Notice 2022-22 sets forth the updated mortality improvement rates and static mortality tables that are used for purposes of determining minimum funding requirements under § 430(h)(3) for 2023 and minimum present value under § 417(e)(3) for distributions with annuity starting dates that occur during stability periods beginning in the 2023 calendar year.

Notice 2022-22 will be in IRB:  2022-20, dated May 16, 2022.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that experienced agency executive Lia Colbert has been named the new commissioner of the Small Business Self-Employed Division, (SB/SE) which oversees the agency's collection activities and the examinations of most businesses in the United States.

"This is a crucial position for the IRS, and Lia’s background provides a unique perspective for this important role," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “This area is critical to ensuring fair enforcement of our nation’s tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights. In addition, this area is a key place for the agency to find ways to improve the taxpayer experience, not just for individuals who interact with this area but also for tax professionals that handle enforcement-related issues.”

The IRS also announced that Maha Williams has been selected to act as the deputy commissioner, SB/SE Examination, to fill in for De Lon Harris, who is retiring at the end of April. Darren Guillot will continue to serve as deputy commissioner, SB/SE Collection and Operations Support.

Colbert replaces Eric Hylton, who was SB/SE commissioner, when he left the agency about a year ago. Harris and Guillot served as interim co-commissioners during that time.

In her new role, Colbert will be responsible for providing executive leadership and direction to a nationwide staff of approximately 20,000 employees. These employees are responsible for the design, development and delivery of a comprehensive tax administration program. This program touches more than 57 million small business owners and self-employed taxpayers with business interests having less than $10 million of assets.

Furthermore, Colbert and the SB/SE deputy commissioners will work closely with employees, managers and executives across the division to review current operations and strategize improvement opportunities by looking deeply into experiences faced by the nation’s taxpayers and IRS employees in this ever-challenging pandemic environment.

Williams will be responsible for providing executive expertise and direction for special projects covering major segments of SB/SE including Campus Exam/Automated Under Reporter (AUR), Field Exam, Specialty Exam, Headquarters Exam and Exam Performance & Planning Analysis. She will also oversee the Office of Promoter Investigations (OPI), which provides support for all IRS efforts in identifying abusive tax transactions, tax schemes, and emerging abusive arrangements.  

Colbert's most-recent role at the IRS was deputy chief Appeals. Prior to that, she was IRS chief of staff and executive lead of the team that drafted the Taxpayer First Act Report to Congress. She also has held several senior leadership and executive roles within Appeals and the Human Capital Office. She started her career at the IRS as a revenue officer before becoming a settlement officer in Appeals.

“Lia is a strong leader with an excellent taxpayer experience perspective, a proven track record of working well with internal and external partners, and deep people development skill,” said IRS Deputy Commissioner Services and Enforcement Douglas O’Donnell. “We are moving forward to implement the vision outlined in the Taxpayer First Act Report to Congress, and Lia will be a strong addition to the Services and Enforcement leadership team in that effort. The IRS will be well served with Lia, Maha and Darren in these pivotal roles.”

Maha began her career as a revenue agent in Tampa in 2001. She has held various management positions in SB/SE, including deputy director Examination, director Field and Campus Policy and director Case Selection. She is a 2018 graduate of the Candidate Development Program, earned her bachelor's degree in Accounting from State University of New York at Plattsburgh and is a certified public accountant.

Notice 2022-21 contains the annual solicitation notice for Priority Guidance Plan recommendations.

Notice 2022-21 will be in IRB:  2022-21, dated 5/16/22.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced it’s accepting applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council for 2023. Applications will be accepted through June 3, 2022. 

The IRSAC serves as an advisory body to the IRS commissioner and provides an organized public forum for discussion of relevant tax administration issues between IRS officials and representatives of the public. 

The advisory council:

Individual Wage and Investment: 

Small Business & Self-Employed

Large Business & International

Tax Exempt & Government Entities

Information reporting

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded tax-exempt organizations that many have a filing deadline of May 16, 2022. Those that operate on a calendar-year (CY) basis have certain annual information and tax returns they file with the IRS. These returns are:

Mandatory electronic filing
Electronic filing provides fast acknowledgement that the IRS has received the return and reduces processing time, making compliance with reporting requirements easier.

Organizations filing a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF or 990-T for CY2021 must file their returns electronically. Private foundations filing a Form 4720 for CY 2021 must file the form electronically. Charities and other tax-exempt organizations can file these forms electronically through an IRS Authorized e-File Provider.

Organizations eligible to submit Form 990-N must do so electronically and can submit it through Form 990-N (e-Postcard) on IRS.gov.

“To help exempt organizations comply with their filing requirements, the IRS provides a series of pre-recorded online workshops,” said Robert Malone, Exempt Organizations and Government Entities Director. “These workshops are designed to assist officers, board members and volunteers with the steps they need to take to maintain their tax-exempt status, including filing annual information returns.”

Common errors
The IRS also reminds organizations to submit complete and accurate returns. If an organization’s return is incomplete or the wrong return for the organization, the return will be rejected. Common errors include missing or incomplete schedules.

Extension of time to file
Tax-exempt organizations that need additional time to file beyond the May 16 deadline can request a 6-month automatic extension by filing Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return. In situations where tax is due, extending the time for filing a return does not extend the time for paying tax. The IRS encourages organizations requesting an extension to electronically file Form 8868.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that more than $12.1 million in matching grants were awarded to 131 organizations across the country for development, expansion or continuation of qualified Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) for the 2022 grant year. The grant year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022.

Through the LITC Program, the IRS awards matching grants of up to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations. The LITC Program is a federal grant program administered by the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS led by the National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins. Although LITCs receive partial funding from the IRS, LITCs, their employees and volunteers are independent from the IRS.

Qualified organizations awarded LITC grants ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for taxpayers who are low-income or speak English as a second language (ESL) by providing pro bono representation for qualified taxpayers in tax disputes with the IRS, educating them about their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers, and identifying and advocating on issues that impact these taxpayers.

A complete list of 2022 grant recipients, the cities and states where they are located, and the amounts awarded by the IRS, is located here.

More information about LITCs and the work they do to represent, educate and advocate on behalf of low-income and ESL taxpayers is available in IRS Publication 5066, LITC Program Report. IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, provides information about LITCs by geographic area, including contact information and details about the languages served at that specific LITC location.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers who missed Monday’s April 18 tax-filing deadline to file as soon as possible. While taxpayers due a refund receive no penalty for filing late, those who owe and missed the deadline without requesting an extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.

Families who don’t owe taxes to the IRS can still file their 2021 tax return and claim the Child Tax Credit for the 2021 tax year at any point until April 15, 2025, without any penalty. This year also marks the first time in history that many families with children in Puerto Rico will be eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit, which has been expanded to provide up to $3,600 per child.

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:

File without penalty to get a tax refund

Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn't earn enough money to be required to file. But they may miss out on receiving a refund. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. There’s no penalty for filing after the April 18 deadline if a refund is due. Taxpayers are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS Free File which is available on IRS.gov through October 17 to prepare and file 2021 tax returns electronically.

While most tax credits can be used to reduce the tax owed, there are a few credits that allow taxpayers to receive money beyond what they owe. The most common examples of these refundable credits are the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit and Child Tax Credit. Those who don’t usually file and didn't qualify for a third-round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 tax return. Taxpayers often fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.

Generally, the IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit. However, it’s possible a tax return may require additional review or take longer. The IRS processes paper tax returns in the order they are received.

Taxpayers can track their refund using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov, IRS2Go or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check more frequently.

File to reduce penalties and interest

Taxpayers should file their tax return and pay any taxes they owe as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. An extension to file provides an additional six months with a new filing deadline of October 17. Penalties and interest apply to taxes owed after April 18 and interest is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is paid in full.

Filing and paying as much as possible is key because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.

Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return to reduce possible delayed filing penalties. The IRS offers a variety of options for taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay.

Usually, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five months, reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where both penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the due date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, whichever is less.

The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see IRS.gov/penalties.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the first time penalty abatement page on IRS.gov.

Pay taxes due electronically on IRS.gov/Payments

Those who owe taxes can pay quickly and securely via their Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card or digital wallet, or they can apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement). Taxpayers paying electronically receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With Direct Pay and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), taxpayers can receive email notifications about their payments.

Selecting a tax professional

The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a Tax Professional to assist in tax return preparation.

The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program.

Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when they interact with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, highlights these rights and the agency's obligation to protect them.

Revenue Procedure 2022-23 provides guidance allowing a taxpayer to make late elections under §§ 168(j)(8) and 168(l)(3)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code for the taxpayer’s taxable year ending in 2018 or in 2019 for certain property placed in service by the taxpayer after December 31, 2017. This revenue procedure also provides guidance allowing a taxpayer to make a late election under § 181(a)(1) of the Code for the taxpayer’s taxable year ending in 2018 or in 2019 for certain film, television, or live theatrical productions commenced by the taxpayer after December 31, 2017.

Revenue Procedure 2022-23 will be published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-18 on May 2, 2022.

Notice 2022-16 sets forth updates on the corporate bond monthly yield curve, the corresponding spot segment rates for April 2022 used under § 417(e)(3)(D), the 24-month average segment rates applicable for April 2022, and the 30-year Treasury rates, as reflected by the application of § 430(h)(2)(C)(iv). 

Notice 2022-16 will be in IRB: 2022-18, dated May 2, 2022.

IRS YouTube Video:
2022 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum- Virtual – English

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the 2022 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will be held virtually over five weeks starting July 19, with a series of live-streamed webinars every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Held each summer for more than 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum is the IRS’s marquee outreach event to the tax professional community. Even as some areas of the country are lifting limits on indoor gatherings, the IRS will once again present the Nationwide Tax Forum in a virtual format out of an abundance of caution.

The virtual format allows experts from the IRS and its association partners to educate and update the tax professional community on tax law, professional ethics, virtual currency, collection issues and many other topics. Registering and attending these virtual seminars will allow many to fully satisfy their annual continuing education requirements.

Tax professionals are encouraged to register now to take advantage of this virtual program.

Seminar dates and agenda
The 2022 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will begin on July 19, and continue through Aug. 18, with live-streamed webinars broadcast on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Registration enables attendees to participate in all of the live webinars earning up to 28 continuing education credits.

The IRS Nationwide Tax Forum will feature a keynote address from Commissioner Charles P. Rettig, a plenary session with tax law and publications updates and multiple sessions on high-interest topics. Presentations are made by both IRS experts and partner associations.

This year four seminars, including the plenary session and an ethics webinar, will be offered both in English and Spanish. Additional multilingual resources will be available for attendees in the Virtual Expo.

Course details, including webinar titles, descriptions and schedule will be available soon.

2022 registration and fees
Tax professionals who register by 5 p.m. ET on June 15, qualify for an Early Bird rate of $240 per person. The standard rate starting June 16, will be $289.

Discounts for national association members
Members of the IRS national partner associations listed below qualify for a discount of $10 off the Early Bird rate, but only if they register by June 15. Participating association members should contact their association directly for more information:

Virtual Expo and focus groups
Registration at the 2022 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum includes access to the Virtual Expo. The Virtual Expo provides a great opportunity to visit with exhibitors representing dozens of commercial leaders in tax software and financial services, as well as leading national associations and several key IRS offices. Highlights of the Virtual Expo include:

In addition, attendees are invited to share their experiences and discuss innovative ideas directly with the IRS in numerous small, virtual focus groups. Please check the website for the list of topics and qualifying criteria.