CSEA News & Events
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Volume 8, Issue 6 - December 2015
Thanks to our sponsors:

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May 17-19: Las Vegas
June 1-3: Reno



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Hot Topics
EA Renewal Application Period Underway
The 2016 Enrollment Renewal Application Period is open from November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016. Enrolled Agents are required to renew their EA status during this time if their Social Security number ends in 0, 1, 2, or 3. Without renewal, your current enrollment will expire on March 31, 2016.
  • Renew your license using Form 8554, Application for Renewal of Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS, at www.pay.gov by January 31, 2016.
  • Go to www.pay.gov and enter "8554" in the Search Public Forms box on the left-hand side.
  • Complete the online form and pay the $30 renewal fee.
  • Renewals may take up to 90 days to process.
All Enrolled Agents must also have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and must enter it on Form 8554. For questions about your Enrolled Agent renewal, please email EPP@irs.gov or call 855-472-5540, Monday - Friday, 4:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT. 
 
PTIN Renewals
All current PTINs will expire December 31, 2015. Anyone who prepares, or assists in preparing, substantially all of a federal tax return or claim for refund for compensation must have a valid PTIN from the IRS. The annual fee for 2016 PTINs is $50 for both new applications and renewals. Click here to visit the IRS Tax Professional PTIN System web page. 
 
The Return Preparer Office now offers online chat for PTIN questions (those not pertaining specifically to your PTIN account). If you have an account-specific question, please call the PTIN Information Line at 877-613-7846, Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

CTEC Registration
The California Tax Education Council (CTEC) annual registration renewal window is from August 1 through October 31 each year. The "grace period," which incurs a $55 late fee in addition to the $33 registration fee, is November 1 through January 15 of the following year. If a preparer does not renew by January 15, the preparer's registration will expire and he/she will be required to retake the 60-hour qualifying education course and register as a new preparer with CTEC.  READ MORE

MyFTB Enhancements
At midnight on January 2, 2016, all existing MyFTB accounts will be deactivated. Starting January 4, 2016, FTB will enable registration for new users again. All current registrants will also need to create a new account. Registrants will be mailed a one-time Personal Identification Number (PIN) that they will use to activate their account.  In addition, users will no longer have one online account to access their Individual account, Business account, and/or Tax Preparer account. This option was discontinued for security reasons and also because less than one percent of all users have multiple "roles" associated with one login. For more details, read the article, "CSEA Gets Answers from FTB," in the November/December 2015 issue of California Enrolled Agent magazine.

BOE Offers EAs Free Online CE
CSEA is proud to announce that the BOE now offers continuing tax education credits to Enrolled Agents! The BOE free CE program was previously advertised for CPAs only. This successful effort on behalf of EAs is a direct result of CSEA's advocacy at its annual State Tax Agencies Liaison Meetings (STALM).

This program provides practical knowledge on the functions and programs such as Basic Sales and Use Tax, Online Services, BOE Appeals Process and more. Upon completing the course material and successfully passing the final exam, Members will qualify for four hours of CSEA/NAEA Continuing Education credit, which can be used to fulfill the membership commitment of 30 hours of CE per year

The BOE has also included a link to the CSEA website, helping to further promote the Enrolled Agent designation. Click here for additional information.

IRS and BOE Perspectives on Marijuana
The marijuana industry is rapidly evolving, as some states have legalized medical marijuana and others now allow the use of recreational marijuana. For insights into recent IRS and BOE perspectives on the marijuana industry, check out two relevant articles in the November/December 2015 issue of California Enrolled Agent magazine: " IRC Section 280E and the Marijuana Industry," and " BOE Offers Guidance for Medical Cannabis Businesses."

Tell Your Clients about the College Access Tax Credit
California's Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León is working with CSEA to promote California's College Access Tax Credit, which  leverages federal tax deductions to allow contributors to receive a high return on their state and federal taxes. Upon contributing, participants qualify for both a 55 percent state tax credit and a significant deduction on their federal tax return. Click here for details.
Super Seminar: Tried and True with Something New!
 
Coming soon to Super Seminar: Cool New Features
We've got exciting new social events, new ways to engage with exhibitors, and new ways to access your session materials. Registration opens in mid-December - watch for updates coming soon to www.superseminar.org!
Society News
CSEA Promotes Enrolled Agents at Super Bowl 2016
Super Bowl 2016, the "Golden Super Bowl," will take place on February 7 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. This is a golden opportunity to promote Enrolled Agents to the world! CSEA will advertise the EA designation using aerial advertising during Super Bowl weekend and bus advertising during the month leading up to Super Bowl. Not only are one million visitors expected to attend Super Bowl events in the Bay area, but CSEA will also spread the word on social media networks. Enrolled Agents could go viral! CSEA will utilize its Major Media Marketing Fund (3M Fund) to pay for this program. You can help support this advertising campaign by making a contribution to the 3M Fund Super Bowl 2016 campaign today. Click here to download the contribution form.

FTB Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing
Each year, FTB conducts the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing (TBOR) as part of its December public board meeting. This hearing gives taxpayers and tax practitioners the opportunity to present proposals that could change existing state income tax law and improve FTB publications and services. This year's hearing will take place in Sacramento on December 8, 2015. Legislative Affairs Committee Chair Vicki Mulak, EA, CFP® will represent the Society by delivering oral testimony of behalf of CSEA. FTB responses will be published on the FTB website. As always, CSEA continues to advocate on behalf of its Members, California tax professionals and taxpayers while promoting effective tax administration.

January CSEA Board & Committee Meetings in Sacramento
All CSEA Members are invited to attend the upcoming Board and committee meetings on January 9-10, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Sacramento - Capitol Plaza. Click here for details from the CSEA Calendar of Events.

Jim Stern Legislative Day is Monday, January 11
You can help legislators understand the concerns of taxpayers and Enrolled Agents by taking part in the annual Jim Stern Legislative Day on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the State Capitol. Click here for more information.

Chapter Connection Call Set for January 26
CSEA's quarterly "Chapter Connection" conference call/webinar is scheduled for January 26, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The purpose of these conference calls is to keep Chapters informed of CSEA activities and to provide a forum for communication among the state and Chapters. While the meeting is intended to provide critical information for Chapter Presidents and Directors representing Chapters on the CSEA Board, all interested Members are invited to participate. Details about how to connect to the call will be posted soon on the CSEA Calendar of Events.

Volunteer for Tax Help Day
The third annual CSEA Tax Help Day will be held on February 6, 2016. Tax Help Day is a free public service event sponsored by CSEA and its 19 Chapters. Local Enrolled Agents, "America's Tax Experts," will be available at locations throughout California to answer questions on a wide variety of tax topics like the Affordable Care Act, running your own business, buying a home, getting married, and much more. This is a great opportunity to increase the visibility of Enrolled Agents in your community. Click here to find out more about Tax Help Day, or call the CSEA office at 916-366-6646. Be sure to join CSEA's Tax Help Day Facebook page to receive updates on the event!

Save the Date for the 40th Annual Meeting
The CSEA 40th Annual Meeting, held July 6-8, 2016 at the Embassy Suites Ontario Airport is guaranteed to be an exhilarating experience! Refresh your spirit and replenish your energy as you connect with friends and help plan the future of your professional Society! This event is proudly hosted by Inland Empire Chapter. Additional details will be available soon at www.csea.org.

Remember to Vote for NAEA Leaders
NAEA's upcoming election takes place November 30 through December 15, 2015 by electronic ballot. Members will vote for Directors and Officers for the 2016-2017 term, as well as proposed changes to bylaws. Click here for details.
Tools for Members
Fall 2015 Client Tax Newsletter
Click here to download the Fall 2015 Client Tax Newsletter. This newsletter can be customized with your name and contact information, and is a great way to reach out to new or returning clients. It includes newsworthy tax information along with a handy checklist to help clients prepare for upcoming tax season appointments.
 
Chapter Education and Events Near You
Find out what education and events are taking place in CSEA's 19 Chapters throughout the state.  Click here   for a comprehensive list of upcoming Chapter meeting times, locations and education topics.

New EA Brochures Now Available
Get ready for upcoming client meetings with the newly designed, full-color EA Brochure that helps taxpayers appreciate the expertise of Enrolled Agents. Place them on your reception counter, mail them to prospects or hand them out to clients to share with friends and family.  Order your brochures today!

Help Taxpayers Find You - Update Your CSEA Profile
Now is a great time to review your CSEA Member profile and make sure it's up-to-date with your correct contact information. Did you know that you can claim up to 19 different areas of tax expertise? Your Member profile links directly to CSEA's "Find an EA Near You" search tool, which helps taxpayers easily confirm that you possess the skill set they need. Log in to the Profile page of the CSEA website to get started.

New "We Speak Tax" Labels
The newly updated "We Speak Tax" labels are a quick and easy way to remind clients that EAs are "America's Tax Experts." They're great for including in personal and business correspondence as well as on envelopes and packages.  Get your labels now, just in time for tax season!
 
IRS Stakeholder Liaison Contact List
Click here for a list of IRS Stakeholder Liaisons from the November/December issue of California Enrolled Agent magazine.

Be Recognized in Your Community as an AARP Tax-Aide
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is seeking Enrolled Agent volunteers. The program serves 2.6 million taxpayers annually at more than 5,000 sites nationwide. Volunteer and help people in your own community with a much-needed free service while also promoting the Enrolled Agent designation. Click here for details, or contact CSEA Public Information and Awareness Chair Benita Myers, EA at myerstaxes@frontiernet.net.

Member Pricing on Tax Guides
Click here for Member discounts on U.S. Master Tax Guide, Quickfinder, The TaxBook and more!

Job Opportunities
Are you a tax professional seeking employment? Are you looking to buy or sell a tax practice? Check out CSEA's Classified Ads.

CSEA Offers Tax Research Service
Stumped by a tough tax question? Get answers from CSEA's Tax Resource Specialist, Joe Calderaro, EA at Member discounted rates. For details, call the CSEA office at 916-366-6646.

Tax News You Can Use
Click here to get breaking tax news updates from the IRS, FTB, BOE and EDD!

Master Social Media
Learn best practices and tips on how you can use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for your business. Click here to log in to NAEA's website for the Social Media 101 PowerPoint presentation and to watch the archived Social Media webinar.
December Online Learning Opportunities
Get the CE required for your professional designation with the least amount of down time:

After a thorough review of which taxpayers are expected to use Schedule C, how it's designed to function and what organizational work should precede its completion, this webinar will work the form line-by-line, step-by-step, and top-to-bottom in a "hands-on" manner that is sure to benefit all preparers, whether apprentice, journeyman or a master craftsman.

This course will explore the differences between fiduciary accounting and tax and financial accounting, and use real-world examples to move from basic concepts of fiduciary accounting to more complicated aspects of the Uniform Principal and Income Act. Attendees will also explore fiduciary fees and the challenges tax practitioners face when they serve as trustees.

Attendees will review the options for structuring a sale from both the buyer's and seller's perspectives, with the goal of recognizing the tax planning opportunities for selling a business. In addition, this course will help attendees identify the tax consequences of using employment and consulting agreements, covenants not to compete, personal goodwill and contingent sales price.
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TaxNewsTax News You Can Use!
IRS News:

e-Services Phishing Scam  A new email phishing scam targets tax preparers by asking them to update their e-Services information. Some tax preparers have also received scam telephone calls attempting to capture e-Services usernames and passwords. If you receive an email like this, don't click on the link. If you mistakenly clicked on the link, please call the IRS e-help Desk toll free at 866-255-0654 from 4:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT.

New Campaign to Secure Online Data - Read about the new IRS campaign aimed at helping people protect their personal and financial data online and at home: Taxes. Security. Together.

Tangible Property Expensing Threshold Raised - The IRS has simplified the paperwork and recordkeeping requirements for small businesses by raising from $500 to $2,500 the safe harbor threshold for deducting certain capital items. Businesses can still claim otherwise deductible repair and maintenance costs, even if they exceed the $2,500 threshold. Click here for details.

2014 Amended Returns Claiming the HCTC - Beginning December 1, the IRS will begin processing tax year 2014 amended tax returns for taxpayers eligible to claim the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) for 2014.

Audit by Mail This new  YouTube video  explains what to do if your client is audited by mail. 

Form W-2 Verification Code Testing -  The IRS will be testing a Form W-2 verification code on a limited number of employers' Forms W-2 in the coming filing season. Certain payroll service providers will include a 16-digit alphanumeric code on Copy B and Copy C of the Form W-2.

New IRS Guidance for ABLE ProgramThe IRS has announced three changes to the proposed rules for new tax-favored Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts for eligible disabled individuals that will be included in the final regulations. These changes will make it easier for states to offer and administer ABLE programs. Click here for details.

Instructions for Requesting Copy of Fraudulent 1040 -  The IRS has provided instructions for victims of identity theft (or a person authorized to obtain the identity theft victim's tax information) to request a redacted copy of a fraudulent return that was filed and accepted by the IRS using the identity theft victim's name and SSN.

2015 IRSAC Report - The Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) has released its 2015 annual report, which includes recommendations on a wide range of tax administration issues. 

EITC Due Diligence Webinar, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. PT - Participants will learn Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) due diligence requirements, determine when Form 8867 is required, and how some Schedule C filers fraudulently try to maximize their EITC. Click here to register.

Data Thefts and Protecting Client Information On-Demand WebinarParticipants will learn about the dangers of data theft for tax professionals and their clients, as well as the new steps practitioners should take if they suffer a loss of taxpayer data. Click here to access the webinar.

Understanding Foreign Financial Account Reporting (FBAR) Webinar, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. PT - Participants will learn how to determine who must file an FBAR, who is exempt from the filing requirements, and the civil and criminal penalties. Click here to register.
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FTB News: 

FTB Tax News
Click here  to read the December 2015 issue of Tax News. Featured article topics include a tax preparer tour of My FTB, changes to a credit carryover, real estate withholding guidelines, and more!  Click here  to subscribe to Tax News and news flashes to automatically receive urgent, time-sensitive information via email.
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BOE News: 

Surcharge on Prepaid Wireless Products - Beginning January 1, 2016, a prepaid mobile telephony services (MTS) surcharge will be imposed on purchasers (consumers) of prepaid MTS as a percentage of the sales price of each retail transaction involving prepaid wireless cards/service in this state. Click here for details.

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EDD News: 

Payroll Taxes Year-End Notification - Employers must provide employees with a federal Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2) by January 31. Failure to provide a Form W-2 to each employee, or furnish false or fraudulent statements, are subject to a penalty If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date is extended to the next business day. Click here for details.
Help Grow the Enrolled Agent Profession
The CSEA Education Foundation is  a nonprofit 501(c)3 public benefit corporation that  supports and encourages current and future Enrolled Agents through education scholarships. Established in 1984 by outgoing President Nancy Nesbitt, EA, CSEA's Scholarship Fund has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to worthy students to assist them with their education, particularly to promote the Enrolled Agent profession as a career choice.
 
Scholarship awards are funded through the generosity of CSEA Members, as well as by sponsors, donors and contributors to any of the Foundation's fundraising events. Contributions to the CSEA Education Foundation are deductible for tax purposes.

There are two types of scholarships available:
  1. California residents not currently or previously licensed as EAs are eligible to apply for a scholarship for tuition, including registration fees and books, for courses in the field of taxation, finance, or accounting, particularly courses specifically designed for Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) preparation.
  2. Current California EAs who wish to broaden their knowledge in the field of taxation are eligible to apply for a scholarship for appropriate courses. Scholarships are not awarded for courses necessary to maintain continuing professional education hour requirements, but are specifically intended for courses that expand the fields of knowledge and expertise. Examples of appropriate courses include CSTAR, Tax Court and NTPI. 
The next scholarship application deadline is December 31, 2015. Click here to learn more about the CSEA Education Foundation, download a scholarship application or make a donation.
EAs Needed to Teach College SEE Classes
Through the Educating America program, CSEA Members now have an opportunity to teach Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) preparatory classes in California colleges and universities. CSEA is partnering with NAEA to get SEE classes into the higher education system, starting first in the community colleges as a certificate program, and then into degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's levels. 

The goal of Educating America is to build membership and increase public awareness of the Enrolled Agent designation. Colleges vary in their instructor education requirements from bachelor's through doctorate degrees, but it is possible to teach without a bachelor's degree in some circumstances. For more information, please contact CSEA Second Vice President Cynthia Leachmoore, EA at cyntax@att.net.
CSEA Events Calendar
digiTAX Webinar

January 9-10, 2016 - CSEA Board and Committee Meetings
Sacramento, CA
(preceding Jim Stern Legislative Day held January 11, 2016)
 
January 11, 2016 - Jim Stern Legislative Day
Sacramento, CA
digiTAX Webinar

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
 
Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, NV
 
July 6-8, 2016 - CSEA 40th Annual Meeting
Embassy Suites Ontario Airport, Ontario, CA
 
July 9-10, 2016 - CSEA Board and Committee Meetings
Embassy Suites Ontario Airport, Ontario, CA
(following the Annual Meeting)
 
Click here for the CSEA Calendar of Events.

CSEA welcomes your feedback on the CSEA News & Events. Send your comments to