{"id":14869,"date":"2025-07-21T20:23:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T20:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/?p=14869"},"modified":"2025-07-29T18:50:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T18:50:19","slug":"irs-enhances-pre-filing-agreement-program-to-support-lbi-taxpayers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/irs-enhances-pre-filing-agreement-program-to-support-lbi-taxpayers\/","title":{"rendered":"IRS Enhances Pre-Filing Agreement Program to Support LB&#038;I Taxpayers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14872 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements-980x551.png 980w, https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14872 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements-980x551.png 980w, https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em>The IRS updated its Pre-Filing Agreement program to help large businesses resolve tax issues early and reduce audit risk. Key changes include a streamlined process and new tools for eligibility and documentation.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made improvements to its Pre-Filing Agreement (PFA) program, aimed at providing greater certainty for large business and international (LB&amp;I) taxpayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Detailed in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/irs-improves-pre-filing-agreement-tax-certainty-program-for-large-business-and-international-taxpayers\">IR-2025-69<\/a> on June 17, 2025, the updates are designed to expand access to cooperative tax compliance strategies that prevent disputes before they arise. The PFA program allows LB&amp;I taxpayers to streamline the process of proactively addressing potential tax issues before filing, reducing audit risks and encouraging voluntary compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key enhancements to the Pre-Filing Agreement program include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An updated webpage with program statistics, overview of the PFA process, and links to dispute prevention resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step-by-step instructions with guidance on submitting a PFA request, including response timelines and what to expect after submission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resources to determine whether a PFA request is appropriate for their specific tax situation, along with documentation requirements to support submission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revised instructions for aligning PFA submissions with tax filing deadlines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information or to access the updated resources, taxpayers can visit the IRS\u2019s official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/fact-sheet-pre-filing-agreement-pfa-program-january-2023\">PFA program webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Protect Your Business<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R&amp;D tax credit is a powerful incentive\u2014but only when used responsibly. As the IRS adjusts their audit processes and enforcement capabilities, businesses must be vigilant about who they trust to prepare their claims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ask the right questions<\/strong>: If a vendor promises a large credit, ask how they plan to get there. If the explanation sounds like a \u201cslick used car salesman,\u201d it probably is.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/rd-credits-big-box-myths-and-cutting-edge-of-quick-and-easy\/\">R&amp;D Credits: Big Box Myths and Cutting Edge of \u201cQuick and Easy\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Know your threshold<\/strong>: For small companies, having six full-time equivalent engineers typically justifies pursuing the credit. Anything less may not be worth the risk or cost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/a-guide-for-pe-firms-hidden-rd-credit-value-in-6engineers\/\">A Guide for PE Firms: Hidden R&amp;D Tax Credit Value in #6engineers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Eligible for R&amp;D Credits?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any company that develops new or improved products, processes, or software\u2014in some cases, whether profitable or not\u2014may qualify for these lucrative credits.&nbsp;Wondering if you are eligible to take advantage of lucrative research credits that could cut your federal and state tax liability?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out here! <a href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/eligible-for-lucrative-rd-credits-2\/\">Eligible for Lucrative R&amp;D Credits?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:64px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended, nor should it be relied upon, as legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. You should consult with a competent professional to discuss specifics of your situation and the applicability of the information presented.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/contact\/\">Talk to a Business Tax Advocate<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read more<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/auditor-independence-in-the-age-of-private-equity\/\">Auditor Independence in the Age of Private Equity: What CFOs Need to Know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/r-d-credits-for-software-companies\/\">R&amp;D Credits for Software Companies: Scrum Teams, Qualifiers, and Section 174 After OBBBA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/section-174-decoupling-what-tax-pros-need-to-know-state-by-state\/\">Section 174 Decoupling: What Tax Pros Need To Know State By State<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/sean-espy-new-partner\/\">TaxOps Welcomes Sean Espy as Partner, Tax Minimization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/state-nexus-demystified-navigating-tax-compliance-after-wayfair-episode-1-2\/\">Your Tax Footprint Is Probably Bigger Than You Think: What Finance Leaders Need to Know About State Nexus<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The IRS updated its Pre-Filing Agreement program to help large businesses resolve tax issues early and reduce audit risk. Key changes include a streamlined process and new tools for eligibility and documentation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made improvements to its Pre-Filing Agreement (PFA) program, aimed at providing greater certainty for large business and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14872,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"41px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":14221,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2025-Colorado-State-and-Local-Tax-Legislation-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14221\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Judy Vorndran, lead partner of state and local tax at TaxOps, testified before the Colorado Senate Finance Committee on January 28, 2025. She addressed SB25-018 and SB25-046, proposed legislation that would create a searchable database and enhance audit confidentiality. Below is a summary of her remarks<\/em>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Following testimony and discussion, the Finance Committee unanimously passed both bills. SB25-018 now moves to the Committee on Appropriations while SB25-046, as amended, has been referred to the full Senate and placed on the Senate consent calendar.<\/em> <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>\"It was an amazing experience to look in all of their faces and explain why these laws make Colorado more competitive and are good for both government and taxpayers<\/em>,\"<em>  ~ Judy Vorndran <\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:group {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"constrained\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"34px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"center\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Testimony on SB25-018, Online Search of Sales and Use Tax, and SB25-046, Local Government Tax Audit Confidentiality Standards<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"42px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:42px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good afternoon, members of the <a href=\"https:\/\/leg.colorado.gov\/committees\/finance\/2024-regular-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Senate Finance Committee\">Senate Finance Committee<\/a>. My name is <a href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/judith-vorndran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Judy Vorndran\">Judy Vorndran<\/a>. I am a partner in the tax specialty firm TaxOps and a member of the &nbsp;Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am here to testify in support of two bills, SB25-018 and SB25-046. A summary of my statement follows.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"43px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SB25-018, Online Search of Sales and Use Tax<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-018 aims to create a searchable database for sales and use tax licenses and exemption certificates. This bill is crucial for improving transparency and compliance in our tax system.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Points<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Importance of a Searchable Database:<\/strong><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>SB25-018 proposes the creation of a database at the state and department of revenue level, allowing taxpayers to look up licenses and entities.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Benefits for Taxpayers:<\/strong><ol><li>Having access to a searchable database would be a significant advantage for taxpayers. It would help them ensure that vendors are properly licensed and collecting the correct tax amounts.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>This measure would also align Colorado with other states, such as Texas, which already have similar databases in place. These databases have proven to be extremely helpful for taxpayers in those states.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Improved Compliance:<\/strong><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>The searchable database would facilitate better compliance with tax laws. Taxpayers would be able to verify the status of vendors and themselves, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accurate tax collection.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-018 is a vital step towards enhancing transparency and compliance in Colorado's tax system. I urge the Committee to support this bill and help create a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly environment.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"46px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SB25-046, Local Government Tax Audit Confidentiality Standards<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-046 addresses the confidentiality standards for local government sales or use tax audits. This bill would both protect taxpayer information and ensure fairer audit practices.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Points<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Confidentiality Concerns:<ol><li>SB25-046 aims to establish uniform confidentiality standards for local government tax audits. This is important because third-party auditors often conduct these audits, and there are concerns about how taxpayer information is handled and shared.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Currently, third-party auditors are not always licensed professionals, and there is no regulation ensuring their confidentiality practices. This raises significant concerns about the protection of sensitive taxpayer information.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Issues with Third-Party Auditors:<ol><li>Many home-rule cities do not have captive auditors and rely on third-party auditors who may conduct audits on behalf of multiple jurisdictions. This can lead to inefficiencies and increased taxpayer burdens.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>There are instances where third-party auditors may target large taxpayers, leading to multiple audits across different cities. This practice is also burdensome and raises concerns about the confidentiality of taxpayer information.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Need for Regulation:<ol><li>There is a need for stricter regulation and oversight of third-party auditors to ensure they adhere to uniform confidentiality standards. This includes establishing ethical and fiduciary duties similar to those required of licensed professionals.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>The bill also highlights the importance of transparency in the contracts between cities and third-party auditors. These contracts should be subject to public scrutiny to ensure accountability.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-046 is essential for protecting taxpayer information and ensuring fair audit practices. I urge the Finance Committee to support this bill and help create a more transparent and accountable audit process. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be happy to answer related questions you may have, and I thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on these important pieces of legislation.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"57px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/contact\/\">Talk to a Business Tax Advocate<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"53px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read more<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:latest-posts \/-->","_et_gb_content_width":"","spt_transcript":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[228,382,78,226],"tags":[252,1145,284,12,1144,1158,126,26,265,1135,492,1134,18,19,316,1136,30,810,101,799,605,262,79,267,620,80,712,1138,1137,74],"class_list":["post-14869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-federal-tax","category-main-tax-min","category-tax-savings","category-tax-news","tag-accountant","tag-advocate","tag-cfo","tag-colorado","tag-colorado-society-of-cpa","tag-continuous-education","tag-cpa","tag-cpe","tag-finance-professional","tag-iaas","tag-leadership","tag-saas","tag-sales-and-use-tax","tag-sales-tax","tag-salt","tag-software-providers","tag-state-and-local-tax","tag-state-income-tax","tag-state-tax","tag-tax-advisor","tag-tax-automation","tag-tax-planning","tag-tax-preparer","tag-tax-professional","tag-tax-professionals","tag-tax-provider","tag-tax-school","tag-tax-tools","tag-tax-vendors","tag-taxops"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pre-filing-Agreements.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14869"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14869\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14902,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14869\/revisions\/14902"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}