Strategies to Conquer the Overwhelming Complexity of Tax Laws 2023

Author: Annette Nellen

The number of significant federal tax changes in the past decade has increased leading to complex Code sections, lengthy regulations and some “guidance” that is not binding. In addition to the complexity of Code and regulations, we are seeing new challenges of even finding the tax law. For example, how are you to know when reading Reg. 1.163-8T(c) written in 1987 that it was modified in 2021 by Reg. 1.163-15?

This course explains the types of changes and guidance that have made the tax law more complex to find and use, and offers tips to apply in compliance and planning to help reduce the risk of error caused by the complexity. Suggestions for how we can encourage Congress and the IRS to reduce complexity are also addressed.

Publication Date: April 2023

Designed For
Practitioners who advise individuals and businesses.

Topics Covered

• Tips for not overlooking subtle changes in Code sections
• How to find all relevant regulations and other guidance
• Types of guidance and their level of authority
• Tips and cautions in using non-binding guidance even when it is the only non-statutory information available
• Suggestions for additions and modifications to your tax research methodology to limit overlooking or misusing information

Learning Objectives

• Identify common "guidance" techniques of the IRS that make finding and understanding all relevant information challenging
• Identify legislative events that can increase complexity
• Recognize and apply new research techniques to avoid missing important tax guidance and information
• Recognize how to explain higher level ideas for addressing the complexity of finding guidance

Level
Intermediate

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of tax laws.

Advance Preparation
None