R5-Pt1 Flashcards
True or False: Accountants are responsible for knowing the personal finances of tax preparation clients.
Accountants have no way of auditing individual’s personal finances and are not required to do so when preparing a return
When a past error is found in a client’s tax return; what should an accountant do?
If a past error is found; accountant should inform client of this error.
Contacting the IRS is NOT required.
If client won’t fix it; then the accountant should reconsider whether they want to do business with the client
Name the key responsibilities of an accountant when preparing a tax return.
Accountant must prepare the return in good faith and ask for more information if something is missing
When recommending a tax position; the accountant should realistically believe that it would stand up under the scrutiny of a court
What estimated tax payments must be paid in by an individual taxpayer either via withholding or by quarterly tax payments?
The lesser of:
90% of current year’s total tax
100% of prior year’s total tax
110% of prior year’s total tax (if AGI is $150,000 or more)
What is the statute of limitations for a tax audit?
3 years, generally
6 years if 25% or more of gross income was omitted
The clock starts on the LATER of the due date or the filing date of the return.
There is NO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS for either fraud or failure to file a required return.
How long does an individual taxpayer have to file a claim for refund?
Refunds must be claimed within 3 years of the return due date or within 2 years of being paid, whichever is later.
A Listed Transaction is specifically identified by the Sec. of US Treasury as a?
- Tax Avoidance Transaction
The ‘More Likely Than Not’ Standard is greater then what % of likelihood of a tax postion being upheld by the courts?
- Greater then 50%
More Likely Than Not Standard is More Stringent then?
- The Substantial Authority Standard
Any failure to make a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Laws, is called?
- Negligence
Any Failure to exercise Ordinary & Reasonable care in the preparation of a tax return, is called?
- Negligence
Any failure by the taxpayer to keep adequate books & records or to substantiate items properly is called?
- Negligence
Reasonable Basis is what % Tax Position upheld?
- More then 20%
What is a Reportable Transaction?
- Any transaction Information is required to be included with a return
The Requirement for a Reportable Transaction by the Sec. of US Treasury for having the potential for either:
- Tax Avoidance
OR - Tax Evasion
Substantial Authority % Range for being upheld in court is?
- Greater then 33% but less then 50%
An Objective Standard involving an analysis of the law & application of the law to relevant facts is?
- Substantial Authority
The Substantial Authority Standard is Less Stringent then?
- ‘More likely then not’ Standard
An person who prepares for compensation or who employs one or more persons to prepare any tax return or claim for tax refund is?
- Tax Return Preparer
Who are Individuals who practice before the IRS: Attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents/Actuaries/Retirement Plan Agents
- Tax Practitioner
A Plan or arrangement if a significant purpose of an entity/partnership, etc is the avoidance or evasion of federal income tax
- Tax Shelter
A Position is deemed Unreasonable unless:
- Substantial Authority
- Position is disclosed, there is Reasonable Basis
- Tax Shelter or Reportable Transaction with position ‘more likely than not’
A penalty for the Understatement of Taxpayer’s Liability may be imposed on the Preparer if?
- Is due to an unreasonable position
- Preparer had knowledge or should known
- Position lacks Reasonable basis
Willful or Reckless conduct is either:
- A Willful attempt to understate tax liability
- A Reckless or intentional disregard of tax rules/regs.
A Preparer is not required to obtain supporting documentation unless?
- The preparer has reason to suspect the accuracy of the information provided by the taxpayer (client)
What is the Penalty for Willful or Reckless Conduct?
- Greater of $5,000 or 50% of income the preparer derived from tax refund/claim