etrent17/irs-articles huggingface dataset:
IR-2019-194, December 2, 2019
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations and proposed regulations today on the base erosion and anti-abuse tax.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made major changes to the tax law including revamping the U.S. international tax system. Among other changes made by the TCJA, section 59A imposes a tax equal to the base erosion minimum tax amount for certain taxpayers beginning in tax year 2018. When applicable, this tax is in addition to the taxpayer's regular tax liability. This provision primarily affects corporate taxpayers with annual gross receipts averaging more than $500 million over a three-year period that make deductible payments to foreign related parties.
The regulations provide detailed guidance regarding which taxpayers will be subject to section 59A, the determination of what is a base erosion payment, the method for calculating the base erosion minimum tax amount, and the required base erosion and anti-abuse tax resulting from that calculation.
Updates on the implementation of the TCJA can be found on the Tax Reform page of IRS.gov.
YouTube Videos:
W-2s, W-3s, 1099-MISC, Information Returns Due Date: January 31 ― English | ASL (obsolete)
IR-2018-15, January 30, 2018
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service is reminding employers that the deadline for filing employee Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, for calendar year 2017 is Jan. 31, 2018. This includes Forms W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements.
In addition, reporting payments to contract workers on Form 1099-MISC (box 7, nonemployee compensation) must also be filed by Jan. 31.
Employers must file Form W-2 showing the wages paid and taxes withheld for the year for each employee with the Social Security Administration. The due date applies to both e-filed and paper filed W-2s. The Jan. 31 deadline began last year as part of the Protecting Americans Against Tax Hikes (PATH) Act legislation to combat identity theft and refund fraud.
The Social Security Administration encourages all employers to e-file their Forms W-2 by using its Business Services Online. The online filing checklist provides a step-by-step process for employers to file W-2s quickly and securely. Employers are required to use e-file if they file 250 or more Forms W-2 or W-2c, and failing to do so may incur a penalty. The IRS projects that employers will file more than 250 million Forms W-2 this year and that the vast majority will be e-filed. E-filing can save time and effort and helps ensure accuracy.
Employers that file Forms 1097, 1098, 1099 (except a Form 1099-MISC reporting nonemployee compensation), 3921, 3922 or W-2G electronically, have an extended filing due date with the IRS of April 2, 2018. However, the due date for giving the recipient these forms generally remains Jan. 31.
IRS YouTube Videos:
Claiming EITC or ACTC? Your Refund May Be Delayed -- English | Spanish
IR-2018-12, Jan 25, 2018
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service urges Native American taxpayers to look into the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to see if they qualify.
The EITC is a federal income tax credit for working people who don't earn a lot ($53,930 or less for 2017) and meet certain eligibility requirements. Because it’s a refundable credit, those who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or even get a tax refund. EITC can mean up to a $6,318 refund for working families with qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $510. On average, EITC adds an additional $2,445 to refunds.
The IRS has identified American Indian communities as a group of workers at risk for overlooking this important credit. There are many reasons qualified individuals and families do not claim the EITC. They may think they are ineligible, not know about the credit or worry about paying for tax preparation services. To get the credit, individuals must file a tax return, even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. Qualified taxpayers should consider claiming the EITC by filing electronically, whether through a qualified tax professional; using free community tax help sites; or doing it themselves with IRS Free File.
To qualify for EITC, the taxpayer must meet basic rules and have earned income from employment, being self-employed or running a business. This includes home-based businesses and work in the service, construction and agriculture industries. Eligibility also depends on family size, but single workers without a qualifying child who earn less than $15,010 may qualify for a smaller credit. Also, certain disability payments may qualify as earned income for EITC purposes. The IRS recommends using the EITC Assistant on IRS.gov, available in English and Spanish, to determine eligibility and estimate the amount of the credit.
Many EITC filers will get their refunds later this year than in past years. That’s because by federal law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for tax returns that claim the EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The IRS expects the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards starting on Feb. 27, 2018, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return. Even so, taxpayers claiming the EITC or ACTC should file as soon as they have all the documents they need to prepare a complete and accurate return.
The IRS and partners nationwide will hold the annual EITC Awareness Day on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, to alert millions of workers who may be missing out on this significant tax credit and other refundable credits. One easy way to support this outreach effort is by participating in the IRS Thunderclap to help promote #EITCAwarenessDay through social media. For more information on EITC and other refundable credits visit the EITC page on IRS.gov.
IR-2018-09, Jan. 19, 2018
WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today provided additional guidance (Notice 2018-13PDF) for computing the “transition tax” on the untaxed foreign earnings of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
On Dec. 29, 2017, the Treasury Department and the IRS provided initial guidance on computing the transition tax in Notice 2018-07.
Today’s notice describes regulations that the Treasury Department and the IRS intend to issue, including rules addressing the calculation of earnings under the transition tax and other rules to clarify certain aspects of the law.  The notice also makes a modification to the prior notice issued on Dec. 29, 2017, regarding the repatriation of earnings subject to the transition tax.  Finally, the notice provides taxpayers targeted relief from certain unintended regulatory and reporting consequences arising from a change to existing stock attribution rules in the recent tax legislation.
Additionally, Treasury and the IRS request comments on the rules described in the notice and on what additional guidance should be issued to assist taxpayers in computing the transition tax.  The Treasury Department and the IRS expect to issue additional guidance in the future.
Notice 2018-13, will be published in IRB 2018-06 on February 5, 2018.  The Treasury media contact for this matter is Marisol Garibay, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs,202-622-6490.
IR-2018-6, Jan. 12, 2018
WASHINGTON – Although the tax filing season officially opens Jan. 29, taxpayers starting today can begin preparing and e-filing their taxes for free with IRS Free File software. Free File software will automatically submit returns as soon as the filing season begins.
A dozen brand-name Free File partners, acting through the Free File Alliance, offer their software free to eligible taxpayers. Each partner sets its own criteria, but any taxpayer earning $66,000 or less will find one or more software products available. Some providers offer both free federal and free state tax preparation, a seamless way to file taxes.
Active duty military personnel with incomes of $66,000 or less may use any Free File software product of their choice without regard to the criteria.
Use the Free File Software Lookup Tool to find free federal and free state return options that match your situation.
Taxpayers now may use their smart phones or tablets to electronically prepare and file their federal and state tax returns through IRS Free File. Taxpayers may access the products using mobile devices in two ways: (1) Use the IRS2Go app, which has a link to the Free File Software Lookup Tool, or (2) use the device’s browser to go to www.IRS.gov/freefile. The IRS2Go app is available for Android and iOS devices.
The Internal Revenue Service and Free File Alliance mark their 16th year of providing free tax preparation products to taxpayers.
In those 16 years, taxpayers have filed 51.1 million free federal tax returns. This means a savings of $1.5 billion to taxpayers, using a conservative $30 per return preparation fee.
For taxpayers who earned more than $66,000, there are Free File Fillable Forms, which will be available Jan. 29. Free File Fillable Forms, provided by the Free File Alliance, is best for those taxpayers experienced in preparing returns by hand and with limited assistance.
The IRS urges taxpayers to prepare and file their returns only when they have all the tax documents they need to support their claims on income, credits and deductions. Taxpayers who use a final pay stub instead of a Form W-2 could end up with errors on their returns.
Although taxpayers may complete and file their taxes now through Free File, the returns will not be submitted to the IRS for processing until Jan. 29. The fastest way to get a refund remains e-file and direct deposit. The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, although some require additional time.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that if their refund includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the agency by law must hold that refund until mid-February.
IR-2018-35, Feb. 27, 2018
WASHINGTON — As the Internal Revenue Service begins releasing refunds for taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit, the agency reminds them that many of these refunds should arrive in bank accounts or on debit cards this week. That is if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return. 
Several factors, including weekends, Presidents Day and the time banks often need to process direct deposits can impact the time it takes taxpayers to receive their refunds. By law, the IRS could not issue refunds before mid-February for tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit.
The most common question taxpayers have about the status of their refund can easily be answered by using the "Where’s My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. “Where’s My Refund?” was updated Feb. 17 for the vast majority of early filers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit. 
Many factors can affect the timing of a refund after the IRS receives a tax return. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible for refunds to take longer. Taxpayers should keep in mind that “Where’s My Refund?” is updated once daily, usually overnight, so checking more often will not produce different results.
Here are a few important things to know about tax refunds:
The IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.
IRS customer service representatives cannot provide refund information until 21 days have passed since the return was filed. “Where’s My Refund?” provides the most up-to-date information. 
Taxpayers need their Social Security number, tax filing status (single, married, head of household) and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the return to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Or they can call 800-829-1954.
Requesting a transcript will not reveal a tax refund status, despite the social media myth to the contrary. 
Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons. The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed.
Related Items:
FS-2018-3, Tax Refunds in 2018: What to Expect
IR-2018-34, Feb. 23, 2018
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service is reminding farmers and fishers about the March 1 deadline to take advantage of special rules that can allow them to forgo making quarterly estimated tax payments.
Anyone with income from a farming or fishing business may be able to avoid making any estimated tax payments by filing their 2017 return and paying the entire tax due on or before March 1, 2018. This rule generally applies if farming or fishing income was at least two-thirds of the total gross income in either 2017 or the preceding tax year.
Taxpayers can use IRS Direct Pay to quickly pay an individual tax bill or make an estimated tax payment directly from a checking or savings account at no cost. Payments can be scheduled 24 hours a day, seven days a week, up to 30 days in advance without any fees or pre-registration.
When a taxpayer uses IRS Direct Pay, they receive instant confirmation after they submit their payment. Direct Pay cannot be used to pay the federal highway use tax, payroll taxes or other business taxes.
Taxpayers who wish to pay their federal business taxes electronically should enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or visit IRS.gov/payments to check out other payment options.
Related Items
Fishing Tax Center
Agriculture Tax Center
Tax Topic 416, Farming and Fishing Income
Publication 5034PDF, Need to Make a Tax Payment? (English and Spanish)
Fishing Fuel Tax Credit
Update April 5, 2018: The IRS has completed work on its systems and can process tax returns claiming benefits related to the Bipartisan Budget Act, enacted on Feb. 9. The budget act renewed for tax year 2017 a wide range of individual and business tax benefits that expired at the end of 2016. Many affected individual taxpayers were able to file key forms beginning Feb. 22. Work has continued on the remaining affected tax forms since then, and the IRS has now completed updating its systems for the other affected tax forms, for both individuals and businesses. Taxpayers can file as they normally would.
IR-2018-33, Feb. 22, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today said that it is ready to process tax year 2017 returns claiming three popular tax benefits recently renewed retroactively into law.
The Bipartisan Budget Act, enacted on Feb. 9, renewed for tax year 2017 a wide range of individual and business tax benefits that had expired at the end of 2016. The IRS has now reprogrammed its processing systems to handle the three benefits most likely to be claimed on returns filed early in the tax season.
As a result, taxpayers can now file returns claiming:
Exclusion from gross income of discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness (often, foreclosure-related debt forgiveness), claimed on Form 982,
Mortgage insurance premiums treated as qualified residence interest, generally claimed by low- and middle-income filers on Schedule A, and
Deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses claimed on Form 8917.
The IRS is working closely with tax professionals and the tax-preparation industry to ensure that their available software processes can now accommodate these new provisions. As always, filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is the fastest, most accurate and most convenient way to receive a tax refund. Last year, nearly 87 percent of individual returns were filed electronically and nearly 80 percent of refunds were direct deposited.
The IRS is continuing to update its systems to handle returns claiming the other tax benefits extended by the new law, enacted on Feb. 9. In general, these benefits affect a smaller number of taxpayers. Taxpayers eligible for these benefits can avoid delays or possibly needing to file an amended return later, by filing after IRS systems have been updated to reflect these changes. Check IRS.gov/Extenders for future updates.
Taxpayers who have already filed their 2017 federal tax return and now wish to claim one of these renewed tax benefits can do so by filing an amended return on Form 1040X. Amended returns cannot be filed electronically and can take up to 16 weeks to process. Visit IRS.gov for details.
IR-2018-31, February 20, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service alerted taxpayers the day after Presidents Day marks the busiest day of the year for calls to the toll-free help line. The IRS reminded taxpayers that most answers to their tax questions can be quickly found on IRS.gov.
Taxpayers who call the IRS the day after Presidents Day can expect longer than usual wait times. Those who need to call can avoid the rush by waiting a day or two or by using online options to get their tax questions answered immediately.
To help taxpayers, the IRS has redesigned its website to make it easier to use, whether with a computer, smart phone or tablet. A good first stop is the IRS Services GuidePDF, which provides an overview of the many IRS.gov tools available to taxpayers and tax professionals. For fast answers to general tax questions, taxpayers can search the Interactive Tax Assistant, Tax Topics, Frequently Asked Questions, Tax Trails and IRS Tax Map.
Those who have already filed can use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool to track their refund. Alternatively, they can call 800-829-1954 for automated refund information.
“Where’s My Refund?” is the best way to check the status of a refund. The application displays progress through three stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved, and (3) Refund Sent. Taxpayers get personalized information based on the processing of their tax return. The tool provides an actual refund date after the IRS has approved a refund.
The IRS reminded taxpayers about a common misconception that requesting a tax transcript will help a taxpayer determine the status of their refund. The information included on a transcript does not necessarily reflect the amount or timing of a refund. Transcripts are best used to validate past income and tax filing status for loan applications and to help with tax preparation.
Taxpayers visiting IRS.gov will also find answers to tax questions about filing requirements and credits and deductions that may be available to them and can download forms and instructions. Taxpayers who owe additional tax can learn about payment options or what steps they can take online to create a payment agreement if they can’t pay what they owe all at once.
Employees who did not receive a Form W-2 from their employer should first contact their employer. If they receive no response by the end of February, they can call the IRS and the agency will contact the employer by mail. Taxpayers may have to use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, and estimate wages and withholding by using their pay statements and other records.
Taxpayers must file their 2017 tax returns by April 17, 2018, or request a six-month extension. Extensions can be requested using Free File, by filing Form 4868 or by paying all or part of  the estimated income tax due and indicating that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or a credit or debit card. Taxpayers don’t have to file a separate extension form and they receive a confirmation number for their records.
IR-2018-29, Feb. 15, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that IRS offices provide service by appointment. However, most people can easily find answers to their tax questions on IRS.gov and avoid an in-person visit.
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) – like the IRS telephone centers – experience peak demand in the days around Presidents Day.
Taxpayers can avoid the rush by first exploring IRS.gov. IRS studies show most taxpayers visit a TAC to make payments, ask about a notice or letter they received, check on refunds, get a transcript or obtain a tax form. Many of these issues can be resolved online without traveling to an IRS office.
The IRS suggests taxpayers first try these online options:
Payments
Notices
Refunds
Transcripts
Tax Forms
Some taxpayers also make in-person monthly or quarterly tax payments. Those payments can be made safely and easily online by using IRS Direct Pay or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
Taxpayers seeking free tax preparation assistance should explore the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for in-person help or IRS Free File if they want to prepare their return themselves.
Service by appointment and toll-free phone options help to ensure that the IRS serves taxpayers who have no other option but to visit or call the IRS for assistance. Taxpayers who are unable to resolve their issue using online tools or the toll-free helpline and want to visit a TAC should schedule an appointment by calling the appointment line at 844-545-5640.
The Contact Your Local Office tool on IRS.gov helps taxpayers find the closest IRS TAC, the days and hours of operation and a list of services provided. Services are limited and vary at each TAC.

Taxpayers requesting services at TACs will be asked to provide valid photo identification and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
IR-2018-28, Feb. 14, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers and tax professionals that they will be asked to verify their identities if they call the IRS. This is part of the agency’s efforts to keep taxpayer data secure from identity thieves.
Days before and after Presidents Day mark the peak period for taxpayer phone calls to the IRS. To avoid the rush, callers should be prepared to verify their identities if they need to call the agency.
IRS call center professionals take great care to make certain that they only discuss personal information with the taxpayer or someone the taxpayer authorizes to speak on their behalf. To ensure that taxpayers do not have to call back, the IRS reminds taxpayers to have the following documents ready:
Social Security numbers and birth dates for those who were named on the tax return in question
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter if the taxpayer has one in lieu of a Social Security number (SSN)
Filing status – Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate
The prior-year tax return. Telephone assistors may need to verify taxpayer identity with information from the return before answering certain questions
A copy of the tax return in question
Any IRS letters or notices received by the taxpayer
By law, IRS assistors will only speak with the taxpayer or to their legally designated representative.
If taxpayers or tax professionals are calling about a third party’s account, they should be prepared to verify their identities and provide information about the third party they are representing. Before calling about a third-party, be sure to have the following information available:
Verbal or written authorization from the third-party to discuss the account
The ability to verify the taxpayer’s name, SSN/ITIN, tax period, and tax form(s) filed
Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or PIN if a third-party designee
A current, completed and signed Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization or
A completed and signed Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative
Questions regarding a deceased taxpayer require different steps. Be prepared to fax:
The deceased taxpayer’s death certificate, and
Either copies of Letters Testamentary approved by the court, or IRS Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship (for estate executors)
Answers to general tax questions may be found on IRS.gov. The quickest way to check the status of a tax refund is to go to "Where’s My Refund?" or call 800-829-1954 for automated phone service.
IR-2018-26, Feb. 13, 2018
WASHINGTON — With millions of tax refunds being processed, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they can get fast answers about their refund by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go app.
More than 70 percent of taxpayers will receive a refund this year. The Internal Revenue Service issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days, and the fastest way to get a refund is to use IRS e-file and direct deposit. 
Questions about tax refunds are the most frequent reason people call the IRS. But the time around Presidents Day is a peak period for telephone calls to the IRS, resulting in longer than normal hold times. IRS telephone assistors can only research a refund’s status if it has been 21 days or more since the taxpayer filed electronically, six weeks since they mailed a paper return or if “Where’s My Refund?” directs a taxpayer to call. 
Taxpayers can avoid the rush by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. All that is needed is the taxpayer’s Social Security number, tax filing status (single, married, head of household) and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the return. Alternatively, taxpayers may call 800-829-1954 for the same information. Within 24 hours of filing a return electronically, the tool can tell taxpayers that their returns have been received. That time extends to four weeks if a paper return is mailed to the IRS, which is another reason to use IRS e-file and direct deposit. 
Once the tax return is processed, “Where’s My Refund?” will tell a taxpayer when their refund is approved and provide a date when they can expect to receive it. “Where’s My Refund?” is updated once daily, usually overnight, so checking it more often will not produce a different result.
By law, the IRS cannot release refunds containing the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February. “Where’s My Refund?” will be updated Feb. 17 for most early filers who claimed the EITC or ACTC. These taxpayers will not see a refund date on “Where's My Refund?” or through their software packages until then. EITC and ACTC refunds should be available in taxpayer bank accounts and debit cards starting Feb. 27, if taxpayers used direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax returns.
As a reminder, taxpayers should remember that ordering a tax transcript will not speed delivery of tax refunds. Transcripts are best used to validate past income and tax-filing status for mortgage, student and small business loan applications as well as help with tax preparation.
IR-2018-25, Feb. 13, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today announced modifications to the procedures for changing the accounting period of foreign corporations owned by U.S. shareholders that are subject to the transition tax under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
On Dec. 29, 2017, the Treasury Department and the IRS provided initial guidance on computing the transition tax in Notice 2018-07. On Jan. 19, 2018, the Treasury Department and the IRS provided additional guidance in Notice 2018-13.
Today’s revenue procedure (Rev. Proc. 2018-17PDF) prevents changes to the annual accounting periods of certain foreign corporations in 2017 under either the existing automatic or general procedures if such change could result in the avoidance, reduction, or delay of the transition tax. 
Rev. Proc 2018-17PDF will be published in IRB 2018-09 on Feb. 26, 2018. The Treasury media contact for this matter is Marisol Garibay, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, 202-622-6490.
IR-2018-23, Feb. 12, 2018
WASHINGTON — With a surge of tax returns expected during the upcoming Presidents Day weekend, the Internal Revenue Service offers taxpayers several tips and time-saving resources to get them the help they need quickly and easily.
The redesigned IRS.gov now makes it easier to use the agency’s web site, whether on a computer or a mobile device. A good first stop is the IRS Services GuidePDF,‎ which provides an overview of the many online tools available on IRS.gov. IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, contains information about preparing tax returns and answers to many common tax questions.
Get answers anytime on IRS.gov by using the Interactive Tax Assistant, Tax Topics, Frequently Asked Questions, Tax Trails and the IRS Tax Map. Also, with the revamped “search” tool on IRS.gov, anyone can research a wide variety of tax issues, and there’s even a Tax Pro page dedicated to the unique needs of tax professionals.
IRS.gov is a particularly good resource for taxpayers in days following the Presidents Day holiday. With a surge in tax returns coming in, this is typically a peak period on IRS help lines. To avoid lengthy waits on the phone during this period, the IRS encourages taxpayers to first try the resources on IRS.gov.
Many tax questions can also be answered by tax software products. Taxpayers whose income is $66,000 or less can use IRS Free File to access a number of free tax-preparation software products. Alternatively, eligible taxpayers needing free in-person tax-preparation assistance may opt for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Taxpayers can also use IRS.gov to help choose a qualified tax professional.
IRS.gov also has information about several available payment options. This includes information about how to create an online payment agreement for those who owe additional tax but are unable to pay right away.
Although the IRS always urges taxpayers to retain a copy of their prior-year tax returns, IRS.gov still offers options if they failed to do so. Having a copy makes it easier to prepare a 2017 tax return, and taxpayers who changed tax software products this year may need their adjusted gross income from the prior-year return to help validate their electronic signature.
Those who need a copy of their return for a prior year can get one either online or by mail at Get Transcript.  To access tax records online, taxpayers must register through the IRS’ two-factor authentication process called Secure Access. This identity-proofing process is designed to rigorously protect sensitive information. Please note some taxpayers may be unable to complete this process successfully. As an alternative, these taxpayers can use the mail feature and expect delivery in five to 10 business days, so the IRS encourages taxpayers to plan ahead.
Smart phone and tablet users can download the IRS2Go app available at Apple, Google or Amazon stores. Use the IRS2Go app to check refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more. IRS2Go is available in both English and Spanish.
IR-2018-19, Feb. 6, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 does not affect the tax year 2018 dollar limitations for retirement plans announced in IR 2017-177 and detailed in Notice 2017-64PDF.
The tax law provides dollar limitations on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans, and it requires the Treasury Department to annually adjust these limits for cost of living increases. Those adjustments are to be made using procedures that are similar to those used to adjust benefit amounts under the Social Security Act.
As the recently enacted tax legislation made no changes to the section of the tax law limiting benefits and contributions for retirement plans, the qualified retirement plan limitations for tax year 2018 previously announced in the news release and detailed in guidancePDF remain unchanged.
The tax law also specifies that contribution limits for IRAs, as well as the income thresholds related to IRAs and the saver’s credit, are to be adjusted for changes in the cost of living using procedures that are used to make cost-of-living adjustments that apply to many of the basic income tax parameters.
Although the new law made changes to how these cost of living adjustments are made, after taking the applicable rounding rules into account, the amounts for 2018 in the news release and the guidancePDF remain unchanged.
IR-2018-78, March 29, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today said that most tax refunds are issued in less than 21 days, although some may take longer. As of March 16, the IRS had already issued more than 61 million refunds averaging $2,960. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund online at IRS.gov by visiting the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or through the IRS2Go mobile app.
This is the last in a series of nine IRS tips called the Tax Time Guide. The guide is designed to help taxpayers as they near the April 17 tax filing deadline.
There are many factors that can affect the timing of a tax refund. Some tax returns take longer to process because the return includes errors or is incomplete, is affected by identity theft or fraud or, in general, needs further review. The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return. Once a refund has been approved the time it takes a bank to post the refund to an account can also have an impact. If requesting a paper refund check, taxpayers should also take into consideration the time it takes for it to arrive in the mail.
Taxpayers can use “Where’s My Refund?” to start checking on the status of their return within 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return or four weeks after the taxpayers mailed a paper return. The tool has a tracker that displays progress through three phases: (1) Return Received; (2) Refund Approved; and (3) Refund Sent.
Those who use “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app must have information from their current tax return to access their information.
The IRS updates “Where’s My Refund?” once a day, usually overnight. Rather than calling the IRS and waiting on hold or ordering a tax transcript, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the website and use the tool. The information available online is the same information available to IRS telephone assistors.
Some taxpayers believe they can learn about the status of their refund by ordering a tax transcript. The IRS notes that the information on a transcript does not necessarily reflect the amount or timing of a refund. While taxpayers can use a transcript for help with tax preparation and to validate past income and tax filing status for certain loan applications, they should use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of their refund.
The use of e-file and direct deposit continue to be the fastest and safest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. More than four out of five tax returns are expected to be filed electronically, with a similar proportion of refunds issued through direct deposit.
The IRS Free File program offers free brand-name software to those with incomes of $66,000 or less. Seventy percent of the nation’s taxpayers are eligible for IRS Free File. All taxpayers, regardless of income, can use Free File fillable forms, which provide electronic versions of IRS paper forms to complete and file. Both options are available only through IRS.gov.
Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov anytime. No appointment required and no waiting on hold.
IR-2018-77, March 29, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today released the 2017 IRS Data Book, a snapshot of agency activities for the fiscal year.
The 2017 IRS Data Book describes activities conducted by the IRS from Oct. 1, 2016, to Sept. 30, 2017, and includes information about tax returns, refunds, examinations and appeals, illustrated with charts showing changes in IRS enforcement activities, taxpayer assistance levels, tax-exempt activities, legal support workload, and IRS budget and workforce levels when compared to fiscal year 2016. New to this edition is a section on taxpayer attitudes from a long-running opinion survey.
Revenue Collection, Returns Processing, Taxpayer Service, and Enforcement Actions
During fiscal year 2017, the IRS collected more than $3.4 trillion, processed more than 245 million tax returns and other forms and issued more than 121 million individual income tax refunds totaling almost $437 billion.
The IRS provided taxpayer assistance through almost a half billion visits to IRS.gov and helped more than 53 million taxpayers through different service channels, such as correspondence, toll-free telephone helplines or at walk-in sites. There were also more than 278 million inquiries to the “Where’s My Refund?” application.
Compared to the prior year, there were fewer audits and collection actions during fiscal year 2017. The IRS audited almost 934,000 individual income tax returns during the fiscal year, the lowest number of audits since 2003. The chance of being audited fell to 0.6 percent, the lowest coverage rate since 2002.
In fiscal year 2017, the IRS also continued a years-long effort to fight tax-related identity theft. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division completed 524 criminal investiga­tions of tax-related identity thefts.
Several collection actions fell during the fiscal year. IRS levies were down 32 percent compared to the prior year, and the agency filed about 5 percent fewer liens than in fiscal year 2016.
The IRS Data Book’s online format makes navigating data on taxpayer assistance, enforcement and IRS operations easier. The publication contains depictions of key areas and quick links to the underlying data.
The Comprehensive Taxpayer Attitude Survey (CTAS)
In 2017, more than 2,000 taxpayers provided the IRS feedback via cell phone, landline or online surveys. Their opinions will help inform IRS efforts to improve taxpayer service. Nearly all taxpayers (about 95 percent of respondents) said it is their civic duty to pay their fair share of taxes. Most taxpayers (79 percent of respondents) said that they were satisfied with their personal interactions with the IRS.
An electronic version of the 2017 IRS Data Book can be found on the Tax Stats page of IRS.gov. Printed copies of the 2017 IRS Data Book, Publication 55B, will be available May 2018 from the U.S. Government Printing Office. To obtain a copy, write to the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954, call 202-512-1800 for voicemail, or fax a request to 202-512-2250.
IR-2018-74, March 27, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is seeking qualified applicants for nomination to the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC).
The ETAAC provides an organized public forum for discussion of electronic tax administration issues, such as prevention of identity theft and refund fraud in support of the overriding goal that paperless filing should be the preferred and most convenient method of filing tax and information returns. ETAAC members work closely with the Security Summit, a joint effort of the IRS, state tax administrators and tax industry to fight electronic fraud.
The IRS is looking for two qualified individuals who will serve three-year terms beginning in September 2018. Applicants should have experience in such areas as cybersecurity and information security, tax software development, tax preparation, payroll and tax financial product processing, systems management and improvement, implementation of customer service initiatives and public administration. The IRS also encourages representatives from consumer groups with an interest in tax issues to apply. Applications will be accepted through May 10, 2018.
Nominations of qualified individuals may be made by letter and received from organizations or the individuals themselves. Applicants should complete the ETAAC applicationPDF and include a short statement of interest and a resume. Applicants should describe and document their qualifications, past and current affiliations, and dealings with cybersecurity and electronic tax administration. More information is available on IRS.gov.
Applicants must complete and submit a tax check waiver form and undergo an IRS practitioner background check and an FBI criminal background check.
ETAAC is a Federal Advisory Committee established by the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.
Questions about the ETAAC and the application process can be e-mailed to publicliaison@irs.gov.
IR-2018-72, March 23, 2018
WASHINGTON — More than 720,000 people get plain-language IRS tax tips sent to their email inbox through a free subscription service available on IRS.gov.
These short and concise tax tips arrive one per business day and cover a wide range of topics to help people with issues pertaining to their taxes. Many tips offer information on money-saving tax credits and deductions that can be easily overlooked and could affect a taxpayer’s refund. IRS tax tips are also available in Spanish, and the IRS also offers an e-subscription service just for Spanish tax tips.
Topics for tax tips include:
Responding to notices
Beware of tax scams
Fastest and safest way to get refunds
Tax reform topics
Taxpayer Bill of Rights
Tax-time errors to avoid
IRS Free File
Helpful tips for paying taxes
Taxpayers can sign up for this free service to receive IRS tax tips automatically each day via email in English or in Spanish.
The IRS also has a number of other e-subscriptions to which taxpayers, tax professionals and others may subscribe to receive tax information via email from the IRS.
IR-2018-71, March 23, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that income from virtual currency transactions is reportable on their income tax returns.
Virtual currency transactions are taxable by law just like transactions in any other property. The IRS has issued guidance in IRS Notice 2014-21PDF for use by taxpayers and their return preparers that addresses transactions in virtual currency, also known as digital currency.
Taxpayers who do not properly report the income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions can be audited for those transactions and, when appropriate, can be liable for penalties and interest.
In more extreme situations, taxpayers could be subject to criminal prosecution for failing to properly report the income tax consequences of virtual currency transactions. Criminal charges could include tax evasion and filing a false tax return. Anyone convicted of tax evasion is subject to a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Anyone convicted of filing a false return is subject to a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Virtual currency, as generally defined, is a digital representation of value that functions in the same manner as a country’s traditional currency. There are currently more than 1,500 known virtual currencies. Because transactions in virtual currencies can be difficult to trace and have an inherently pseudo-anonymous aspect, some taxpayers may be tempted to hide taxable income from the IRS.
Notice 2014-21 provides that virtual currency is treated as property for U.S. federal tax purposes. General tax principles that apply to property transactions apply to transactions using virtual currency. Among other things, this means that:
A payment made using virtual currency is subject to information reporting to the same extent as any other payment made in property.
Payments using virtual currency made to independent contractors and other service providers are taxable, and self-employment tax rules generally apply.  Normally, payers must issue Form 1099-MISC.
Wages paid to employees using virtual currency are taxable to the employee, must be reported by an employer on a Form W-2 and are subject to federal income tax withholding and payroll taxes.
Certain third parties who settle payments made in virtual currency on behalf of merchants that accept virtual currency from their customers are required to report payments to those merchants on Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions.
The character of gain or loss from the sale or exchange of virtual currency depends on whether the virtual currency is a capital asset in the hands of the taxpayer.
More information can be found on IRS.gov.
IR-2018-69, March 22, 2018
WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service is reminding victims of Hurricane Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that filing and payment activities have been further postponed beyond Jan. 31, 2018.
The IRS extended tax deadlines for affected individuals and businesses until June 29, 2018, for the following localities:
In the U.S. Virgin Islands (starting Sept. 16, 2017): Islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
In Puerto Rico (starting Sept. 17, 2017): In any of the 78 municipalities.
The disaster relief page on the IRS website has details on the returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying for the additional time. Following the IRS extension, affected individuals and businesses will have until June 29, 2018, to file their 2017 tax returns and pay any taxes due on those returns. This relief also includes individual estimated tax payments, payroll and excise tax returns, corporate income tax returns originally due or on extension during the relief period and tax-exempt organizations required to file Form 990 series returns with an original deadline falling during this period. This relief also applies to taxpayers who had a valid extension to file their 2016 return that was due to run out on Oct. 16, 2017, and which was already postponed until Jan. 31, 2018.
The IRS will abate any interest, late-payment or late-filing penalty that would otherwise apply for 2017 tax returns. The IRS automatically provides this relief to any taxpayer located in the disaster area. Taxpayers need not contact the IRS to get this relief.
Beyond the relief provided to taxpayers in the FEMA-designated localities, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who resides outside the disaster area but whose books, records or tax professionals are in the areas affected by Hurricane Maria. Taxpayers who live outside of the impacted area and think they may qualify for this relief need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.
The tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by the hurricane and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. For information on disaster recovery, individuals should visit disasterassistance.gov.
Publication 570, PDFTax Guide for Individuals with Income from U.S. Possessions, contains an explanation of the presence test for residents of territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Publication 976,PDF Disaster Relief, describes the tax benefits available to filers as a result of Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria and the California wildfires.
See also the IRS Hurricanes Irma and Maria Information Center.
IR-2018-63, March 19, 2018
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to use IRS.gov/account to check the status of their federal tax accounts.
The online account is one of many useful online tools driving the impressive growth in visits to the agency’s popular web site. Already this year, visits to IRS.gov have jumped 24 percent over last year at this time.
The IRS.gov/account provides individual taxpayers with basic information to file, pay or monitor their tax payments. In addition, taxpayers can:
View the amount they owe.
Pay online or set up an online payment agreement.
Access their tax records.
Review the past 18 months of their payment history.
View key tax return information for the most recent tax return they filed.
To access their information online, taxpayers must register through Secure Access, the IRS’ two-factor authentication process. This identity-proofing process rigorously protects sensitive information. Taxpayers who already registered using Secure Access for Get Transcript Online or Get an IP PIN may use their same username and password. Taxpayers should review the Secure Access process prior to starting registration.
In addition to the IRS.gov/account, the IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov to see many other self-service tools and helpful resources available for individuals, businesses and tax professionals. “Where’s My Refund?” for example, and the IRS2Go mobile app remain the best way to check the status of a tax refund. This tool is updated no more than once a day, so taxpayers don’t need to check more often.
The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.