Question: What can I do to help protect my myself from identity theft and tax-related fraud? Answer: One way you can protect your identity when filing your tax return is by taking advantage of the IRS's Identity Protection PIN program. The IRS has recently begun expanding the use of Identity Protection (IP) PIN's for those who wish to make use of the program. An IP PIN is a six digit code issued by the IRS and known only to the individual and his or her tax preparer. The PIN is submitted on the individual's tax return to verify their identity. Throughout the last decade IP PIN's have been issued to protect individuals who have suffered from identity related tax fraud. Now, beginning in 2021, the IRS is allowing individuals to request an IP PIN regardless whether they have been a victim of identity theft. Because of the increasing risk of identity theft, we recommend you consider making use of this additional security measure when filing your taxes. Those who wish to ob
Question: A church is considering adopting a simple cafeteria plan in order to provide its pastor and other employees a choice between two benefits. What requirements must be met for the church to be eligible to establish a simple cafeteria plan? Answer: Section 125 Plans, often referred to as Cafeteria plans, allow employers to offer employees certain benefits on a pretax basis. In most cases, participants in a cafeteria plan must be permitted to choose from at least one taxable benefit (i.e. cash) and one qualified nontaxable benefit such as health plans, group term life insurance, and others described in IRS Publication 15-B . In order to be Section 125 compliant, the employer must retain written documentation of the plan and meet various requirements described in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 125. One common type of Section 125 plan is a Premium-Only Plan (POP). POP's allow employers to withhold and remit each employee's portion of health insurance premiums pre-tax