What to do now … before the big rush
7

Explore the impact of the South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. (“Wayfair”) decision on client’s businesses.
If you haven’t already done so (and maybe even if you already have), send clients a newsletter discussing the decision. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) members may utilize the Wayfair Client Notification Letter
as a starting point. If you think the decision may affect your clients, schedule a meeting to discuss the impact and follow-up in writing to document the discussion. Don’t forget to discuss the income tax aspects, as many states are using the same nexus standards for other taxes.
Inform clients of significant changes in tax law,
such as guidance released since lasttax season related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform”) through client newsletters. Retain a distribution list of such communications, including the dates transmitted documenting that the client was informed of these changes.

Alert clients about other filing obligations,
such as Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (“FBAR”) and the consequences of non-compliance.
Educate clients about the potential tax savings for investments in Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds (“QOZF”).

Ask clients to schedule appointments prior to year-end
Policyholder Resource Center
. Be specific about the scope of services. For example, “calculate the impact of Internal Revenue Code §163(j) on the company in light of Tax Reform, and, if interest is limited, explore options to increase the deduction” is preferable to “explore Tax Reform’s impact on the company.”
Contact clients who have historically procrastinated
How to Deal with Last-Minute Clients
and The Early CPA Gets the Return
(Done on Time). In addition, provide these clients with a deadline by which all information must be received. If information is not received by the designated date, inform the client that you will be unable to complete their return by the filing date and an extension may be necessary.
Address clients who have not taken steps related to changes in the partnership audit rules
Letter to Advise Clients on Partnership Audit Changes
as a starting point. Items that clients, with the assistance of their attorneys, should address in a revised partnership agreement include but are not limited to:
- Identification of the partnership representative,
- For eligible partnerships, whether or not to elect out of the revised partnership audit regime,
- Whether the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may collect any additional tax, interest, and penalties directly from the partnership at the highest individual tax rate or to take any adjustments into account from the partners in the reviewed year,
- Who should make decisions related to new elections that will be available,
- Which new tax terms and concepts may require adjustments to partnership operating agreements.