Category: Press Releases

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) November 30, 2016

A report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration states that the IRS has improved its processes designed to identify those individuals who failed to file their taxes by established deadlines. The goal is to recover some of the estimated billions of dollars in lost tax revenue due to nonfilers. The new process involves focusing on nonfilers whose income is above a certain threshold and failed to file their taxes by either the original deadline or an agreed extension.

The IRS normally issues delinquency notices to over 640,000 nonfilers however it is estimated that another 1.9 million nonfilers were not identified. These taxpayers may owe over $7 billion. The issue stems from the fact that the current nonfiler identification process only runs once each year so after the year has passed where the taxpayer did not file they most likely will not be notified again. Mitch Elbarki, CEO of Sigma Tax Pro states, “tax professionals should make their clients aware of the need to file prior year taxes, this can increase their business and also protect their clients from fees and potential fines.”

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.

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Sigma Tax Pro echoes the warning issued by the IRS earlier this month, warning against attacks launched against tax professionals and their computer systems.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) September 20, 2016

The latest in a long line of attempts to gain taxpayer knowledge sees identity thieves targeting the computer systems of tax professionals. Posing as professional tax softwarecompanies, the assailants are contacting tax pro’s via email while claiming to be sending a standard software update. However, the software being installed is actually a portal for the attackers to remotely control the computer system. This type of control allows them to file false returns using the victim’s filing information, as well as access the sensitive information of clients. More than two dozen cases of this type of hacking have been reported already.

Attacks in general are more common during peak filing periods. This most recent one comes as the October 17th extension filing deadline approaches. The last time there was a spike like this was early Spring, around the time of the April 15th deadline. This trend is likely timed this way because tax professionals are preoccupied servicing their clients and are not as vigilant as they would be other times. Ian Gardner, of Sigma Tax Proencourages tax pros to stay vigilant, “I know it can be crazy around deadline days, but you have to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If you notice something that might be out of the ordinary, always confirm by calling your software provider.” Tax pros should also be sure to review Pub. 4557, which provides a guide for safeguarding taxpayer data.

The IRS has outlined steps to take to ensure operating system’s have not been compromised:
Run a security “deep scan” to search for viruses and malware;
Strengthen passwords for both computer access and software access; make sure passwords are a minimum of eight digits (more is better) with a mix of numbers, letters and special characters and change them often;
Be alert for phishing scams: do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders;
Educate all staff members about the dangers of phishing scams in the form of emails, texts and calls;
Review any software that employees use to remotely access the network and/or IT support vendors use to remotely troubleshoot technical problems and support systems. Remote access software is a potential target for bad actors to gain entry and take control of a machine.

If any tax professionals believe they have been a victim of any type of attack, they are urged to consult Data Breach Information for Tax Professionals.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/software/taxes-pros/prweb13695908.htm

Sigma Tax Pro CEO Mitch Elbarki advises tax pros that upcoming upgrades to the IRS e-services systemcould cause headaches right before the 2017 tax season begins

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) September 27, 2016

Any tax professional that uses the IRS e-services system to obtain their EFIN number could be in for a surprise the next time they try to login to their online account. By the end of next month, currently expected by October 24th, the IRS will upgrade the protections for e-services accounts through a more secure identity verification process for all users. Those users with existing accounts will be required to re-register and verify their identities,which means in simple terms that they will have to revalidate their identity to maintain access to e-services products.

Mitch Elbarki, CEO of Sigma Tax Pro explains the importance of this change, “We receive a large number of customer service calls from clients who are locked out of their e-services accounts. Once you are locked out the process to reinstate access is lengthy and time consuming and involves waiting for the IRS to mail out a confirmation code.”

Tax pros that do not follow this new verification process carefully risk being locked out and this could have a serious impact on their business. The IRS will add additional support on the e-Help Desk once the new process is in place and there should be no issues for users as long as they follow the steps provided in the recently released IRS update.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.

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Sigma Tax Pro implores tax pros to beware of suspicious activity regarding their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers.

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA (PRWEB) AUGUST 23, 2016

In a recent effort by the IRS, they have teamed up with major tax prep chains as well as software developers in a “Security Summit” with the goal of combatting cyber-security threats. The IRS stated, via IRS.gov on August 9th, that online-criminals are targeting tax professionals in an attempt to steal client data, passwords for IRS eServices, electronic filing identification numbers, in addition to PTIN information. The IRS is planning to educate tax pros about the need for online security, as well as set new security standards industry wide. The IRS is relying, in part, on the ever increasing due diligence of individual preparers to monitor their own information.

Ian Gardner, of Sigma Tax Pro stated: “We hear about these types to thing every year, but hopefully this year we can come together as a tax prep community to be proactive instead of reactive, and effectively take on this problem.”

The main action that tax pros can take is to monitor the amount of returns filed using their PTIN, which will be reported on the IRS website. Tax pros will simply log in to their PTIN account and, within a few clicks, be able to see their records. This system will only report PTIN holders filing 50 or more tax returns from the Form 1040 series. According to the IRS, this information will be updated weekly, and should be monitored during tax season, as well as after.

If misuse is suspected, tax professionals are urged to complete Form 14157 and file a complaint with the IRS directly.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.

Sigma Tax Pro Urges Tax Pros To Heed IRS Declaration Of Nearly $1 Billion In Unclaimed Refunds

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) Apr 01, 2016

Sigma Tax Pro implores tax pros to be committed in reviewing their clients before year earnings to examine if they are among a some-more than one millions taxpayers who did not record a 2012 taxation return.

Under a stream law, taxpayers are authorised a three-year window to explain their refund. For those who did not attend in a 2012 filing season, this is their final possibility to explain a income to that they are justly entitled. Taxpayers are reminded that, in sequence to explain their before year refund, all successive years contingency also be filed. If taxpayers are carrying issues receiving before year forms they can use a IRS apparatus “Get My Transcript by Mail.” The deadline to record for 2012 is Apr 18th, 2016, or Apr 19th for those in Maine and Massachusetts.

Ian Gardner, of Sigma Tax Pro, reminds taxation pros that, “…Taxpayers might be blank out on some-more than only their reinstate amounts. Many people also validate for EITC, that provides assist to families next certain income thresholds.” The IRS has published sum intensity reinstate amounts for any state, with a top intensity reinstate amounts entrance from Texas, California, Florida, and New York. Tax pros in these areas are speedy to be some-more committed in ensuring their clients file, and do so within a allotted window. To contrast, Vermont, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming had a lowest intensity amounts.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full operation of essential services for taxation pros. This includes attention heading program solutions as good as technical support, taxation credentials support and customer influence strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in assisting taxation credentials firms enhance their businesses, open new offices and boost their customer base.

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA (PRWEB) MARCH 28, 2016

Sigma Tax Pro alerts tax pros to proactively reach out to clients who may have received an EITC letter or notice from the IRS before they are no longer eligible.

As tax season is winding down, Sigma Tax Pro wants to remind tax pros to proactively reach out to their clients who applied for the Earned Income Credit this year, but have not yet received their refund. There is a chance that the taxpayer received a letter from the IRS that will delay the refund, and by reaching out to those clients and letting them know to be on the look-out for that letter, tax pros can reduce the delay as much as possible. This tax season saw more verification letters go out than prior years. Taking this action will not only help your client receive their refund, but if you elected to use a Refund Transfer product, it will ensure you receive your preparation fees in a timely manner as well.

Ian Gardner, of Sigma Tax Pro, encourages tax pros to think of the situation from the perspective of the taxpayer: “Many clients receive these letters from the IRS, and they either panic, or ignore them completely. As a tax pro, you can let them know the necessary steps to get their refund, as well as remind them you are available to help.”

A client may receive a letter or notice from the IRS for a number of reasons: if they qualify for EITC but have not claimed it on their return; if they need to verify their EITC claim; or if the client’s previous EITC claim was reduced or disallowed and they need to file Form 8862 to claim EITC.

Taxpayers and tax pros alike are reminded to be wary of anyone posing as an IRS agent, and should always report any suspicious activity. More information regarding fraud, identity theft, and phishing can be found on the IRS website.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.

Sigma Tax Pro has endorsed the recent series of IRS, state revenue departments and tax industry tips to help protect tax and financial data.

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) December 11, 2015

Sigma Tax Pro has endorsed the recent series of IRS, state revenue departments and tax industry tips to help protect tax and financial data.

The “Taxes. Security. Together.” campaign is a coordinated effort between the IRS, states and the tax industry. Its goal is to increase awareness that carrying out simple tasks on the Internet via computers and mobile devices can expose important financial and tax data. Sigma Tax Pro’s goal is to fully support these coordinated efforts so that all consumers are receiving the best possible protection for their information. The campaign consists of a series of tips that provide guidance on how people can protect their computers and personal information. A new tip will be available each Monday through the start of the tax season in January.

Sigma Tax Pro’s Jody Dovich supports the campaign and states that while many individuals have heard of identity theft, they do not know what real steps they can take to protect their identity. Tax pros are also often not able to provide their clients with solid advice either. The tips in the You Tube video series that forms the core of the “Taxes. Security. Together.” campaign will be a great asset for tax pros and taxpayers alike.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base. Sigma offers an identity theft product called IDShield which is now available and offers premium level protection.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/tax-information/sigma-tax-pro/prweb13126095.htm

Sigma Tax Pro and the IRS are reminding all taxpayers whose filing extensions runs out this month to double check returns for tax benefits.

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) October 15, 2015

As tax pros across America begin preparing for the coming tax season, the IRS has reminded taxpayers of the upcoming filing extension deadline on October 15th. According to the IRS, around 25% of the 13 million requested extensions have still not been filed. It should be noted that certain members of the military are exempt from this requirement. Jody Dovich at Sigma Tax Pro urges anyone who filed an extension to contact their tax professional to ensure their return is filed by the coming deadline.

The Internal Revenue Service has also detailed some of the potential tax benefits that taxpayers may be able to take advantage of. For low income workers, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can be a huge help and the EITC Assistant can show if anyone is eligible. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, claimed via Form 8863, as well as other education tax benefits can also be filed at this time.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base. Sigma also offers a new identity theft product called IDShield which was released in September of this year.

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Taxpayers should check to see if they will qualify for either of two college tax credits or other education-related tax benefits for 2015

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) September 04, 2015

As America says goodbye to summer and heads back to school, students and parents should check to see if they can take advantage of any education-related tax benefits. The two main benefits are the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit which are available to taxpayers who pay qualifying expenses for an eligible student. The IRS considers eligible students as the taxpayer, spouse and their dependents. The American Opportunity Tax Credit can provide a credit for eligible students, however the Lifetime Learning Credit provides a maximum credit per tax return.

Jody Dovich of Sigma Tax Pro highlights the importance of being aware of these often overlooked benefits: “When it comes time to file taxes, everyone is looking to squeeze every last dollar out of their refund and this is a great way to do just that.” Nonetheless, it is vital that tax pros are aware of the specific details on these tax credits. They only apply to eligible students who are enrolled in eligible colleges, universities or vocational schools, including both nonprofit and for-profit institutions. Another caveat is that the credits are subject to income limits and this could affect the amount claimed on their tax return.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base. Sigma also offers its audit assistance product to protect tax pros and taxpayers in the event of an IRS audit.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/tax-information/sigma-tax-pro/prweb12931648.htm

Taxpayers should check to see if they will qualify for either of two college tax credits or other education-related tax benefits for 2015

Delray Beach, Florida (PRWEB) September 04, 2015

As America says goodbye to summer and heads back to school, students and parents should check to see if they can take advantage of any education-related tax benefits. The two main benefits are the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit which are available to taxpayers who pay qualifying expenses for an eligible student. The IRS considers eligible students as the taxpayer, spouse and their dependents. The American Opportunity Tax Credit can provide a credit for eligible students, however the Lifetime Learning Credit provides a maximum credit per tax return.

Jody Dovich of Sigma Tax Pro highlights the importance of being aware of these often overlooked benefits: “When it comes time to file taxes, everyone is looking to squeeze every last dollar out of their refund and this is a great way to do just that.” Nonetheless, it is vital that tax pros are aware of the specific details on these tax credits. They only apply to eligible students who are enrolled in eligible colleges, universities or vocational schools, including both nonprofit and for-profit institutions. Another caveat is that the credits are subject to income limits and this could affect the amount claimed on their tax return.

Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base. Sigma also offers its audit assistance product to protect tax pros and taxpayers in the event of an IRS audit.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/tax-information/sigma-tax-pro/prweb12931648.htm