Federal

TEI Roundtable No. 42: A Deep Dive Into the Murky Waters of UTPs

Uncertain tax positions (UTPs) offer taxpayers both opportunities and challenges. We wanted to take a closer look at this important issue, so, of course, we assembled a roundtable of knowledgeable tax professionals, including George Clarke, partner at the Washington, D.C., office of Baker McKenzie; George Hani, member with Miller &… Read more »

The New Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax: Five Not-So-Obvious Rule Applications to Consider
Like it or not, the CAMT rules have unexpected applications and potentially problematic effects

Editor’s note: This article was written in mid-December 2022. It is expected that by the time of publication, the US Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service may release guidance to address some issues this article discusses. The corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) was enacted as part of the… Read more »

The “Most Interesting Man in the World” of R&D Tax Credits
Using Dan’s technology tips to improve your process today

Remember the Dos Equis beer ads where a bearded, distinguished-looking older gentleman wrestled bears, had drinks with Castro, and climbed Everest with his mom on his back as the bombastic voiceover recounted his daring exploits? “Bear hugs are what he gives bears. He lives vicariously through himself. His mom has… Read more »

Tips From The Art of War to Help in Your Research Credit Battle
Some may consider the IRS a nemesis, but your battle may be gathering the necessary data and documentation to calculate and support the credit

The legendary ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu has influenced Eastern and Western military thinking, coaching strategy, and now research tax credits.1 Some may consider the Internal Revenue Service a nemesis, but perhaps your own battle is to gather the necessary data or documentation to calculate and support the credit. To… Read more »

Much Ado, but Little New: A Guide to Section 951(a) After Build Back Better
What are the ramifications of Congress’ proposal?

The definition of “pro rata share” in Section 951(a)(2) is fundamental to the subpart F regime. That regime, of course, dates to the John F. Kennedy administration.1 Most words in current Section 951(a)(2) do, too. Though Congress amended Section 951(a)(1) on numerous occasions, it has left undisturbed the words of… Read more »

TEI Roundtable No. 37: Lessons Learned From TCJA Implementation
What are the implications for Biden’s proposals?

This roundtable was conducted on October 27 as the closing plenary session of TEI’s 76th Annual Conference in Florida. The session, Lessons Learned From TCJA Implementation and Implications for Biden’s Proposals, featured four distinguished panelists who shared their perspectives on the practical implementation and administration of business tax reform legislation:… Read more »

Government Aid Disclosure—Spotlight on the CARES Act
What accounting rules and guidance did companies follow to report receipt of government aid?

The United States has spent more government aid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic than at any other time in the country’s history. Due largely to pandemic spending, the United States federal government debt increased from $22.7 trillion to $28.5 trillion in the past two years, with much of the increased… Read more »

Who Is Interested in My Request for Interest?
Procedural missteps can risk taxpayers’ pursuit of overpayment interest from the IRS

The law is clear: “If a taxpayer overpays its taxes, the IRS owes the taxpayer interest on that amount.”1 This obligation certainly characterized the Internal Revenue Service’s 2020 fiscal year, in which the IRS paid more than $3 billion of overpayment interest to taxpayers.2 This figure is just the latest… Read more »

Let’s Make a Federal Case Out of It: Time to Revisit the Tax Injunction Act
There’s been no change in the TIA in more than 80 years—really

Most state taxpayers would prefer to litigate state and local tax cases in federal courts. However, disputes over state and local taxes are almost always decided by state courts. Although litigation in state court may seem natural and obvious to most state tax professionals, it is somewhat odd given the… Read more »

To Rely On or Not to Rely On? Sub-Regulatory Tax Guidance in Turbulent Times
Sometimes criticism of IRS guidance seems justified, other times not so much

Taxpayers face an ever-increasing mélange of sub-regulatory guidance from the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department.2 This guidance can take the form of proposed regulations, revenue rulings, notices, announcements, private letter rulings, and myriad other documents. Taxpayers in the middle of planning transactions, preparing returns, or tax controversies are… Read more »