Tag Archives: irs updates

IRS Updates End of June

Expanded Voice Bot Assistance

To help improve taxpayers’ experiences with the department, the IRS has expanded the voice bot capabilities of their customer service phone lines. Now, in addition to general and procedural answers to Economic Impact Payment (EIP) or Advance Child Tax Credit queries and other toll-free lines, voice bots will be able to help eligible taxpayers verify their identity to set up or modify a payment plan – without the long wait times. More functions are planned to be rolled out this year, including the ability to get account and return transcripts, payment history and current balance information. 

Processing Backlog Progresses

The IRS is finally wrapping up the last of the paper individual tax returns (Form 1040, error-free) filed in 2021. Due to the pandemic and staffing limits, there are about twice as many returns awaiting processing at this point compared to a typical year. Steps have been taken to address this backlog and keep up with returns filed this year. Business paper returns filed in 2021 are next, while the IRS continues to work on the remaining individual returns that need corrections or additional information. Taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns electronically to avoid future processing delays.

Electronic Corrections, Amendments Expanded

The IRS has announced that more forms can now be amended electronically, including Form 1040-NR (US Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return), Forms 1040-SS (US Self-Employment Tax Return) and Forms 1040-PR (Self-Employment Tax Return – Puerto Rico). This development will assist the IRS in avoiding continued processing backlogs. Forms 1040-X and other corrected forms have had electronic filing options in place in recent years, and paper versions of the forms may still be submitted.

Reinstated Superfund Chemical Tax FAQ

The IRS issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the reinstated Superfund chemical excise tax. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), beginning July 1, 2022, excise taxes on certain chemicals and imported chemical substances will be reinstated. The FAQs detail what the Superfund chemical excise tax is, how the tax is computed, and who may be liable for the tax. Currently 151 substances are listed as taxable, though that number will likely change.

 

IRS Updates February 28

Here are your updates from the IRS this week.

Second Quarter Interest Rates Increase  

For the first time in more than three years, interest rates are being increased. For the quarter beginning April 1, 2022, the rates will be:

  • 4% for overpayments (3% for corporations)
  • 1.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000
  • 4% for underpayments
  • 6% for large corporate underpayments

Rates are determined for each category based on the federal short-term rate, and adjusted (or not) on a quarterly basis. 

Checking Refund Status

The IRS wants those expecting refunds to know that the fastest and easiest way to check on their refund status is by using the “Where’s my Refund” tool on IRS.gov. The mobile app, IRS2Go is also an efficient option. Filing electronically and using direct deposit is the fastest way to file and receive a refund, often within 21 days, though some situations may require more time. These situations include claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, returns that need additional review or have errors, or those affected by identity theft or fraud. The IRS urges recipients to ignore refund myths; refunds cannot be expedited by ordering a tax transcript, calling the IRS, or calling their tax preparer. 

Resource Page Launched

The IRS has launched a special new page to provide the most updated details and information affecting the 2022 tax filing season. The “special tax season alerts” page will address critical tax law changes related to the pandemic, as well as provide quick information regarding filing returns. Information affecting those whose previous year returns are backlogged and awaiting processing will also be provided. 

Want to Improve the IRS?

The IRS is seeking “civic minded volunteers” to serve on the Taxpayer Advisory Panel (TAP). The TAP submits dozens of recommendations to the IRS each year; 193 were made in 2021 alone. Many recent suggestions have already been implemented. Applicants must be US citizens current with federal tax obligations who are able commit to the expected volunteer hours. They must also pass a background check and not be registered lobbyists or Treasury or IRS employees. Applications are due April 8.

Tax Updates Feb 12

Tax Help FAQs

Tax filing this year is a bit more complicated, with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 which expanded the Child Tax Credit for last year only. Advance payments mean more paperwork for those who received them, and potentially repaying excess amounts, or claiming credit for remaining unpaid amounts. The IRS urges recipients to save Letter 6419 so their 2021 tax return can be properly prepared. A qualified tax preparer can help with this process, and several FAQs on the topic are available.

Be Ready to File

The IRS reminds taxpayers to be prepared to file their tax return, and to that end are providing a roundup of relevant information. Readiness topics include their Tax Time Guide, dealing with advance Child Tax Credit payments or Recovery Rebate Credit, a tax document checklist, filing tips and how to find help if needed.

IRS Backtracks Third-Party Facial Recognition

In response to concerns, the IRS has announced it will transition away from using a third-party service for facial recognition. This was intended to help authenticate people creating new online accounts. The IRS pledges to find authentication processes that do not involve facial recognition and which protect taxpayer data. This is not expected to interfere with filing returns or paying taxes owed, and people should continue to file their tax returns as they normally would. 

IRS Suspends Automatic Notices

The IRS is suspending the mailing of several letters to individuals and businesses. These automated notices include Balance Due notices, Notices of Unfiled Tax Returns, and Withholding Compliance letters. This suspension is intended to allow the IRS to catch up with the backlog of several million original and amended tax returns that have not been processed due to the pandemic and pandemic response. Other letters are legally required to be issued within a certain timeframe and cannot be stopped by the authority of the IRS. 

IRS and Tax Updates January 31

2021 Recovery Rebate Credit FAQ

The IRS has issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. This credit may apply to those who didn’t receive the full amount of their third Economic Impact Payment. To claim the credit, which can reduce taxes owed or provide a refund, eligible people must file a 2021 tax return. The FAQ covers eligibility, claiming the credit, calculating the credit, and finding the relevant information in order to claim the credit.

January 31 Wage Statement Deadline

The IRS is reminding employers to be aware of the January 31 deadline to file Forms W-2 and other wage statements. Filing accurate forms by this date helps the IRS more easily detect refund fraud and helps employers avoid penalties. Applications for extension may also be submitted to provide more time to file with the IRS. A separate extension application may extend the due date for furnishing wage statements to employees. 

Some Filing Reminders

The IRS reminds taxpayers to keep a few things in mind when filing federal income tax returns this year. Their checklist encourages individuals to:

  • Use e-file and direct deposit, even if using a trusted tax professional
  • Collect all documents, including letters regarding the Advance Child Tax Credit and third Economic Impact Payment
  • Use online tools and resources to save time over calling the IRS

2022 Tax Season Begins

The IRS has kicked off the 2022 tax filing season admonishing taxpayers to take extra precautions when filing. Electronic filing, with direct deposit, is the fastest way to avoid any refund delay. Tax software, a trusted tax professional, or Free File for those who qualify, is recommended. Recipients of the advance Child Tax Credit payments or Economic Impact Payments should ensure those amounts are entered correctly as inaccuracies in this area will result in extensive delays. Most taxpayers have a filing due date of April 18, thanks to the Washington, DC Emancipation Day holiday observance. Those in Massachusetts and Maine have until April 19 due to Patriots Day, and as always, some disaster victims have later filing deadlines. 

IRS Tax Updates

New FAQs For Families And Small Businesses

The IRS has posted two new frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help families and small- and mid-sized employers in claiming credits under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. For families, the child and dependent care credit was increased and expanded under the ARP, and made fully refundable. The paid sick and family leave credits reimburse eligible employers for the paid sick leave provided to employees for COVID-19 related reasons. 

Economic Impact Payments Continue

The IRS and Treasury continue to disburse millions of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). As of June 9, the value of the payments was approximately $395 billion since payments began in March. More than 169 million payments have been made thus far, with plans to continue payments on a weekly basis to those who were previously unknown to the IRS but who have recently filed a tax return.

Letters Begin Re: Advance Child Tax Credits

Letters have been sent to more than 36 million American families who may be eligible to receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments. Families have been identified based on information they included in their recent tax return, or who registered for an Economic Impact Payment. The credit was increased and expanded under the ARP, and eligible families can expect monthly direct deposits or paper checks around the 15th of each month from July through December. A tool will be provided soon which will enable families to unenroll from receiving the advance payments and instead receive the full credit amount when they file their 2021 return next year.

Mid December Tax Updates

Security Awareness Week Wraps Up

The National Tax Security Awareness Week has finished its focused campaign to help tax professionals and taxpayers protect themselves from security risks. Issues for the week included basic steps that should be taken to avoid scams and identity theft schemes taking advantage of holiday shopping, the approaching tax season and coronavirus concerns; the multi-factor authentication that will be available on all 2021 online tax preparation products; the expanded Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program for all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities; security advice for businesses; and more security advice for tax professionals.

Interest Rates To Remain The Same

The IRS has announced that interest rates for under- and overpayments will remain the
same for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2021. The rates will continue at three (3) percent for overpayments (two (2) percent in the case of a corporation); one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000; three (3) percent for underpayments; and
five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments.

Wage Statements Due February 1, 2021

The IRS reminds employers that Forms W-2 and other wage statements must be filed with the Social Security Administration no later than February 1, 2021, to avoid penalties and reduce fraud. Normally, such statements are due January 31, but since that date falls on a Sunday, the deadline has been pushed to the next business day. Copies to employees are also due by then, as well as Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC.

Final QTF Regulations Issued

The IRS and Treasury have issued final regulations on the deduction for qualified transportation fringe (QTF) and commuting expenses following changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). These final regulations address expenses related to QTFs, including providing guidance on determining the amount of QTF parking expenses that is nondeductible, and the disallowance of the deduction for expenses of transportation between an employee’s home and workplace.

Tax Updates August 31

Natural Disaster Relief

Victims of recent disasters have had many deadlines extended to December 15, 2020. This includes many individual and business tax returns and tax payments normally due in September, October, and November. The extensions have been granted to those living in FEMA-designated disaster zones, including parts of Iowa affected by the August 10 derecho storm, and those affected by wildfires in California. Hurricane affected areas are being added; the IRS’ disaster relief page provides a current list of designated areas. No action is needed for qualified taxpayers to take advantage of this relief.

Economic Impact Payment Catchup 

Some 50,000 spouses will receive their economic impact payment in the form of a check. In some cases, an individual’s payment was redirected to pay their husband’s or wife’s child support debt. Those who filed Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation with a recent tax return will receive their check in early- to mid-September. Those who have not filed Form 8379 will still receive their EIP check, but it is not yet known when to expect it. No action is required in either case.

Interest To Be Paid To Millions of Taxpayers

Individual taxpayers who filed their return by July 15 and were due a refund will receive an interest payment along with it. This applies to those who have received refunds in the past three months, or who are still waiting on their refunds. The interest is calculated from the original filing due date of April 15, and will be direct-deposited with the refund for those who use direct-deposit. Paper checks will be issued to others. Additionally, the interest is considered taxable income and recipients will receive a Form 1099-INT early next year. 

Guidance For Presidential Payroll Tax Memorandum

The IRS and Treasury Department have issued guidance implementing the August 8 Presidential Memorandum allowing employers to defer withholding and payment of an employee’s share of Social Security tax. The deferral generally applies to wages paid from September 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, and only if the wages total less than $4,000 during a bi-weekly pay period. 

Tax Updates August 13

Simplified Small Business Accounting Regulations Proposed

The IRS has released proposed regulations to adopt the simplified tax accounting rules for small businesses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). For tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020, these simplified tax accounting rules apply to taxpayers having average annual gross receipts of $26 million or less (known as the gross receipts test), and exempted these taxpayers from the uniform capitalization rules. Accounting and inventory methods are addressed, as well as long-term construction contracts. Taxpayers classified as tax shelters may not use the simplified rules.

Rehabilitation Credit Deadlines Extended

Additional pandemic relief has been provided by the IRS for rehabilitation credits. These are projects that satisfy the “substantial rehabilitation test” within a 24- or 60-month period. Any qualified project whose deadline was on or after April 1, 2020 but before March 31, 2021, now has until March 31, 2021 to satisfy the test. Projects usually have to claim the credit over five years, but under a transition rule, some projects may be able to claim the credit in a single year. 

Guidance For Business Interest Expense Deduction Limitation

The IRS has issued final regulations regarding TCJA provisions that limit the deduction for business interest expense, including the changes made by basic statutory amendments to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). In addition to these final regulations, proposed regulations have been issued for other situations not addressed, including more complex issues related to CARES Act amendments. Written and electronic comments in response to the proposed regulations are encouraged. 

Retirement Account Rules Loosened

The IRS reminds taxpayers that CARES Act provisions allow for easier access to retirement funds, for those who qualify. Early distribution of some retirement funds may be made without the usual penalties. Those eligible for coronavirus-related relief may be able to withdraw up to $100,000 before December 31, 2020, from IRAs, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, profit-sharing plans and others. Relief includes delayed loan repayments, an increase in loan limits, a waiver of the 10% tax on early distributions, and more.

Tax Updates June 8

Guidance Issued re: Retirement, Annuity Withholding

The IRS and Treasury have issued a proposed regulation impacting federal income tax withholding rules for periodic retirement and annuity payments made after December 31, 2020. Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), if there was no W-4 in effect for periodic payments, the withholding was determined by treating the taxpayer as a married individual claiming three withholding exemptions. That will continue for year 2020. Beginning in 2021, when there is no W-4 in effect, the IRS and Treasury Department will provide the rules and procedures to determine the withholding with
various forms, instructions, publications and other guidance.

Plain Envelopes Deliver Economic Impact Payments

The IRS reminds taxpayers that their economic impact payment may arrive in the form of a prepaid debit card in a plain white envelope from "Money Network Cardholder Services.” Not every recipient will receive their payment in the form of a prepaid debit card, but for those who do, it may be used to make purchases online or in person anywhere a Visa credit card is accepted, get cash from an ATM, and transfer money to a bank account. More information can be found at EIPcard.com.

Safe Harbor For Renewable Energy Projects

Because Covid-19 has impacted the supply chain for many renewable energy projects eligible for tax credits , the IRS and Treasury have issued a notice for tax relief. Projects include those that produce electricity from wind, biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, trash, and hydropower, and use technologies such as solar panels, fuel cells, microturbines, and combined heat and power systems. Some projects begun in 2016 or 2017 have had a fifth year added to the four-year "Continuity Safe Harbor,” and those paid for by the taxpayer on or after September 16, 2019 and received by October 15 of this year have 3½ months safe harbor added. This aims to allow the taxpayers to remain eligible for certain tax credits.

Qualified Opportunity Funds Tax Relief

The Internal Revenue Service has provided guidance for Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) and their investors in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Taxpayers looking to invest in a QOF to defer gain may have additional time. Certain statutory penalties and working capital safe harbor rules have been eased and timelines extended. The QOF FAQ has also been updated.

Tax Updates April 13

The IRS is Not Accepting Paper Applications

Little Giant Tax Services are are here to help you with your tax filing throughout the next few months of stay at home orders. At this time, the IRS is not accepting physical returns. If you want to have one of our staff help you e-file your return, please call or email us.

Extensions Extended To Trusts, Estates, Corporations

The IRS recently extended the filing and payment deadline for most individual taxpayers to July 15, from April 15. Now they have extended that same relief to trusts, estates, corporations, and other non-corporate filers. Additionally, those with estimated tax payments typically due June 15, 2020 can wait until July 15 to make that payment, without penalty.

Registration Tool For Non-Filers

The Treasury and IRS have released a new tool for certain individuals to register to receive economic impact payments. Those who have not filed taxes for 2018 or 2019, and also did not receive Social Security payments or Railroad Retirement benefits will need to use the new web tool to register and input their information in order to receive payment. This may apply to individual and joint filers who do not make enough to file a tax return, but will not apply to students or others who are claimed as dependents on another tax return. A new tool is being built to check the status and expected date of all economic impact payments, and should be online by the end of this week.

Reschedule April 15 Payments Now

Taxpayers who have scheduled quarterly payments for April 15 have until midnight eastern time on the 13th to reschedule their payment for July 15, 2020. Those who have scheduled electronic funds transfer (EFT) or debit, credit, or digital wallet payments can reschedule those payments, but those adjustments must be made right away. 

Reminder: Up-To-Date Coronavirus Tax Relief 

The IRS is aggregating all pertinent tax information regarding Coronavirus tax relief in one central site. Whether you are a taxpayer, employer, small business owner, health plan administrator, or just wanting to know the latest deadline updates, you can find it here.