IRS and the Affordable Care Act

Proud of Track Record

By Children’s Home Society of Florida Foundation

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IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on June 8 2011. He stated, “Mr. Chairman, the IRS is also proud of its implementation track record over the past few years.”

IRS Successes

There are multiple areas the IRS views as significant successes:

1. Collecting Taxes on International Funds – The IRS created a “landmark deal” with the government of Switzerland and has recovered substantial amounts of income tax. Over 15,000 taxpayers participated in the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP). In addition, 4,000 other taxpayers have voluntarily disclosed bank accounts throughout the world. The bank accounts have produced substantial taxes and penalties for the IRS. In addition, the overseas funds will be subject to U.S. taxes in the future.

2. Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN) – The PTIN now is required for all tax return preparers. Over 700,000 preparers have registered. This enables the IRS to monitor preparers’ qualificatons and to identify preparers who are committing tax fraud.

3. Telephone Support – The IRS has a goal of 93% toll-free tax law accuracy. The toll-free customer satisfaction rating for the IRS the past year was 92%.

4. Website – http://www.irs.gov has been very popular with taxpayers. There were 305 million webpage visits to the site in the past year. This is up 14% over the prior year. The “Where’s My Refund?” electronic tracking tool also increased in popularity.

5. Smart Phone – The IRS unveiled its first application for smart phones called “IRS2Go.” This application allows taxpayers with smart phones to check the status of tax refunds and obtain additional information.

6. eFiling – Each year, over 100 million taxpayers use the eFile Program. The IRS has been able to close five of 10 sites that previously were processing paper returns because of the efficiency of the eFile System.

IRS Changes

The IRS is also preparing for major increased responsibility that will be required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the wide-ranging healthcare law, there will be major changes for most Americans. The majority of these changes will affect individuals in 2014:

1. Premium Assistance Tax Credit – Individuals with lower and moderate incomes may qualify for a healthcare tax credit.

2. Advanced Premium Payments – Individuals who qualify for the healthcare tax credit may receive advance monthly payments to their healthcare insurance provider.

3. Reconciling Tax Credits – For those individuals who receive advance healthcare payments to providers, their tax return will necessarily require a reconciliation of the tax credits with the advance payments. It appears that the first date for this return will be April 15, 2015. IRS forms will include a reconciliation for the 2014 tax credits.

4. Individual Coverage Requirement – For individuals in 2014, there will be a mandatory coverage requirement. Those without coverage will be required to make a payment to the IRS.

5. Employer Payments – For employers who are required to participate in the healthcare programs for employees, they will need to report that participation or make an employer payment to the IRS.

ACA

Editor’s Note: Your editor and this organization take no position with respect to IRS practices and the comments of IRS Commissioner Shulman. This information is offered as a service to our readers.

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”Tremendous Upheaval” Over Estate Tax

An IRS Prediction by Senator Charles Grassley

By Robert Giese
bob.giese@chsfl.org

Senate Charles Grassley (R-IA) is the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee. In a conference call with several reporters on June 2nd, 2010, he discussed the uncertain future of the estate tax.

The Proposal [Kyle-Lincoln Estate Tax Compromise]

Sen. Grassley noted that Sen. Jon Kyle (R-AZ) and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) have proposed that the Senate Finance Committee pass an estate tax bill with a $5 million per person exemption and a 35% top estate tax rate.

However, Grassley expressed the opinion that “the Finance Committee would like to take up consideration of legislation, but we aren’t assured by the majority leader that the bill passed out of committee will be taken up on the floor.”

Senate Rules

Under the Senate rules, even if the Finance Committee were to pass the Kyle-Lincoln estate tax compromise, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is not obligated to schedule a floor vote and could simply stall the legislation.

Assessment

In December of 2009, the House passed the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers and Small Businesses Act of 2009. This makes permanent the 2009 estate exemption of $3.5 million and top estate tax rate of 45%. If the House and Senate are not able to take action on estate taxes by the end of 2010 then on January 1, 2011 the estate tax returns with a 55% top rate and an exemption of $1 million (plus indexed increases).

This would affect many medical professionals as well as hardworking Americans.

Conclusion

If this were to happen, Sen. Grassley stated that there will be a “tremendous upheaval at the grassroots of America.”

And so, we invite IRS head Douglas Shulman to respond. Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are also appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, be sure to subscribe. It is fast, free and secure.

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