Tax Alliance Conference 2012
Topics*

*Subject to change.

Mock Trial – Whether your practice offers controversy/representation or not, your practice is affected by the decisions of the U. S. Tax Court.  The case in this mock trial is a decision of whether or not a taxpayer qualifies for innocent spouse relief.  
 
Federal tax Update- Ira Shepard presents important Federal tax changes and relevant court decisions that affect the tax professional and our clients.
 

National Taxpayer Advocate -  We are honored to have Nina Olson, IRS National Taxpayer Advocate once again this year giving us an update of the Taxpayer Advocate Service. 

Making a Voluntary Disclosure to the IRS - Do you know when a voluntary disclosure could benefit your client?  Jack Townsend will cover the ins and outs of making one.

Lien Basics – This hour will explain how the federal tax lien is created, perfected and used by the IRS to collect unpaid tax liabilities.  Practitioners will learn what a tax lien is and how to deal with it, either as a representative or the taxpayer or as a representative of a competing creditor.  the topics will include an introduction to the legal rules of:  1) lien creation and release; 2) filing and withdrawing the Notice of Federal Tax lien; 3) discharging property from the tax lien; and 4) the priority of the tax lien as against other creditors.

What Every Employer Should Know About The Recent Initiatives on Worker Classification- The IRS is on the Worker Classification Warpath - Are you ready for the battle?  A strong detected workforce is the foundation of every successful company's business model.  However, this sturdy foundation is being assaulted by worker classification challenges that can have devastating effects on a company.  Federal and state agencies, Congress, attorneys and disgruntled employees have declared war on companies they claim wrongly classify employees as independent contractors.  Moreover, the IRS National Research Project has focused on worker classification and identified many other areas of exposure.  This presentation will focus on understanding risks, mechanisms to mitigate exposure and new guidance related to recent developments in the employment arena.

Alter Ego and Nominee Liens: This session will build on the Lien Basics hour to address more complex legal issues associated with the federal tax lien.  Practitioners will learn the legal rules relating to the following topics: 1) the characteristics of, similarities of, and differences between Alter Ego and Nominee liens; 2) the IRS procedure for filing Notices of Federal Tax Liens for an Alter Ego or Nominee; and 3) a review of Texas cases involving Alter Ego and Nominee liens.
 

Federal Income Tax Consequences for Individuals in Bankruptcy- A general overview of the various federal income tax consequences related to the bankruptcy and/or insolvency of an individual, including handling tax attributes, electing to terminate ones tax year upon bankruptcy and Internal Revenue Code section in 108.  The goal is to do a broad sweep such that practitioners have a general understanding of the potential federal income tax issues in a bankruptcy and/or insolvency scenario.
 

Audit Proofing Your Travel, Meals and Entertainment Deductions - In order to advise our clients, we need to know the specific requirements of the travel and meals & entertainment deduction.  This topic will cover the recordkeeping, how to handle M&E for employees and when you may deduct more than the normal 50%.

Conflict of Interest Issues for Tax Professionals - The presentation will discuss identifying conflict of interest issues for tax return preparers and tax professionals representing clients in controversy mattters before the IRS.  The topics covered will include how to identify potential conflicts, informed waivers of a possible conflict and withdrawal from representation if a true conflict arises.

Structuring LLCs and Family Partnerships for the Pro-Active Practitioner - Allocation, basis, at risk and passive activity loss rules provide numerous traps for the unwary.  Sharpen your skills in structuring LLCs generally and family partnerships in particular, learn about recent cases and regulatory developments and get tips on structuring around frequently encountered problem areas in an information packed session.

Refund Fraud and Return Preparer Fraud - IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) Andrea Whelan will discuss 2012 Refund Fraud and Return Preparer Fraud.  She will provide case examples of enforcement actions.

Protecting Your Client's Rights

S-Corps:  The Good, The Bad and The Study - This presentation explores the unique attributes of S corporations, including the planning opportunities and challenges that arise from the S corporation form.  The presentation will examine the U.S. Government Accountability Office's recent S corporation study, including the GAO's recommendations to address noncompliance with S corporation tax rules and proactive steps S corporations and their advisors should take in response to those recommendations.

Office of Professional Responsibility Update - Karen Hawkins, Director, OPR will present an update from OPR.

Policing Preparers