IRS Releases Their "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scam List for 2018

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service issues a list of the top 12 tax-related scams it sees throughout the year. The IRS "Dirty Dozen" highlights various schemes that you need to guard against, including ploys that steal your personal information, scam you out of money or talk you into engaging in questionable behavior when reporting your taxes. While each scam may be different, they share a common theme - They put you at risk.

Read more about the "Dirty Dozen" and be on the lookout for these con games throughout the year:

Keep in mind that you're legally responsible for what is on your tax return even if it's prepared by someone else. You can help protect yourself by choosing a reputable tax preparer. To learn more, see the IRS' Choosing a Tax Professional page.

The CPE Reporting Section of Online Services Now Open

Licensees can now log in to Online Services to see the new CPE reporting tables and how your FY16 and FY17 CPE converted under the new rules.

We encourage you to check that information and confirm how many and which type of hours you need for FY18 (the earning year ends June 30, 2018) so that you will have met the 3-year reporting requirements (FY16, 17, and 18) when it comes time to renew your license in the fall.

In the example below, the licensee needs to (eventually) submit their 20 hours for FY18, of which 1 must be Ethics, in order to meet all their CPE requirements (current shortfalls indicated by red boxes).

Committee Meeting Schedule Changes

Going forward, meeting times for two of the committees that meet before the full Board meeting are changing.

• Firm Credentialing and Peer Review will meet at 8:00am.
• Continuing Professional Education will meet at 8:30am.

IRS Reminds Tax Pros to Step Up Security

IRS reminds tax preparers once again to beware of phishing emails that can secretly download malicious software that helps cybercriminals steal client data. Only a few days into the filing season, the IRS has already identified a new scam that began with cybercriminals stealing data from several tax practitioners’ computers and filing fraudulent tax returns. In a new twist, the fraudulent returns were deposited into the clients' accounts. The criminals convinced the clients they were officials and needed the "funds deposited in error" forwarded to them.

The IRS expects this scheme will likely be just the first of many identified this year, and encourages tax practitioners to review their processes and systems.

New Board Rules Now In Effect

Rule package R-04392, which clarifies education requirements for licensure, updates the Board’s peer review and continuing education requirements, and addresses other housekeeping issues, was published in the State Register on January 2, 2018. It became effective January 9, 2018.

The Board has updated information on the website affected by these revised rules and the revised rules are now incorporated into the website of the Office of the Revisor.

2018 Renewals Were Due December 31, 2017

All unrenewed licenses, registrations and permits expired December 31, 2017.

Inactive licensees remaining Inactive may still renew through Online Services (the $50 delinquency fee is added to your total due).

All other licensees, registrants, and permit holders must complete and mail in the appropriate renewal form, along with a check or money order as payment.

Answers to questions concerning renewal can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Continuing Professional Education Reporting Fee Chart