomes a liability, it may be time to disengage. You have the right to protect your practice and your peace of mind.
Use a disengagement letter to formally end the relationship, outline what work (if any) will be completed, and document how sensitive information will be disposed of on your end.
Ready to Reduce Stress with Your Clients?
Improve your workflow by downloading our Client Checklist to help your tax customers be prepared and reduce friction during intake.
– Article provided by Taxing Subjects.
Lloyd Bogner