Services Tax Alliance Conference of North Texas 2006

Tax Alliance Conference 6/18 & 6/19/2008

The Tax Alliance Conference offers the following topics, subject to change.

Unless otherwise indicated all courses are intermediate level with no prerequisites.

Courses qualifying as ethics for enrolled agents are annotated with (E).

Keynote Speaker:

Honorable Judge Juan F. Vasquez, US Tax Court

The Tax Alliance Conference is honored to call Judge Vasquez our friend. As one of our favorite speakers, we appreciate that he has agreed to take time out to address our conference.

Distinguished Speaker:

Cono Namorato, former Director of Practice for the Internal Revenue Service will address the changes in Circular 230. (E)

Topics:

Preparer Penalties in IRC 6694 - Presented by Deborah Butler, IRS

2008 Tax Update - Presented by Ira Sheppard

Margin Tax - Presented by Christine Mondrik

Our Aging Clients- Presented by Beanna Whitlock, EA -

Is your clientele aging? Many taxpayers and some tax professionals believe that as taxpayers age their tax situations become less complex. This could not be further from the truth. Examine the challenges that Seniors present to the tax professional. Discover some pitfalls for not only the taxpayer but for the tax professional and how we can best serve these clients and protect ourselves against law suits. Learn how to talk to Seniors about their taxes and to listen to them in order to discover how we may be of further service to these taxpayers.

Is That Ethical? (Panel Discussion) - We all come across those ethical questions from time to time. This is your opportunity to present your dilemma to our panel. (E)

Offer In Compromise vs Bankruptcy- Presented by Judith Swift and Patti Logan

Appeals - Presented by Sara Ingram, Chief of Appeals

Exam - Presented by Kathy Petronchak, Commissioner of SB/SE

Tax Court Panel - Judge Juan F.Vasquez, Elizabeth Copeland, Abbey Garber

Bank Secrecy - Cassandra S. Felton, IRS

IRS Disclosure Rules - IRS

Problem Solving with the IRS - Presented by Bill Roberts & Larry Jones

Intoduction to the new Whistleblower Act - Presented by Al Gibson, Analyst, Whistleblower Office

Bootcamp (Afternoon 6/17/08) Optional

We offer two tracks at Bootcamp; preparation and representation/controversy. The tracks run simultaneously and are not repeated.

Tax Controversy

Introduction to Examinations - Before we see a case worked, there will be a review of the exam process .

A Mock Exam - The Tax Alliance Conference believes that the attendee benefits greatly by seeing how an experienced representative handles an audit. So, this year, a mock examination will be presented. IRS has graciously allowed one of their most experienced auditors to participate in this mock audit.

What Could Have Been Done to Change the Audit? - After the mock audit, a panel will discuss what actions might have been taken to better represent the client.

Tax Preparation

Like Kind Exchanges - Code Section 1031 -

This presentation will cover the most overlooked like kind exchange–auto trade-ins – as well as the following types of 1031 exchanges:

1. Immediate
2. Delayed
3. Reverse or “Starker”
4. Related Party Rules
5. Complex exchanges such as multi-asset exchanges and cost segregation

This is a basic to intermediate presentation.

The New Circular 230 Sec. 10. 34 Rules -

It is a “new day” for people in the business of tax! Learn how the new standards of return preparation affect you and the client’s you serve. Discover the challenges of Circular 230 and how to make certain your tax practice not only has your taxpayers paying the lowest legal amount of tax but how you as the preparer can prepare with confidence. Be aware of the awesome responsibilities of “due diligence” and the §6694(a) and §6694(b) penalties that apply to preparation.

(E)

Debt Forgiveness -

This session will highlight the tax treatment of debt forgiveness. It encompasses a brief overview of what constitutes forgiveness of debt and reviews IRS reporting forms 1099A and 1099C. Session materials include a synopsis of the effects of insolvency, bankruptcy, and tax attributes on the taxability of such issues. This course also includes a review of HR 3648, Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief of 2007, and its impact on short sales rules of principal residences.