The IRS released three items this week that small business owners and their advisors should act on: a fraud scheme targeting cryptocurrency holders with fake IRS letters, extended tax deadlines for disaster-area clients in Washington and Indiana, and a rescheduled payroll webinar that covers new W-2 reporting rules for Trump Accounts, tips, and overtime.
Fraud Alert: Fake IRS Letters Are Targeting Cryptocurrency Holders
Fraudsters are mailing counterfeit IRS letters to people who hold cryptocurrency. Each letter includes a QR code that links to a fake website designed to look like IRS.gov. The site instructs recipients to register for a so-called “Digital Asset Compliance Portal.” That portal does not exist. The IRS does not operate one.
Once on the fake site, visitors may be prompted to enter personal information, cryptocurrency wallet details, or exchange account credentials. Providing any of that information puts digital assets and personal identity at risk.
The IRS says recipients should not respond to these letters and should not scan the QR code. If you or a client receives one, report it at IRS.gov/scams and discard the letter.
This scheme is worth flagging to any client who holds digital assets, including gaming businesses or operators who accept cryptocurrency, because the letters look official and the QR code approach is relatively new.
Disaster Tax Relief: Washington and Indiana Clients Have Until February 1, 2027
The IRS extended the filing and payment deadline to February 1, 2027 for individuals and businesses in designated disaster counties in two states.
Washington: Douglas County and Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima Counties, affected by wildfires that began July 31, 2026.
Indiana: Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union, and Wayne Counties, affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began August 11, 2026.
The relief applies to various federal individual and business tax returns and tax payments. If you or a client is in one of these counties, check the formal IRS relief notice at IRS.gov for the specific returns and payments covered, and confirm with your tax advisor which obligations qualify for the extension.
The IRS also noted that affected clients with an IRS Individual Online Account may now see personalized messages highlighting available relief, including extended deadlines and links to other disaster assistance information.
Payroll Webinar Rescheduled to September 8
The IRS moved its National Payroll Week webinar to Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The session is titled “IRS and Payroll Professionals: Partners in Every Paycheck” and runs 90 minutes, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern (1 p.m. Central, noon Mountain, 11 a.m. Pacific). It includes a live Q&A and earns one Federal Tax CE credit.
Topics include:
- Federal employment tax deposit requirements, reconciliation, and correction
- Payroll considerations for employer contributions to Trump Accounts
- 2026 Form W-2 reporting changes for Trump Account employer contributions, tips, and qualified overtime compensation
- IRS forms, instructions, and resources for federal payroll tax compliance
If you previously registered for the original date, note the change. Questions about the webinar can be directed to cl.sl.web.conference.team@irs.gov.
What This Means for Your Business
The crypto fraud scheme is the most time-sensitive item here. Forward the warning to any client who holds digital assets, operates a business that touches cryptocurrency, or works in an industry where digital asset transactions are common. The fake-portal approach is specific enough that clients may not recognize it as a scam without being told what to look for.
On payroll, the September 8 webinar is a practical option for any employer who hasn’t yet worked through the 2026 W-2 changes tied to Trump Account contributions, the tip reporting rules, or the qualified overtime compensation reporting requirements. BCA can help you review how these changes apply to your payroll setup before year-end.
For Washington and Indiana clients, the February 1, 2027 relief deadline is broad, but the IRS relief notice will specify which return types and payment obligations qualify. Don’t assume every deadline is covered without checking the formal notice or speaking with your tax preparer.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules are complex and fact-specific. Consult a qualified tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation. BCA provides compliance advisory services and is not a law firm.
Educational information only, not licensed legal, tax, or financial advice. We refer to and partner with licensed professionals when personalized advice is needed. Laws change; no warranty of accuracy or timeliness.
Sources
IRS e-News for Tax Professionals, Issue 2026-35, September 4, 2026: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/bulletins/4286dfb