Author: Mark Castro, CPA

Mark has been with CrossLink Professional Tax Solutions (CPTS) since 2008, but has been in the tax industry since 1990. As the government/tax industry liaison for CPTS, Mark has been very active in working with the IRS, States, and other tax industry members to help improve communications, promote standardization, and simplification of eFile systems. Mark has also been active with industry associations as a board member of the National Association of Computerized Processors (NACTP) and the Council of Electronic Revenue Communication Advancement (CERCA) for many years. These two associations work with the IRS and States to help solve key eFile and electronic tax system issues and work to improve the operations of the State and IRS eFile systems.

2023 Tax Filing Deadline

2023 tax filing deadline

The federal 2023 tax filing deadline for Tax Year 2022 individual tax returns, also known as Tax Day, is Tuesday, April 18, 2023. This day is also the filing deadline for calendar year C Corporations (1120) and Estate/Trust (1041) returns.

Detailed Breakdown to the Question “How Do Taxes Work?”

How Do Taxes Work? The U.S. tax system is extremely complex, leading many often ask the question, “How do taxes work?” This article is meant to help you understand what taxes are, how taxes work, the different tax forms that exist, and how to file your taxes. What are Taxes? Income taxes are a type […]

Advantages of Creating an IRS Online Account

Creating an IRS Online Account For your average taxpayer, filing their yearly tax return can be confusing and frustrating. There are many tools and resources out there that can help the individual taxpayer, and one of them is an IRS Online Account. From accessing the adjusted gross income (AGI) from their prior year’s tax return, […]

32 Latest States with a Pass-Through Entity Tax

Pass-Through Entity Tax A total of 32 states have enacted legislation that creates a pass-through entity tax as a workaround to the $10,000 cap on the state and local taxes (SALT) itemized deduction. What is Pass-Through Entity Tax? The pass-through entity tax (PTE) allows partnerships and S Corporations to elect to be taxed at the […]

When to Apply for a New EFIN

When do I need to apply for a new EFIN? Background: Effective in Tax Year 2011, federal legislation mandates that anyone filing more than 10 tax returns must file electronically. Before you can electronically file tax returns, you must apply to become an Authorized e-File Provider (“Provider”) with the IRS. Become an Authorized e-file Provider […]

States With Special Laws Regarding Bank Products Fees

States With Special Laws Regarding Bank Products Fees Background: Arkansas (AR), Connecticut (CT), Illinois (IL), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), and New York (NY) require tax preparers to charge the same fees to all clients irrespective of whether or not a client uses a bank product to facilitate payment of their refund. More details on the […]

Clean Vehicle Tax Credit: Qualifications and Rules for Electric Vehicle Purchases

Clean Vehicle Tax Credit

Clean Vehicle Tax Credits for 2023 and Beyond This article provides details on the three credits for electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles that are included in the Inflation Reduction Act that became law in August of 2022 and go into effect in 2023. New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Tax Credit for Used Electric Vehicles […]

IRS Document Upload Tool Now Available for Certain Notices

IRS Document Upload Tool

The IRS announced on February 16, 2023 that they will now give taxpayers who receive certain notices requesting them to send documentation the option of uploading the documents via their secure IRS document upload tool instead of mailing them in.