Drake Software blog for tax pros, covering tax, IRS news, and more

Ryan Norton

Whether designing superheroes, penciling caricatures, or just doodling, I always knew I was going to earn some sort of art degree while in college. That was my goal before I decided to trade Edgar Degas for Edgar Allan Poe during a Freshman English class. The BA in English soon morphed into a double-major in English and Philosophy, eventually becoming an MA in English. It only makes sense that I learned of a writing opportunity for a local marketing firm while teaching a first-year college English course. Before I knew it, I was writing and editing tax-related articles for Taxing Subjects, and this has been my home since 2014.

Crossing the Digital Divide with Your Tax Practice

Ryan Norton - March 20, 2017

For years, industry experts have been calling for tax professionals to use various hardware and software technologies – CRM tools, document management systems, workflow and productivity software, and paperless technologies – to stay competitive and profitable.…

IRS Grants Extension to Businesses Affected by Winter Storm Stella

Ryan Norton - March 16, 2017

Winter Storm Stella battered the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, knocking out power, grounding or delaying flights, and worse. As with other natural disasters, the Internal Revenue Service has stepped in to help affected taxpayers.…

Still Want to Make a 2016 IRA Contribution? You Can

Ryan Norton - March 16, 2017

According to the most recent Internal Revenue Service “Tax Time Guide,” clients can still contribute money to their 2016 Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The IRS-issued reminder also noted that…

IRS Direct Pay Could Help Farmers, Fishermen Meet March 1 Tax Deadline

Ryan Norton - February 27, 2017

If two thirds of your client’s gross income comes from farming or fishing and that client want to avoid making estimated tax payments, then the deadline to file a Form 1040 for tax year 2016 is March 1, 2017. Whether they’re looking to pay everything now or expect to make estimated payments, the IRS wants taxpayers to know that Direct Pay can make paying tax easier.…

IRS's 2017 "Dirty Dozen"

Ryan Norton - February 24, 2017

Scams Include Tax-Related ID Theft, Tax SheltersEach year, the IRS releases their list of the “Dirty Dozen” scams to inform taxpayers about criminals who hope to capitalize on a busy, stressful time…

IRS Issues Refund Reminder

Ryan Norton - February 17, 2017

As part of the Avoid the Rush tax tip series, the IRS yesterday reminded taxpayers about Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refund delays. In addition to how weekends and Presidents Day fall on the calendar this year, one reason refund checks for returns claiming these credits will be delayed is the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act.…

CPA Practice Advisor 2017 Readers' Choice Awards Results

Ryan Norton - February 17, 2017

Drake Software Wins 7 CategoriesFor the fourteenth year in a row, readers saw the results of the CPA Practice Advisor Readers’ Choice Awards, a poll of more than 6,000 readers covering a wide range of…

Refund Myths: Sorting Truth from Fiction During Tax Season

Ryan Norton - February 03, 2017

The Internal Revenue Service yesterday released a list of five common tax season myths, as well as links to YouTube videos that explain when refunds will arrive, claiming the EITC or ACTC, and more. Newswire release IR-2017-16 aims to reduce misinformation.…

Gary Boykin, EA: Tax Prep is a Family Tradition

Ryan Norton - February 01, 2017

While growing up in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Gary Boykin was first introduced to tax preparation at the age of four: “I remember running around the dining room where my dad was working on a…

Last-Minute ACA Information

Ryan Norton - January 20, 2017

Filing season starts in three days, and that means tax professionals around the country are collectively taking a deep breath before the plunge. While the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains uncertain, it – as of today – still affects tax preparation. So we’ve put together a few last-minute ACA updates to give you a head start.…