January 2025
Nabeeha Imran
Areas of Expertise Coming Soon! Education Coming Soon! Languages Spoken English Tax Specialist Coming Soon!
Teresa Espinosa
Areas of Expertise Coming Soon! Education Coming Soon! Languages Spoken English Tax Specialist Coming Soon!
Stacy Joseph
Areas of Expertise Coming Soon! Education Coming Soon! Languages Spoken English Tax Specialist Coming Soon!
Vy B. Trinh
Areas of Expertise Coming Soon! Education Coming Soon! Languages Spoken English Tax Specialist Coming Soon!
Amber Moore
Areas of Expertise Coming Soon! Education Coming Soon! Languages Spoken English Tax Senior Coming Soon!
Pamela Clements
Areas of Expertise Coming Soon! Education Coming Soon! Languages Spoken English Senior Tax Manager Coming Soon!
December 2024
Kristie Valenzuela
Areas of Expertise Client Relations Database Management Education Associates Degree, Accounting Languages Spoken English Client Communications Manager Kristie is a Client Communications Manager (CCM) at The Wolf Group, with more than 25 years of experience in financial services firms. As the CCM for new clients at the firm, Kristie is often the first point of contact for clients, taking new client calls and coordinating discovery meetings or consultations. She assembles and sends customized tax packages to new and prospective tax clients and creates and maintains their office records. Since joining The Wolf Group in 2017, Kristie has assisted numerous new clients with the onboarding process, helping them understand the information needed to start on their tax services, and identifying which specialized team within the firm best fits their needs. She has also supported a range of operational functions within the firm. Prior to joining The Wolf Group, Kristie worked in financial services as a commercial loan analyst and commercial loan processor. Outside of work, Kristie enjoys spending time with her family and going to the movies.
Jacque Stadler
Areas of Expertise Client service Tax operations Administrative support Certifications/Credentials Notary Public - TX Education AA, Paralegal Studies Languages Spoken English Client Communication Manager Jacque is a Client Communications Manager (CCM) at The Wolf Group, with more than 30 years of experience in client service and administrative support at public accounting firms. At The Wolf Group, Jacque is responsible for overseeing the client experience for both US and foreign national clients. She works closely with tax technical professionals and reaches out to clients to ensure the smooth flow of information and high-quality services. As the CCM for the firm’s Teams Waya, Susi, and Lykos, Jacque supports business owners, trustees and fiduciaries, US citizens abroad, foreign nationals residing in the US, and high-net-worth individuals with foreign assets. Previously at The Wolf Group, Jacque processed and delivered all types of annual tax returns and tax forms, including those for individual taxpayers, partnerships, corporations, S corporations, fiduciaries, estates, and trusts. Prior to joining The Wolf Group, Jacque worked in public accounting firms in several states, where she handled client service and operational matters, processed tax returns, and prepared various tax forms. Outside of work, Jacque enjoys gardening, traveling, riding dirt bikes, camping, and spending time with family.
Lina Sidorenko
Areas of Expertise Client Services Interpersonal Communication Certifications/Credentials Accounting Assistant Certification Education BS, Purdue University Languages Spoken English Russian Client Communications Manager Lina is a Client Communications Manager (CCM) at The Wolf Group, responsible for overseeing the client experience for both US and foreign national clients. She works closely with tax technical professionals and reaches out to clients to ensure the smooth flow of information and high-quality services. As the CCM for the firm’s Teams Lobo and Okami, Lina supports clients who are international organization employees, G-4 visa holders, non-resident filers, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals whose tax planning and tax returns involve significant international complexities (Forms 5471, 5472, 8865, 8621, 3520/3520-A, etc.). She keeps clients abreast of new developments, facilitates communications, and helps those who are new to the US tax system to understand the filing process and what to expect. Prior to joining The Wolf Group, Lina moved to the US from Ukraine and worked for US employers in teaching, customer service, and accounting roles. Outside of work, Lina enjoys reading, practicing taekwondo, drinking coffee, and exploring new countries with her family.
2024 Entity Tax Return Engagement Letter (CR)
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state income tax returns, with all required accompanying forms, statements, and schedules. We will do so with the information you furnish to us as described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. What Is the Scope of This Engagement? This engagement is limited to the professional services outlined above. We will not prepare any tax returns other than those identified above, without your written request, and our written consent to do so. We will prepare the above-referenced tax returns solely to assist you with your tax filing obligations with the IRS and applicable state and local tax authorities. Our services are not intended to benefit or influence any third party, including any entity or investment which may seek to evaluate your creditworthiness or financial strength. Note on Bookkeeping Assistance In some cases, we may determine that you require accounting and bookkeeping assistance solely for the purpose of preparing the tax returns. These services are typically outside the scope of tax return preparation. As such, in most cases, we will provide you with referrals to bookkeepers. In limited cases, we may provide you with such assistance directly. In those cases, these services are intended to be nominal, are not a separate accounting or bookkeeping service, will fall under the scope of this engagement letter, and will be performed solely in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. In the event we conclude that such services are necessary to prepare your tax returns, we will bill you for the required services. You agree to pay for those required services. What Services Are Not Covered under This Engagement? (Most Are Offered as a Separate Engagement.) The following services are examples of services that are outside the scope of this engagement. However, we regularly assist clients with many of these matters. Should [...]
2024 Entity Tax Return Engagement Letter
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state income tax returns, with all required accompanying forms, statements, and schedules. We will do so with the information you furnish to us as described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. What Is the Scope of This Engagement? This engagement is limited to the professional services outlined above. We will not prepare any tax returns other than those identified above, without your written request, and our written consent to do so. We will prepare the above-referenced tax returns solely to assist you with your tax filing obligations with the IRS and applicable state and local tax authorities. Our services are not intended to benefit or influence any third party, including any entity or investment which may seek to evaluate your creditworthiness or financial strength. Note on Bookkeeping Assistance In some cases, we may determine that you require accounting and bookkeeping assistance solely for the purpose of preparing the tax returns. These services are typically outside the scope of tax return preparation. As such, in most cases, we will provide you with referrals to bookkeepers. In limited cases, we may provide you with such assistance directly. In those cases, these services are intended to be nominal, are not a separate accounting or bookkeeping service, will fall under the scope of this engagement letter, and will be performed solely in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. In the event we conclude that such services are necessary to prepare your tax returns, we will bill you for the required services. You agree to pay for those required services. What Services Are Not Covered under This Engagement? (Most Are Offered as a Separate Engagement.) The following services are examples of services that are outside the scope of this engagement. However, we regularly assist clients with many of these matters. Should [...]
2024 Individual Tax Return Engagement Letter – WGCA
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. We seek to make our tax return process as straightforward and convenient as possible for you. Our goal is to minimize any hassle on your end while also making things as efficient as possible on our end. This allows us to deliver your returns expediently, while also bringing to bear a high level of technical expertise and personal service. It also helps us keep our costs down for all clients. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state individual income tax returns. We will do so with the information you furnish to us in the process described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. Preparation of Certain Dependent Tax Returns In some cases, a dependent or minor child under your care and supervision may be required to file a U.S. income tax return, state income tax return, and/or International Informational Report (e.g., FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR)). Generally, if you request that we prepare such forms on your dependent’s behalf, we will consider that service to be covered under the current engagement as a “dependent tax filing,” and we will bill the preparation to you based on our most recent tax preparation fee schedule. However, in some circumstances, we may require that the preparation be handled under a separate engagement, with an additional Engagement Letter to be completed by you, the parent or guardian. In that case, we will notify you of the requirement for a separate engagement. Preparation of Forms 3520 and 3520-A (Foreign Gifts, Foreign Inheritance, Certain Foreign Trusts & Foreign Pensions) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file Form 3520 and/or Form 3520-A, the preparation of those forms will be covered under this engagement. We will prepare those forms in conjunction with your individual tax returns, under the same terms. What Is [...]
2024 Individual Tax Return Engagement Letter
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. We seek to make our tax return process as straightforward and convenient as possible for you. Our goal is to minimize any hassle on your end while also making things as efficient as possible on our end. This allows us to deliver your returns expediently, while also bringing to bear a high level of technical expertise and personal service. It also helps us keep our costs down for all clients. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state individual income tax returns. We will do so with the information you furnish to us in the process described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. Preparation of Certain Dependent Tax Returns In some cases, a dependent or minor child under your care and supervision may be required to file a U.S. income tax return, state income tax return, and/or International Informational Report (e.g., FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR)). Generally, if you request that we prepare such forms on your dependent’s behalf, we will consider that service to be covered under the current engagement as a “dependent tax filing,” and we will bill the preparation to you based on our most recent tax preparation fee schedule. However, in some circumstances, we may require that the preparation be handled under a separate engagement, with an additional Engagement Letter to be completed by you, the parent or guardian. In that case, we will notify you of the requirement for a separate engagement. Preparation of Forms 3520 and 3520-A (Foreign Gifts, Foreign Inheritance, Certain Foreign Trusts & Foreign Pensions) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file Form 3520 and/or Form 3520-A, the preparation of those forms will be covered under this engagement. We will prepare those forms in conjunction with your individual tax returns, under the same terms. What Is [...]
2024 Individual Tax Return Engagement Letter (CR)
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. We seek to make our tax return process as straightforward and convenient as possible for you. Our goal is to minimize any hassle on your end while also making things as efficient as possible on our end. This allows us to deliver your returns expediently, while also bringing to bear a high level of technical expertise and personal service. It also helps us keep our costs down for all clients. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state individual income tax returns. We will do so with the information you furnish to us in the process described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. Preparation of Certain Dependent Tax Returns In some cases, a dependent or minor child under your care and supervision may be required to file a U.S. income tax return, state income tax return, and/or International Informational Report (e.g., FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR)). Generally, if you request that we prepare such forms on your dependent’s behalf, we will consider that service to be covered under the current engagement as a “dependent tax filing,” and we will bill the preparation to you based on our most recent tax preparation fee schedule. However, in some circumstances, we may require that the preparation be handled under a separate engagement, with an additional Engagement Letter to be completed by you, the parent or guardian. In that case, we will notify you of the requirement for a separate engagement. Preparation of Forms 3520 and 3520-A (Foreign Gifts, Foreign Inheritance, Certain Foreign Trusts & Foreign Pensions) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file Form 3520 and/or Form 3520-A, the preparation of those forms will be covered under this engagement. We will prepare those forms in conjunction with your individual tax returns, under the same terms. What Is [...]
2024 Gift Tax Return Engagement Letter
Dear Client: The Wolf Group, P.C. is pleased to provide you with the professional services described below. This letter confirms our understanding of the terms and objectives of our engagement and the nature and limitations of the services we will provide. The engagement between you and our firm will be governed by the terms of this agreement. What Is the Scope of This Engagement? We will prepare the following federal gift tax return for the year ended December 31, 2024: Form 709: United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return Federal and state law governs your obligation to file a gift tax return and pay gift tax. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers a gift to be any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, where full consideration (measured in money or money’s worth) is not received in return. Under federal tax law, certain gifts are taxable and subject to an annual exclusion amount, which, for 2024, is $18,000 per taxpayer. In addition, a lifetime gift exclusion amount applies, which for 2024, is $13,610,000. State law governing gift taxes may vary. A gift tax return is an individual filing; there is no joint gift tax return. Under certain circumstances spouses may elect to “split” gifts. If you are eligible for, and elect gift-splitting, we will also prepare your spouse’s gift tax return. We will not prepare any tax returns except those identified above, without your written request, and our written consent to do so. We will prepare your gift tax return based upon information and representations that you provide to us. We will not prepare financial statements or valuations of any kind. We will not audit or otherwise verify the data you submit to us, although we may ask you to clarify certain information. We will prepare the above-referenced gift tax return solely to assist you with your filing obligations with the IRS and state and local tax authorities as identified above. Our services are not intended to benefit or influence any third party, either to obtain credit or for any other purpose. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any and all claims arising from the use of the tax returns for any purpose other than complying with your tax filing obligations regardless of the nature of the claim, excepting claims arising from our gross negligence or intentional wrongful acts. The scope of our engagement is limited to the preparation of the gift tax returns listed above. It includes tax advice provided to you, as donor, regarding elections that can be made on gift tax returns. What Services Are Not Covered under This Engagement? (Some Are Offered as a Separate Engagement.) Tax planning services Our engagement does not include income, gift/transfer, or estate tax planning services. During the course of preparing the gift tax return identified above, we may bring to your attention potential tax savings strategies for you to consider as a possible means of reducing your taxes in subsequent tax years. However, we have [...]
2024 Gift Tax Return Engagement Letter (GF)
Dear Client: The Wolf Group, P.C. is pleased to provide you with the professional services described below. This letter confirms our understanding of the terms and objectives of our engagement and the nature and limitations of the services we will provide. The engagement between you and our firm will be governed by the terms of this agreement. What Is the Scope of This Engagement? We will prepare the following federal gift tax return for the year ended December 31, 2024: Form 709: United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return Federal and state law governs your obligation to file a gift tax return and pay gift tax. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers a gift to be any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, where full consideration (measured in money or money’s worth) is not received in return. Under federal tax law, certain gifts are taxable and subject to an annual exclusion amount, which, for 2024, is $18,000 per taxpayer. In addition, a lifetime gift exclusion amount applies, which for 2024, is $13,610,000. State law governing gift taxes may vary. A gift tax return is an individual filing; there is no joint gift tax return. Under certain circumstances spouses may elect to “split” gifts. If you are eligible for, and elect gift-splitting, we will also prepare your spouse’s gift tax return. We will not prepare any tax returns except those identified above, without your written request, and our written consent to do so. We will prepare your gift tax return based upon information and representations that you provide to us. We will not prepare financial statements or valuations of any kind. We will not audit or otherwise verify the data you submit to us, although we may ask you to clarify certain information. We will prepare the above-referenced gift tax return solely to assist you with your filing obligations with the IRS and state and local tax authorities as identified above. Our services are not intended to benefit or influence any third party, either to obtain credit or for any other purpose. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any and all claims arising from the use of the tax returns for any purpose other than complying with your tax filing obligations regardless of the nature of the claim, excepting claims arising from our gross negligence or intentional wrongful acts. The scope of our engagement is limited to the preparation of the gift tax returns listed above. It includes tax advice provided to you, as donor, regarding elections that can be made on gift tax returns. What Services Are Not Covered under This Engagement? (Some Are Offered as a Separate Engagement.) Tax planning services Our engagement does not include income, gift/transfer, or estate tax planning services. During the course of preparing the gift tax return identified above, we may bring to your attention potential tax savings strategies for you to consider as a possible means of reducing your taxes in subsequent tax years. However, we have [...]
2024 Fiduciary Tax Return Engagement Letter (GF)
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. We seek to make our tax return process as straightforward and convenient as possible for you. Our goal is to minimize any hassle on your end while also making things as efficient as possible on our end. This allows us to deliver your returns expediently, while also bringing to bear a high level of technical expertise and personal service. It also helps us keep our costs down for all clients. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state fiduciary income tax returns. We will do so with the information you furnish to us in the process described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. Preparation of Forms 3520 and 3520-A (Foreign Gifts, Foreign Inheritance, Certain Foreign Trusts) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file Form 3520 and/or Form 3520-A, the preparation of those forms will be covered under this engagement. We will prepare those forms in conjunction with your fiduciary tax returns, under the same terms. What Is the Scope of This Engagement? This engagement is limited to the professional services outlined above. We will not prepare any tax returns other than those identified above, without your written request, and our written consent to do so. Also, we will not prepare financial statements or perform valuations of any kind. We will prepare the above-referenced tax returns solely to assist you with your tax filing obligations with the IRS and applicable state and local tax authorities. Our services are not intended to benefit or influence any third party, including any entity or investment which may seek to evaluate your creditworthiness or financial strength. Note on Bookkeeping Assistance In some cases, we may determine that you require accounting and bookkeeping assistance solely for the purpose of preparing the tax returns. These services are typically outside the [...]
2024 Fiduciary Tax Return Engagement Letter
Dear Client: We look forward to providing you with tax return preparation services this year! The purpose of this letter is to specify the terms of our engagement and clarify the nature and extent of the services we will provide. This way, you know what to expect from us, and we can strive to deliver high-quality, seamless services. We seek to make our tax return process as straightforward and convenient as possible for you. Our goal is to minimize any hassle on your end while also making things as efficient as possible on our end. This allows us to deliver your returns expediently, while also bringing to bear a high level of technical expertise and personal service. It also helps us keep our costs down for all clients. What Services Are Covered under This Engagement? Preparation of U.S. Federal and State Returns With this letter, you are engaging us to prepare your 2024 U.S. and state fiduciary income tax returns. We will do so with the information you furnish to us in the process described below. If you have taxable income or loss in a state or locality other than your resident state, we will generally prepare your nonresident state or locality returns, as well, unless you indicate in advance that you prefer we not prepare these nonresident filings. Preparation of Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file FinCEN Form 114 (otherwise known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or “FBAR”), the preparation of your 2024 FBAR(s) will be covered under this engagement. If you prefer that we not prepare your FBAR(s), you may opt out by checking the appropriate box in your annual tax questionnaire or notifying us in writing. Preparation of Forms 3520 and 3520-A (Foreign Gifts, Foreign Inheritance, Certain Foreign Trusts) If based on the information you have provided to us, we believe that you have a requirement to file Form 3520 and/or Form 3520-A, the preparation of those forms will be covered under this engagement. We will prepare those forms in conjunction with your fiduciary tax returns, under the same terms. What Is the Scope of This Engagement? This engagement is limited to the professional services outlined above. We will not prepare any tax returns other than those identified above, without your written request, and our written consent to do so. Also, we will not prepare financial statements or perform valuations of any kind. We will prepare the above-referenced tax returns solely to assist you with your tax filing obligations with the IRS and applicable state and local tax authorities. Our services are not intended to benefit or influence any third party, including any entity or investment which may seek to evaluate your creditworthiness or financial strength. Note on Bookkeeping Assistance In some cases, we may determine that you require accounting and bookkeeping assistance solely for the purpose of preparing the tax returns. These services are typically outside the [...]
November 2024
October 2024
IRS Gives Additional Time To File (and Sometimes To Pay) to Taxpayers Affected by 2024 Disasters
The IRS granted relief to taxpayers affected by the numerous hurricanes, fires, and other disasters in the US and Israel during 2024, offering additional time to file some 2023 and 2024 tax returns (and other reports) and, for some types of tax payments, to pay the estimated or actual taxes due. Which disasters are covered by IRS relief provisions? The IRS issued wave after wave of relief measures in 2024, in response to numerous federally declared disasters, including the recent tropical storms and hurricanes that made landfall in Texas and Florida (and continued their path through the United States), such as Hurricane Milton (October 2024), Hurricane Helene (September 2024), Tropical Storm Francine (September 2024), Hurricane Debby (August 2024), and Hurricane Beryl (July 2024). Other types of disasters were also addressed including the West Coast floods and fires, Alaskan disasters, and terrorist attacks centered in Isreal, Gaza, and the West Bank. What types of relief were offered? In most cases, the relief consisted of: Additional time to file any 2023 tax returns that were due during specific time periods (or had valid extensions, with the extended due date during that time period) Additional time to file 2024 tax returns and certain other 2024 filings Additional time to pay some 2024 estimated tax payments, quarterly payments, or other tax payments The relief did not apply to: 2023 tax payments that were due prior to the disaster period (even if an extension had been granted to file the tax return) In addition, other relief has been provided (as explained below) for reports other than tax returns, including: Additional time to file 2023 FinCEN Form 114, Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBARs) Additional time to complete some FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting Who generally qualifies for relief? How do you prevent penalties for utilizing the postponement periods? Those qualifying for relief include individuals and businesses, including: Taxpayers whose address of record is in a federally declared disaster area – in these cases, you qualify for automatic relief without needing to call any agency. Taxpayers who are located in a disaster area but their address of record is not – in these cases, you should call the number on the notice to have penalty abated. Taxpayers who are located outside disaster area but whose records located within disaster area – you should contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. Relief workers not residing in a disaster area – you may qualify for postponement if you are affiliated with recognized government or philanthropic organizations. Disaster area tax preparers with clients located outside the disaster area may also choose to use bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief. Summary of new deadlines for IRS filings and payments For 2023 individual and business tax returns, the IRS extended the filing deadline (but not the deadline to pay 2023 taxes still outstanding) until: November 1, 2024, for parts of Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia February 3, 2025, for all of Louisiana, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and [...]
IRS Releases the 2025 Inflation Adjustments
Every year, the IRS makes inflation adjustments to various items, such as the standard deduction, estate tax unified credit, tax brackets, etc. On October 22, 2024, the IRS released Rev. Proc. 2024-40 with the 2025 inflation adjustments. Here are some key inflation adjustments for calendar year 2025: The top individual income tax bracket (37%) for married filing joint taxpayers starts at taxable income over $751,600. The standard deduction for married filing joint taxpayers is $30,000. The standard deduction for individual taxpayers is $15,000. The Exit Tax five-year income tax liability test average is $206,000. The Exit Tax mark to market tax lifetime exclusion is $890,000. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) is $130,000. The Unified Credit against the Estate Tax is $13,990,000. The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion is $19,000. The amount of serious tax delinquent tax debt that triggers the revocation or denial of a United States Passport is $64,000.