etrent17/irs-articles huggingface dataset:
IR-2019-89, May 7, 2019
WASHINGTON — During National Small Business Week, the Internal Revenue Service wants small business taxpayers and the self-employed to know that, starting May 13, an important change will affect the way it issues employer identification numbers, or EINs.
With identity theft on the rise in the business community, the agency also offered business taxpayers tips and resources for protecting their data from theft.  
National Small Business Week is May 5-11. For more than 50 years, the week has recognized the important contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
EINs and responsible parties
Beginning May 13, only individuals with tax identification numbers – either a Social Security number (SSN) or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) – may request an employer identification number. This new requirement, which was first announced by the IRS in March, will provide greater security to the EIN process by requiring an individual to be the responsible party and will also improve transparency.An EIN is a nine-digit tax identification number assigned to sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, employee retirement plans and other entities for tax-filing and reporting purposes.
The change prohibits entities from using their own EINs to obtain additional EINs. The new requirement applies to both the paper Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification NumberPDF, and online EIN applications.
Data security
Individuals are not the only ones who need to protect their identities. Businesses and other organizations, especially trusts, estates and partnerships, can also be victims of identity theft. For example, criminals may file Forms 1120 (corporations), 1120S (S corporations) or Schedules K-1 in their names. Last year, 2,450 businesses reported that they were victims of tax-related identity theft, a 10-percent increase over 2017.
Businesses and other organizations can help combat identity theft by educating their employees, clients and customers. They can share Publication 4524, Taxes. Security. Together: Security Awareness for TaxpayersPDF, or create their own messages urging employees, clients or customers to protect their data and beware of phishing emails, the most common tactic used by criminals to steal data.
Businesses should also educate their payroll and human resources employees about a dangerous phishing scam. The Form W-2 scam tricks payroll and human resources employees into sharing employee wage and income information by posing as a company executive. See Form W-2/SSN Data Theft: Information for Businesses and Payroll Service Providers.
Businesses that retain sensitive financial data should review and update their security plan. Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer DataPDF, provides a good starting point and includes helpful recommendations.
IR-2019-86, May 2, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is now accepting applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC). Applications will be accepted through June 10, 2019.
The IRSAC serves as an advisory body to the commissioner of Internal Revenue and provides an organized public forum for discussion of relevant tax administration issues between IRS officials and representatives of the public. The IRSAC proposes enhancements to IRS operations, recommends administrative and policy changes to improve taxpayer service, compliance and tax administration. Its members also discuss relevant information reporting issues, address matters concerning tax-exempt and government entities and convey the public’s perception of professional standards and best practices for tax professionals.
IRSAC members are appointed to three-year terms and submit a report to the commissioner annually at a public meeting. Applications are currently being accepted for approximately 14 appointments that will begin in January 2020.
Nominations of qualified individuals may come from individuals or organizations. IRSAC members are drawn from diverse backgrounds representing a cross-section of the taxpaying public with substantial, disparate experience in: tax preparation for individuals, small businesses and/or large, multi-national corporations; information reporting, tax-exempt and government entities; digital services; and professional standards of tax professionals. 
Applications should document the proposed member’s qualifications. In particular, the IRSAC is seeking applicants with knowledge and background in the following areas:
Large Business & International
International tax expertise
Experience as a certified public accountant working in or for a large, sophisticated organization
Experience working in-house at a major firm dealing with complex organizations
Small Business & Self-Employed
Experience with online or digital businesses
Experience with audit representation
Experience educating on tax issues and topics
Knowledge of passthrough entities
Knowledge of fiduciary tax
Tax Exempt & Government Entities
Experience in tax exempt bonds
Experience in employment tax and federal, state, local or Indian tribal governments
Wage & Investment
Tax software and software industry experience
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly experience
Experience marketing and applying industry benchmarks to operations
Background in information technology financial services, with knowledge of technology innovations in public and private customer service sectors
Experience with S-corporations and partnership information returns
Applicants must be in good standing regarding their own tax obligations and demonstrate high professional and ethical standards. All applicants must complete and submit an application, a tax check waiver form and a resume. For those applicants deemed “Best Qualified,” FBI fingerprint checks will also be required.
More information, including the application form, is available on the IRS website. Questions about the application process can be emailed to publicliaison@irs.gov.
IR-2019-85, May 2, 2019
WASHINGTON — In support of National Small Business Week, May 5-11, the Internal Revenue Service is emphasizing the many IRS online resources available to help small business owners and self-employed individuals handle the tax aspects of their business.
For more than 50 years, the week has recognized the important contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
For this year’s Small Business Week, the IRS will issue a series of news releases and tax tips focused on key topics such as:
Withholding taxes,
Data security tips,
Estimated tax payments,
Business credits and deductions and
Expanded tax benefits for depreciation and expensing.
The IRS also has products and information on the sharing economy, including a Sharing Economy Tax Center, to help people quickly find answers to tax questions, as well as helpful tips and tax forms for business taxpayers. A YouTube video, Your Taxes in a Sharing Economy, also helps those working in the sharing economy understand their tax responsibilities.
Small business/self-employed products
Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
An online resource featuring links to a variety of useful tools, including Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop, a downloadable tax calendar and common forms with instructions. The Center provides help on everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number online to information and tips about IRS audits.
Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center
A resource for sole proprietors and others who are in business for themselves. This site has many useful tips and references to tax rules a self-employed person may need to know.
IRS YouTube Video Channel
Watch videos for small businesses on the Small Business playlist.
Online Learning and Educational Products
A page with tools to help taxpayers learn about taxes on their own time and at their own pace. For example, the IRS Tax Calendar for Businesses and Self-Employed has important tax dates for businesses.
E-News for Small Businesses
A free electronic mail service that offers tax information for small business owners and self-employed individuals, including reminders, tips and special announcements.
Information for small businesses is also available through IRS social media channels, including tax tips and other resources.
Spread these messages by sharing the @IRSsmallbiz, @IRSnews, @IRSTaxPros and @IRSenEspanol tweets.
IR-2019-84, May 1, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the expansion of areas for issuing determination letters for certain retirement plans. Revenue Procedure 2019-20PDF details the addition of two areas for which retirement plan sponsors may now request determination letters.
In addition, through recently issued guidance, the IRS is also making it easier for plan administrators to correct plan errors.
Highlights of these changes:
Determination Letter Program
The Treasury Department and the IRS received numerous requests to expand the determination letter program. Revenue Procedure 2019-20 expands the determination letter program for two specific categories:
Statutory Hybrid Plans – plan sponsors may submit determination letter applications for statutory hybrid plans for the 12-month period beginning September1, 2019, and ending August 31, 2020.
Plan Mergers – plan sponsors may submit determination letter applications for certain merged plans on an ongoing basis.
As provided in prior guidance, plan sponsors will continue to be able to submit a determination letter application for initial plan qualification and for qualification upon plan termination. 
Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System
On April 19, 2019, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2019-19PDF, which expands the Self-Correction Program for retirement plans to enable plan sponsors to fix certain plan document and operational failures (including plan loan issues) without having to file a Voluntary Correction Program submission with the IRS.
Starting on April 19, the Self-Correction Program permits the self-correction of certain plan document failures, provides correction options and possible relief from deemed distributions associated with certain failures involving plan loans made to participants, and provides additional opportunities for correcting certain operational failures by plan amendment.
The IRS provides three correction programs for employee plans:
Self-Correction Program (SCP) – permits plan sponsors to correct certain plan failures without contacting the IRS or paying a user fee.
Voluntary Correction Program (VCP) – allows plan sponsors to correct failures not eligible for self-correction or to obtain the IRS’s written agreement that specified failures were properly corrected.
Audit Closing Agreement Program – enables plan sponsors to resolve failures discovered during an IRS audit.
IR-2019-120, June 28, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulationsPDF for the new 1.4 percent excise tax on the net investment income of certain private colleges and universities.
The proposed regulations define several of the terms necessary for educational institutions to determine whether the section 4968 excise tax applies to them.
The tax applies to any private college or university that has at least 500 full-time tuition-paying students (more than half of whom are located in the U.S.) and that has assets other than those used in its charitable activities worth at least $500,000 per student. An estimated 40 or fewer institutions are affected.
For affected institutions, the guidance clarifies how to determine net investment income, including how to include the net investment income of related organizations and how to determine an institution’s basis in property.
These proposed regulations incorporate the interim guidance provided in Notice 2018-55PDF, that for property held by an institution at the end of 2017, generally allows the educational institution to use the property’s fair market value at the end of 2017 as its basis for figuring the tax on any resulting gain.
Updates on the implementation of this and other TCJA provisions can be found on the Tax Reform page of IRS.gov.
IR-2019-117, June 19, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) today released its annual report to Congress, featuring recommendations focused on the prevention of identity theft and refund fraud.
The report groups a total of 10 recommendations into three sections: enabling and expanding the IRS-sponsored Security Summit, improving security in key areas of the tax system and protecting and enabling taxpayers.
The ETAAC is a public forum whose members work closely with the Security Summit, a joint effort of the IRS, state tax administrators and the nation’s tax industry established in 2015 to fight tax-related identity theft and cybercrime.
ETAAC members represent various segments of the tax community, including individual and business taxpayers, tax professionals and preparers, tax software developers, payroll service providers, the financial industry and state and local governments.
The 2019 Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee Report is available on IRS.gov.
At today’s annual meeting, IRS Deputy Commissioner Kirsten Wielobob and IRS leaders thanked seven members of the committee ending their terms this year:
John Ams - Ams served on the ETAAC Outreach Subgroup. He has also served on the Security Summit Tax Professional Working Group. Ams has more than 40 years of experience in the federal tax arena and is the former executive vice president of the National Association of Accountants.
Shannon Bond - Bond served on the ETAAC Filing Subgroup. She serves as a co-lead on the Security Summit Tax Professional Working Group. Bond is senior director of government relations with tax software provider Wolters Kluwer.
John Breyault - Breyault served on the Outreach Subgroup of the ETAAC. He has worked for the National Consumers League since 2008, where he advocates for stronger consumer protections before Congress and federal agencies.
Angela Camp - Camp served on the ETAAC’s Outreach Subgroup, and has worked on the Security Summit’s Authentication, Information Sharing, Tax Pros and Communications Working Groups. During her career, Camp has worked for Intuit and the IRS.
John Craig - Craig served on the ETAAC Outreach Subgroup. He is a nonprofit consultant specializing in strategy and technical support for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs.
Courtney Kay-Decker - Kay-Decker served on the ETAAC’s Sharing Subgroup and was the state co-chair on the senior executive board of the IDTTRF Information Sharing and Analysis Center. She previously served as director of the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Doreen Warren - Warren served on the ETAAC’s Outreach Working Group and most recently served as committee chair. She has over 28 years of experience in state tax administration with the Idaho State Tax Commission and has been active with the Federation of Tax Administrators, which represents state revenue agencies.
IRS YouTube Videos:
2019 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum
IR-2019-116, June 18, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service kicks off the 2019 Nationwide Tax Forum season with special sessions outside the nation’s capital focused on tax reform changes and cybersecurity tips for tax professionals. People interested in attending the first forum in National Harbor, Maryland, taking place July 9-11, have a limited time to save over 30 percent by registering now.
Enrolled agents, certified public accountants, certified financial planners, Annual Filing Season Program participants and other tax professionals can register at the standard rate of $255 through June 25. Attendees registering after that date or on-site pay $370.
Highlights of the forum include:
Seminars and workshops
Tax professionals attending a 2019 Tax Forum can earn up to 19 continuing professional education credits. They will get the latest information on federal and state tax issues presented by experts from the IRS and partner organizations in a wide variety of seminars and workshops. Seminar topics include:
Tax law changes for 2019.
The continuing impact of tax reform, including topics such as review and planning for 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) as well as topics such as Opportunity Zones.
Dealing with disasters
A variety of ethics sessions.
Updates on IRS collection and other key programs.
Understanding the collections appeals and examinations appeals processes.
Several sessions focused on cybersecurity and identity theft issues, filled with tips for tax professionals to understand the latest cyberthreats to their businesses and their clients as well as IRS and Security Summit efforts to protect the tax community.
Case Resolution Program
The Nationwide Tax Forums also offer tax professionals with unresolved client cases the opportunity to bring one case and meet face-to-face with IRS representatives in the Case Resolution Program. To schedule an appointment, visit the case resolution table on Monday before the forum begins or go directly to the case resolution room during the three-day event. To expedite appointment scheduling, bring an original Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, and a completed IRS Tax Forum Case Resolution Data SheetPDF. Be sure to bring any supporting documents to Case Resolution to assist in expediting cases. The program is for client cases only.
Exhibit hall
The Forums also feature a two-day expo with businesses offering products, services and expertise designed with the tax professional in mind.
The 2019 Nationwide Tax Forums continue around the country.
Other remaining events are:
Chicago, July 23-25
New Orleans, August 6-8
Orlando, August 13-15
San Diego, September 17-19
Visit the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum website to register.
IR-2019-114, June 14, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued final and proposed regulations today concerning global intangible low-taxed income under section 951A, the foreign tax credit, the treatment of domestic partnerships for purposes of determining the subpart F income of a partner, and the treatment of income of a controlled foreign corporation subject to a high rate of foreign tax under section 951A.
Commonly referred to as GILTI, the Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulationsPDF that provide guidance to determine the amount of global intangible low-taxed income included in the gross income of certain U.S. shareholders of foreign corporations, including U.S. shareholders who are members of a consolidated group. The final regulations retain, with certain modifications, the anti-abuse provisions that were included in the proposed regulations and revise the domestic partnership provisions to adopt an aggregate approach for purposes of determining the amount of global intangible low-taxed income included in the gross income of a partnership’s partners under section 951A with respect to controlled foreign corporations owned by the partnership.
The final regulations also provide guidance relating to the determination of a United States shareholder’s pro rata share of a controlled foreign corporation’s subpart F income and global intangible low-taxed income included in the United States shareholder’s gross income, as well as certain reporting requirements relating to inclusions of subpart F income and global intangible low-taxed income.
In addition, the Treasury Department and the IRS issued final regulations under sections 78, 861 and 965 relating to certain foreign tax credit aspects of the transition to an exemption system for income earned through foreign corporations.
The Treasury Department and the IRS also issued proposed regulationsPDF regarding the treatment of domestic partnerships for purposes of determining amounts included in the gross income of their partners under section 951 with respect to controlled foreign corporations owned by the partnership and the treatment of income of a controlled foreign corporation that is subject to a high rate of foreign tax under section 951A. The Treasury Department and the IRS request comments on these proposed rules.
IR-2019-113, June 14, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is asking publicly-traded corporate taxpayers interested in applying to the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) in 2020 to provide a statement of interest.
Launched in 2005, CAP improves federal tax compliance by resolving issues prior to the filing of a tax return through open, cooperative and transparent interactions between the IRS and taxpayers. New applicants to CAP have not been accepted since 2015.
The statement of interest is a precursor to the formal application process that takes place in the fall of 2019. The IRS will use the information provided in the statements of interest by potential applicants to help determine the approach for expanding CAP in 2020.
For details on CAP eligibility, criteria and instructions, please refer to the statement of interest web page.
IR-2019-103, June 5, 2019
WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will decrease for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2019.  The rates will be: 
five (5) percent for overpayments [four (4) percent in the case of a corporation];
two and one-half (2.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000;
five (5) percent for underpayments; and
seven (7) percent for large corporate underpayments. 
Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is determined on a quarterly basis.  For taxpayers other than corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points. 
Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.
The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal short-term rate determined during April 2019 to take effect May 1, 2019, based on daily compounding.
Revenue Ruling 2019-15PDF, announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2019-26, dated June 24, 2019.
IR-2019-100, June 3, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding tax professionals that reduced cost “early bird” registration for all five 2019 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums ends June 15 at 5 p.m. Eastern time.
The IRS hosts forums across the country to interact with tax professionals and provide the latest information on federal and state tax issues. Attendees who register by 5 p.m. Eastern time on June 15 qualify for the early bird rate of $235. After this time, the standard rate of $255 is in effect until two weeks before each location’s event. Attendees registering less than two weeks before a forum or on-site will pay $370.
IRS Nationwide Tax Forum dates and locations:
July 9 – 11, National Harbor, Md. (Washington, D.C.)
July 23 – 25, Chicago, Ill.
Aug. 6 – 8, New Orleans, La.
Aug. 13 – 15, Orlando, Fla.
Sept. 17 – 19, San Diego, Calif.
Up to 19 continuing education credits are available for enrolled agents, certified public accountants, Annual Filing Season Program participants, certified financial planners and other tax professionals.
Seminars and workshops presented by experts from the IRS and partner organizations range from ethics and changes in tax law to dealing with disasters. The agenda includes six cybersecurity seminars and 11 involving tax reform topics, such as the Qualified Business Income deduction.
The Nationwide Tax Forums also offer tax professionals with unresolved client cases the opportunity to meet face-to-face with IRS representatives in the Case Resolution Program. To schedule an appointment, visit the case resolution table on Monday before the forum begins or go directly to the case resolution room during the three-day event. To expedite appointment scheduling, bring an original Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativePDF, and a completed Nationwide Tax Forum Case Data SheetPDF. Be sure to bring any supporting documents to Case Resolution to assist in expediting cases. The program is for client cases only.
To register or find out more about the 2019 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum, please visit: https://www.irstaxforum.com.
IR-2019-135, July 31, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a revenue procedure allowing a taxpayer to make a late election, or to revoke an election, under section 168(k) for certain property acquired by the taxpayer after September 27, 2017, and placed in service by the taxpayer during its taxable year that includes September 28, 2017.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made several changes to bonus depreciation. For example, the additional first year depreciation deduction percentage was increased from 50 to 100%. The property eligible for the additional first year depreciation deduction was expanded to include certain used depreciable property and certain film, television, or live theatrical productions; the placed-in-service date was extended to before January 1, 2027. Finally, the date on which a specified plant is planted or grafted by the taxpayer was extended to before January 1, 2027.
There are three additional first year depreciation deduction elections. A taxpayer can elect not to deduct the additional first year depreciation for all qualified property that is in the same class of property and placed in service by the taxpayer in the same tax year. Secondly a taxpayer can elect to deduct 50-percent, instead of 100%, additional first year depreciation for all qualified property acquired after September 27, 2017, and placed in service by the taxpayer during its taxable year that includes September 28, 2017.
Finally, a taxpayer can elect to deduct additional first year depreciation for any specified plant that is planted after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2027, or grafted after and before those dates to a plant that has already been planted. If the taxpayer makes this election, the additional first year depreciation deduction is allowable for the specified plant in the taxable year in which that plant is planted or grafted.
Revenue Procedure 2019-33PDF applies to these elections for the taxable year that includes September 28, 2017. If a taxpayer did not make these elections timely for that taxable year, the Revenue Procedure allows the taxpayer to make late elections by filing an amended return or a Form 3115 for a limited period of time. If a taxpayer did make these elections timely for that taxable year, the revenue procedure also allows the taxpayer to revoke the elections by filing an amended return or a Form 3115 for a limited period of time.
Updates on the implementation of the TCJA can be found on the Tax Reform page of IRS.gov.
IR-2019-133, July 29, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service will conduct a webinar August 1 for employers and tax professionals focusing on employment and payroll taxes.
Federal law requires most employers to withhold federal income taxes from their employees' wages. These taxes must be deposited, along with the employer and employee portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, and reported to the IRS. Last year, the IRS processed over 30 million employment tax returns and collected over $1 trillion in employment taxes.
The free 60-minute webinar is open to tax professionals, employers and anyone else interested in the topic. Tax pros can earn one continuing education credit. Subjects such as common mistakes, how employers can monitor and limit their risks, as well as options for delinquent businesses to repay back taxes will be discussed.
The webinar will provide an overview of:
Common employment/payroll tax mistakes businesses make
Mitigating risks when using a third party to handle employment/payroll tax
Tools and advice for employers on how to monitor their compliance and limit risks
IRS help for businesses behind on their employment/payroll taxes
IRS enforcement authority (liens, levies, seizures and criminal referrals)  
A live question and answer session will be included to help attendees understand how to best meet these obligations and stay compliant.
The webinar will be Thursday, August 1, 2019, at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Interested participants can register online.
The webinar will be offered with closed captioning for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Questions before the webinar can be sent to:  cl.sl.web.conference.team@irs.gov.
More information is available at Understanding Employment Taxes and Employment Taxes on IRS.gov. Archived webinars are available at www.irsvideos.gov.
IR-2019-132, July 26, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has begun sending letters to taxpayers with virtual currency transactions that potentially failed to report income and pay the resulting tax from virtual currency transactions or did not report their transactions properly.
"Taxpayers should take these letters very seriously by reviewing their tax filings and when appropriate, amend past returns and pay back taxes, interest and penalties," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The IRS is expanding our efforts involving virtual currency, including increased use of data analytics. We are focused on enforcing the law and helping taxpayers fully understand and meet their obligations."
The IRS started sending the educational letters to taxpayers last week. By the end of August, more than 10,000 taxpayers will receive these letters. The names of these taxpayers were obtained through various ongoing IRS compliance efforts.
For taxpayers receiving an educational letter, there are three variations: Letter 6173, Letter 6174 or Letter 6174-A, all three versions strive to help taxpayers understand their tax and filing obligations and how to correct past errors.
Taxpayers are pointed to appropriate information on IRS.gov, including which forms and schedules to use and where to send them.
Last year the IRS announced a Virtual Currency Compliance campaign to address tax noncompliance related to the use of virtual currency through outreach and examinations of taxpayers. The IRS will remain actively engaged in addressing non-compliance related to virtual currency transactions through a variety of efforts, ranging from taxpayer education to audits to criminal investigations.
Virtual currency is an ongoing focus area for IRS Criminal Investigation.
IRS Notice 2014-21PDF states that virtual currency is property for federal tax purposes and provides guidance on how general federal tax principles apply to virtual currency transactions. Compliance efforts follow these general tax principles. The IRS will continue to consider and solicit taxpayer and practitioner feedback in education efforts and future guidance.
The IRS anticipates issuing additional legal guidance in this area in the near future.
Taxpayers who do not properly report the income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions are, when appropriate, liable for tax, penalties and interest. In some cases, taxpayers could be subject to criminal prosecution.
Additional Information:
Virtual Currencies
Letter 6173PDF
Letter 6174PDF
Letter 6174-APDF
IR-2019-130, July 22, 2019
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminded tax professionals that this year’s Nationwide Tax Forums offer several different sessions focusing on the new tax law’s provisions involving Qualified Business Income.
The upcoming Tax Forums in Chicago, New Orleans, Orlando and San Diego will feature five different sessions looking at different aspects of the major new provision, part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Qualified Business Income, commonly referred to as QBI or its Internal Revenue Code Section number of 199A, impacts many different businesses and self-employed.
During the first of this year’s Tax Forums, held earlier this month at National Harbor outside Washington, D.C., the QBI sessions were among the most popular among tax professionals, with many of the sessions filled to capacity with hundreds of attendees gathering to hear experts from inside and outside government.
These sessions will occur in all four upcoming Tax Forum cities and include expert speakers from the IRS and national tax associations. The sessions include:
Properly Substantiating the Section 199A Qualified Business Income -- with speakers from the National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP).
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Update: QBI Deduction and Opportunity Zones -- with speakers from IRS’ Small Business and Self-Employed division.
199A Qualified Business Income: Review and Planning to Maximize the Benefits of QBI on the Form 1040 -- with speakers from the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).
When Does a Rental Generate Qualified Business Income 00 with speakers from the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA).
The 2019 Nationwide Tax Forums continue around the country. Other remaining events are:
Chicago, July 23-25;
New Orleans, Aug. 6-8;
Orlando, Aug. 13-15; and
San Diego, Sept. 17-19 (sold out).
Visit the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum website to register.
IR-2019-129, July 17, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today added care for a range of chronic conditions to the list of preventive care benefits that may be provided by a high deductible health plan (HDHP). Notice 2019-45PDF, posted today on IRS.gov, lists the new types of medical care that may be treated as preventive care for this purpose.
Individuals covered by an HDHP generally may establish and deduct contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) as long as they have no disqualifying health coverage. To qualify as a high deductible health plan, an HDHP generally may not provide benefits for any year until the minimum deductible for that year is satisfied.  However, an HDHP is not required to have a deductible for preventive care (as defined for purposes of the HDHP/HSA rules).
The Treasury Department and the IRS, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, have determined that certain medical care services received and items purchased, including prescription drugs, for certain chronic conditions should be classified as preventive care for someone with that chronic condition. 
These medical services and items are limited to the specific medical care services or items listed for the associated chronic conditions specified in Notice 2019-45. Any medical care previously recognized as preventive care for these rules is still treated as preventive care.
Notice 2019-45 provides that the following services and items for individuals with the specified chronic conditions listed are treated as preventive care.


			Preventive Care for Specified Conditions
For Individuals Diagnosed with
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Congestive heart failure, diabetes, and/or coronary artery disease
Anti-resorptive therapy
Osteoporosis and/or osteopenia
Beta-blockers
Congestive heart failure and/or coronary artery disease
Blood pressure monitor 
Hypertension
Inhaled corticosteroids
Asthma
Insulin and other glucose lowering agents
Diabetes
Retinopathy screening
Diabetes
Peak flow meter
Asthma
Glucometer
Diabetes
Hemoglobin A1c testing
Diabetes
International Normalized Ratio (INR) testing
Liver disease and/or bleeding disorders
Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) testing
Heart disease
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Depression
Statins
Heart disease and/or diabetes
IR-2019-128, July 16, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service provided additional information to help taxpayers meet their filing and payment requirements for the Section 965 transition tax on untaxed foreign earnings.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act requires certain taxpayers that have untaxed foreign earnings and profits to pay a tax as if those earnings and profits have been repatriated to the‎ United States. The law provides details on the income that must be recognized. It also provides a related deduction which generally lowers the effective tax rate to between 8% and 15.5%. Certain taxpayers may elect to pay the transition tax over eight years.
The IRS released information in a question and answer format (Q&A) related to Section 965 that addresses certain general issues that are not specific to the filing of a 2017 or 2018 tax return. The issues addressed include how to make subsequent installment payments when the transition tax is paid over eight years. The Q&As also address the filing of Transfer Agreements and Consent Agreements. Additional information regarding Section 965 can be found at IRS.gov. 
The Treasury Department and the IRS released final regulations related to Section 965 in February and last month released final GILTI regulations which include revisions to the Section 965 final regulations.
Tax pros learn newest details on tax law, cybersecurity, disasters
IRS YouTube Videos:
2019 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum
IR-2019-126, July 16, 2019
WASHINGTON — The IRS Nationwide Tax Forum slated for New Orleans is chock full of important information tax professionals can use, not only for continuing professional education credits, but to put into action immediately. The forum takes place August 6-8.
Those who register early can save. Enrolled agents, certified public accountants, certified financial planners, Annual Filing Season Program participants and other tax professionals can register at the standard rate of $255 through July 23. Attendees registering after that date or on-site pay $370.
Highlights of the forum include:
Seminars and workshops
Tax professionals attending a 2019 Tax Forum can earn up to 19 continuing professional education credits. They will get the latest information on federal and state tax issues presented by experts from the IRS and partner organizations in a wide variety of seminars and workshops. Seminar topics include:
Tax law changes for 2019.
The continuing impact of tax reform, including topics such as review and planning for 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) as well as topics such as Opportunity Zones.
Dealing with disasters
A variety of ethics sessions.
Updates on IRS collection and other key programs.
Several sessions focused on cybersecurity and identity theft issues, filled with tips for tax professionals to understand the latest cyberthreats to their businesses and their clients as well as IRS and Security Summit efforts to protect the tax community.
Overcoming language and cultural barriers in the tax preparation industry presented by the Council for Electronic Revenue Communication Advancement. 
Case Resolution Program
The Nationwide Tax Forums also offer tax professionals with unresolved client cases the opportunity to bring one case and meet face-to-face with IRS representatives in the Case Resolution Program. To schedule an appointment, visit the case resolution table on Monday before the forum begins or go directly to the case resolution room during the three-day event. To expedite appointment scheduling, bring an original Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativePDF, and a completed Nationwide Tax Forum Case Data SheetPDF. Be sure to bring any supporting documents to Case Resolution to assist in expediting cases. The program is for client cases only.
Exhibit hall
The Forums also feature a two-day expo with businesses offering products, services and expertise designed with the tax professional in mind.
The 2019 Nationwide Tax Forums continue around the country. Other remaining events are:
Chicago, July 23-25;
Orlando, August 13-15; and
San Diego, September 17-19.
Visit the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum website to register.
IRS YouTube Videos:
2019 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum
IR-2019-121, July 1, 2019
WASHINGTON — Tax professionals interested in attending the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in Chicago, July 23-25, to learn cutting-edge information on tax reform, cybersecurity and more can save by registering now. IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig will be the keynote speaker.
Enrolled agents, certified public accountants, certified financial planners, Annual Filing Season Program participants and other tax professionals can register at the standard rate of $255 through July 9. Attendees registering after that date or on-site pay $370.
Highlights of the forum include:
Seminars and workshops
Tax professionals attending a 2019 Tax Forum can earn up to 19 continuing professional education credits. They will get the latest information on federal and state tax issues presented by experts from the IRS and partner organizations in a wide variety of seminars and workshops. Seminar topics include:
Tax law changes for 2019.
The continuing impact of tax reform, including topics such as review and planning for 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) as well as topics such as Opportunity Zones.
Dealing with disasters.
A variety of ethics sessions.
Updates on IRS collection and other key programs.
Understanding the collections appeals and examinations appeals processes.
Several sessions focused on cybersecurity and identity theft issues, filled with tips for tax professionals to understand the latest cyberthreats to their businesses and their clients as well as IRS and Security Summit efforts to protect the tax community.
Case Resolution Program
The Nationwide Tax Forums also offer tax professionals with unresolved client cases the opportunity to bring one case and meet face-to-face with IRS representatives in the Case Resolution Program. To schedule an appointment, visit the case resolution table on Monday before the forum begins or go directly to the case resolution room during the three-day event. To expedite appointment scheduling, bring an original Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativePDF, and a completed Nationwide Tax Forum Case Data SheetPDF. Be sure to bring any supporting documents to Case Resolution to assist in expediting cases. The program is for client cases only.
Exhibit hall
The forums also feature a two-day expo with businesses offering products, services and expertise designed with the tax professional in mind.
The 2019 Nationwide Tax Forums continue around the country with the first planned for National Harbor outside Washington, D.C., on July 9-11. Other remaining events following the Chicago forum are:
New Orleans, August 6-8;
Orlando, August 13-15; and
San Diego, September 17-19.
Visit the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum website to register.
IR-2019-148, August 30, 2019
WASHINGTON – To minimize or prevent disruptions to the supply of fuel for diesel-powered highway vehicles because of Hurricane Dorian, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it will not impose a penalty when dyed diesel fuel is sold for use or used on the highway in the State of Florida.
This relief is effective immediately. Consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency waiver for Florida allowing the sale, distribution, and use of red dyed Non-Road Diesel Locomotive and Marine fuel in the State of Florida for use in highway diesel vehicles, this relief will remain in effect through Sept. 15, 2019.  
This penalty relief is available to any person that sells or uses dyed fuel for highway use. In the case of the operator of the vehicle in which the dyed fuel is used, the relief is available only if the operator or the person selling the fuel pays the tax of 24.4 cents per gallon that is normally applied to diesel fuel for highway use. The IRS will not impose penalties for failure to make semimonthly deposits of this tax. IRS Publication 510, Excise Taxes, has information on the proper method for reporting and paying the tax.
Ordinarily, dyed diesel fuel is not taxed, because it is sold for uses exempt from excise tax, such as to farmers for farming purposes, for home heating use and to local governments for buses.
Also, consistent with the EPA waiver, this waiver does not apply to the Internal Revenue Code penalty for using adulterated fuels that do not comply with applicable EPA regulations.  Consequently, diesel fuel with sulfur content higher than 15 parts-per-million may not be used in highway vehicles.
The IRS is closely monitoring the situation and will provide additional relief as needed.
IR-2019-147, August 29, 2019
WASHINGTON — As Dorian threatens and with the peak of hurricane season just ahead, the Internal Revenue Service reminds everyone to develop an emergency preparedness plan. Taxpayers, whether individuals, organizations or businesses, should take time now to create or update their emergency plans.
Taxpayers can begin getting ready for a disaster with a preparedness plan that includes securing and duplicating essential documents, creating lists of property and knowing where to find information once a disaster has occurred.
Secure key documents and make copies
Taxpayers should place original documents such as tax returns, birth certificates, deeds, titles and insurance policies inside waterproof containers in a secure space. Duplicates of these documents should be kept with a trusted person outside the area a natural disaster may affect. Scanning them for backup storage on electronic media such as a flash drive is another option that provides security and easy portability.
Document valuables and equipment
Taking photographs or videos of a home or business's contents can help support claims for insurance or tax benefits after a disaster strikes. All property, especially expensive and high value items, should be recorded. The IRS disaster-loss workbooks can help individualsPDF and businessesPDF compile lists of belongings or business equipment.
Employers should check fiduciary bonds
Employers who use payroll service providers should ask the provider if it has a fiduciary bond in place. The bond could protect the employer in the event of default by the payroll service provider. The IRS also encourages employers to create an EFTPS.gov account where they can monitor their payroll tax deposits and sign up for email alerts.
Rebuilding documents
Reconstructing records after a disaster may be required for tax purposes, getting federal assistance or insurance reimbursement. Taxpayers who have lost some or all of their records during a disaster should visit IRS's Reconstructing Records webpage.
IRS stands ready
In the case of a federally-declared disaster, taxpayers can visit the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations webpage for information or call 866-562-5227 to speak with an IRS specialist trained to handle disaster-related issues.
A taxpayer impacted by a disaster outside of a federally declared disaster area may qualify for disaster relief. This includes taxpayers who are not physically located in a disaster area, but whose records necessary to meet a filing or payment deadline postponed during the relief period are located in a covered disaster area. Taxpayers located outside of a federally declared disaster area must self-identify to receive relief by calling 866-562-5227.
Related items:
Publication 2194, Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and BusinessesPDF
Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records
FS-2017-11, Reconstructing Records After a Natural Disaster or Casualty Loss
Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Small Business Administration
Disasterassistance.gov
Ready.gov
For more information about National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov/September.