We are happy to hear about these new requirements as we have always been greatly aware of the value of Education and Testing.  At R&G Brenner all Tax Consultants are required to pass a rigorous exam which includes a complex federal tax return that is done by hand and a section regarding NYS taxes as well prior to employment.  We also ensure that our preparers are up to date by requiring they attend our annual Tax Updates Seminar each year.  In addition to this we require our Tax Consultants to have a minimum of 2 years work experience in the field of tax preparation.  Professional tax preparer’s understand the need for education as tax laws change annually; in addition to our in house educational seminar the vast majority of our preparers also take seminars and training through other professional organizations.

This new regulation will truly professionalize the field of Tax Preparation by weeding out those tax preparers who do not have the proper training.  We see this as a step in the right direction and welcome the change as this may even help tax practices like ours grow by displaying the value of tax preparation assistance and the importance of having a professional on your side.

Source:  IRS Webinar

Here are some last minute tips:

• If you owe taxes and are mailing in your returns, be sure the envelopes are postmarked by 11:59pm on April 15th.  If they are not, you will be subject to late filing penalties and interest
• If you owe taxes and need to file an extension because you are not ready to submit your returns, we can help you.  Remember, an extension does not preclude you from paying your taxes.  They must be sent along with the extension before 4/15
• Be sure to put primary & secondary (if applicable) Social Security numbers on any checks sent as payments
• Keep all personal return back up documentation of your deductions for a minimum of 7 years.  Keep all documentation for Business Tax Returns FOREVER.
• If you have not filed a 2006 tax return, or plan on filing an amended 2006 tax return, they also must be submitted before 4/15.  Any 2006 return submitted after this date will not be accepted, and all potential refunds will be forfeited
• If you are due a refund, no worries!  You have three years to file.  So don’t kill yourself trying to get your taxes filed by the 4/15 deadline
• If you filed your taxes yourself R&G Brenner is offering a free review of your self-prepared tax returns.  If your return can be amended to your benefit, we will reduce your quoted fee by the retail amount you spent on your software.  This is especially pertinent for TurboTax filers as it has come to light that their program is miscalculating tax returns.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thanks again and see you next year!

Benjamin K. Brenner, PRESIDENT

Barbara Petroski and Cathy Camden claim that Kansas City-based H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) enacted a companywide policy requiring its tax professionals to complete 24 hours of unpaid, mandatory training at the end of the tax season to be eligible to prepare tax returns for H&R Block clients during the next tax season

“It is time for H&R Block to step up and recognize the reality of a continuing employment relationship with (its) tax professionals, and to fulfill its legal obligation to pay these employees at least minimum wage for time spent in company-mandated training,” George Hanson, the lead attorney in the case, said in a release. Hanson is a lawyer with Kansas City-based Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP.

“It appears that H&R Block is playing fast and loose with the concept of an employment relationship and considers these tax professionals employees only when it suits the company’s interests, but not when it comes to paying them for the required 24 hours of training between tax seasons,” he said. “H&R Block can’t have it both ways.”

The lawsuit was filed as a nationwide collective action, which means other H&R Block tax professionals may be eligible to join the lawsuit and seek unpaid wages from the past two or three years, along with damages and attorney fees.  If you are a current or former H&R Block associate and have been subject to these aforementioned mandatory training sessions you may be eligible to join this class action suit.  For more information, you can contact George Hanson of Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, the lead attorney in this case.

Source: Kansas City Business Journal

Best of Business 2009

I am proud to announce that R&G Brenner Income Tax Consultants is the recipient of the 2009 Best Of Business Award in the category of tax return preparation services by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA).  I would like to thank all R&G Brenner associates; from our Senior Tax Consultants, Executives and clerical staff for allowing us to receive this outstanding reward.  In a time when small businesses are becoming an extinct species, you are the foundation that allows us to persevere in this current economic climate.  Keep up the great work and hopefully we can capture this award again in 2010.

Sincerely,

Benjamin K. Brenner, PRESIDENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

R&G Brenner Income Tax Consultants Receives 2009 Best of Business Award

SAN FRANCISCO, November 7, 2009

The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that R&G Brenner Income Tax Consultants has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Tax return preparation services category.

The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using statistical research and consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off statistical research and also information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

About Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA)

Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is a San Francisco based organization. The SBCA is a private sector entity that aims to provide tactical guidance with many day to day issues that small business owners face. In addition to our main goal of providing a central repository of small business operational advice; we use consumer feedback to identify companies that exemplify what makes small business a vital part of the American economy.