Small businesses may benefit from NEW Idaho Rebound Cash Grants!
To apply for an Idaho Rebound Cash Grant of up to $10,000, you'll need a Tax Commission TAP account.

If you or your clients don't have an account, create a Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) account here.
Idaho Rebound Grant application process opens May 11.
Preplanning is vital. As a CPA you live and breath this in regards to finances, but do you have an Advanced Directive?

Our long-time member, John McGown, shared with me his recent project - and I am so glad he did.

75% of Americans don't have Advanced Directives. So I thought we try to put a dent in that number. I must admit - I don't have one - it's been on my list for years. I am starting mine tonight. Thanks John for the inspiration and tools to get this done.

A note from John: One of the smartest things we can do for ourselves and our family/loved ones is to have a well-considered Advance Directive in place. It allows us to name someone to make medical decisions on our behalf if we aren’t able to make those decisions. And it provides guidance as to what steps, if any, you would like taken to keep you alive.
 
Please read his guest blog. He's even put together written materials and two videos about understanding and completing an Advance Directive. It's worth your time!

PLEASE check your confirmation email for login information for ALL seminars. Not all seminars have the same login processes. You'll also get a tech phone number on the emails - please call that number if you have any questions.

We post new information almost daily. Please visit often!
A note from our colleagues at the Tax Commission:

"These are certainly interesting times at the Idaho State Tax Commission.

The due date for filing and paying income taxes was changed to June 15. This was done to allow taxpayers additional time to file while still receipting payments before the end of the state fiscal year on June 30. 

The due date change has slowed the incoming returns and payments and caused us to make significant changes. In 2019 we received over eight hundred thousand individual returns though April 30. This year we have received six hundred seventy thousand. 

We continue to process tax returns. We are prioritizing our work based on guidance from the governor: Deposit all money promptly; and issue refunds to taxpayers as quickly as possible. 

To meet these goals while still protecting our employees we have done several things. We are allowing most of our employees to work from home. Our usual tax season temporary workers did not work during April. Those who remain in the office continue to practice strict social distancing. We have staff on hand to open mail, deposit checks and issue refunds. We are processing all returns sent to us whether it comes in on paper or electronically. We do not have mountains of incoming mail that is not open. We do not have trailers full of unopened mail. Most mail gets opened within a few days of coming in our door. 

While refunds may take more time to issue, rest assured that we are placing a high priority on processing refunds to taxpayers. We've issued most refunds within the expected time frames. While many refunds can be processed sooner — especially on e-filed returns — some can take up to 11 weeks, especially if the return is incomplete and we need to contact taxpayers for clarification.

One additional item that will help us while we have limited staff. Encourage your clients to use the direct debit option when filing electronically. This is the option that allows your bank to pay any tax due amounts. These payments do not require Tax Commission employees to open envelope and process payments. 

The Tax Commission appreciates your patience and understanding as we work though these unprecedented times."

by Chris Barry, CPA • Bureau Chief, Idaho State Tax Commission • Central Processing Bureau • (208) 334-7800 • Chris.Barry@tax.idaho.gov

Chris is also an ISCPA Member and has offered to handle any questions our ISCPA membership may have. Thank you Chris, we appreciate your time!

May 19 and May 20
9:00am - 12:30pm MT

This 8-hour webinar will run over 2 days to allow members to also be able to serve their clients. Day 2 is a continuation of day 1 - for a total of 8 CPE credits.

This is an in-depth 8-hour seminar. This course will look at the tax provisions included in:
  • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
  • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
  • IRS administrative relief rules for due dates
  • Provisions we are adapting to at the same time found in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in December
  • and other items that have tax impact such the loan provisions that impact which payroll tax relief provisions a business may qualify for (such as Payroll Protection Program loans) 

This is the BONUS lunch seminar originally scheduled for April 17 in the Striving to Thriving lunch series. Join Ken McClure, Partner with Givens Pursley, for a discussion of the highlights of developments in the 2020 Idaho legislative session, with emphasis on how they affect businesses in general and the accounting profession in particular.
THANK YOU for working so hard. For helping Idaho taxpayers and Idaho businesses get their returns filed. Your dedication to your profession is appreciated - and I applaud you.

Through this stressful time the Society strives to be a valued & trusted resource.

Suspension letters went out last week - if you need help with your dues, please email Tracy Poe about creating a payment plan. We don't want to lose you!

If you have ANY ideas, thoughts, suggestions or even need review on a specific topic - REACH OUT! We work for you and always look forward to helping our members succeed.

Laura Lantz, Executive Director
Email me or call me at 208-344-6261
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The ISCPA MEMBER DISCOUNT PAGE is a fantastic avenue for discounts and savings for Society Members. Check it out!