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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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December 13.2024
2 Minutes Read

Transform Your Tax Research: Embrace Efficiency with Checkpoint Edge and UltraTax CS

Woman using tax research tools on tablet in office setting.

The Challenge of Keeping Up with Tax Laws

Imagine you're navigating a world where the rules are constantly in flux. For tax professionals, that's a daily reality. As tax laws evolve with dizzying speed, staying informed requires sifting through a mountain of data. This manual endeavor eats up valuable hours and risks leaving room for human mistakes.

Simplifying Tax Research with Technology

Enter Checkpoint Edge with CoCounsel, a tool that trades time-consuming research for efficient, accurate results. By pairing with UltraTax CS, it not only automates the search for tax information but also delivers the latest and most accurate data. This means tax professionals can shift their focus from scouring documents to providing thoughtful advice to their clients.

The Future of Tax Preparation

As technology becomes even more integrated into tax processes, we can anticipate even greater advancements in tools like Checkpoint Edge. Future updates promise more intricate data analysis and a broader array of resources. This evolution ensures CPAs are equipped to tackle complex tax scenarios today and into the future.

Transformative Impact on Efficiency

By harnessing technology, tax preparation evolves from a cumbersome task into a streamlined process. Professionals working with these tools find themselves with more time to foster client relationships and innovate in their approach, ultimately enhancing the quality of service provided.

Audit-Proofing Strategies

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01.09.2026

Discover How to Locate Your EFIN Number for Efficient E-filing

Update Understanding the Importance of Your EFIN Number The Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) is a critical identifier assigned by the IRS to tax professionals and firms that have completed the e-file application process. This number is not just a regulatory requirement but an essential element for operating successfully in the realm of electronic tax submissions. To maintain your status as an authorized IRS e-file provider, you must ensure that your EFIN is correct and actively monitored. Where to Find Your EFIN Number Easily Locating your EFIN can be straightforward, provided you know where to look. Common sources include: IRS Acceptance Materials: Your acceptance letter contains your EFIN. IRS e-Services: You can view your e-file application details by accessing the IRS e-services portal. Tax Software Settings: Most professional tax software platforms, such as Thomson Reuters, will have your EFIN stored within their admin settings, making it easily accessible. If you suspect there might be issues with your EFIN, such as it being compromised or inactive, it would be prudent to contact the IRS immediately to safeguard your account and ensure that your application details are up to date. Steps to Access Your Application Summary For those who need to access or print their application summary, follow these straightforward steps: Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/e-file-provider-services. Select the 'Access e-file application' link. Using the fields provided, log in through ID.me to access IRS e-services. On the 'Select Your Organization' page, click 'Select' next to your organization’s name. Click the 'View/Edit' link, then select 'Print' to obtain your application summary. Verifying Your EFIN for e-Filing in Thomson Reuters Before you can e-file tax returns via Thomson Reuters systems, it's essential to verify your EFIN. If you haven’t submitted your application summary, you may receive a message indicating that your e-filing capabilities are disabled. To resolve this, email a copy of your IRS e-file application summary to EFINCertificate@TR.com with your firm ID in the subject line. It's crucial to have distinct application summaries for each EFIN associated with your account. Avoiding Common E-Filing Problems It's not uncommon for tax professionals to encounter issues with their EFIN, especially during peak tax seasons. To avoid problems such as e-filing errors or invalid EFIN notifications, ensure that: Your contact information with the IRS is updated. You regularly check the status of your IRS account. You have documentation readily available when filing. Staying informed about your EFIN will not only streamline your filing process but also secure your firm from potential audits or penalties. Stay Proactive with Your EFIN Management By regularly checking your EFIN and keeping your application summary updated, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of complications during e-filing. Like any aspect of business operations, proactive management is key to maintaining compliance and ensuring efficiency. In conclusion, understanding how to manage your EFIN number and application summary is crucial for any tax professional. An organized approach can save you time and potential headaches during tax filing seasons, ensuring peace of mind and operational efficiency.

01.08.2026

Navigate the 2026 Tax Season: Key Changes and Client Questions Answered

Update Understanding the Changes for Tax Season 2026 The 2026 tax season is set to be a pivotal moment for many taxpayers as new legislation, particularly the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), initiates significant changes that will impact how clients file their taxes this year. Many tax cuts from 2017 are now permanent, and several new deductions have emerged, encouraging tax professionals to stay informed and guide their clients effectively through the myriad of updates. Addressing Common Client Concerns As tax professionals prepare for the influx of inquiries this season, there are specific questions that frequently arise. Let's explore the most popular topics clients are curious about, ensuring you're equipped with the right answers to assist them: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Key Updates One significant change involves the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For the 2025 tax returns being processed this season, the maximum credit amounts have increased, which translates into potentially larger refunds. For instance, clients with three or more children can claim up to $8,000, reflecting a positive shift due to inflation adjustments that benefit lower-income families. The Child Tax Credit Enhancements The Child Tax Credit (CTC) has also been enhanced this year, now standing at $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, reflecting a $200 increase from previous years. However, it’s essential to note that claimants must have valid Social Security numbers for both themselves and their children, tightening identification requirements while making the CTC more accessible for eligible families. New Deductions: SALT Cap Increase An important update clients need to be aware of is the increase in the cap for state and local tax (SALT) deductions, now raised to $40,000 for married couples filing jointly. This improvement significantly aids clients located in high-tax states, alleviating some of the financial burdens imposed by soaring property and income taxes. However, clients with incomes exceeding $400,000 should be mindful of potential phase-outs that might limit their deductions. Exciting Opportunities for Service Workers Service workers will find some good news with newly introduced tax breaks, particularly regarding tip income. Under the new provisions, workers can exclude up to $25,000 of tip income from their taxes, allowing them to retain more of their hard-earned money. Additionally, there's an overtime pay exclusion that can provide further relief for eligible workers. These changes are especially meaningful as they enhance the financial wellbeing of those employed in industries reliant on tips. What’s Next for Tax Professionals? As the tax returns for 2025 come into play, it’s crucial for tax professionals to understand these changes not just for compliance, but also to ensure their clients are maximizing their potential refunds and deductions. Consider refreshing your resources on the OBBBA provisions and staying connected with industry developments to remain a valued advisor to your clients. This tax season offers newfound hope for taxpayers looking for the most beneficial outcomes. Your ability to navigate these updates will empower your clients and solidify your reputation as a knowledgeable and trusted partner in their financial journey.

01.02.2026

How Delaying Corporate Tax Automation Leads to Financial Drain

Update The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Tax Technology In boardrooms worldwide, corporate tax professionals are at a pivotal crossroads. As compliance mandates grow increasingly complex, many tax departments are clinging to outdated manual processes that threaten organizational efficiency and financial stability. A startling report highlights that 58% of tax departments struggle with under-resourcing, creating a dangerous cycle: tasking teams with compliance while providing insufficient tools to ensure accuracy. The hidden costs of this inertia are creeping up and need immediate attention. The Financial Impact of Manual Processes Failure to automate tax functions doesn’t just lead to inefficiencies; it can result in significant penalties. Shockingly, at least 50% of under-resourced tax teams reported incurring penalties in the past year. In some cases, fines exceeded $1 million. How can tax leaders justify the cost of inaction when a single year’s penalties could fund a full technology overhaul? Transformative ROI from Tax Automation Investing in corporate tax automation can drastically enhance productivity. According to a study on Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE technology, tax preparation time could be halved — a saving translating to 10,000 hours of productivity regained for organizations dealing with a substantial number of tax returns. With professionals preferring to focus on strategic planning rather than reactive compliance work, tech adoption reshapes their roles from mere compliance enforcers to business advisors, impacting the company’s bottom line. Avoiding the Headcount Trap One of the most significant but overlooked hidden costs of delayed technology adoption is the necessity to hire additional personnel to manage compliance. As organizations face mounting regulatory demands, teams often find themselves in a perpetual hiring cycle. However, leveraging automation could save thousands annually in avoided hiring costs, enabling teams to maintain lean operations while expanding capabilities. Driving Compliance Efficiency The compliance benefits of automation extend beyond mouse-click efficiencies. Advanced corporate tax solutions enable organizations to avoid costs associated with late filings, error remediation, and compliance consultancy—totaling as much as $275,000 annually. With technology standardizing processes and providing real-time visibility into compliance efforts, tax departments shift from reactive fire-fighting to proactive compliance management, cultivating confidence in their operations. Time to Act on Tax Automation In an environment where 71% of tax professionals lament waiting too long to automate, the serious need for leveraging technology in tax processes becomes ever clearer. Organizations that invest in tax technology not only see favorable ROI—148% over three years, with payback in under six months—but also capitalize on benefits that enhance overall business strategies. The quicker organizations embrace transformation through automation, the sooner they will reap these rewards. Conclusion: The Cost of Waiting For tax departments, the challenge is no longer about whether to automate but determining the pace of adoption. The hidden costs associated with delayed technology investments can be crippling as organizations stack up penalties and risk compliance failure. The pathway is clear: invest in corporate tax automation today to maintain competitive advantages and protect the financial health of your organization.

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