WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has reinforced its support for the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) recent measures to combat fraudulent Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. The IRS's voluntary disclosure program, a part of its compliance efforts to address the issue, has concluded after identifying over $1 billion in erroneous claims.
AICPA's CEO of public accounting, Sue Coffey, expressed approval of the IRS's actions to ensure that the ERC funds reach the intended legitimate businesses. In light of the program's end, AICPA is highlighting resources and information to assist members and the public in recognizing and avoiding dishonest vendors, sometimes referred to as "ERC mills."
The AICPA has consistently cautioned against engaging with third-party vendors that demand substantial contingency fees or refuse to sign amended payroll tax returns, which are red flags for potential fraud. To support CPAs and their clients, AICPA and AON have provided a Q&A on the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP), and the AICPA's Tax Section Odyssey has offered guidance on navigating the moratorium on ERC claim processing and professional responsibilities related to ERC claims.
The AICPA, representing over 415,000 members globally, continues its mission to serve the public interest and uphold ethical standards within the CPA profession. The organization also offers resources through its ERC resource center to further assist practitioners in dealing with ERC-related issues.
This move by the IRS, backed by the AICPA, aims to protect the integrity of the ERC program, which has been a significant consideration for taxpayers and accounting professionals. The information is based on a press release statement from the AICPA.
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