- 2023 Seminar / Webinar Topics
- Withdrawal Process for ERC Claims
- 2024 Social Security Wage Base
- IRS Opens PTIN Renewal
- Beware of Fake Charities
- November Applicable Federal Rates
- Area Stakeholder Liaison Teams
- 2023 BTB Tax Toolkit – Now Available
- Remaining 2023 Seminar Dates and Locations
- Tutorial for joining our webinars without the Zoom app.
- 2023 BTB Brochure
- The Tax Book – Promo Code 544
- CFS Tax Tools – Coupon Code BTB57143
- $50 Referral Bonus
“I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.”
~ Arthur Godfrey
Instructors
James Hockenberry, EA – Jim is the President of Back to Basics Income Tax Seminars and has over 31 years of experience in income tax and financial planning. He is an Enrolled Agent and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He has worked as a tax researcher / technical writer and has served as an instructor for several tax and financial organizations. Jim has also written several texts regarding income tax, estate tax, and financial planning matters.
Steve O’Rourke, EA – Steve is an Enrolled Agent with a successful tax practice in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. His firm, which was established in 1989, prepares over 2,500 individual and business tax returns. Steve has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. He has over 40 years of experience as a tax professional and is a nationally known speaker, having taught tax seminars for the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Association of Tax Professionals, and several other professional organizations nationwide.
NOTE: If you can bundle your home and auto with your insurance company – you should be able to do the same with your continuing education. Take advantage of the discounted rates when you register for additional seminars and webinars.If you have already signed up for one Back to Basics Seminar or Webinar, add another for just $140 or 2 more for only $280. That’s another 8 CPE credits for only $140 or 16 for $280. Just click the button below to take advantage of this great deal! |
2023 Seminar / Webinar Topics
Business Issues Update and Review
SECURE 2.0 Act – Business Provisions
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
Court Cases
Partnerships
Partnership Agreements
Inside / Outside Basis
At-Risk Rules
Passive Loss Rules
Pass-through Items
Hot Assets
Pass-through Entity Taxes (PTE Taxes)
§754 Election
Schedules K-2 and K-3
Termination – Final Form 1065 Return
Part I Update and Review
SECURE 2.0 Act – Business Provisions
Form 1099- K Requirements
Taxing Topics
Court Cases
Ethics (1 CPE/CE Credit)
Rental Property – Schedule E
Divorce
Part II Update and Review
Federal Forms Update
Form 7205, Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction
Form 8936, Clean Vehicle Credits
Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits
Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts
New 2023 Tax Legislation
Proposed Regulations for Reporting Digital Asset Sales
Tax Treatment of Cryptocurrency Staking Rewards
Student Loan Debt Update
Ethics (1 CPE/CE Credit)
State Updates – All BTB Part II participants will have the opportunity to view the Wisconsin and Arizona state updates for FREE. As soon as each recording is available, we will send a link to the recorded webinar sessions. Note: The state updates are not available for CPE/CE credits.
Withdrawal Process for ERC Claims
The IRS has announced the details of a special withdrawal process to help those who filed an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim and are concerned about its accuracy.
This new withdrawal option allows certain employers that filed an ERC claim but have not yet received a refund to withdraw their submission and avoid future repayment, interest and penalties. Employers that submitted an ERC claim that’s still being processed can withdraw their claim and avoid the possibility of getting a refund for which they’re ineligible.
The new withdrawal process follows the Sept. 14 announcement of an immediate moratorium on processing new ERC claims. The moratorium, which will last until at least the end of this year, follows a flood of ineligible ERC claims. Payouts for claims submitted before Sept. 14 will continue during the moratorium period but at a slower pace due to more detailed compliance reviews. With stricter compliance reviews in place, existing ERC claims will go from a standard processing goal of 90 days to 180 days – and much longer if the claim faces further review or audit. The IRS may also seek additional documentation from the taxpayer to ensure the claim is legitimate.
Employers can use the ERC claim withdrawal process if all of the following apply:
- They made the claim on an adjusted employment tax return (Forms 941-X, 943-X, 944-X, CT-1X).
- They filed the adjusted return only to claim the ERC, and they made no other adjustments.
- They want to withdraw the entire amount of their ERC claim.
- The IRS has not paid their claim, or the IRS has paid the claim, but they haven’t cashed or deposited the refund check.
Businesses that have willfully filed fraudulent claims, assisted in such conduct or conspired to do so should be aware, however, that withdrawing a fraudulent claim will not exempt them from potential criminal investigation and prosecution.
Employers that can’t use this process may still be able to file another adjusted return if they need to:
- Reduce the amount of their ERC claim
- Make other changes to their adjusted return
The frequently asked questions about the ERC have more details for these employers.
To take advantage of the claim withdrawal procedure, taxpayers should carefully follow the special instructions at IRS.gov/withdrawmyerc, summarized below.
- Taxpayers whose professional payroll company filed their ERC claim should consult with the payroll company. The payroll company may need to submit the withdrawal request for the taxpayer, depending on whether the taxpayer’s ERC claim was filed individually or batched with others.
- Taxpayers who filed their ERC claims themselves, haven’t received, cashed or deposited a refund check and have not been notified their claim is under audit should fax withdrawal requests to the IRS using computer or mobile device. The IRS has set up a special fax line to receive withdrawal requests. This enables the agency to stop processing before the refund is approved. Taxpayers who are unable to fax their withdrawal using a computer or mobile device can mail their request, but this will take longer for the IRS to receive.
- Employers who have been notified they are under audit can send the withdrawal request to the assigned examiner or respond to the audit notice if no examiner has been assigned.
Those who received a refund check, but haven’t cashed or deposited it, can still withdraw their claim. They should mail the voided check with their withdrawal request using the instructions at IRS.gov/withdrawmyerc.
Additional information containing detailed procedures on the withdrawal process is available in Fact Sheet 2023-24
2024 Social Security Wage Base
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the maximum earnings subject to social security (OASDI) tax will increase from $160,200 to $168,600 in 2024 (an increase of $8,400).
IRS Opens PTIN Renewal
Anyone who prepares or helps prepare a federal tax return or a claim for refund for compensation must have a valid PTIN from the IRS. They also need to include the PTIN as their identifying number on any return or claim for refund filed with the IRS. PTINs expire on December 31 of the calendar year for which they are issued. All 2023 PTINs will expire on Dec. 31, 2023.
The fee to renew or obtain a PTIN for 2024 is $19.75. The fee is set at $11 per application or renewal, plus an $8.75 fee payable to the third-party contractor. The PTIN fee is non-refundable. Failure to have and to use a valid PTIN may result in penalties.
Paid tax return preparers with a PTIN expiring on Dec. 31, 2023, should use the online renewal process, which takes about 15 minutes to complete. A paper option, Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal, along with the instructions, are also available for PTIN applications and renewals. However, the paper form can take approximately six weeks to process.
To renew a PTIN online:
- Start at IRS.gov/taxpros.
- Select the “Renew or Register” button.
- Select “Log in” and enter the user ID and password to access the online PTIN system.
- Select the “Renew my PTIN” button from the main menu.
Once completed, users will receive confirmation of their PTIN renewal.
Beware of Fake Charities
The IRS is warning taxpayers to be wary of criminals soliciting donations and falsely posing as legitimate charities. When fake charities scam unsuspecting donors, the proceeds don’t go to those who need the help and those contributing to these fake charities can’t deduct their donations.
Those who wish to donate should use the Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool on IRS.gov to help find or verify qualified, legitimate charities.
With the TEOS, people can:
- Verify the legitimacy of a charity
- Check its eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions
- Search for information about an organization’s tax-exempt status and filings
Fake charity promoters may use emails, fake websites, or alter or “spoof” their caller ID to make it look like a real charity is calling to solicit donations. Criminals often target seniors and groups with limited English proficiency.
November Applicable Federal Rates
| Annual | Semiannual | Quarterly | Monthly | |
| Short-term (≤ 3 years) | 5.30% | 5.23% | 5.20% | 5.17% |
| Mid-term (> 3 years but ≤ 9 years) | 4.69% | 4.64% | 4.61% | 4.60% |
| Long-term (> 9 years) | 4.836% | 4.771% | 4.74% | 4.72% |
Sec. 7520 rate – 5.60% |
Area Stakeholder Liaison Teams
| Stakeholder | States | |
| Liaison | Covering | |
| Alan Gregerson | alan.j.gregerson@irs.gov | MN, ND |
| Ann Burton | ann.burton@irs.gov | CO |
| Jody Stamback | jody.k.stamback@irs.gov | UT |
| Lelah Martinez | lelah.l.martinez@irs.gov | NM |
| Lisa Novack | lisa.a.novack@irs.gov | AZ |
| Michael Smith | michael.smith6@irs.gov | WI |
| Mercean Lam | mercean.lam@irs.gov | OK |
| Neki Cox | neki.m.cox@irs.gov | NE, SD |
| Krista Sullivan | Krista.M.Sullivan@irs.gov | MO, KS |
2023 BTB Tax Toolkit – Now Available
The year-end planning letter is now available. The cost is only $60 (when selected to have it sent via email). In addition to your own professionally written 4-page newsletter ready to mail, we have included client interview worksheets, a data taker, sample election statements, and a client engagement letter. The newsletter includes sections on new tax laws, year-end planning, and much more. Click here for online ordering and delivery of the 2023 BTB Tax Tool Kit.
Remaining 2023 Seminar Dates and Locations
Please note that we have moved two locations (Brookfield and Mesa) for the 2023 seminars. Note that each location has a link to Google maps.
Clicking on any date below will take you to the registration page.
Click here for the registration page.
WISCONSIN
Location Seminar Date
Superior
Barkers Island Inn
300 Marina Drive Part I Update & Review Nov. 27
Superior, WI 54880 Part II Update & Review Nov. 28
Eau Claire
Holiday Inn
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Part II Update & Review Nov. 29
Rothschild
Holiday Inn
Rothschild, WI 54474 Part II Update & Review Dec. 13
Onalaska
Stoney Creek Hotel
3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd. Part I Update & Review Nov. 30
Onalaska, WI 54650 Part II Update & Review Dec. 1
Janesville
Holiday Inn
Janesville, WI 53546 Part II Update & Review Dec. 11
Sun Prairie
Hilton Garden Inn
Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Part II Update & Review Dec. 12
Green Bay
Radisson Hotel
Green Bay, WI 54313 Part II Update & Review Dec. 15**
Oshkosh
Hilton Garden Inn
Oshkosh, WI 54902 Part II Update & Review Dec. 7**
Racine
Delta Hotel by Marriott
Racine, WI 53406 Part II Update & Review Dec. 4
Milwaukee
Hilton Garden Inn
Milwaukee, WI 53207 Part II Update & Review Dec. 5
Brookfield
Sheraton*
Brookfield, WI 53005 Part II Update & Review Dec. 6**
*New Location
** Available online Live-Stream Webinar (Part I will also Live-Stream on Thur. Dec. 14)
Click here for the registration page.
ARIZONA
Flagstaff
DoubleTree by Hilton
1175 W. Route 66 Part I Update & Review Nov. 6
Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Part II Update & Review Nov. 7
Mesa
DoubleTree by Hilton* Business Issues Update and Review Nov. 10
1101 W. Holmes Ave. Part I Update & Review Nov. 16
Mesa, AZ 85210 Part II Update & Review Nov. 17
Tucson
DoubleTree by Hilton
445 S. Alvernon Way Part I Update & Review Nov. 13
Tucson, AZ 85711 Part II Update & Review Nov. 14
Phoenix
DoubleTree by Hilton* Business Issues Update and Review Nov. 8
10220 N Metro Pkwy E Part I Update & Review Nov. 9
Phoenix, AZ 85051 Part II Update & Review Nov. 15
*New Location
Note: Due to a fire at the Phoenix Sheraton, the Phoenix seminars are now at the Phoenix DoubleTree located at 10220 N Metro Pkwy E.
LIVE-STREAM WEBINARS
Business Issues Update and Review Oct. 30
Part I Update & Review Oct. 31, Dec. 14
Part II Update & Review Dec. 6, Dec. 7, Dec. 15
Click here for the registration page.
Tutorial for Joining our Webinars Without the Zoom App
Some people have had some issues joining our live stream webinars using the Zoom app. We have recorded a short 3 minute tutorial on how to join our webinars using only a browser. Click here to watch the tutorial.
Speaking Engagements
If your professional group is looking for outside speakers for an upcoming event – we can help. For additional information, please email jhockenberry@dbcllc.com.
The Tax Book – Promo Code: 544
Use Promo Code 544 for additional discounts and take advantage of The Tax Book’s award-winning tax research solutions.
Order at: www.thetaxbook.com/order
Promo Code: 544
CFS Tax Tools – Coupon Code: BTB57143
CFS Tax Software, Inc.
Tax Tools is a collection of over 300 worksheets, calculators, flowcharts, and forms that tackle a variety of tough tax topics (many of which aren’t included in your 1040 software), including:
- Individual Tax Planner
- ACA modules
- Penalty and Interest Calculator
- Social Security Optimization
- Updated for latest tax law changes
You can order online at www.taxtools.com, or call 1-800-343-1157. Either way, be sure to use Coupon Code BTB57143 for additional savings.
$50 Referral Bonus
Refer a new attendee to a Back to Basics Income Tax Full Day Seminar and receive a $50 referral fee. Upon receipt of the new attendee registration(s), BTB Income Tax Seminars will mail you a check of $50 for each new attendee. Click Here to get a copy of the referral coupon.
(NOTE: Not valid with any other special offers or discounts)
Back to Basics Income Tax Seminars® is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. Sponsor ID # 108520