Anthony Sykes & Company

          It seems today, that the only constant that we can rely on is change. Whether that is true or not, there are many things that we do need to be aware of, and adjust to. There are waves of change that hit us whether we like it or not. It’s at those times, that we may be best served, by taking a step back and reflecting on time tested advice that can give appropriate perspective.           “Never stop learning”. Considering how fast technology changes, and its effects on the world continue to be felt in different ways, all of us are learning many things at the same time. It allows us to better meet demands and provide much needed services, especially in the area of tax and finance. While this can be intimidating, it must be embraced. The future will not wait, and there are unknown benefits that await those who adapt to changing times.           “Start with the small things”. This is a basic way to create a strong foundation for any endeavor in life, but especially in the

          Most people would prefer simple tasks and activities over anything complex. Is the same true of taxes and finance? Most would give a resounding “Yes!” to that question. However, it has been said that over the past 30 years, that Federal Tax law has grown from 26,000 pages to 70,000 pages. Why has this taken place?           One theory is that the Tax code is stuck in what can be called the “Rinse. Wash. Repeat.” cycle. In this situation, a law is passed, but Taxpayers and professionals do their best to comply with the law while paying as little in tax as possible. When this is observed, Congress will pass another law to prevent these tactics, and the process starts again. It highlights how complicated things can get when many different groups are trying to represent their own interests, including the US government. Perhaps a balance can be reached, but it will be difficult to say the least.

          This is the time when the IRS will increase its notices to many Taxpayers about different matters. Unfortunately, this means that there are many others who try to take advantage and defraud others by pretending to representatives of the US Treasury. So it’s up to each of us to know what will distinguish a genuine officer or agent from a con artist.           The In-Person visit. These can happen for various reasons, and from different branches of the IRS. No matter what the case may be, IRS representatives will always have a pocket commission and Personal Identity Verification Credential . They will describe the authority and responsibilities of the person to whom they belong. A Revenue Officer often makes visits to discuss Tax debt. These visits are usually not scheduled. They can request payment, but it will always be to the US Treasury. A Revenue Agent of the IRS handles audits, and will schedule time with a Taxpayer or Qualified Tax Professional to do so. At times

          Now is especially the time of year when the IRS will contact Taxpayers about different financial issues. There are standard practices that will be followed, so one will know that they are actually dealing with the IRS. This 2 part series is meant to serve as a cautionary reminder of the times we live in, and show how we can keep our most sensitive financial information safe.           Phone Calls. The first contact from the IRS will usually be in the form of a letter in the mail. They will never send text messages or use social media. An IRS Agent or Revenue Officer may call a Taxpayer or the Tax Professional to confirm an appointment or items for an audit. In some cases, a private debt collection firm can be used for outstanding tax amounts. However, this will only be done after written notice has been given. Any and all payments will always be to the US Treasury.           The IRS and its contractors will never ask for payment over the phone. They will never insult

        Now that ideas have taken shape, preparations are being made. These will set the stage for how the business will function in a practical way moving forward. A critical decision that must be made at this point is what accounting method will be used. Once the choice about how to report income and expenses is made, it must be used consistently. This is a serious decision and must be well researched.        Cash . Using this method, income would be reported and expenses deducted, in the year they are received or paid . This is not to be confused with the Accrual method. Here, a business would report income or expenses in the year they earn them , even if they are paid in a different year. A Qualified Tax Professional is essential at this point to help set up the framework of what can become a solid and successful business.