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News
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Self-prepared Returns Continue Rapid Growth in 2009
While more and more taxpayers are preparing their own returns at home, slightly
fewer are choosing professional return preparation this year, according to IRS figures.
The IRS reported a big increase in taxpayers filing by home computer in 2009. By
April 24, the IRS had accepted 31.2 million returns from home computers, up 19.3
percent from the same time last year. There was a similar big increase in 2008—up
18.82 percent for the same time period.
Although the number of professionally prepared and e-filed returns is roughly twice
the number prepared at home—59.4 million versus 31.2 million—the growth rates are
markedly different. Compared to the growth rate of 19.3 percent for self-prepared
returns, the rate for professionally e-filed returns is -0.01 percent. In 2008,
there was an increase of 8.98 percent for the same time period.
E-filing broke the 90 million mark this year. By April 24, the IRS had accepted
90.6 million e-filed returns, up almost 6 percent for the same time period last
year. Almost 70 percent of taxpayers e-filed in 2009, compared to 61 percent for
the same time last year.
As taxpayers continue to increasingly prepare their own returns, many professional
preparers are looking for ways to expand their offerings. Drake customers can participate
in the growing self-preparation market by
partnering with 1040.com Online Tax Preparation.
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2009 FILING SEASON STATISTICS
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Cumulative through the weeks ending 4/25/08 and 4/24/09
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Individual Income Tax Returns
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2008
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2009
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% Change
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Total Receipts
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139,928,000
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131,543,000
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-6.0%
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Total Processed
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119,100,000
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117,014,000
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-1.8%
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E-filing Receipts:
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TOTAL
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85,606,000
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90,639,000
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5.9%
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Tax Professionals
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59,444,000
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59,439,000
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-0.01%
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Self-prepared
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26,162,000
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31,200,000
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19.3%
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Total Refunds:
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Number
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93,183,000
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96,673,000
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3.7%
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Amount
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$220.958 Billion
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$259.348Billion
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17.4%
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Average refund
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$2,371
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$2,683
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13.1%
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Direct Deposit Refunds:
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Number
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62,795,000
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68,646,000
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9.3%
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Amount
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$168.847 Billion
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$202.395Billion
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19.9%
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Average refund
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$2,689
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$2,948
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9.7%
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Rhode Island Joins States Having E-filing Requirements
Legislation signed into law, indicates that Rhode Island will require professional
tax preparers to file their clients' individual (both resident and non-resident)
state income-tax returns electronically for Tax Year 2008.
NEW Minimum Wage Rate
Effective July 24, 2008, the federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees
is $6.55. The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards
Act (FLSA).
Many states have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both
state and federal minimum wages laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of
the two minimum wages.
Extensions Reduced from Six to Five Months
On June 30, 2008, the IRS issued a temporary, proposed regulation that reduces the
extension time from six months to five months for 1065s, 1120Ss and 1041s.
Since individuals need the K-1 information from partnerships, S corporations, estates,
and trusts to complete their tax returns, the IRS is reducing the six month extension
times for these entities to five months so that individual 1040 filers have a month
to prepare their taxes.
Prior to this adjustment the extension due date for these entities and for individuals
fell on the same date, usually October 15.
This will be effective for extensions on tax returns due on or after Jan. 1, 2009.
The IRS Announces New Mileage Rates
Effective July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, the new mileage rate is 58.5 cents
a mile for business miles driven, and 27 cents a mile for medical and moving miles.
Charitable mileage rate remains unchanged at 14 cents a mile.
The Mortgage Relief Act of 2007
Maryland SB 817 has been signed by the governor on June 6 with an effective date
of June 1, 2008.
This law creates a tax professional regulatory board with the power to test, register,
collect registration fees, and regulate tax professionals. The newly-appointed board
will design or select the exam and collect a registration fee and a renewal fee
every two years. Tax professionals must supply the board proof of 16 CPE credits
for the period. Section 21-304 requires the use of the IRS EA (Enrolled Agent) exam
or a test “not less stringent” than the EA Exam. All tax professionals who are not
already CPAs, EAs, or licensed to practice law must take the exam; however, a tax
professional that has 15 consecutive years of individual tax-preparation experience
and has completed at least eight hours of continuing education may be exempt with
the approval of the Board. To qualify to register, the applicant must be of good
character and reputation, at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma
or its equivalent, and pass the exam. Each “Registered Individual Tax Preparer”
must register by June 2010.
IRS Accepting Applications for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grants
IRS e-file Up Sharply in 2008
Special Economic Stimulus Payment Packages Go to Social Security,
Veterans recipients
More Information on Stimulus Payments Posted to IRS.gov
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