Presented below is our summary of significant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and relevant tax matters for the week of May 11 – May 15, 2020. Additionally, for continuing updates on the tax impact of COVID-19, please visit our resource page here.

May 12, 2020: The IRS issued proposed regulations concerning the application of IRC § 162(f), as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The proposed regulations provide that taxpayers may not deduct amounts that, pursuant to court orders or settlement agreements, are paid to, or at the direction of, governments in relation to the violation of any law or the investigation or inquiry into the potential violation of any law.

May 13, 2020: The IRS and the Department of Treasury provided a notice of public hearing for the source of income from certain sales of property under IRC § 863 on June 3, 2020.

May 15, 2020: The IRS expanded partner for Economic Impact Payments to provide information in multiple languages to aid with outreach.

May 15, 2020: The IRS released its weekly list of written determinations (e.g., Private Letter Rulings, Technical Advice Memorandums and Chief Counsel Advice).

Special thanks to Emily Mussio in our Chicago office for this week’s roundup.