1

2013 New Year Change & Practice Update Seminar

October 2013Presented by

Leonore Heavey, Barbara Reeves, and Bobbie SwaffordLouisiana Department of Revenue

2

Disclaimers

• This presentation is “informal advice” as contemplated by Louisiana Administrative Code 61:III.101.D.3, which provides that informal advice does not have the force and effect of law and is not binding on the Department, the public, or the individual seeking advice. Informal advice will have no effect on an audit

• Any opinions expressed are those of the presenters

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WHAT’S NEW FOR 2013INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX

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DOMA

• IRS Revenue Ruling 2013-17 requires same sex couples who were married in a state that recognizes same sex marriage to file married filing joint or married filing separately

• LDR response—RIB 13-024• Current advice:– File your clients’ Louisiana tax returns as you would

have prior to the IRS ruling• See page 21 & What’s New section of the Resident

return

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Non Refundable Child Care Credit

• Child Care Credit Carried Forward From 2009 Through 2012 – Line 12C –

• The child care tax credit for taxpayers whose federal adjusted gross income exceeds $25,000 is not refundable. Unused credit amounts can be used over the next four years.

• For the 2013 tax year, credits carried forward from 2009 through 2012 can be applied on Line 12C.

• Any remaining child care credit from 2008 has prescribed can not be applied to the 2013 tax liability. (R.S. 47:297.4)

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School Readiness Credit Carryovers

• School Readiness Credit carried forward from 2009 through 2012 – Line 12E –

• The school readiness credit for taxpayers whose federal adjusted gross income exceeds $25,000 may not be refunded and any unused credit amounts can be used over the next four years.

• For the 2013 tax year, credits from 2009 through 2012 can be applied on Line 12E. (R.S. 47:6104)

• Any remaining credit from 2008 has prescribed and cannot be used on the 2013 tax return

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School Readiness Credit for Child Care Directors and Staff

• Refundable credit for eligible child care directors and staff

• Based on certain attained qualifications • 2013 credit amounts based on CPI-U

adjustment:Staff Qualification Level

Increase from 2012 Credit for 2013

Level IV Director or Level IV Staff $66 $3,212Level III Director or Level III Staff $55 $2,676Level II Director or Level II Staff $44 $2,141Level I Director or Level I Staff $33 $1,606

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Sugar Cane Trailer Conversion Credit

• The refundable credit for conversions made in 2013 is limited to $6,500 per trailer

• 2013 is the last year the credit can be earned• No tax credit allowed for costs paid on and

after January 1, 2014• See RIB 09-026 for more information and for

each year’s per trailer credit cap• R.S. 47:6029

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Changes to Solar Energy Systems Credit

• Act No. 428 of the 2013 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature made numerous changes to the tax credit provided in La. R.S. 47:6030 including:– Wind systems no longer qualify– Credit no longer available for installations at residential apartment

complexes– Significant differences between eligibility for leased versus purchased

systems– All system components purchased on or after July 1, 2013 must be

compliant with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009-- “Buy American” (See RIB 13-013)

– Credit phases out with a final sunset of January 1, 2018• See RIB 13-026, Solar Energy Systems Tax Credit, for more

information about the changes

10

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit Changes

• Act 219 of 2013 specifies that flex fuel vehicles do not qualify• Act 427 of 2013 changed the definition of “alternative fuel” to

“natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and any nonethanol based advanced biofuel” – Removes ethanol as alternative fuel– Retains electricity, but only if the vehicle– (a) has at least four wheels; (b) is manufactured primarily for use on

public streets, roads, and highways and is able to attain a maximum speed of at least fifty five miles per hour; and (c) is propelled by an electric motor which draws electricity from a battery which has a capacity of not less than four kilowatt hours and is capable of being recharged from an external source of electricity

– Low speed electric vehicles are no longer eligible• See RIB 13-023 for more information

11

Federal Income Tax Deduction

• Two new Affordable Care Act taxes took effect in 2013

• 1. Net Investment Income Tax– Will be added to federal taxes paid for purposes of

determining the FIT deduction because it is a tax on net income

• 2. Additional Medicare Tax– Will NOT be added to federal taxes paid for

purposes of determining the FIT deduction

12

New Additional Donation

• SNAP Fraud and Abuse Detection & Prevention Fund, Line 41, page 5 (“Amount Due Louisiana” section)

• For tax years beginning on and after January 1, 2013• The monies in the fund may be appropriated by the

legislature only to enhance fraud and abuse detection and prevention activities related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

• Created by Act 635 of 2012

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Schedule D—Donation of Refund• Line 4—SNAP Fraud and Abuse Detection and Prevention Fund–This fund

provides fraud and abuse detection and prevention activities related to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. (R.S. 47:120.39)

• Line 7—Checkoff donation for the Louisiana Prostate Cancer Trust Fund has been changed to the Louisiana Cancer Trust Fund

• Line 12—Louisiana Bicentennial and Battle of New Orleans Commissions. Current donations will be distributed to the Battle of New Orleans Commission; the Bicentennial Commission has ended by operation of law.

• Line 22—Decorative Lighting on the Crescent City Connection (Act 194 of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session)

• Line 23—Operation and Maintenance of the New Orleans Ferries (Act 194 of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session)

• Line 24—Louisiana National Guard Honor Guard for Military Funerals (Act 392 of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session)

• Line 25—Bastion Community of Resilience. Taxpayers may donate all or part of their refund for the development of innovative housing for recent war veterans and their families.

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Refund Options

• Act 818 of 2012—For tax years 2013, 2014 and 2015 taxpayers may choose among 3 options– Paper check– MyRefund card– Direct deposit to bank account

• Default is MyRefund card.

• Taxpayers will receive a MyRefund card if:– No refund option chosen– Direct deposit account number is incomplete or unreadable

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Refund Reissue Notices

• Refund reissue notices--“blue letter”• For refund cards issued in 2012 that have not

been activated, and • Un-cashed checks issued in 2012, • Refunds for taxpayers who did not respond to

LDR by October 18, 2013 will be turned over to Unclaimed Property

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WHAT’S NEW FOR 2013—CORPORATE, COMPOSITE

PARTNERSHIP, AND SALES & USE TAX

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Corporate Income Tax

• No short form (dormant corporations and non-profits with UBTI will file the CIFT-620)

• Schedule G - Reconciliation of Federal and Louisiana Net Income:– Line 2d has been changed to require the reporting of Louisiana

depletion in excess of federal depletion. – Line 2e has been changed to require the reporting of expenses not

deducted on the federal return due to Internal Revenue Code Section 280C.

– Line 2f has been changed to report subtractions from federal net income other than those reported on lines 2a through 2e.

– Lines 2d through 2f were previously blank, allowing the reporting of subtraction items other than those reported on lines 2a through 2c.

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Corporate Income Tax

• Non Refundable Credits - Schedule NRC: Dedicated Research - Code 220 - This credit has been deleted from the return.

• Tax Credit changes (see Individual Income Tax)– Solar energy systems, RIB 13-013 & RIB 13-026– Alternative fuel vehicle, RIB 13-023– Sugar cane trailer conversion, RIB 09-026

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Corporate Tax Incentive Changes

• Changes were made to several tax incentive programs administered by other state agencies. Contact the certifying agency to determine if your client is impacted by these program changes.

• Louisiana Economic Development (LED)– Research & Development Credit– Motion Picture Investor Credit– Enterprise Zone Credit/Rebate– Ports Investor Credit

• State Historic Preservation Office (CRT)– Commercial Historic Rehabilitation Credit (RIB 13-022)

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Composite Partnership Return• Electronic only for 2013 tax year Via MEF • Nonresident individual partners only– Resident partners cannot be included– No payments will be made by the partnership on

behalf of resident partners– Consider adjusting estimated payments

• Will now include tax credits earned by the partnership

• Extensions for the composite return will also be electronic only

21

Sales and Use Tax• Change to Vendor’s Compensation:

– Rate reduced from 1.1% to 0.935%– See RIB 13-020

• Taxpayers must use current form to properly calculate the correct vendor’s compensation amount– Use R-1029 (7/13) from July 2013 forward– Use R-1029 (7/12) for tax periods between July 2012 to June 2013

• Using the wrong return will cause processing delays and may require you to refile using the correct return

• If the July 2013 return was filed before the new return was available, if you pay any additional tax resulting from the decrease in vendor’s compensation, interest and penalty will be waived

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Sales and Use Tax—Exemptions• Act 271 [R.S. 47:305(D)(2)(a)] expands the exemption

for patients and staff of hospitals to exempt the sale of meals furnished to staff and residents of nursing homes, adult residential care providers, and continuing care retirement communities – Effective June 13, 2013, however the provisions of the Act

are retroactive.• Other legislative changes—go to

http://revenue.louisiana.gov/ click on “Publications” tab and select “Legislative Summaries” – Legislative Summaries are available for 1996-2013

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Sales and Use Tax—Exemption Certificates

• As of August 1, 2013, the state and local sales and use tax exemption certificate for sales occurring at events sponsored by nonprofit organizations may be obtained annually from LDR instead of on a per event basis

• Beginning January 1, 2014, direct pay, sale for resale, and manufacturing machinery and equipment sales tax exemption certificates will be renewed automatically unless – LDR determines the taxpayer no longer qualifies for the

exemption, or– Taxpayer has not met its filing and payment obligations

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Use Tax Enforcement Authority

• Act 425 of 2013 created R.S. 47:302(U):– Collection of consumer use tax. It is the duty of the secretary

of the Department of Revenue to collect all taxes imposed pursuant to this Chapter and Chapters 2-A and 2-B of this Subtitle which may be due upon the sale by a remote seller of tangible personal property or services in Louisiana. The secretary is authorized and directed to employ all means available to ensure the collection of the tax in an equitable, efficient, and effective manner.

• If you do not already include a question regarding online or catalog purchases on which your clients paid no sales tax, please add such a question.

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Use Tax Enforcement Activities

• LDR Discovery Unit is utilizing third party data to assist with use tax compliance

• Pilot—Tobacco Excise and Use Tax notices – Mailed late September 2013– Covers periods 2003-2009– Letter includes print out of all tobacco products

purchased from out of state vendor where taxes not remitted by vendor or taxpayer, including date, product, quantity and purchase price

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Fiduciary and Partnership Information Extensions

• Please use appropriate form– Fiduciary—R-6466 (prior to 2012, R-6466 was for

both returns)– Partnership—R6463

• As these returns become electronic, the extensions will become electronic

• Look for fiduciary to become electronic for 2014 returns filed in 2015

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AMNESTY 2013—A FRESH START

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Amnesty Basics• Act 421 of the 2013 Louisiana Legislature instituted a three-

year statewide state tax amnesty program• The dates for Amnesty 2013:

– Monday, September 23 – Friday, November 22• The deal for Amnesty 2013:

Pay 100% of the tax, all fees and ½ of the interest owed & LDR will waive 100% of the penalty and the other ½ interest– In 2014, no penalty waiver and only 15% of interest will be waived– In 2015, no penalty waiver and only 10% of interest will be waived

• The website: http://ldrtaxamnesty.com/• The phone number: 866-782-9241

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Amnesty Tips

• If your client only owes penalty, they must apply via the website. Penalties will not be waived without an application.

• If a taxpayer cannot afford to take advantage of amnesty for all eligible periods, tax periods can be deselected on the Amnesty website

• No installment agreements accepted for amnesty unless all payments received by LDR by November 22, 2013.

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No Amnesty Invitation?

• Invitations were mailed to most recent address LDR had on file. Call amnesty phone number to obtain letter ID number then apply via the amnesty website

• Decedents did not receive an amnesty invitation. Representatives may walk in or call to determine payoff amount. Proof of representation is required.

• Taxpayers with taxes under field audit and litigation were mailed letters with contact information. Call to determine payoff amount.

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in SiteAlexandria

• 2nd Floor, Rapides Parish Courthouse 701 Murray Street Alexandria, Louisiana 71301

•8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the following days: October 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 18, 22, 24, 29, and 31 November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, and

22

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in SiteLafayette—Site I

• Representative Vincent Pierre 800 W. Congress St., Suite A Lafayette, Louisiana 70501

• 9:00AM-3:00PM (This office opens at 9:00a.m. and closes from 12:00 to 1:00pm for lunch)• October 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30• November 5-7, 12-15, 18-22

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Amnesty LDR walk-in siteLafayette—Site II

• Department of Children and Family Services825 Kaliste Saloom Rd.Brandywine Complex Bldg 6, Suite 100Lafayette Louisiana 70501

• 8:00AM- 3:00AM• October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31• November 1, 5-8, 12-15, 18-22

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in SiteLake Charles—Site I

• Representative A.B. Franklin 2808 East Broad Street Lake Charles, Louisiana 70615

• 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (This office closes from 12:00-1:00 PM for lunch) – October 1-3, 8-10, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30– November 5-7, 12-15, 18-22

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in SiteLake Charles—Site II

• Senator Ronnie Johns 1011 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 515 Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601• 8:30am - 4:00pm • (This office opens at 8:30a.m. and closes from

12:00pm to 1:00pm for lunch)• October 1-3, 8-10, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30• November 5-7, 12-15, 18-22

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in SiteMonroe

• Monroe State Office Building Room #242, 2nd Floor Conference Room

122 St John Street Monroe, Louisiana 71201

•8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the following days: October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31 November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, and

22

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in SiteNew Orleans

• Louisiana Department of Revenue, Southeast District (504-568-5233)

1450 Poydras Street Suite 800 New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (This location closes from

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.)• September 23-November 22, 2013

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Amnesty LDR Walk-in Site Shreveport

• Shreveport State Office Building Conference (Room located in Basement)

1525 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71101

•8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the following days: October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22

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PRACTICE UPDATES—DOING BUSINESS WITH LDR

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INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXAVOIDING DELAYS

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Individual Income Tax

▶File electronically

▶E-Services help line (225)-219-2490 or -2488.

▶Refund turnaround – – 12-16 weeks for paper – 21 days for e-filed

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Individual Income Tax

Modern E-filing (MEF) will allow for the submission of PDF files with e-filed returns.

Return attachments can also still be submitted via E-Fax number: (225) 231-6221

Include taxpayer’s name, account number and tax filing period on the top of the first page.

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Tips to Remember

• Carefully check social security numbers.

• Be sure that mailing addresses are kept up to date.

• When entering the mailing address, be sure it matches the Postal Service information.

• If the address doesn’t match perfectly, there will be processing delays.

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Address Changes Taxpayers must ensure that their mailing addresses

are up to date Failure to update a changed mailing address can result in

delayed income tax refunds and correspondence

Please update your address with the US Postal Service. LDR does monthly updates.

You can change your address on the LDR website:www.revenue.louisiana.gov/AddressChange

Businesses can add or change addresses in LaTap using the edit feature.

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Common Filing DelaysName issues -- Always file with the same names

(first, middle, last) in the same order each year.

Math errors.

Conflicts with third party data or compliance reviews.

▶Difference in estimated payments and credit carry forwards reported compared to LDR records.

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Common Filing Delays

“Other” claimed on Schedule E, F or G.

Large Refunds.

Amended Returns completed incorrectly.

Tip--Amended returns should be completed as if no other return was ever filed for the period.

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Paper Return Tips • Use the correct year form• Submit all pages of the tax return even if left

blank• Supply all essential information and complete

the entire return• All taxpayers must sign the return as well as a

third party preparer• Be sure that your printer ink is working properly

and the return is easily read.

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Paper Return Tips • Don’t mail checks without a tax return or

appropriate voucher.• Make sure to include the Social Security

Number(s) or the account number and tax year on all payments and correspondence.

• Be sure to make the check payable to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

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Paper Return Tips • Returns with a balance due go to a different

PO Box than refund returns– A return for which a payment is due should be

mailed to: P.O. Box 3550, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3550.

– All other individual income tax returns should be

mailed to: P.O. Box 3440, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3440.

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Paper Return Tips • If requesting a direct deposit of a refund,

carefully check the bank account and routing numbers.

• Sending your return via certified mail or courier will not speed processing of your return and will more likely delay your refund.

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Documentation RequiredTax Return Instruction Booklets provide

documentation requirements for each credit.

Instruction Booklets can be downloaded from the LDR website or call (225) 219-2113.

IVR interactive forms request rollout anticipated by year end.

If required documentation is not submitted, credit will be denied until documentation provided.

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Refunds MyRefund Cards

Optional for the 2014 filing season.

MyRefund cards are administered by Chase.

Contact Chase @ 866-586-1704

To activate

For lost or stolen cards

To check card balance

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MyRefund Cards To request a check—Do not activate card.

Contact LDR. If card is held for 6 months or longer before

check request, check issuance process can be very lengthy.

If card not activated with one year, funds are returned to LDR

MyRefund card good for 3 years, but only if activated with the first year.

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Citizens InsuranceRIB 12-030 provides information on Claiming the

Credit for Citizens Property Insurance Assessments

Claim once per tax period on IT-540 or IT-540INS or CIFT-620 or CIFT-620INS

Claim in the tax period that corresponds with date the assessment paid.

Under current Citizens bond repayment schedule, Citizens assessments eligible for the credit will be paid through 2024.

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Citizens Insurance

If paid in 2012, claim credit on INS in 2012 or claim on the 2012 tax return due in 2013.

Do not claim unless client has declaration page from insurance company and proof of payment. Submit copy of declaration page with paper filed returns

only. Keep declaration page for four years if return e-filed.

If paper INS Form is used refund will be by check

www.revenue.louisiana.gov/citizens

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Citizens Insurance Under R.S. 47:1623A, refunds prescribe three years

from the 31st day of December of the year in which the tax became due.

A Citizens assessment paid in 2009 must be claimed on the 2009 income tax return or 2009 INS Request for Refund form.

Taxes associated with 2009 income tax returns became due on January 1, 2010.

Refunds of Citizens assessments paid in 2009 must be claimed no later than 12/31/2013.

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CORPORATION INCOME AND FRANCHISE TAX

AVOIDING DELAYS

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Common Filing Errors

FAILURE TO FILE INITIAL CFT RETURN

CFT-4 — minimum $10 due unless LLC. Due by 15TH day of 3rd month following month of

incorporation. Provides administrative information including FYE. Accounts will be set up as calendar year end without initial

franchise return.

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Common Filing Errors

DORMANT ENTITY FAILURE TO FILE RETURNS Annual returns still remain due after corporation

stops operating and/or filing federal returns.

Returns continue to be due until dissolution, revocation or withdrawal from the Secretary of State.

Estimated assessments will be issued if no return is filed until the account is officially closed.

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Common Filing Errors FAILURE TO FILE FINAL RETURN

Final return due for end of the accounting period. No franchise tax due. Tax due if gains realized on liquidation of assets. Close account using form on website and copy of

the dissolution from Secretary of State. Failure to dissolve with the Secretary of State will

result in billings.

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Common Filing Errors

NO ACCOUNT NUMBER ON RETURN

Since 2005 CIFT returns subject to administrative or negligence penalty.

5% OR $10.00, whichever is greater. CIFT returns now returned if LA account

number not on return.

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EXTENSION OF TIME TO FILEELECTRONIC MANDATE

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Extension Requests▶Beginning with returns due in 2013, taxpayers

needing additional time to file an individual or corporate income tax return will need to electronically submit a request for an extension of time to file.

▶Reminder: By filing an extension application, you are requesting only an extension of time to file.▶Not an extension of time to pay the tax.

▶Payments received after the return due date will be assessed interest and late payment penalty.

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Extension Requests

Electronic extension requests may be submitted via:

The Department of Revenue’s web site at www.revenue.louisiana.gov.

Telephone -- IVR (225) 922-3270

Third party tax preparation software

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LOUISIANA GENERAL SALES TAXAVOIDING DELAYS

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Filing Frequency

▶Filing Frequency

A taxpayer can have their filing frequency changed. However, the change must be requested in writing and approved by the Department.

Filing frequencies are reviewed by the Department once a year and notices are sent to the taxpayers. Changes are effective at the beginning of the calendar year.

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Sales Tax Errors

▶USING THE WRONG FORM

The sales tax return has changed several times in the last few years.

The line #’s and/or the deduction percentages change from year to year.

Be sure the form is correct for the period being filed.

Never manually correct a preprinted form.

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Sales Tax Errors▶MUST USE BAR CODED RETURN FOR CORRECT PERIOD

Use taxpayer bar coded return if possible. This speeds up processing.

Bar code has all taxpayer information as well as the filing period.

Computer will read bar code, it cannot read any manual adjustments made to the return.

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Sales Tax Errors▶LINE ITEM ERRORS

If no transactions for the period, put zero on Line 1.

Do not use “-0-” for a zero – no quotes or dashes

Write numbers legibly and within the box.

Do not use cents – round to nearest dollar.

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Sales Tax Errors

▶OTHER ERRORS

Taking vendors compensation on delinquent or no remit returns

Deductions on front of return with no details on back of return

Using incorrect deduction or exemption

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Claim for Refund Due to Bad Debts

Form R-20127 Claim for Refund (Bad Debts)The debt must be deducted on a federal income tax return

before the Department can issue a sales tax refund on a bad debt.

Do not use this form as a substitute for the filing of an amended return or to correct an error on a previously filed tax return.

The Department will process one refund claim per year for each dealer.

If all or some portion of the debt is collected, the amount collected shall be reported as a new sale for the period when the recovery is made.

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Parish E-File Program Parish E-file is a web-based application allowing

businesses to file sales tax returns and remit sales tax payments for local tax authorities from one centralized site.

Free online service available on LDR website.

For questions, visit www.parishe-file@la.gov or call (225)-219-2203 Help Desk.

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DISCOVERYFEDERAL/STATE MATCH & MISMATCH

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Federal/State Match Program LDR receives an electronic transmission from the IRS

on taxpayers who have filed federal tax returns with Louisiana mailing addresses.

LDR identifies taxpayers who have not filed Louisiana returns for the period.

LDR then sends Federal/State Match questionnaires to those taxpayers.

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Federal/State Match Questionnaire

• Please respond to this questionnaire, if you are not required to file a Louisiana income tax return for the year.

• It is less burdensome to clear up before an estimated assessment is issued.

• Notice of Intent to Offset and/or Suspend Licenses.• Debt will be submitted to FMS (Federal

Management Services) to offset federal refund.• Debt could be assigned to a collection agency.

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Federal/State Match

Federal/State Match—Failure to Respond to Questionnaire

• If no response is received within the allotted time, a bill is generated.

• Failure to respond can bring a matter to seizable status in just over 3 months:

• 30 Day Proposed Assessment• 60 Day Formal Assessment• SOFA• Notification of seizable status

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Optional Reply to QuestionnaireMilitary

• I was a member of the armed service stationed in Louisiana. None of my income or my spouse's (if applicable) was derived from Louisiana sources. My legal state of residence for the referenced tax period was the State of __________________________.

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Federal/State Match—Military Personnel

• The Barksdale legal office is working with LDR to come up with a program to ensure local military members are taxed in accordance with the proper state laws.

• Airmen can bring a copy of their orders and a W-2 form to the legal office and they will handle the issue.

• For more information contact the 2 BW legal office at (318) 456-2562.

• LDR hopes to work with other military bases in the state to come up with a solution to the issue of military personnel with Homes of Residences in other states . Neither they or their spouses are subject to LA Individual Income Tax.

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Optional Reply to QuestionnaireAlready Filed

• If you have filed a Louisiana income tax return:– return this letter,– a copy of your Louisiana return, – W-2 forms and, – if applicable, a copy of the canceled check.

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Optional Reply to QuestionnaireNot Required to File

• If you believe you were not required to file a Louisiana income tax return:– Set forth your reasons why you were not

required to file in the appropriate area on the back of this letter

– Return the letter to LDR with documentation to substantiate your stated reasons (such as a copy of a return filed with another state or other proof of residency, etc.)

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Optional Reply to QuestionnaireNeed to File

• If you were required to file a Louisiana income tax return, but have not:– Contact an office of the Department of Revenue if

a tax return is needed. 225-219-2113 or 225-922-3270

– The return can also be downloaded from www.revenue.louisiana.gov

– Or, file electronically

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Federal/State “Mismatch”• Program recently implemented in Louisiana that matches

federal information to state information, including– AGI– FIT– Itemized Deductions– Filing Status

• Some first year errors were encountered– Schedule E and H reconciliation issues– IRS error on decedent returns with only one exemption– Although some billings are in error, not all are. Contact LDR to

be certain.• Reviewing 2010 information during upcoming year

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Remaining 2009 Schedule E or H Issues?

• If your client received a notice regarding individual income tax liability for 2009 and you suspect a Schedule E or Schedule H error, contact:

• Bobbie Swafford at (225) 219-2062 or by email at bobbie.swafford@la.gov

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IRS ADJUSTMENTS

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IRS Adjustments

• Louisiana Revised Statute 47:103(C) requires taxpayers, whose federal returns are adjusted, to furnish a statement which discloses the nature and amounts of such adjustments.

• This disclosure must be furnished within 60 days after the adjustments have been made and accepted.– Related Amnesty tip: If RAR refund adjustment not

submitted to LDR within 60 days, no refund will be allowed

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CP2000 and RAR Adjustments

CP2000’s are automatic adjustments made from electronic matches of information data returns received by the IRS.

RARs (Revenue Agent Reports) are results of an IRS audit.

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CP 2000 and RAR AdjustmentsWhy did I receive this notice?

The IRS made changes to your federal return so LDR made the corresponding changes to your state return.

You must provide verification of subsequent changes from the IRS to dispute LDR’s changes to AGI or FIT.

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CP 2000 and RAR Adjustments

How do I dispute the state adjustment?

A current IRS account transcript should be provided.

LDR’s proposed assessment will not be adjusted until documentation is received verifying that the IRS has changed their audited amounts.

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SUSPENSION OF LICENSESCOLLECTION INITIATIVES

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Driver’s License Suspension

R.S. 47:296.2 provides for the authorization to suspend the driver’s license of Louisiana taxpayers who have an outstanding individual income tax liability;

LDR promulgated LAC 61:I.1355 as the rule to further define how this statute is applied.

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Driver’s License Suspension

▶License will be suspended if: A liability reaches final and non-appealable status, and

Taxpayer owes in excess of $1,000 in net tax for any one period.

Net tax due is defined as tax due reported (or assessed in the event of no return filed) less any payments or credits processed for the period, exclusive of any interest, penalties, or fees.

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Driver’s License Suspension

Regular driver’s licenses, as well as, Commercial driver’s licenses will be suspended.

However, Class I (ID cards) and Class H (Handicapped licenses) will not be suspended.

The Department of Public Safety will charge $60 reinstatement fee each time the license is suspended.

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Drivers License Suspension▶What if the taxpayer files married filing jointly? The driver’s license of the primary SS# will be

suspended.

In the event the husband is the primary on one period, and the wife is the primary on another and in excess of $1,000 is owed on both periods, both licenses will be suspended.

Both will have to pay the DPS $60 reinstatement fee.

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Driver’s License Reinstatement

▶Reinstatement process:

If the liability is an estimate, the taxpayer must file returns.

Taxpayer will have to pay the entire liability or enter into an installment agreement.

Installment agreements, require 20% down payment with 12 months payout or less.

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Driver’s License Reinstatement▶Reinstatement process:

Once payment is made or an installment agreement entered, LDR will issue the taxpayer a clearance letter.

The letter will be signed with the embossed state seal.

The taxpayer must bring the original clearance letter to DPS and pay the $60 fee to have the driver’s license reinstated.

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Driver’s License Reinstatement▶Reinstatement process: Taxpayer must physically bring the clearance letter to

DPS – they do not accept faxed or mailed clearance letters;

A breached installment agreement results in another suspension and an additional $60 reinstatement fee.

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LSA R.S. 47:296.3 provides for the authorization to suspend hunting and fishing licenses of Louisiana taxpayers who have an outstanding individual income tax liability.

LDR promulgated LAC 61:I.1351 as the rule to further define how this statute is applied.

Hunting and Fishing License Suspension

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Hunting and Fishing License Suspension

▶Criteria to suspend hunting or fishing license:

Taxpayer owes in excess of $500.00 in net tax for any one period.

Net tax due is defined as tax due reported (or assessed in the event of no return filed) less any payments or credits processed for the period, exclusive of any interest, penalties, or fees.

WLF does not charge a reinstatement fee.

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Hunting and Fishing License Reinstatement

Reinstatement process:

If the liability is an estimate, the taxpayer must file returns.

Taxpayer will have to either pay the entire liability or enter into an installment agreement for payment.

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Hunting and Fishing License Reinstatement

Reinstatement process:

Once the taxpayer has made payment, or entered into the installment agreement, the LDR employee will issue the taxpayer a clearance letter.

The clearance letter will be faxed to Wildlife and Fisheries (WLF).

The taxpayer does not have to go to WLF to have license reinstated.

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Removal of License Liens via Credit Card Payment

Note: Using a credit card to pay balances due requires additional transaction time if licenses have been levied for prior non-payment.

Once taxpayer obligations are met, LDR will notify and authorize the issuing state agencies to remove liens within 72 hours.

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REMITTING PAYMENTS & DOCUMENTATION

& HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH LDR

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Tax Payments

If you received a notice of tax due, mail your payment and the payment coupon to LDR in the reply envelope.

Electronic payment options are convenient, safe, and secure methods of paying taxes. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, or use a credit card or a debit card.

For more information on electronic payment options, visit the LDR website at www.revenue.louisiana.gov

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Tax Payments▶ Individual income tax liabilities may be paid electronically

by an electronic bank account debit via the Louisiana File Online application

▶ Business tax liabilities may be paid electronically using LaTap

• Or pay by credit card using Official Payments at www.officialpayments.com.

– Credit card payments may also be initiated by telephone at 1-888-272-9829.

– Credit card payments incur a 2.49 % convenience fee.

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Contact Us General (225) 219-7318

Individual (225) 219-0102

Business (225) 219-7462

IVR (225) 922-3270 (#1 Refunds, #2 Electronic Funds Transfer, #3 Electronic Extension Request, #4 Credit Card Payments, #5 Tax Forms, #6 Other.)

Forms (225) 219-2113

http://revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/taxforms/orderforms.aspx

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Contact Us

▶Collections General (225) 219-2244 Enforcement (225) 219-7448 Fax (225) 219-0866 ReveFax (225) 231-6237

▶Office Audit ReveFax (225) 231-6238

▶ LaTap, LaWage, and Parish E-File (225) 219-2203

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Documentation Requested by Collection Division

• Collections/Enforcement Fax Numbers(225) 231-6237(225) 219-2256 Individual(225) 219-0865 Business

Telephone: (225) 219-7448

Address:P.O. Box 66658Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6658

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Contact Us via Email

• Send an email via the LDR website and your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate division.

https://esweb.revenue.louisiana.gov/ContactUs/default.aspx

• Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.

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DO NOT send documentation via Email boxes on LDR website.

• Do not send documentation that has been requested by Office Audit Division or the Collection Division via these email boxes.

• Use snail mail or fax.

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SOME FINAL INFORMATIONMISCELLANEOUS TIPS

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Administrative PenaltiesIn addition to the delinquent filing and

payment penalties, other administrative penalties may be assessed--

Negligence Penalty Assessed for repeated delinquent filings. 5% of tax or $10.00, whichever is greater.

Collection Fee Assessed when a tax period has been in seizable

status for 61 days or more. Fee 15% of the total unpaid balance.

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Federal Offset Program

▶If taxpayer is paying a debt through an installment agreement, any money received through the Offset Program will reduce the length of the agreement, but it will not affect the scheduled payment amount.

▶Any unpaid amount will remain eligible for offset until it is paid in full. Interest, penalties and fees will continue to accrue until all of the tax debt has been paid in full.

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“November 18” Due Date Letters

• Some taxpayers who requested extensions via the LDR website received letters stating that November 18, 2013 is the final extended due date for 2012 IIT returns

• The actual due date is Friday, November 15• The November 18 due date will be honored

for those taxpayers who received letters with this error

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)http://revenue.louisiana.gov

• Examples:– How can I get a copy of my tax return?– How can I make a payment with my extension

request?– Can I amend my return on the department’s website?– I filed my individual income tax electronically and

selected to have my refund deposited directly into my bank account. It has been over two weeks and the money has not been credited. What should I do?

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LDR Subscription Services• Tax Topics Subscription Service

– If you would like an e-mail when LDR posts a new Tax Topic, please submit the information requested at this link:

– http://www.revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/Publications/ttss.aspx

• Policy Statement Subscription Service– If you would like an email when LDR issues or updates a

Policy Statement, submit the information requested at this link:

– http://www.revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/lawspolicies/psss.aspx

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Our Contact Information

• Barbara.Reeves@la.gov• Leonore.Heavey@la.gov• Bobbie.Swafford@la.gov

Thank you!