Notice 2024-34 sets forth updates on the corporate bond monthly yield curve, the corresponding spot segment rates for March 2024 used under § 417(e)(3)(D), the 24-month average segment rates applicable for April 2024, and the 30-year Treasury rates, as reflected by the application of § 430(h)(2)(C)(iv).

Notice 2024-34 will be in IRB: 2024-18, dated April 29, 2024.

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WASHINGTON — On day eight of the Dirty Dozen tax scam series, the Internal Revenue Service today warned about bad tax information on social media that can lure honest taxpayers with bad advice, potentially leading to identity theft and tax problems.

Social media can routinely circulate inaccurate or misleading tax information, where people on TikTok and other social media platforms share wildly inaccurate tax advice. Some involve urging people to misuse common tax documents like Form W-2, or more obscure ones like Form 8944 involving a technical e-file form not commonly used by taxpayers. Both schemes encourage people to submit false, inaccurate information in hopes of getting a refund.

The IRS warns people not to fall for these scams. Taxpayers who knowingly file fraudulent tax returns potentially face significant civil and criminal penalties.

"Social media is an easy way for scammers and others to try encouraging people to pursue some really bad ideas, and that includes ways to magically increase your tax refund,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “There are many ways to get good tax information, including @irsnews on social media and from trusted tax professionals. But people should be careful with who they’re following on social media for tax advice. Unlike hacks to fix a leaky kitchen sink or creative makeup tips, people shouldn’t rely on made-up ways on social media to patch up their tax return and boost their refund.”

Warnings against bad advice on social media is day eight of the 2024 IRS annual Dirty Dozen campaign – a list of 12 scams and schemes that put taxpayers and the tax professional community at risk of losing money, personal information, data and more. Started in 2002, the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, but the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes, including bad social media advice.

As a member of the Security Summit, the IRS has worked with state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry for nine years to cooperatively implement a variety of internal security measures to protect taxpayers. The collaborative effort by the Summit partners also has focused on educating taxpayers about scams and fraudulent schemes throughout the year, which can lead to tax-related identity theft. Through initiatives like the Dirty Dozen and the Security Summit initiative, the IRS strives to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from cyber criminals and deceptive activities that seek to extract information and money, including bad advice on social media.

Social media: Not the ideal place for solid tax advice

Social media can connect people and information from all over the globe. Unfortunately, sometimes people provide bad advice that can lure good taxpayers into trouble.

The IRS warns taxpayers to be wary of trusting internet advice, whether it's a fraudulent tactic promoted by scammers or it's a patently false tax-related scheme trending across popular social media platforms. While some producers of misleading content are driven by criminal profit motive, others are simply trying to gain attention and clicks. They will post anything, no matter how wrong or outlandish, if it garners more attention.

The IRS is aware of various filing season hashtags and social media topics leading to inaccurate and potentially fraudulent information. The central theme of these examples involves people trying to use legitimate tax forms for the wrong reason.

Here are just two of the recent schemes circulating online:

Fraudulent advice on Form W-2

This scheme, circulating on social media, encourages people to use tax software to manually fill out Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and include false income information. In this W-2 scheme, scam artists suggest people make up large income and withholding figures, as well as the employer its coming from. Scam artists then instruct people to file the bogus tax return electronically in hopes of getting a substantial refund – sometimes as much as five figures – due to the large amount of withholding.

There are two other variations of the W-2 scheme. Both involve misusing Form W-2 wage information in hopes of generating a larger refund:

• Fraudulent Form 7202: This scheme involves encouraging people to use Form 7202, Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals, to claim a credit based on income earned as an employee and not as a self-employed individual. These credits were available for self-employed individuals for 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic; they are not available for 2023 tax returns.
• Fraudulent Schedule H: Another scheme encourages people to invent fictional household employees and then file Schedule H (Form 1040), Household Employment Taxes, to claim a refund based on false sick and family medical leave wages they never paid.

The IRS, along with the Security Summit partners in the tax industry and the states, are actively watching for this scheme. In addition, the IRS works with payroll companies and large employers – as well as the Social Security Administration – to verify W-2 information.

Form 8944 scheme

Another example of bad advice circulating on social media involves Form 8944, Preparer e-file Hardship Waiver Request. Wildly inaccurate claims made about this form include its use by taxpayers to receive a refund from the IRS, even if the taxpayer has a balance due. This is false information. Form 8944 is for tax professional use only.

While Form 8944 is a legitimate IRS tax form, it is intended for tax return preparers who are requesting a waiver so they can file tax returns on paper instead of electronically. It is not a form the average taxpayer can use to avoid tax bills.

Taxpayers who intentionally file forms with false or fraudulent information can face serious consequences, including potentially civil and criminal penalties, like criminal prosecution for filing a false tax return and a frivolous return penalty of $5,000.

How taxpayers can verify information

The best place for taxpayers to learn how to properly use tax forms, and to accurately follow social media channels related to taxes, is to go to IRS.gov.

• IRS.gov has a forms repository with legitimate and detailed instructions for taxpayers on how to fill out the forms properly.

• Use IRS.gov to find the official IRS social media accounts, or other government sites, to fact check information.

Report fraud

As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort, the IRS encourages people to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax schemes, as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare improper returns.

To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should use the online Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers, or mail or fax a completed paper Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers, and any supporting material to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.

Mail:

Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center Stop MS5040 24000 Avila Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-3405 Fax: 877-477-9135

Alternatively, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send the information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for possible monetary award.

For more information, see Abusive Tax Schemes and Abusive Tax Return Preparers.

WASHINGTON – As the April 15 federal tax filing deadline nears, the Internal Revenue Service today announced it will open more than 70 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) around the country on Saturday, April 13, for face-to-face help. This special help is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

At TACs, people meet face-to-face with IRS employees to get help with tax account issues, such as authenticating someone’s identity, asking about account adjustments and making payments by check or money order. The IRS plans one additional special Saturday opening on May 18.

“IRS employees have been working hard throughout this tax season to help taxpayers, and the special Saturday hours are one more way we’ve expanded our services,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “With the help of additional funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ve been able to serve more taxpayers and provide additional assistance. For these special Saturday sessions, we encourage taxpayers to plan ahead so they have the right information. Frequently, taxpayers can get the help they need by visiting IRS.gov.”

Before travelling to an office, the IRS encourages everyone to visit the event page IRS face-to-face Saturday helpto get current information. The IRS notes representatives can’t accept cash payments during the special Saturday openings, and tax return preparation is not an available service.

The IRS has online resources for many common tax situations, including several tools for making payments, getting an extension to file and setting up installment agreements. Taxpayers can make payments using their personal financial accounts, debit or credit cards and even digital wallets using tools on IRS.gov.

Tips for taxpayers planning a visit

Individuals should bring the following documents when they visit IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers:

• Current government-issued photo identification, along with a second form of identification for identity verification services.
• Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable).
• Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.
• A copy or digital image of the tax return in question if one was filed.

The IRS noted that because appointments aren’t necessary for these special Saturday hours, some locations may see high demand and wait times can be longer than usual. To help with this and avoid delays, the IRS encourages people to plan ahead, review key tips and come prepared with needed information. IRS employees will be working hard to serve as many people as quickly as possible.

Extended office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays

During the filing season, the IRS has also been providing extended office hours at many TACs nationwide. The added hours will end on Tuesday, April 16. To see if a nearby office is participating in the program, check its listing on the IRS/taclocator. Taxpayers can walk in or make appointments for service during extended hours. Cash payments are accepted during the additional office time, but taxpayers must have an appointment at a TAC currently accepting cash.

Normally, TACs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and provide service by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 844-545-5640.

Services provided

The IRS’s Contact Your Local Officesite lists all services provided at specific TACs. Tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs during these events or any operating hours. The IRS will provide information to anyone needing to find free local tax preparation resources. Additionally, File your return on IRS.gov gives step-by-step information on how to file individual tax returns.

If someone has questions about a tax bill or IRS audit, or if they need help resolving a tax problem, they’ll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren’t available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues.

Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

• A current mailing address,
• Proof of financial account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.

Tax return preparation options

While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, information will be shared about available local free tax preparation options. Help is also available using the following services:

• Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
• To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
• Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File’s Guided Tax Software at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.
• Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. Taxpayers should know how to prepare their own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. Anyone, regardless of income, can use the forms. They are a free option for those whose AGI is greater than $79,000.
• MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
• IRS Direct File. Eligible taxpayers can file 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Direct File is available to taxpayers who live in one of the 12 participating pilot states and report certain types of income, deductions and credits. Taxpayers can check their eligibility at directfile.irs.gov to see if Direct File is the right option for them. Once they’ve started their return, taxpayers can pause and sign back into IRS Direct File securely to complete it any time before the April filing deadline.

Help available 24/7 at IRS.gov

The fastest and easiest way for people to get the help they need is through IRS.gov. Go to IRS.gov for more information. Available resources include:

• Where’s My Refund?, check refund status and estimated delivery date.
• Get Transcript, view and print a tax transcript online.
• Payments, get information on a variety of payment methods, including cash.
• Direct Pay, make tax payments or estimated tax payments for free from a checking or savings account.
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.
• Online Payment Agreement, set up installment payments to pay taxes owed.
• Where’s My Amended Return?, track the status of an amended return.
• Interactive Tax Assistant and FAQs, get answers to many tax law questions.
• All IRS Forms and Publications, find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those without access to the internet can call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.

For additional information on available services, see IRS Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide.

The IRS Direct File pilot is open to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states to file their 2023 federal tax returns online for free — directly with the IRS. Direct File is accurate, secure and easy to use.

Try the innovative new option by April 15

IRS Direct File is available 24/7 — in English and Spanish — for eligible taxpayers in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming until April 15. People in Massachusetts can use Direct File until April 17 to file, due to the Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day holidays.

Direct File is a new option for taxpayers who live in a pilot state and report certain types of income, claim certain credits and take certain deductions. Taxpayers can go to directfile.irs.gov to see if Direct File is the right option for their tax situation. Taxpayers can log in to Direct File to start their return and complete it before the April filing deadline.

Sign-in to Direct File securely and file online directly with IRS

Taxpayers will need to verify their identity and securely sign in to file their return with the Direct File pilot.

If taxpayers don’t have an existing account with the IRS, they will be directed to create an account to verify their identity. Once their identity is verified and they’ve signed in securely to Direct File, they will be providing the tax information directly to the IRS, not a third party.

Live chat with IRS Direct File staff

IRS Direct File customer service representatives will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. including April 13 and 14, to help taxpayers file before the tax deadline. Live representatives offer technical support and answer basic tax law questions in English and Spanish. Representatives cannot access taxpayer account data.

After April 17, live chat customer support for Direct File will only be available through April 20 to assist filers who submitted their tax return with Direct File before the filing deadline and need assistance with a resubmission or a technical issue.

Direct File offers Direct Deposit and payment options

Direct File, like other electronic filing options, allows taxpayers to typically get their refund in less than 21 days when they choose direct deposit. Taxpayers can check their refund status at IRS.gov/refunds 24 hours after the IRS accepts their return. Taxpayers who owe tax can make a payment online. Tax payments are due on April 15 for most taxpayers. Learn about IRS payment options at IRS.gov/payments.

What to do when IRS Direct File is not the right fit

Everyone should choose the filing option that is best for them. If Direct File is not the right fit, simply choose another option to file, such as other free filing options, a tax professional or paid commercial tax software. Taxpayers who try Direct File but aren’t eligible for the pilot, are directed to other available electronic options to file including IRS Free File.

No matter their income, all taxpayers canfile an extension with a trusted IRS Free File partner to electronically request a six-month extension of time to file. Filing an extension does not mean additional time to pay taxes owed. To avoid penalties and interest, taxpayers should pay the balance in full or pay as much as they can before the April filing deadline.

Direct File pilot does not offer the service to amend a 2023 tax return. Taxpayers can use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov to determine if they need to file an amended return to correct an error or to make other changes after filing. See, About Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for instructions on how to amend a tax return.  

WASHINGTON — As part of the Dirty Dozen tax scams effort, the Internal Revenue Service today urged tax professionals and other businesses to remain vigilant and protect themselves against a continuing barrage of e-mail spearfishing attempts designed to steal valuable information.

Tax professionals and businesses present a tempting target for identity thieves given their extensive information, and scammers continue to look for creative ways to gain access into sensitive systems. In particular, the IRS and the Security Summit partners urge tax pros and businesses to watch out for a surge in a particular type of spearfishing known as “new client” scams, where identity thieves pose as potential clients using fake emails.

Through spearphishing emails, cybercriminals impersonate real taxpayers seeking help with their taxes, using fake emails to get sensitive data or gain access to a tax professional’s client information from their computer systems. While these can peak around tax season, they remain a year-round threat. Criminals accessing tax preparer credentials, or their client's tax-related information, can affect multiple victims.

“It’s crucial for tax professionals and businesses to be wary of creative and evolving cyberattacks designed to access sensitive systems,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Cyberattacks pose a threat to not just the livelihood of the businesses, but the sensitive tax and personnel information that identity thieves can use to try filing fake tax returns. The Security Summit partners continue to urge tax pros and businesses to be on guard and educate their employees. Taking simple steps by using extra caution when opening emails, clicking on links or sharing private client information can prevent tax professionals from being taken advantage of by cybercriminals.”

This marks the ninth day of special Dirty Dozen series. Started in 2002, the IRS' annual Dirty Dozen campaign lists 12 scams and schemes that put taxpayers and the tax professional community at risk of losing money, personal information, data and more. While the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes, like spearphishing.

Raising awareness about common scams threatening taxpayers and tax pros has been an ongoing focus of the Security Summit, a coalition of the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax industry. The groups have worked together since 2015 to strengthen internal systems and controls to protect against tax-related identity theft, and the Summit partners continue to warn people about common scams and schemes during tax season and beyond.

These scams can threaten a taxpayer's personal and financial information. The Security Summit initiative is committed to protecting taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from scammers and identity thieves, and the annual IRS Dirty Dozen series is incorporated into this larger effort.

What is spearphishing?

While phishing refers to emails or text messages designed to steal personal information directly, or by clicking on an embedded link or attachment, spearfishing is more targeted. Spearphishing is a type of phishing that targets specific individuals, organizations or businesses, typically using malicious emails.

The IRS warns tax professionals about spearphishing because if a tax preparer falls victim to a data breach, the potential for harm is much greater. A successful spearphishing attack can lead to the theft of client data and the identity theft of the tax preparer. This could potentially enable the attacker to file fraudulent returns.

How to avoid being a victim of spearphishing:

• Never click suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders, including potential clients.
• Call the potential client to confirm the email is from them.
• Send only password-protected and encrypted documents through email.
• Protect email accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Use security software products with anti-phishing tools.
• Be vigilant year-round, not just during tax filing season.

New client scam

The "new client" scam, which involves spearphishing attempts, continues to be a concern for the IRS and its Security Summit partners. Cybercriminals impersonate new, potential clients to trick tax preparers into responding to their emails. Once the preparer responds, the scammer sends a malicious attachment or URL that can compromise the preparer's computer systems and allow the attacker to access sensitive client information.

There are warning signs that should raise red flags and cause people to question an email's legitimacy. Individuals, including tax pros, should always be cautious and look out for any suspicious requests or unusual behavior before sharing any sensitive information or responding to an email. Warning signs include poorly constructed sentences and unusual word choices. Be aware that by gaining access to a hacked email account, scammers can locate a genuine email from a previous victim's email account sent to their tax professional. This email may contain no spelling or grammatical errors and may refer to genuine tax issues.

Report spearphishing and other scams

Individuals should report scams by sending the suspicious email or a copy of the text/SMS as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. The report should include the sender’s email address, caller’s phone number, date, time and the phone number or email address that received the message.

The Report Phishing and Online Scams page at IRS.gov provides more information on what to look out for and how to report phishing and scams.

Taxpayers can also report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Another useful tool is the Federal Communications Commission's Smartphone Security Checker.

Report abusive tax schemes and tax return preparers

In support of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort, the IRS encourages people also to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax schemes as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare improper returns.

To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should use the online Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers, or mail or fax a completed paper Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers, and any supporting material to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.

Mail:    Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center

Stop MS5040
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-3405

Fax:     877-477-9135

Taxpayers and tax practitioners may also send the information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for a possible monetary award.

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations that would provide taxpayers and tax professionals with new guidance concerning the one percent excise tax owed on corporate stock repurchases.

The Inflation Reduction Act imposed a new excise tax on stock repurchases equal to one percent of the aggregate fair market value of stock repurchased by certain corporations during the taxable year, subject to adjustments. The stock repurchase excise tax applies to repurchases after Dec. 31, 2022.

The proposed regulations would impact publicly traded domestic corporations that repurchase their stock or whose stock is acquired by certain affiliates. The regulations also would impact certain publicly traded foreign corporations that repurchase their stock or whose stock is acquired by certain affiliates.

The regulations would implement the statutory netting rule that reduces the aggregate fair market value of stock repurchased by a taxpayer during a taxable year by the aggregate fair market value of stock issued by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Additionally, the regulations would implement the statutory “de minimis” exception which provides that a taxpayer is not subject to the stock repurchase excise tax with respect to a taxable year if the aggregate fair market value of the stock repurchased by the taxpayer during the taxable year does not exceed $1,000,000.

These regulations follow Notice 2023-2, published on Jan. 17, 2023, which provided initial guidance on the application of the stock repurchase excise tax. The Notice set forth certain interim operating rules for determining the amount of stock repurchase excise tax owed.

The regulations would provide that the stock repurchase excise tax must be reported on the Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, with the Form 7208 attached. The Form 7208, Excise Tax on Repurchase of Corporate Stock, would be used to figure the amount of stock repurchase excise tax owed. A draft version of the Form 7208 is currently accessible, and the final version of the form will be released prior to the first due date on which the stock repurchase excise tax must be reported and paid.

As anticipated in Announcement 2023-18, the proposed regulations would establish that, for taxpayers with a taxable year ending after Dec. 31, 2022, but before the publication of final regulations, any liability for the stock repurchase excise tax for the taxable year must be reported on the Form 720 that is due for the first full quarter after the date the final regulations are published, and that the deadline for payment of the tax is the same as the filing deadline.

Written comments regarding the proposed regulations must be submitted by the following dates:

• For REG-118499-23, Excise Tax on Repurchase of Corporate Stock – Procedure and Administration, written comments must be submitted by May 13, 2024.
• For REG-115710-22, Excise Tax on Repurchase of Corporate Stock, written comments must be submitted by June 11, 2024.

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance for the collection of information for taxpayers to request an emissions value from the Department of Energy (DOE) to petition the Secretary of the Treasury for a determination of a provisional emissions rate (PER). 

On Dec. 26, 2023, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations relating to the credit for production of clean hydrogen and the election to treat clean hydrogen production facilities as energy property. 

The proposed regulations provide procedures for taxpayers to petition for a PER determination and refer to the process for taxpayers to request an emissions value from the DOE to file a petition. 

This guidance issued today contains supplemental information relating to the DOE’s emissions value request process and invites comments on that process. 

A tax credit is an amount taxpayers claim on their tax return generally to reduce their income tax. Eligible taxpayers can use them to potentially reduce their tax bill and increase their refund.

Refundable vs. nonrefundable tax credits

Some tax credits are refundable. If a taxpayer's tax bill is less than the amount of a refundable credit, they can get the difference back in their refund. Some taxpayers who aren't required to file may still want to do so to claim refundable tax credits. Not all tax credits are refundable, however. For nonrefundable tax credits, once a taxpayer's liability is zero, the taxpayer won't get any leftover amount back as a refund.

There are a wide range of tax credits, and the amount and types available can vary by tax year. Taxpayers should carefully review current tax credits when preparing their federal tax return.

Earned Income Tax Credit

One refundable tax credit for moderate- and low-income taxpayers is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS estimates four out of five eligible workers claim the EITC, which means millions of taxpayers are putting EITC dollars to work for them. Unfortunately, there are millions of workers who qualify but don't claim the EITC - missing out on thousands of dollars every year. This includes workers who are:

• Grandparents raising their grandchildren.
• Native Americans.
• Veterans.
• Self-employed.
• Without a qualifying child.
• Recently divorced, unemployed or experienced other changes to their marital, financial or parental status.
• Below the filing requirement with earnings.
• Not proficient in English.
• Living in rural areas.
• Receiving certain disability pensions or have children with disabilities.

Taxpayers can find detailed information in Publication 596, Earned Income Credit, or use the EITC Assistant to learn if they're eligible for the tax credit.

Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit is nonrefundable and reduces the taxpayer's tax liability. To qualify, the child must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident under age 17.
• Have a Social Security number.
• Be claimed as a dependent on the taxpayer's tax return.

Qualifying children may include foster children or extended family members if they meet other criteria. Dependents not eligible for the Child Tax Credit may qualify a taxpayer for the credit for other dependents.

Taxpayers who paid someone to care for their child, spouse or dependent so they can work, be a full-time student or look for work may be able to reduce their tax by claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, has detailed information.

American Opportunity Tax Credit

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is for qualified education expenses paid by or on behalf of an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. It is partially refundable. If the credit reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes to zero, they can get a refund of 40% of any remaining amount of the credit, up to $1,000. Taxpayers can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student. The amount of the credit is 100% of the first $2,000 and 25% of the next $2,000 of qualified education expenses a taxpayer paid for each eligible student.

To claim the full credit, a taxpayer's income must be $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for married filing jointly). The credit phases out entirely for taxpayers with income over $90,000 ($180,000 for joint filers).

Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, has detailed information.

Other tax credits

There are many other tax credits for which a taxpayer may be eligible. Taxpayers can review the credits and deductions page on IRS.gov to see which credits they may be able to claim, including:

• Family and Dependent Credits
• Income and Savings Credits
• Homeowner Credits
• Electric Vehicle Credits
• Health Care Credits

Interactive Tax Assistant can help with tax credit questions

The Interactive Tax Assistant is a tool that provides answers to many common tax law questions based on an individual's specific circumstances. User information is anonymous, and the system discards it when the user exits a topic. The assistant uses information to answer taxpayer questions and won't share or store it, nor can it identify individuals. It can help taxpayers with these tax credit-related questions:

• Am I Eligible to Claim an Education Credit?
• Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents? 
• Am I Eligible to Claim the Premium Tax Credit?
• Am I Eligible to Claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit?
• Do I Qualify for the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled?
• Do I Qualify for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit?
• Am I Eligible to Claim a Credit for Adopting a Child or to Exclude Employer-Provided Adoption Benefits From My Employer?
• Am I Eligible to Claim the Foreign Tax Credit?
• Do I Need to Repay the First-Time Homebuyer Credit?

Taxpayers can find more information about refundable credits and general filing information from:

• IRS Free File
• A trusted tax professional

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged low- to moderate-income individuals and families, especially those who don’t normally file a tax return, to use IRS Free File to prepare their federal tax return and get potentially overlooked refunds and tax credits.

For most taxpayers, the deadline to file their personal federal tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Taxpayers living in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return.

IRS Free File allows qualified individuals to file electronically and get a refund by direct deposit – all for free. It's safe, easy and free to file a federal return.

With the April deadline nearing, Free File also provides an easy way to get a tax filing extension. A tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six additional months to file – with an extended deadline of Oct. 15, 2024. The IRS Free File program is one of the easiest ways to get an extension.

The program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and several tax preparation software companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing software for free. Through this partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers.

Participating partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. One partner also offers a product in Spanish.

Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.

Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a special free help page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to help people with their taxes. This includes the Direct File pilot, a free option available to some taxpayers in 12 states who can file directly with the IRS for free.

People who are not required to file should consider filing

Generally, taxpayers with gross income less than $13,850 for single filers, and $27,700 for married filing jointly, are not required to file a federal tax return. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly assume that since they owe no tax, they’re not entitled to a refund. In fact, they may get money back if they file a tax return. For example, if an individual qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or if their employer withheld taxes from their paycheck, they may be owed a refund when they file their taxes. 

People should consider taking advantage of IRS Free File to claim potential refunds and credits, especially those who are:

• Low- to moderate-income workers and working families who don’t normally file a return. They may miss out on certain credits for individuals, including the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, the Child & Dependent Credit and the Premium Tax Credit if they don’t file.
• People experiencing homelessness (the address of a friend, relative or trusted service provider, such as a shelter, drop-in day center or transitional housing program, may be used on the tax return).
• Students just entering the workforce or who may have only worked part time.  
• All eligible parents of qualifying children born or welcomed through adoption or foster care in 2023. They may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

In order to validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS, taxpayers will need their AGI from their most recent tax return. If using the same tax preparation software as  last year, this field will auto-populate. However, first-time filers over the age of 16 should enter zero as their AGI.

Don’t have a bank account to direct deposit a refund?

Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can visit the FDIC website for information on banks that let them open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for access to financial services at participating banks.

Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers

For those not comfortable doing their own tax return, IRS-trained community volunteers offer free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to qualified individuals at thousands of locations nationwide. The IRS website has a special tool for finding the nearest site. Taxpayers can also call 800-906-9887.

Dear IVES Participants,

On January 2, 2024, the Income Verification Express Services (IVES) program announced a policy update regarding the use of IVES transcripts for mortgage only purposes. In that communication it was stated that all IVES participants must re-apply to the IVES program by May 1, 2024, and declare their sole purpose for using the IVES program is to secure third party tax data needed for a mortgage on residential or commercial real property (real estate). Subsequently, on March 6, 2024, a communication was sent stating this policy decision was being suspended while the impact of these changes are reevaluated.

To support ongoing annual suitability reviews, the requirement for all IVES participants to re-apply to the IVES program remains in effect with the May 1, 2024, deadline.

To remain active, IVES participants must submit an updated Form 13803, Application to Participate in the Income Verification Express Service (IVES) Program, with current business and contact information, and fax the renewal application to 844-251-8254.

When a policy decision is finalized and implemented, the updated Form 13803 and the stated reason(s) for using the IVES program selected on the form will help the IRS determine an IVES participant’s continued eligibility. Failure to provide an updated Form 13803 by May 1, 2024, may result in removal from the IVES program.

 

Thank you,

IRS IVES Team