Feature Article

There are tax advantages for traders who are eligible for trader tax status (TTS). This article provides an overview of how to qualify for TTS (no election is required): Automated trading systems can qualify for TTS, providing the trader is significantly involved ... Robert A. Green, CPA

Feature Article

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s powerful new investment tool, the opportunity zone program, was intended to enable companies to make smart, potentially profitable, investments in troubled economic areas. The economic downturn brought about by COVID-19 may, at first glance, appear to ... Dustin Stamper and Michael Eickhoff

Feature Article

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides employers with a deferral mechanism for the employer portion of any Social Security taxes and self-employed individuals with a deferral mechanism for the employer portion of any self-employment taxes... David E. Peritz, CPA

Feature Article

The IRS released Notice 2020-51 on June 23, 2020, in an effort to answer outstanding questions surrounding the waiver of required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement plans for 2020 brought about by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The ... Jennifer Kiffmeyer, JD

Editor's Message

As I settle into my first few months as editor-in-chief, I am moving forward with changes that, in the long term, will help improve the overall editorial direction of EA Journal. Call for Articles We issued a call for articles for the 2021 editions of... Thomas Gorczynski, EA, USTCP

Tax Tech

Physical disruption and “work from home” mandates, furloughs and layoffs, downsizing, and outright business closures. The uncertainty gripping global markets during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging business climate has a silver lining for accounts payable (AP) groups. It is an oppo... Nimia Amaya

Practice Builder

I presented at Nayo Carter-Gray’s Taking Your Firm Virtual Summit  about finding the best remote talent. My approach to talent is different and I would like to share the highlights of the ideas I presented. Culture Every firm has a unique culture and it influenc... Liz Mason

Payroll Corner

The pandemic laid waste to many tax deadlines this year. But year-end for payroll rolls around like clockwork, regardless of current events, including the pandemic. Thankfully, almost all of the upheaval everyone experienced during 2020 had only a minor impact on employers’ Forms W-2 ... Alice Gilman

Expert Notes

The IRS issued guidance on August 28, 2020, (Notice 2020-65) implementing a White House directive to defer certain employee payroll taxes, but the guidance raises more questions than it answers and appears to expose employers to potentially significant repayment obligations and ... Dustin Stamper

Tax Court

Jesus R. Oropeza and Fabiola Anaya Oropeza, Petitioners v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Respondent T.C. memo, 2020-111 | Filed July 21, 2020 The Internal Revenue Code (the Code) requires the IRS to come forward with sufficient evidence that indicates the impositi... Steven R. Diamond, CPA, USTCP

President's Message

Yes, it is that time of the year again. Election time! (And yes, Thanksgiving is in the air, too, along with all the wonderful holidays in December). This is truly a favorite time for me because I do cherish the right to choose. This has been a challenging time for the... Donald Rosenberg, EA

Capitol Corner

At the November 2019 NAEA Board Meeting, the board approved a new Government Relations (GR) plan. Among the six objectives set out in that plan was for NAEA to “advise and provide technical assistance to state societies on countering state legislative efforts harmful to enrolled agent... Jeffery S. Trinca

EVP Message

In the midst of the pandemic as well as in the crucible of an exceedingly partisan political climate, it is human to want to throw your hands up in the air and feign disinterest. Often it appears as if a single voter or an individual member cannot make a difference. Yet, nothing is fart... Michael Nelson

NAEA Education

For enrolled agents,i it will be a year remembered as one of the most consequential and challenging tax filing seasons in recent memory, or, perhaps ever. That’s why I am happier than ever to be a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA),ii becaus... Lynn Jacobs, EA, USTCP