IRS Tax News

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  • 23 Apr 2024 2:35 PM | Anonymous

    Attendees get up to 19 continuing education credits, networking opportunities, case resolution, advice on practice management and more

    WASHINGTON — The IRS encourages tax professionals to register now for the 2024 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum, coming this summer to Chicago, Orlando, Baltimore, Dallas and San Diego.

    The Nationwide Tax Forum is the IRS’s largest annual outreach event designed and produced for the tax professional community. This year’s agenda will feature more than 40 sessions on tax law and ethics as well as hot topics like beneficial ownership information, cybersecurity, tax scams and schemes, digital assets and clean energy credits.

    Enrolled agents, certified public accountants, Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) participants and other tax professionals can earn up to 19 continuing education (CE) credits. A complete listing of seminar courses will be available in May.

    IRS transformation: A historic time

    Attendees at the forums will also learn how the IRS is evolving to meet their needs and those of their clients. The IRS is continuing to make changes across the agency as part of its transformation work under the Strategic Operating Plan, which is made possible with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.

    “This is a historic time at the IRS, with change taking place across the agency with our ongoing transformation work,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “This summer you’ll have a chance to learn more about these changes. We encourage you to register soon. Some of these locations will fill up quickly.”

    See Werfel’s YouTube video inviting tax professionals to the 2024 forums.

    Locations and registration details

    The following is the 2024 Nationwide Tax Forum lineup:

    Location

    Forum Dates

    Standard Rate Pre-Registration Deadline

    Chicago, IL

    July 9 – 11

    June 25

    Orlando, FL

    July 30 - Aug. 1

    July 16

    Baltimore, MD

    Aug. 13 - 15

    July 30

    Dallas, TX

    Aug. 20 - 22

    Aug. 6

    San Diego, CA

    Sept. 10 - 12

    Aug. 27

    Attendees who act by the June 17 Early Bird deadline can take advantage of the lowest registration rate of $255 per person. Standard pricing of $309 begins on June 17 and ends two weeks before the start of each forum. Onsite registration is also available at a cost of $390.

    Please note, members of the following associations can save $10 on their registration:

    • American Bar Association (ABA)
    • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
    • National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
    • National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
    • National Society of Accountants (NSA)
    • National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP)

    Members should contact their association directly for a tax forum discount code.

    Forum highlights

    Attendees get more than continuing education when they attend the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum. Here are some additional benefits for attendees:

    Exhibit Hall - In addition to the seminars, the forums also feature a two-day expo with representatives from tax, financial and business communities offering their products, services and expertise designed with the tax professional in mind. Inside the exhibit hall, attendees can visit the IRS Zone to share their perspectives with IRS representatives and to learn more about the IRS’s vision for transformation and digitalization.

    Case Resolution Program - Tax professionals can once again bring their toughest unresolved IRS case to the Case Resolution Program Room. IRS representatives with specialized expertise will be available to meet one-on-one with tax professionals (by appointment only). A new addition to the 2024 IRS Tax Forum will be the ability to book an appointment with TAS Case Resolution in advance. Because of the popularity of the program, tax professionals can bring only one client case per meeting with IRS representatives in the Case Resolution Program. For complete details including what tax professionals need to bring to the appointment, visit the Case Resolution Information Page.

    En Espanol – This year the IRS is increasing the number of Spanish-language seminar courses available to attendees. Details will be provided next month in the seminar course list. Also, see the Spanish Practice Management offering below.

    Hiring – Curious about career paths at the IRS? IRS hiring staff will be on hand to talk with attendees about jobs currently open in examination and other areas across the agency.

    Monday Pre-Forum Activities - Attendees arriving early can maximize their time at the Tax Forum by participating in additional events. On Monday, IRS partner associations NATP and NSTP will offer an optional Annual Filing Season Refresher course for participants in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.

    Following that, at 5 p.m., IRS partners will present a 90-minute panel discussion on Practice Management. Experts from the NAEA, NATP, NSA, NSTP and Padgett Business Services will present ideas on how new, as well as established tax professionals can attract and manage customers, increase productivity and have a more satisfying work-life balance. A Spanish-language version of the panel will be presented at 7 p.m.

    National Taxpayer Advocate Town Hall - Meet National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins on Wednesday during the Forum Networking Reception to discuss issues facing taxpayers and tax practitioners. The Taxpayer Advocate wants to hear from tax pros and learn about issues facing taxpayers and practitioners. Includes Q&A.

    Registration information

    For more information, and to register online, visit www.irstaxforum.com.


  • 23 Apr 2024 2:34 PM | Anonymous

    Application period runs through June 12, 2024

    WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced it will accept applications for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic matching grants from all qualified organizations.

    The application period runs from April 22, 2024, to June 12, 2024. The funding and the period of performance for the grant will be Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025. 

    “Low Income Taxpayer Clinics make a tremendous impact on the lives of taxpayers. Especially, for those with the most need,” said National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins. “I encourage all qualifying organizations to apply for an LITC grant and join the community of clinics across the country that are making a real difference and changing lives.”

    Under Internal Revenue Code section 7526, the IRS awards matching grants to qualifying organizations to develop, expand or maintain an LITC. For every dollar of funding awarded by the IRS, an LITC must have a dollar of match. An LITC must provide services for free or for no more than a nominal fee (except for reimbursement of actual costs incurred).

    LITCs ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for taxpayers by:

    ·         Providing pro bono representation to assist low-income taxpayers in resolving tax disputes with the IRS;

    ·         Educating taxpayers for whom English is a second language (ESL taxpayers) about their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers; and

    ·         Identifying and advocating on issues that impact these taxpayers.

    For fiscal year 2024, Congress has provided overall LITC grant funding of $28 million and has authorized funding of up to $200,000 per clinic. The President’s FY 2025 budget request proposes an overall LITC grant funding level of $26 million and a continuation of the $200,000 per-clinic funding cap. In light of the President’s budget request and the uncertain timeline for final congressional action, the IRS will allow applicants to request up to $200,000 for the 2025 grant year. If, for FY 2025, Congress significantly reduces the overall LITC grant funding level or reduces the per-clinic funding cap, the IRS will adjust each grant recipient’s award to reflect any limitations in place at that time.

    To achieve maximum access to justice for low-income and ESL taxpayers, the IRS has expanded the eligibility criteria for a grant by removing the requirement for eligible organizations to provide direct controversy representation. Representation may be provided by referring taxpayers to qualified representatives who have agreed to handle the referred cases on a pro bono basis.

    The IRS will also continue the ESL Education Pilot Program that was rolled out as part of the February 2023 supplemental funding opportunity. A grant may be awarded to an organization to operate a program to inform ESL taxpayers about their rights and responsibilities under the IRC without the requirement to also provide tax controversy representation to low-income taxpayers. See IRS Publication 3319, 2025 Grant Application Package and Guidelines for examples of what constitutes a “clinic.”

    Despite the IRS's efforts to foster parity in availability and accessibility when choosing organizations to receive LITC matching grants, there remain communities that are underserved by clinics. Currently, the following counties, states and territory do not have an LITC or have only partial coverage:

    ·         Florida – Citrus, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.

    ·         Hawaii – the entire state.

    ·         Kansas – the entire state.

    ·         Montana -- Blaine, Broadwater, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Deer Lodge, Fallon, Fergus, Flathead, Garfield, Golden Valley, Granite, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lincoln, Madison, McCone, Mineral, Missoula, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Pondera, Powder River, Powell, Prairie, Richland, Sanders, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Toole, Treasure, Valley, Wheatland and Wibaux counties.

    ·         Nevada – the entire state.

    ·         North Dakota – the entire state.

    ·         South Dakota – the entire state.

    ·         West Virginia -– the entire state.

    ·         The territory of Puerto Rico – the entire country.

    The IRS is particularly interested in receiving applications from organizations that provide services in these underserved geographic areas. Priority will be given to established organizations that can help provide coverage to underserved geographic areas. For the ESL Education Pilot Program, special consideration will be given to established organizations with existing community partnerships that can deliver services to the target audiences.

    The LITC Program is administered by the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate at the IRS, led by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins. Although LITCs receive partial funding from the IRS, LITCs, their employees and their volunteers operate independently of the IRS.

    Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 12, 2024. The funding number is TREAS-GRANTS-042025-001.

    Copies of IRS Publication 3319, 2025 Grant Application Package and Guidelines, can be downloaded from IRS.gov or ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). To assist organizations in applying for funding, a "Reminders and Tips for Completing Form 13424-M" document is available on the LITC grants page.

    Questions about the LITC Program or the grant application process can be addressed to the LITC Program Office by email at litcprogramoffice@irs.gov. Alternatively, you may contact Karen Tober by email at karen.tober@irs.gov.

    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, 2023 LITC Program Report. A short video about the LITC Programis also available on the Taxpayer Advocate Service YouTube channel.

    Join the LITC Program Office for one of two optional webinars where they will provide information about the LITC Program and the application process. Details on the dates and times of the webinars are available at www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/litc-grants.


  • 22 Apr 2024 3:25 PM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers who missed the April tax-filing deadline to file a tax return as soon as they can.

    The IRS offers different resources to help those who may be unable to pay their tax bill in total. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file quickly to minimize penalties and interest.

    Taxpayers should keep in mind that payments are still due by the April 15 deadline, even if they requested an extension of time to file a tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

    File and pay amount owed to reduce penalties and interest

    Taxpayers who still owe taxes should file their tax return and pay any taxes owed quickly to reduce penalties and interest. Until the balance is paid in full, interest and penalties accrue on taxes owed.

    Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. This reduces interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and may help avoid a possible late-filing penalty.

    There are options for taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay. For more information see the penalties page on IRS.gov.

    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.

    Electronically pay taxes owed

    A quick, easy way for individuals to pay taxes owed securely is through IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card or digital wallet, or their IRS Online Account. Taxpayers may also apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement).

    Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) and Direct Pay allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find more payment options on IRS.gov/payments.

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

    • Taxpayers in certain disaster areas. There’s no need for these taxpayers to submit an extension; extra time is granted automatically due to the disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on the IRS website. 
    • U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic two-month extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.
    • Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide.
    • Those serving in combat zones have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.

    Owed a refund? Don’t overlook filing a tax return; 2020 unclaimed refund deadline May 17

    Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. Some examples are the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers sometimes fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.

    There's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if a refund is due. However, taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. Every year, the IRS estimates that there are nearly a million taxpayers potentially due refund money who failed to file prior year tax returns.

    For taxpayers who didn’t file a 2020 tax return, time is running out to claim those refunds. The deadline to file 2020 returns is May 17, 2024.

    Taxpayers still needing to file for tax year 2023 are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS Free File, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 20 to prepare and file 2023 tax returns electronically.

    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. To use the tool, 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.

    Selecting a trusted tax professional

    Taxpayers who still need to file a return may wish to consult a tax preparer. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers choose a tax professional. Tools like the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications allows taxpayers to find tax return preparers who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program or who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS.

    Taxpayer Bill of Rights

    Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when interacting with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights divides them in 10 categories. IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, reiterates these rights along with the agency's obligation to protect them.


  • 22 Apr 2024 3:25 PM | Anonymous

    IRS offers several payment options, including help for those struggling to pay

    Taxpayers have a variety of options to consider when paying federal taxes. Electronic payment options are the best way to make a tax payment.

    For taxpayers who cannot pay in full, the IRS encourages them to pay what they can and explore a variety of payment options available for the remaining balance, including getting a loan to pay the amount due. In many cases, loan costs may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties the IRS must charge by law.

    The IRS also urges taxpayers not to wait to respond to a notice. Notices and letters provide taxpayers with information about the actions they need to take. Many notices have QR codes that help direct taxpayers to their online tax accounts. In addition, these letters inform the taxpayer of the status of their unpaid balance, options for resolution and their rights in the collection process.

    For taxpayers who can't pay their tax bill in full, the IRS offers several options to help them meet their obligations. IRS payment options are available at IRS.gov/payments.

    Options for paying electronically

    • Direct Pay – Individual taxpayers can use Direct Pay for up to two payments each day. Direct Pay lets taxpayers pay online directly from a checking or savings account for free and schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. They'll receive an email confirmation of their payments.
    • Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – The best payment option for individual taxpayers or businesses making large payments is the EFTPS, which allows up to five payments per day. The system requires enrollment. Taxpayers can schedule payments up to 365 days in advance and opt in to receive email notifications about their payments.
    • Electronic funds withdrawal – Individual taxpayers and businesses can pay when they file electronically using tax software online. If they're using a tax preparer, they can ask the preparer to make the tax payment through an electronic funds withdrawal from a bank account.
    • Payment processor – Individual taxpayers and businesses can choose to pay with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet through a payment processor. Although processing fees apply, no part of those go to the IRS.
    • IRS Online Account – Individual taxpayers have the option to create and sign into an IRS Online Account to pay from there. Online Account allows taxpayers to view:
      • The amount they owe.
      • Payment history and any scheduled or pending payments.
      • Payment plan details.
      • Digital copies of select notices from the IRS.

    Paying by check, money order or cashier's check

    If they’re paying an income tax liability that's currently due without an accompanying income tax return, taxpayers paying by check, money order or cashier's check should include Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, with the payment.

    • Mail the payment to the correct address by state or form. Don't send cash through the mail. Indicate on the check memo line the specific tax year to which the IRS should apply the payment.
    • Those paying when filing their current year's income tax return shouldn't staple or paperclip the payment to the return. For more information go to Pay by Check or Money Order on IRS.gov.

    Paying by cash

    Individuals and businesses preferring to pay in cash can do so at a participating retail store. There's a $500 limit per payment, and processing fees apply.

    Other options

    Most taxpayers also have the following payment options if they can't pay in full now:

    • Payment plans –Taxpayers who owe but can’t pay in full don’t have to wait for a tax bill to set up a payment plan (or installment agreement) to pay off an outstanding balance over time. Most taxpayers qualify and can set up a payment plan through the Online Payment Agreement (OPA) tool, as well as using IRS text or voice bots. Once taxpayers complete the online application, they receive immediate notification of whether the IRS has approved their payment plan. Taxpayers can set up a plan using OPA in minutes. There's no paperwork and no need to call, write or visit the IRS. Setup fees may apply for some types of plans
    • Offer in Compromise – An Offer in Compromise allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their tax liabilities for less than the total amount they owe. To help determine their eligibility, they can use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool.
    • Temporarily Delaying Collection – Taxpayers can contact the IRS to request a temporary delay of the collection process. If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until the taxpayer's financial condition improves. Penalties and interest continue to accrue until the taxpayer pays the full amount.


  • 22 Apr 2024 3:24 PM | Anonymous

    Inside This Issue

    1. IRS delivers a strong filing season; work continues
    2. Virtual information session on BOI reporting requirements April 30
    3. IRS seeks IRSAC membership nominations; new subcommittee created on Fairness in Tax Administration
    4. Continuing education at the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum
    5. IRS issues 2023 Data Book
    6. IRS to update Allowable Living Expense standards for 2024
    7. Updated FAQs for clean vehicle, energy efficient home improvement and residential clean energy property credits
    8. Upcoming webinars for tax practitioners
    9. News from the Justice Department’s Tax Division
    10. Technical Guidance

    1.  IRS delivers a strong filing season; work continues

    With the filing season deadline earlier this week, the IRS emphasized a number of enhancements that dramatically expanded service for taxpayers during the 2024 filing season. Through Inflation Reduction Act funding, the IRS increased taxpayer service levels not seen in more than a decade. Compared to a year ago, the IRS answered more than 1 million more taxpayer phone calls this tax season, helped more than 170,000 people in-person and saw 75 million more IRS.gov visits fueled by a new and expanded Where’s My Refund? tool. “With the help of more funding and added resources, service for taxpayers this filing season eclipsed levels seen during the past decade,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.

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    2.  Virtual information session on BOI reporting requirements April 30

    A new law requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) about who ultimately owns or controls them. Join a FinCEN representative on April 30 at 2 p.m. ET for a virtual information session on beneficial ownership information reporting requirements and how to comply with the law. Learn more about beneficial ownership information reporting at https://www.fincen.gov/boi.

    Companies created or registered in early 2024 may have an approaching deadline for a new federal government filing requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act, a bipartisan law that was passed to combat and stop illicit finance, requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) about who ultimately owns or controls them.

    Federal regulations require certain companies (“reporting companies”) to file their initial reports by the following deadlines:

    • Existing companies: Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States before Jan. 1, 2024, must file by Jan. 1, 2025.
    • Newly created or registered companies: Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States in 2024 have 90 calendar days to file after receiving actual or public notice that their company’s creation or registration is effective.

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    3.  IRS seeks IRSAC membership nominations; new subcommittee created on Fairness in Tax Administration

    The IRS is accepting applications for the 2025 Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC), including nominees for a new subcommittee centered on fairness issues. The new IRSAC Subcommittee on Fairness in Tax Administration will review and issue specific recommendations related to fairness in tax administration for low-income communities, communities of color and other historically underserved populations. Deadline to submit your application is May 31. The IRSAC serves as an advisory body to the IRS commissioner and agency leadership. The group is organized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and includes volunteer members with a diverse set of interests in tax issues. Qualified individuals who are selected will serve three-year terms on the IRSAC beginning January 2025.

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    4.  Continuing education at the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum

    Tax pros: The IRS Nationwide Tax Forum provides continuing education (CE) credits for enrolled agents, certified public accountants, Annual Filing Season Program participants and California Tax Education Council (CTEC) participants. Tax professionals can earn up to 19 credits at the three-day forum, which is coming this summer to Chicago, Orlando, Baltimore, Dallas and San Diego.

    The IRS Nationwide Tax Forum is an IRS-approved CE provider for enrolled agents, as well as those participating in the Annual Filing Season Program. For more information on requirements, visit www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Annual-Filing-Season-Program.

    The Tax Forum is also registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. For more information, visit the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum: Continuing Education (CE).

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    5.  IRS issues 2023 Data Book

    The IRS this week released its 2023 Data Book outlining the agency’s activities during fiscal year 2023, which includes collected revenue and tax returns processed. The 2023 Data Book reflects the initial impacts of the historic long-term funding provided under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 to transform the IRS and modernize how the agency serves the American people.

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    6.  IRS to update Allowable Living Expense standards for 2024

    Allowable Living Expense (ALE) standards for 2024 will be available April 22. The ALE standards reduce subjectivity when determining what a taxpayer may claim as basic living expenses to avoid undue hardship when the taxpayer must delay full payment of a delinquent tax. The standard allowances provide consistency and fairness in collection determinations by incorporating average expenditures for necessities for citizens in similar geographic areas.

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    7.  Updated FAQs for clean vehicle, energy efficient home improvement and residential clean energy property credits

    The IRS revised frequently asked questions (FAQ) to provide guidance related to the New, Previously Owned and Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credits. These FAQ revisions include updates to the eligibility rules for the Clean Vehicle Credit; income and price limitations for the new Clean Vehicle Credit; and transfer of the new Clean Vehicle Credit and the Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit. The agency also updated FAQs to address the federal income tax treatment of amounts paid for the purchase of energy efficient property and improvements

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    8.  Upcoming webinars for tax practitioners

    The IRS offers the upcoming live webinar to the tax practitioner community. For more information or to register, visit the Webinars for Tax Practitioners webpage:

    • Tax Implications of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing for Individuals on May 1, at 1 p.m. ET. Earn up to 2 CE credits (Federal Tax). Certificates of completion are being offered.

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    9.  News from the Justice Department’s Tax Division

    Jonathan Barefoot, a Mississippi tax return preparer, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for preparing false tax returns. Barefoot and co-conspirators prepared thousands of fraudulent returns, causing more than $3.5 million in tax loss to the IRS. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Barefoot was ordered to serve one year of supervised release. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Gary Sandiego, an Illinois tax preparation business owner, pleaded guilty to preparing false tax returns. The complaint alleges Sandiego exaggerated or fabricated expenses to deceitfully claim on the returns Residential Energy Credits and employment-related expense deductions. As a result, Sandiego caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $4.58 million. Sandiego faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count and a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Bryon Taylor, an Illinois tax preparation business owner, is accused of 21 counts of tax return fraud. For tax years 2017 through 2020, Taylor allegedly prepared returns for clients that contained false information resulting in the clients claiming refunds to which they were not entitled. Taylor faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Awett Tedla, a former Washington, D.C. area tax return preparation business owner and now of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for conspiring to file false tax returns, wire fraud and tax evasion. The complaint alleges that from 2012 through 2016, Tedla and co-conspirators prepared fraudulent returns for clients that reported fictitious businesses and claimed certain tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, to generate inflated tax refunds. Tedla’s conduct caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $171,534. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Tedla was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the United States. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case.

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    10. Technical Guidance

    Notice 2024-33 provides limited relief to CAMT taxpayers from the addition to tax under section 6655 of the Internal Revenue Code] for failure to pay estimated income tax with respect to its CAMT liability under section 55 of the Code for the 2024 first quarterly installment of estimated income tax due on or before April 15, 2024 (or on or before May 15, 2024, for taxpayers with taxable years beginning in February 2024).

    Notice 2024-35 provides relief with respect to certain required minimum distributions (RMDs) that are not made in 2024.

    Revenue Procedure 2024-20 provides the domestic asset/liability percentages and domestic investment yields needed by foreign life insurance companies and foreign property and liability insurance companies to compute their minimum effectively connected net investment income under section 842(b) of the Internal Revenue Code for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022. This revenue procedure applies to foreign insurance companies.

    Revenue Procedure 2024-21 provides issuers of qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates with (1) the nationwide average purchase price for residences located in the United States, and (2) the average area purchase price safe harbors for residences located in statistical areas in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

    Revenue Ruling 2024-09 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 


  • 18 Apr 2024 11:10 AM | Anonymous

    Revenue Procedure 2024-21 provides issuers of qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates with (1) the nationwide average purchase price for residences located in the United States, and (2) the average area purchase price safe harbors for residences located in statistical areas in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

     

    Revenue Procedure 2024-21 will be in IRB 2024-19, dated May 6, 2024.


  • 18 Apr 2024 11:09 AM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions in Fact Sheet 2024-14 to provide guidance related to the New, Previously Owned and Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credits.

    These FAQs supersede earlier FAQs that were posted in Fact Sheet 2023-29 on Dec. 26, 2023.

    The FAQs revisions are as follows:

    ·         Topic A: Eligibility Rules for the New Clean Vehicle Credit: Revised Question 10.

    ·         Topic B: Income and Price Limitations for the New Clean Vehicle Credit: Revised Question 11.

    ·         Topic H: Transfer of New Clean Vehicle Credit and Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit: Revised Questions 5 and 15.

    More information about reliance is available.


  • 18 Apr 2024 11:09 AM | Anonymous

    Notice 2024-35 provides relief with respect to certain required minimum distributions (RMDs) that are not made in 2024. This relief was provided with respect to certain RMDs in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and is being extended in this notice to certain RMDs in 2024. Specifically, the notice provides that if certain requirements are met, a plan will not fail to be qualified for failing to make a specified RMD in 2024, and a taxpayer will not be assessed an excise tax for failing to take the RMD. This notice also announces that the final regulations intended to be published relating to RMDs are anticipated to apply for purposes of determining RMDs for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. 

    Notice 2024-35 will be in IRB: 2024-19, dated May 6, 2024.


  • 18 Apr 2024 11:08 AM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON The IRS encourages taxpayers to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to ensure they’re withholding the correct amount of tax from their pay in 2024. 

    This digital toolprovides workers, self-employed individuals and retirees with wage income a user-friendly resource to effectively adjust the amount of income tax withheld from their wages. 

    The Tax Withholding Estimator will help taxpayers avoid unwanted results in 2024 if the refund for their 2023 return was too large, too small or if they received a surprise tax amount due. 

    Benefits of using the Estimator

    For employed individuals, withholding refers to the federal income tax amount deducted from their paycheck. Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator's findings to decide whether they should fill out a new Form W-4 and give it to their employer. This process can, for instance: 

    • Ensure the correct tax amount is withheld, preventing a surprise tax bill or penalty during tax season, and
    • Decide whether to reduce upfront tax withholding, increasing take-home pay and potentially reducing any tax refund at the end of the tax year. 

    When should taxpayers use this tool?

    The IRS suggests taxpayers review their withholding at least once annually. For anyone who’s recently completed their 2023 return, now is an ideal time to do so. It's also wise to use this tool after significant life events like marriage, divorce, buying a home or having a child. 

    When using the withholding calculator taxpayers should consider all forms of income, including part-time work, side jobs or the sale of goods or services commonly reported on Form 1099-K.

    What records are needed?

    The Tax Withholding Estimator’s results are only as accurate as the information entered. To help prepare, the IRS recommends taxpayers gather: 

    • Their most recent pay statements, and if married, for their spouse,
    • Information for other sources of income, and
    • Their most recent income tax return in 2023, if possible. 

    While the Tax Withholding Estimator works for most taxpayers, people with more complex tax situations should instead use the instructions in Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. This includes taxpayers who owe alternative minimum tax or certain other taxes, and people with long-term capital gains or qualified dividends. 

    Additional information

    Tax Withholding Estimator FAQs

    Paycheck Checkup


  • 18 Apr 2024 11:07 AM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions in Fact Sheet 2024-15 to addresses the federal income tax treatment of amounts paid for the purchase of energy efficient property and improvements. 

     

    These FAQs supersede earlier FAQs that were posted in Fact Sheet 2022-40, on Dec. 22, 2022. 

     

    The FAQs revisions are as follows: 

    • General questions— Question 4 

    On April 5, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service issued Announcement 2024-19 that addressed the federal income tax treatment of amounts paid for the purchase of energy efficient property and improvements. 

     

    Generally, taxpayers who receive rebates for the purchase of energy efficient homes will not include the value of those rebates as income on their tax returns, however they will need to reduce the basis of the property when they sell it by the amount of the rebate.

     

    The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) statutory language describes performance-based incentives and electrification product subsidies as “rebates.” 

     

    Announcement 2024-19 provides that amounts received from the Department of Energy (DOE) home energy rebate programs funded through the IRA will be treated as a reduction in the purchase price or cost of property for eligible upgrades and projects.  Accordingly, the consumer that receives an IRA rebate will not be required to report the value of the rebate as income.

     

    More information about reliance is available.


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