The dates for the 2021 Nationwide Tax Forum have been set. But before you start calling for airline tickets, the announcement from IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig has some helpful advice about travel plans:

“Like many of you, we look forward to resuming the IRS Tax Forum in-person events once we can safely do so. However, due to ongoing and evolving public health and safety concerns resulting from the COVID-19 health emergency, the 2021 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum and Expo will once again be offered virtually,” Rettig says.

This year’s Virtual Tax Forum will be held beginning July 20, and includes live webinars every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The list of topics and program schedule will be released in early April.

In the meantime, IRS Commissioner Rettig has released a YouTube video on open registration for the event. In the video, the commissioner stresses that for now, the event remains a virtual affair.

“We’ve been working hard to ensure the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum program provides the information and services you need,” Rettig says. “I’m confident you’ll find this format just as informative as the in-person sessions and will enjoy the experience.”

To register, visit www.irstaxforum.com.

Held each summer for the past 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the IRS’s signature outreach event to the tax professional community. In years past, the forums have been scheduled to take place in six cities around the country each summer.

For 2021, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums will be held in a virtual environment with a series of live-streamed webinars and other online events.

What are the benefits of the Virtual Tax Forums?

Why attend this year’s Virtual Tax Forum? It’s a great opportunity to:

• Learn and earn CE credits from the comforts of home;
• Hear the latest updates on tax law, cybersecurity, ethics, and more;
• Get reliable information directly from the IRS;
• Visit the industry-leading vendors at the Virtual Expo; and
• Share experiences and discuss innovative ideas with the IRS through focus groups.

Tax pros who want to earn continuing education at the Virtual Tax Forums need to make sure they satisfy the three requirements outlined in the "Earning CE Credits" section of IRSTaxForum.com:

• Be present for the entire 60-minute presentation
• Respond to all polling questions throughout the presentation
• Complete the survey at the end of the presentation

That said, there is an important limitation for certain topics: "In cases where the same subject matter is presented in English and Spanish, the webinar will only qualify for one CE credit even if you participate in both the English and Spanish versions."

When can I register for the IRS 2021 Nationwide Tax Forums?

Early registration for the 2021 Nationwide Tax Forums runs through June 15, and carries an Early Bird Rate of $240 per person. After June 15, the signup rate rises to $289.

Come see Drake Software at the Virtual Expo!

Drake Software will once again take part in the Virtual Expo, so be sure to visit our virtual booth!

Sources: IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Information; 2021 IRS Tax Forum Will Be Virtual; IRS Nationwide Tax Forum 2021; Annual Filing Season Program