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Wayfair, Postcard & Tax Reform: What are the Pros Saying?

Wayfair, Postcard & Tax Reform: What are the Pros Saying?

With new tax laws comes new rules, new regulations, new changes. Today we're discussing 3 major trending tax topics: Wayfair, the new size postcard and how tax reform has impacted life events such as marriage, divorce and having children. We are excited to have Kelly Phillips Erb, Senior Editor and Tax Writer at Forbes, co-host with us on this month's #TaxBuzzChat to discuss with industry leaders, tax experts and small business owners to address the following questions:

  • Now that the Supreme Court has announced Wayfair, how do you think the decision will impact your small business clients?
  • Who are the big winners following the Wayfair decision?
  • What is your first impression of the new postcard-sized 1040 revealed by IRS?
  • Do you think the new form 1040 accurately represents the most important changes under tax reform?
  • Since the new form 1040 will eliminate the forms 1040A and the 1040EZ, do you anticipate that taxpayers will be confused? If so, what are you doing to alert your clients?
  • We always encourage taxpayers to check with tax pros following a life event - but now more than ever. What life events are most impacted by tax reform?
  • And while we say not to let the tax tail wag the dog, do you think it makes sense to speed up (or slow down) any big life events, like getting married or buying a house, following tax reform

These are just a few of the questions the pros discussed and debated in today's very active live Twitter chat session.

We know how busy everyone is, so thank you to everyone who took the time to participate! Be sure to check out the highlights of the chat below.

@TaxBuzzOnline will be hosting a #TaxBuzzChat on Twitter the first Wednesday of every month at 10am PT/1pm ET. Our next chat will be Wednesday, August 1st. Don't miss out on the next hot topic! Tweet us if there are topics that you'd like to chat about or have questions about.

We have a lot of things to discuss today so we're going to start with our first question!

Q1. Now that the #SupremeCourt has announced #Wayfair, how do you think the decision will impact your #smallbusiness clients? #TaxBuzzChat pic.twitter.com/mG8SRJck5N

A1 - Online #smallbusinesses should anticipate having to collect and pay sales tax in more jurisdictions and pay close attention to changes in state tax legislation.#TaxBuzzChat

I would like to have more transparency from the states, and I would like to see how the additional state revenue will be used.

I think a lot of #SmallBusiness clients are very confused about their sales tax clients, particularly regarding online sales.  They will need more guidance from us #taxpros.

A1: Hopefully by becoming more proactive.  I think they, as well as myself, will have lots of questions and concerns for implementation. #TaxBuzzChat

A1. It will have a huge impact on my #smallbusiness clients who deal in internet commerce and it will drive up their processing costs. It will also lead to less competition in the future as smaller entities will find it difficult to compete against larger companies. #TaxBuzzChat

A1. It will greatly increase the burden of compliance. There will be a lot of confussion as each state will review its policies.

A1. I have a company that sells on-line text materials across the country.  They currently use an internet company that traces these sales and have been paying sales tax to the proper jurisdiction (albeit most are school districts that do not pay tax).  #TaxBuzzChat

A1: It will depend on how many states they do business in and how good their sales tax software is.  Most of my clients are service oriented so they may only have the typical use tax issues - now converting to sales taxes. #TaxBuzzChat

A1. If they are truly #smallbusinesses, with minimal out of state clients they may decide the paperwork is not worth doing business out of state. #TaxBuzzChat #smallbiz #taxchat #taxtalk

A1. I can see the costs of compliance going up, especially re: software. During a recent @BloombergTax webinar, participants discussed the likelihood of small sellers going to platforms that will collect and remit for them.

A1(cont) This is a huge issue in parts of the country such as St. Louis where there are different rates w/in the city, NY that has several different taxes and other areas. A professional company that traces & pays these taxes as well as file the reports is essential. #TaxBuzzChat

A1(cont) It will be crucial that companies are assured the reports are filed and taxes are paid. #TaxBuzzChat #Wayfair

A1. I think compliance will be more costly for some, and will force others to consider third-party platforms like @amazon. #TaxBuzzChat

A1.  I think my clients expect me to be on top of whatever they need to do.  A few that I've spoken with have said, "What's Wayfair?"    #TaxBuzzChat

A1. OMG!!!!  A HUGE focus of my practice is working with #smallbusiness online retailers who will absolutely be impacted by the #Wayfair decision. Keep in mind that South Dakota's law and the economic nexus laws in several of other states that have enacted.... #TaxBuzzChat 1/2

A1: Online sales become an important factor. I also see a growing need for Sales Tax experts. #TaxBuzzChat

A1. My client on-line retailers had a known comfort level with "no physical presence" awareness in various states. The #Wayfair decision adds a possible Big unknown in terms of cost and complexity. Outcome TBD. #TaxBuzzChat

A1:  #economicnexus have a revenue OR transactions threshold - it's the 200 transactions threshold that is especially concerning and the "OR" language. I foresee many more states adopting "South Dakota" styled laws which means increased compliance for my clients #TaxBuzzChat 2/2

Q4. Who are the big winners following the #Wayfair decision? #TaxBuzzChat #taxchat #taxtalk pic.twitter.com/a7VV5Zfw68

A4. Software companies. State coffers. Third party platforms.#TaxBuzzChat

A4, Of course it is the States who are hungry for every revenue source available.  Look what has happened to Nevada in its attempt to “license” return preparers.  And, they don't even have a state income tax.  It is all about the money! #TaxBuzzChat #Wayfair

A4 (cont) I wonder how many state auditors it will take to manage these internet sales? #TaxBuzzChat

A4. The big winners are the online giants like #Amazon who are already setup and collecting state #salestax. The losers are the small businesses that may find compliance is more expensive than profits from the out-of-state sales. It is not an all fits one answer. #TaxBuzzChat

A4. Clearly the states and local jurisdictions are the big winners with this added revenue, but I would bet that #retailers are going to find creative ways around the #taxes. #TaxBuzzChat #Wayfair #taxchat

Some of the big winners are the companies like @avalara that specialize in multi-state #tax compliance.  Amazon is sending out notices with lists of companies to assist their sellers.

A4: The Obvious winners are the states as well as large retailers who are already doing the state by state reporting - now the little guy has to scramble to stay competitive. #TaxBuzzChat

#TaxBuzzChat  A4.  I think states are the big winners.  And the sales tax specialists.  As a small practitioner, I can't keep up with 50 state sales tax reports.  It's not a big part of my business, but I can see how some practitioners will lose clients over this.

A4: States are really the big winners. They get to expand their tax base without really raising taxes. Small local business might benefit a little, but I think online retail is here to stay so it won't have much impact on the actual stores.#taxbuzzchat

A4. The larger retailers that have greater resources for keeping up with compliance costs will be able to adapt more easily than smaller sellers. #TaxBuzzChat

Q5. What is your first impression of the new postcard-sized 1040 revealed by #IRS? #TaxBuzzChat #Postcards #taxchat #TaxTalk pic.twitter.com/zaac2BQ7bR

A5. First impression was you have to be kidding! Next observation, without all of the six schedules it is still 2 pages and won't fit any post card I have ever encountered. This is politically motivated since Ryan bragged about a postcard 1040. A mess on the horizon! #TaxBuzzChat

#TaxBuzzChat  A5 - My first thought was, "They don't really want us to mail in returns do they?"

Will 150 characters be enough?🙄The post-card is more complicated..#TaxBuzzChat

A5. What a joke! Since most returns are filed online I feel this is a useless exercise and when you look at the new schedules required, it's really just a public relations ploy. #TaxBuzzChat #postcard #taxchat #taxtalk

A5. A promised “simplification of the tax code” that is a joke!#postcard #TaxBuzzChat

A5: The #Postcard is a joke. It doesn't change one thing, especially since almost everyone efiles. It will just make it harder to assemble a paper return for the admin staff.#taxbuzzchat

A5.  #TaxBuzzChat We're lucky this is Twitter, or you'd get a dissertation from me.  I am not a fan, for many reasons, but mainly because it masquerades as #tax simplification when it is not. #TaxReform

Q5: They are a joke and look like they are going to require more work with the sub-forms. Also, taxpayers filing their own tax returns may miss out on some deductions/credits that are no longer physically listed on the form. #TaxBuzzChat

A5 While it might have less lines the taxpayer will still need the 140 page pub 17 to know how to fill the line item.

A5. I do not currently see the "added value" of decreasing the size of the "old" (2017) form 1040 and then adding 6 possible schedules, in addition to A,B,C, etc. Am sure there is a thought process behind the decision. Perhaps easier for some? More complex- others? #TaxBuzzChat

A political stunt.  If you efile how will you notice any difference?  If you mail it the best part is you have to put the "postcard" and the 1 to 7 schedules into an envelope to mail it.  Our practices won't change much at all! #TaxBuzzChat

A5. One of the concerns I've seen raised is that moving the signature line may lead to increased fraud - a worry for some preparers.#TaxBuzzChat

A5. #TaxBuzzChat As an #EnrolledAgent trying to help my clients, I often use the 1040 as a teaching tool.  Now the "postcard" will be less useful.  It will be harder to explain the flow of #taxreturns to my clients.

Q6. Do you think the new form 1040 accurately represents the most important changes under #taxreform? #TaxBuzzChat #taxchat #TaxTalk pic.twitter.com/mhNmegZHxv

#TaxBuzzChat A6.  For me, the most important changes are for small businesses.  That doesn't really seem like a postcard type issue.

A6: The new form is a political stunt and doesn't have any bearing on #TaxReform and doesn't help represent the changes or help individuals file their returns.#TaxBuzzChat

Q6. #TaxBuzzChat Not at all. It will be interesting to see what changes are made after #IRS receives feedback on the new 1040.  Please don't forget to comment directly to #IRS.

A6. No! #TaxBuzzChat Perhaps one of the most important changes for most #SmallBusinesses is the Section 199 Deduction

A6. No, it does not!  More practical would be a form for #taxpayers who itemize and those who do not.  #TaxBuzzChat

A6 (cont) This “postcard” replaces the 1040EZ which was the least used #IRS Form for filing – and #taxpayers will not use it either when they see the schedules which likely must be attached #TaxBuzzChat #taxtalk #taxchat

Or at least some good news headlines. #taxbuzzchat

A6 Alot of work for something that might be changed with the next gust of political wind from congress.

A6. #TaxBuzzChat When I first saw the #TaxCutsandJobsAct I thought this is going to be one big-a** postcard.  Now it's going to be a book.

Ta-da! I'm taking over! (Winks at @JoannTaxBuzz)

Q7. Since the new form 1040 will eliminate the forms 1040A and the 1040EZ, do you anticipate that taxpayers will be confused? If so, what are you doing to alert your clients?#TaxBuzzChat #taxchat #TaxTalk pic.twitter.com/u678RzWK23

Truly I hope that most taxpayers are filing electronically and won't notice what form they are filing, but yes many may be confused.

A7. Since virtually all of my returns are e-filed, they will hardly notice the difference & I will explain when I do the return. Not much impact on individuals who use a tax preparer. On the other hand DIY-ers will have a tough learning curve with the new form.  #TaxBuzzChat

A7. None of my clients used the Forms 1040A or 1040EZ in the first place, but I am advising my ncpeFellowship members to get out in front of this as it is predicted that 20% of the #taxpro community will retire rather than deal with the #TCJA (as happened in 1086). #TaxBuzzChat

A7: I think most taxpayers who use professionals like us won't be confused. I think it will be mostly the DIY taxpayers who are confused but don't have anyone to help them. #taxbuzzchat

#taxbuzzchat A7 I am counting on it. Many will run to DIY programs only to findout later that they did it wrong.

A7 (cont) “Tell your clients if they decided to diyt (do it yourself tax) and decide they still need you, they go on a waiting list as you only have so much time.” #DIY #DIYT #TaxBuzzChat#taxtips

Also, for preparers who charge by the form their clients may have higher #tax preparation costs because of higher charges for 1040 and schedules.  And what about Form 1040SR??  That was mandated by #TaxCutsandJobsAct.  Is it already obsolete?

This is a worry, though. I've heard some preparers express concern about explaining fees because folks will assume it's more "simple" now.#TaxBuzzChat

A7. Yes there will be a great of confusion and not surprisingly the #lowest income #Americans will likely be affected the worst #taxbuzzchat

That will be a fun conversation. NO. #TaxBuzzChat

Q7: Confusion IMO will be more for self-prepared returns.  But, in that case,  I think the additional schedules (which ones do I need?) will be much more confusing.   #taxbuzzchat

And a related question...

Q11. We always encourage taxpayers to check with tax pros following a life event - but now more than ever. What life events are most impacted by tax reform?#TaxBuzzChat #taxchat #TaxTalk #taxbuzzchat pic.twitter.com/mlH5lNEZ22

A11: I dno't think there's any change in the advice to always talk with a #taxpro about life events.

Maybe divorce is a little more important since change in #Alimony deductions with tax reform.#TaxBuzzChat

A11. Largest would be change in marital status or when retiring which may have a significant impact on tax and withholding. This is not really related to reform, but with the increase in the standard deduction, those taxpayers divorcing may be in for sticker shock #TaxBuzzChat

A11. Of course, change of family status comes to mind. #Tax planning for the single #taxpayer would be to marry a woman with 5 kids under age 17 and stay under the income limit of $400,000 and get $10,000 in child #taxcredit. #TaxBuzzChat

A11 (cont) Seriously, change of jobs will be huge, whether becoming #selfemployed, being covered by an accountable plan, or other issues requires #tax consideration.  There is nothing you can do that does not have a tax impact.#TaxBuzzChat #taxtips #taxtalk

Job changes, adding side jobs, freelancing.  Anything that changes taxable income.  Also, managing client expectations is important.  The comparison between 2017 and 2018 may not be what they are expecting. #TAXREFORM #paycheckcheckup

#taxbuzzchat A11 divorce, Starting a Business and/or becoming an Independent contractor

A11. Besides the usual; marriage, divorce, birth of kids & death. An important one is the choice of business entity for a new business in light of the new Sec 199A deduction since so much is tied to the taxpayer's taxable income and the reasonable compensation rules #TaxBuzzChat

#TaxBuzzChat  A11.  I've been doing a lot of long range retirement planning for couples based on the new tax rates, future RMDs and whether to reduce IRA holdings now versus later when tax rates may go up.  Their financial advisors are asking for it.

A11. One issue that stands out is the treatment of alimony for divorce agreements entered into before the end of 2018 or after. Any advice provided also includes a potential conflict of interest issue where it is given to only one spouse of a married couple client. #TaxBuzzChat

A11 I encourage taxpayers, my clients and others via social media, to reach out to a #TaxPro before a life event & not after. Better to have #tax advice before creating an unknown financial impact- than after. Tax Reform examples include divorce, property tax, etc. #TaxBuzzChat

Last question!

Q12. And while we say not to let the tax tail wag the dog, do you think it makes sense to speed up (or slow down) any big life events, like getting married or buying a house, following tax reform?#TaxBuzzChat #taxchat #TaxTalk #taxbuzzchat pic.twitter.com/CdXLXvYUhf

And for the record, Q12 is a variation on one of the most commonly asked questions at #AskTheTaxgirl!#TaxBuzzChat #taxchat #TaxTalk #taxbuzzchat

A12. We used to promote home ownership as a tax benefit. But with home mortgage interest being limited to the interest on $750K of acquisition debt, the $10K limit on property taxes compared to the increased standard deductions that may no longer be true.     #TaxBuzzChat

A12. No, taxpayers will do what taxpayers will do. The tax professional community has got to stress to their #taxpayers the value of tax planning in what ever form – “failure to plan is planning to fail.” #TaxBuzzChat #taxpros #taxtips #taxchat #taxtalk

A12. I am getting this question more often and have advised several clients to move forward with #marriage in 2018 to maximize their #taxrefunds. #TaxBuzzChat

#TaxBuzzChat  Don't let the tax tail wag the dog!  That said, buying a house just isn't as exciting anymore.

A12: I think all these life events need to be looked for timing of the event, if possible. You can't always control the timing but putting them into the same year (or keeping them in separate years) might make a big change to their tax liability.#taxbuzzchat

A12: Absolutely not. Tax will always be there. However, I do like the idea of grouping charitable contributions though.  Just sad for #charitable organizations that may need to budget differently. #TaxBuzzChat

A12. #TaxReform has made it less beneficial from a #tax perspective to buy a house for a lot of taxpayers. The #TCJA should not impact the timing of too many big life events, but it makes it more important than ever for taxpayers to investigate state tax credits. #TaxBuzzChat

A12: I would tell people to budget for these items and plan for tax changes before deciding to speed up or slow down.  Now more than ever, everyone's situation is different and we need to plan for them that way. #TaxBuzzChat

A12 #TaxBuzzChat  All events merit tax planning.  Timing or bunching of deductions is going to be a big planning issue and, for taxpayers who qualify, qualified charitable distributions.

I think bunching charitable contributions is going to be huge for some taxpayers who make regular gifts.#TaxBuzzChat

Great questions today @taxgirl @taxbuzzonline! Thanks for having me. #TaxBuzzChat https://t.co/2H2JsnsoU6

Thanks to @taxbuzzonline and @JoannTaxBuzz for letting me take over for a bit. It was so much fun! And thanks to everyone who contributed - such a fantastic and important conversation about #tax!#TaxBuzzChat

#taxbuzzchat AzSEA_TaxExpert Again thank you for allowing us to join in and share. look forward to next month.

I had to tell my dentist to cut it short. I have a chat to attend. These conversations are too much fun. 

Thanks for hosting!  #TaxBuzzChat

Thanks for hosting a great #TaxBuzzChat today. We appreciate you @taxgirl and @taxbuzzonline. Also appreciate learning from others. Stimulating, Fun, & Useful conversations. Thanks.

A huge thanks to Kelly @taxgirl, for co-hosting with @taxbuzzonline on today's #TaxBuzzChat! It went by so fast. There's a ton of great info today. Recapping this will be fun. Thanks everyone! https://t.co/GCHJ7kD9Eu

A HUGE thanks to @taxbuzzonline for sponsoring these monthly #tax twitter sessions - ALWAYS so much great insight shared by lots of fantastic tax pros. And another HUGE thanks to @taxgirl for co-hosting.  GREAT #TaxBuzzChat session today! https://t.co/fuVVH7GAlO

— Ed Lloyd, CPA (@EdLloydCPA) July 11, 2018

Great to know that participants are enjoying our monthly chats and getting valuable insight from tax experts, industry leaders and small business owners.

To see the full chat session, click here.

We had a great time chatting with everyone on such hot topics. A huge thank you to Kelly Phillips Erb (@taxgirl) for co-hosting with us. Feel free to use our #TaxBuzzChat hashtag or tweet us at @taxbuzzonline if you have any additional questions you'd like answered.

We'll be hosting #TaxBuzzChat the first Wednesday of every month at 10am PT/1pm ET for our monthly discussion on all things tax and accounting. Hope you can join us in August!

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