IRS Tax News

  • 24 Jan 2022 1:23 PM | Anonymous

    IRS begins 2022 tax season; urges extra caution for taxpayers to file accurate tax returns electronically to speed refunds, avoid delays 

    IR-2022-18, Jan. 24, 2022 

    WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the 2022 tax filing season with an urgent reminder to taxpayers to take extra precautions this year to file an accurate tax return electronically to help speed refunds. 

    The start of this year’s tax season – which takes place earlier than last year’s February 12 opening – signals the IRS is now accepting and processing 2021 tax returns. 

    More than 160 million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be filed, with most before the April 18 tax deadline. 

    Most taxpayers face an April 18 deadline this year due to the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C falling on April 15. Taxpayers in Massachusetts and Maine will have an April 19 deadline due to Patriots Day; disaster victims have later filing deadlines in some locations. 

    IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig noted that taxpayers need to take special care this year due to several critical tax law changes that took place in 2021 and ongoing challenges related to the pandemic. 

    “IRS employees are working hard to deliver a successful 2022 tax season while facing enormous challenges related to the pandemic,” Rettig said. “There are important steps people can take to ensure they avoid processing delays and get their tax refund as quickly as possible. We urge people to carefully review their taxes for accuracy before filing. And they should file electronically with direct deposit if at all possible; filing a paper tax return this year means an extended refund delay.” 

    For most taxpayers who file a tax return with no issues, the IRS anticipates they will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit – similar to previous years. Last year's average tax refund was more than $2,800. 

    “There are simple steps that people can take that will help them navigate this challenging tax season,” Rettig said. “Filing electronically and using online resources instead of calling are just some of the steps that can help people avoid delays.” 

    “IRS employees will do everything possible with the available resources to serve taxpayers this year,” Rettig said. “We will work hard to deliver refunds quickly, serve as many people as possible and work to catch up on past tax returns affected by the pandemic. The IRS thanks you for filing your taxes, a critical part of helping our great nation.” 

    IRS tips for a smooth filing season:

    Fastest refunds by e-filing, avoiding paper returns: Filing electronically with direct deposit and avoiding a paper tax return is more important than ever this year to avoid refund delays. If you need a tax refund quickly, do not file on paper – use software, a trusted tax professional or Free File on IRS.gov.

    Avoid delays; file an accurate tax return: More than ever this year, the IRS urges people to make sure they’re ready to file an accurate tax return. An accurate tax return can avoid processing delays, extensive refund delays and later IRS notices.

    Special care for EIP, advance Child Tax Credit recipients:  The IRS also encourages caution to those people who received a third Economic Impact Payment or advance Child Tax Credit in 2021. Taxpayers should ensure the amounts they’ve received are entered correctly on the tax return. Incorrect entries when reporting these payments mean the IRS will need to further review the tax return, creating an extensive delay. To help taxpayers, the IRS is mailing special letters about the stimulus payments and advance Child Tax Credit payment amounts. People can also check the amount of their payments in their Online Accountavailable on IRS.gov.

    Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit refunds: By law, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February, though eligible people may file their returns beginning on January 24. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

    Avoid phone delays; online resources best option for help: IRS.gov is the quickest and easiest option for help. IRS assisted phone lines continue to receive record numbers of calls, more than the agency can handle with its limited resources. Avoid delays: Check IRS.gov first for refund information and answers to tax questions. Establishing an Online Account on IRS.gov can also help taxpayers get information quickly. The Online Account feature has recently been expanded to allow more people to gain access.

    Don’t normally file a return? Consider filing for CTC, other valuable credits: For people who don’t normally file a tax return and didn’t file a 2020 return or use the Non-Filers tool, they can still qualify for important credits they’re eligible for, including the Recovery Rebate Credit (stimulus payment), advance Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS encourages people in this group to file a 2021 tax return so they can receive all the credits for which they’re eligible.

    Online options for free help; answers to common questions: Use IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed — online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day.

    Other free options for help: IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

    2020 tax return still being processed? Tips to help with filing 2021 tax return: For people whose tax returns from 2020 have not yet been processed, they can still file their 2021 tax returns. For those filing electronically in this group, here’s a critical point. Taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return when they file electronically. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be processed, make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s AGI on the 2021 tax return. Visit IRS.gov for more details.

    April 18 tax deadline: The filing deadline is April 18 for most taxpayers; automatic six-month extensions of time to file are available for anyone by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.


  • 21 Jan 2022 3:21 PM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Chief Counsel today announced plans to hire up to 200 additional attorneys to help the agency combat syndicated conservation easements, abusive micro-captive insurance arrangements and other tax schemes.

    “Combating abusive tax transactions that threaten to undermine our tax system remains a top priority for our enforcement efforts,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “It’s critical we work to ensure a fair tax system and adding these new attorneys will help us in on our ongoing efforts in this arena.”

    These positions will be available around the country, and the IRS encourages qualified candidates to apply. The first announcements for these positions have already been posted on USAJOBS. Interested persons should apply today or as soon as possible via the following announcements:

    Promoters have been particularly active developing and marketing tax shelter schemes that purportedly enable taxpayers to avoid paying what they legally owe. These new hires will help the IRS manage the increasing caseload in its multi-year effort to stamp out these abusive schemes and ensure that those participating in them pay the tax they owe plus penalties.

    "This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys with experience in litigation, partnership tax law and planning complex transactions to join the Office of Chief Counsel and make a real difference for our tax system,” said Principal Deputy Chief Counsel William M. Paul.

    These positions will be available in more than 50 locations, including Washington D.C. Those hired will provide legal advice to IRS professionals as they conduct audits of complex corporate and partnership issues and increasingly sophisticated and abusive transactions. The Chief Counsel office, working closely with IRS and the Treasury Department, provides world-class litigation and substantive tax training for all experience levels.

    New hires will work in a variety of areas, including handling cases in the United States Tax Court, as well as serving on trial teams in our largest and most complex trials involving fact and expert witnesses, depositions and multi-week trials. They will also work with the Department of Justice Tax Division, which handles refund cases in district courts and the Court of Federal Claims.

    Others hired will serve in the IRS national office with a focus on developing global regulatory solutions to the most sophisticated and abusive transactions and providing highly specialized advice to IRS litigation teams.

    Abusive syndicated conservation easement deals remain a major focus for the IRS. These transactions generally use inflated appraisals of undeveloped land and partnerships devoid of legitimate business purpose designed to generate inflated and unwarranted tax deductions.

    "Bogus syndicated conservation easement transactions undermine the public's trust in private land conservation and defraud the government," Rettig said. "Putting an end to these schemes is imperative."

    Abusive micro-captive insurance arrangements also remain a key focus of IRS enforcement. These deals are generally sold to owners of closely held entities. The deals commonly lack many of the necessary attributes of insurance, have excessive premiums, insure highly improbable risks and have no connection to genuine business and insurance needs.

    These are just some of the abusive schemes that the new hires will be working on.

    Paul noted that there are numerous advantages to joining Chief Counsel. The Office of Chief Counsel has successfully transitioned in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Chief Counsel is currently in full telework mode and will have a competitive telework policy going forward.

    To learn more about these opportunities, visit IRS Office of Chief Counsel | IRS Careers. The mission of the Office of Chief Counsel is to serve America’s taxpayers fairly and with integrity by providing correct and impartial interpretation of the Internal Revenue laws and the highest quality legal advice and representation for the Internal Revenue Service.


  • 21 Jan 2022 7:42 AM | Anonymous

    The home office deduction allows qualified taxpayers to deduct certain home expenses when they file taxes. To claim the home office deductionon their 2021 tax return, taxpayers generally must exclusively and regularly use part of their home or a separate structure on their property as their primary place of business.

    Here are some details about this deduction to help taxpayers determine if they can claim it:

    • Employees are not eligible to claim the home office deduction.  
    • The home office deduction, calculated on Form 8829, is available to both homeowners and renters.  
    • There are certain expenses taxpayers can deduct. These may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, maintenance, depreciation and rent.  
    • Taxpayers must meet specific requirements to claim home expenses as a deduction. Even then, the deductible amount of these types of expenses may be limited.  
    • The term "home" for purposes of this deduction:  
    Includes a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home, boat or similar property.

    Also includes structures on the property. These are places like an unattached garage, studio, barn or greenhouse.

    Doesn't include any part of the taxpayer's property used exclusively as a hotel, motel, inn or similar business.
    • Generally, there are two basic requirements for the taxpayer's home to qualify as a deduction:  
    There generally must be exclusive use of a portion of the home for conducting business on a regular basis. For example, a taxpayer who uses an extra room to run their business can take a home office deduction only for that extra room so long as it is used both regularly and exclusively in the business.

    The home must generally be the taxpayer's principal place of business. A taxpayer can also meet this requirement if administrative or management activities are conducted at the home and there is no other location to perform these duties. Therefore, someone who conducts business outside of their home but also uses their home to conduct business may still qualify for a home office deduction.  
    • Expenses that relate to a separate structure not attached to the home may qualify for a home office deduction. They will qualify only if the structure is used exclusively and regularly for business.  

    • Taxpayers who qualify may choose one of two methods to calculate their home office expense deduction:  
    The simplified option has a rate of $5 a square foot for business use of the home. The maximum size for this option is 300 square feet. The maximum deduction under this method is $1,500.
    When using the regular method, deductions for a home office are based on the percentage of the home devoted to business use. Taxpayers who use a whole room or part of a room for conducting their business need to figure out the percentage of the home used for business activities to deduct indirect expenses. Direct expenses are deducted in full.

    Share this tip on social media -- #IRSTaxTip: How small business owners can deduct their home office from their taxes. https://go.usa.gov/xtbkP


  • 21 Jan 2022 7:41 AM | Anonymous

    Taxpayers who adopted or started the adoption process in 2021 may qualify for the adoption credit. This credit can be applied to international, domestic private, and public foster care adoption. Taxpayers who adopt their spouse's child can’t claim this credit.

    Here is some basic information to help people understand this credit and if they can claim it when filing their taxes:

    • The maximum adoption credit taxpayers can claim on their 2021 tax return is $14,440 per eligible child.  

    • There are income limits that could affect the amount of the credit.
        
    • Taxpayers should complete Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses. They use this form to figure how much credit they can claim on their tax return.  
    • An eligible child must be younger than 18. If the adopted person is older, they must be unable to physically take care of themselves.
       
    • This credit is non-refundable. This means the amount of the credit is limited to the taxpayer's taxes due for 2021. Any credit leftover from their owed 2021 taxes can be carried forward for up to five years.
       
    • Qualified expenses include:
      • Reasonable and necessary adoption fees.
      • Court costs and legal fees.
      • Adoption related travel expenses like meals and lodging.
      • Other expenses directly related to the legal adoption of an eligible child.        
    • In some cases, a registered domestic partner may pay the adoption expenses. If they live in a state that allows a same-sex second parent or co-parent to adopt their partner's child, these may also be considered qualified expenses.  

    • Expenses may also qualify even if the taxpayer pays them before an eligible child is identified. For example, some future adoptive parents pay for a home study at the beginning of the adoption process. These parents can claim the fees as qualified adoption expenses.  


    More information:
    Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number


    Share this tip on social media -- #IRSTaxTip: Understanding the adoption tax credit. https://go.usa.gov/xtbkQ


  • 20 Jan 2022 4:33 PM | Anonymous

    Notice 2022-07 sets forth updates on the corporate bond monthly yield curve, the corresponding spot segment rates for January 2022 used under § 417(e)(3)(D), the 24-month average segment rates applicable for January 2022, and the 30-year Treasury rates, as reflected by the application of § 430(h)(2)(C)(iv). 

    Notice 2022-07 will be in IRB:  2022-6, dated February 7, 2022.


  • 20 Jan 2022 12:39 PM | Anonymous

    Today, the IRS published the latest executive column, “A Closer Look,” which features Harrison Smith, Co-Director, IRS Enterprise Digitalization and Case Management Office, discussing how the immediate need to minimize in-person contact to protect taxpayers and employees led the IRS to take steps toward increasing digital interactions. “As difficult as these last months have been, we’ve found demands from challenging times can evolve into opportunities to meet taxpayers’ needs and to better serve their representatives,” said Smith. “Never was this more evident than during this pandemic.” Read more here. Read the Spanish version here.

    A Closer Look” is a column from IRS executives that covers a variety of timely issues of interest to taxpayers and the tax community. It also provides a detailed look at key issues affecting everything from IRS operations and employees to issues involving taxpayers and tax professionals.

    Check here for prior posts and new updates.


  • 20 Jan 2022 12:35 PM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON — With filing season beginning January 24, the Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers about several key items to keep in mind when filing their federal income tax returns this year.

    Given the unprecedented circumstances around the pandemic and unique challenges for this tax season, the IRS offers a 5-point checklist that can help many people speed tax return processing and refund delivery while avoiding delays.

    1. File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays. Taxpayers should electronically file and choose direct deposit as soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. Taxpayers have many choices, including using a trusted tax professional. For those using e-file, the software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math. It guides people through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer format.

    2. For an accurate return, collect all documents before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate. In addition to collecting W-2s, Form 1099s and other income-related statements, it is important people have their advance Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment information on hand when filing.

    Advance CTC letter 6419: In late December 2021, and continuing into January, the IRS started sending letters to people who received advance CTC payments. The letter says, “2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) Payments” near the top and, “Letter 6419” on the bottom righthand side of the page.  Here’s what people need to know:

    • The letter contains important information that can help ensure the tax return is accurate.
    • People who received advance CTC payments can also check the amount of the payments they received by using the CTC Update Portal available on IRS.gov.
    • Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.

    Third Economic Impact Payment letter 6475: In late January 2022, the IRS will begin issuing letters to people who received a third payment in late January 2021. The letter says, “Your Third Economic Impact Payment” near the top and, “Letter 6475” on the bottom righthand side of the page. Here’s what people need to know:

    • Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. This letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) for missing stimulus payments.
    • People who are eligible for RRC must file a 2021 tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount.
    • People can also use IRS online account to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts.

    Both letters – 6419 and 6475 – include important information that can help people file an accurate 2021 tax return. If a return includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review while the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this information when preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing.

    3. Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS. Phone demand on IRS assistance lines remains at record highs. To avoid lengthy delays, the IRS urges people to use IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed — online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day.

    Additionally, the IRS has several ways for taxpayers to stay up to date on important tax information:

    4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return: In order to validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS, taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be processed, here’s a special tip to ensure the tax return is accepted by the IRS for processing. Make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s AGI on the 2021 tax return. For those who used a Non-Filer tool in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit or third Economic Impact Payment in 2021, they should enter $1 as their prior year AGI. Everyone else should enter their prior year’s AGI from last year’s return. Remember, if using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will auto-populate.

    5. Free resources are available to help taxpayers file. During this challenging year, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are many options for free help, including many resources on IRS.gov. For those looking to avoid the delays with a paper tax return, IRS Free File is an option. With Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, there are eight products in English and two in Spanish. IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.


  • 19 Jan 2022 2:23 PM | Anonymous

    Revenue Procedure 2022-13 modifies and supersedes Notice 2002-5. It provides information about when and how the IRS will issue a Notice of Employment Tax Determination Under IRC § 7436 (§ 7436 Notice) and how taxpayers petition for Tax Court review of the determinations under IRC § 7436. 

    Revenue Procedure 2022-13 will be in IRB:  2022-6, dated 02/07/2022.


  • 19 Jan 2022 12:11 PM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today urged employers to be aware of the January deadline to file Forms W-2 and other wage statements. Filing these documents timely helps employers avoid penalties and helps the IRS in fraud prevention.

    A 2015 law made it a permanent requirement that employers file copies of their Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, and Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, with the Social Security Administration by January 31.

    Forms W-2 are normally due to workers by January 31. Forms 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information and Forms 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, are also due to taxpayers by January 31. Various other due dates related to Form 1099-MISC and Form 1099-NEC, including dates due to the IRS, can be found on the form’s instructions at IRS.gov.

    Fraud detection

    The normal January filing date for wage statements means that the IRS can more easily detect refund fraud by verifying income that individuals report on their tax returns. Employers can help support that process and avoid penalties by filing the forms on time and without errors.

    The IRS and SSA encourage all employers to e-file. It is the quickest, most accurate and convenient way to file these forms. For more information about e-filing Forms W-2 and a link to the SSA’s Business Services Online website, visit the SSA’s Employer W-2 Filing Instructions & Information website at SSA.gov/employer.

    Use same employer identification number on all forms

    Employers should ensure the employer identification number (EIN) on their wage and tax statements (Forms W-2, W-3, etc.) and their payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 943, 944, etc.) match the EIN the IRS assigned to their business. They should not use their social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) on forms that ask for an EIN.

    If an employer used an EIN (including a prior owner's EIN) on their payroll tax returns that’s different from the EIN reported on their W-3, they should review General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (.pdf), Box h—Other EIN used this year.

    Filing these forms with inconsistent EINs or using another business's EIN may result in penalties and delays in processing an employer’s returns. Even if an employer uses a third-party payer (such as a Certified Professional Employer Organization, Professional Employer Organization, or other third party) or a different entity within their business to file these documents, the name and EIN on all statements and forms filed must be consistent and exactly match the EIN the IRS assigned to their business. For more information on third-party arrangements, see Publication 15, Employer’s Tax Guide.

    Extensions

    Employers may request a 30-day extension to file Forms W-2 by submitting a complete application on Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns by January 31. However, one of the criteria in Section 7 of Form 8809 must be met for the extension to be granted.

    Filing Form 8809 does not extend the due date for furnishing wage statements to employees. A separate extension of time to furnish Forms W-2 to employees must be filed by January 31. See Extension of time to furnish Forms W-2 to employees for more information.

    Additional information can be found on the instructions for Forms W-2 & W-3 and the Information Return Penalties page at IRS.gov.


  • 18 Jan 2022 2:19 PM | Anonymous

    Revenue Ruling 2022-03 provides various prescribed rates for federal income tax purposes including the applicable federal interest rates, the adjusted applicable federal interest rates, the adjusted federal long-term rate, and the adjusted federal long-term tax-exempt rate. These rates are determined as prescribed by § 1274. 

    The rates are published monthly for purposes of sections 42, 382, 412, 642, 1288, 1274, 7520, 7872, and various other sections of the Internal Revenue Code.

    It will be in IRB: 2022-6, dated February 7, 2022. 


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