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Weekly IRS Roundup April 8 – April 12, 2024

by , and | Apr 15, 2024 | , ,

Check out our summary of significant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and relevant tax matters for the week of April 8, 2024 – April 12, 2024.

April 8, 2024: The IRS released Internal Revenue Bulletin 2024-15, which includes the following:

  • Announcement 2024-15, which revokes the § 501(c)(3) determination for specified organizations and stipulates that contributions made to said organizations by individual donors are no longer deductible under § 170(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).
  • Notice 2024-31, which provides adjustments to the limitation on housing expenses for purposes of Code Section 911 for specific locations for 2024.
  • Revenue Procedure 2024-17, which provides a waiver under Code Section 911(d)(4) concerning time requirements for individuals who must leave a foreign country because of war, civil unrest or similar adverse conditions and are electing to exclude their foreign earned income. The revenue procedure also adds Ukraine, Belarus, Sudan, Haiti, Niger and Iraq to the list of waiver countries for tax year 2023 for which the minimum time requirements are waived.
  • Revenue Procedure 2024-18, which supplements Revenue Procedure 2023-32 by publishing amounts of unused housing credit carryovers allocated to qualified states under Code Section 42(h)(3)(D) for calendar year 2023 (in addition to those amounts published in Revenue Procedure 2023-32).
  • Final regulations, which describe rules for the elective payment of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 tax credit amounts in a taxable year, including definitions and special rules applicable to partnerships and S corporations and regarding repayment of excessive payments. The regulations also describe rules related to a required IRS pre-filing registration process.
  • Final regulations, which describe rules for the elective payment of the advanced manufacturing investment credit under the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act of 2022, including special rules applicable to partnerships and S corporations, repayment of excessive payments, and basis reduction and recapture. The regulations also describe rules related to a required IRS pre-filing registration process.

April 8, 2024: The IRS warned taxpayers about bad tax information on social media that can potentially lead to identity theft and tax problems.

April 9, 2024: The IRS warned tax professionals and businesses to remain vigilant and protect themselves against a continuing barrage of email spearfishing attempts, especially one particular type known as “new client” scams where identity thieves pose as potential clients using fake emails in hopes of stealing valuable information.

April 9, 2024: The IRS reminded taxpayers that its Direct File pilot is open to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states and allows the filing of 2023 federal tax returns online for free and directly with the IRS.

April 9, 2024: The IRS released proposed regulations that would implement the statutory netting rule, which reduces the aggregate fair market value of stock repurchased by a taxpayer during a certain taxable year. Additionally, [...]

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IRS Releases Memorandum on Deducting Cryptocurrency Donations

by , and | Jan 20, 2023 |

On January 13, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a memorandum (CCA 202302012) concluding that a qualified appraisal is required when a taxpayer claims a charitable contribution deduction exceeding $5,000 for donated cryptocurrency. Valuations reported by cryptocurrency exchanges do not qualify as “qualified appraisals.” The memorandum is relevant to any taxpayer who has donated (or plans to donate) cryptocurrency if they also intend to claim a charitable deduction.

SUBSTANTIATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION DEDUCTIONS

Internal Revenue Code Section 170 generally allows deductions for charitable contributions in the taxable year that the contributions are made. However, these deductions are allowed only if they are verified under US Department of the Treasury (Treasury) regulations. Deductions may be denied if the taxpayer does not meet certain substantiation requirements outlined in Section 170(f)(11).

The substantiation requirements for charitable contribution deductions generally require that, for contributions of property for which a deduction of more than $5,000 is claimed, the taxpayer must obtain a “qualified appraisal” of the property.

MEETING THE QUALIFIED APPRAISAL REQUIREMENT

An appraisal can only be qualified if it is conducted by a qualified appraiser in accordance with generally accepted appraisal standards. To be qualified, an appraiser must (1) be an individual, (2) have earned an appraisal designation from a recognized professional appraiser organization or meet minimum education and experience requirements set by the Treasury or the IRS, and (3) regularly perform appraisals for which he or she receives compensation.

Furthermore, the appraisal must not be made and signed by the appraiser sooner than 60 days before the donation or later than the due date (with extensions) of the tax return on which the deduction is claimed. The qualified appraiser must sign and date the appraisal report and include a declaration that such person (1) understands the appraisal will be used in connection with a return or claim for refund, (2) understands that such person may be subject to a penalty if the appraisal contains a substantial or gross valuation misstatement of the value of the property and the taxpayer claims a deduction based on the appraisal, and (3) has not, within the past three years, been barred from presenting evidence or testimony before the Treasury or the IRS. The appraiser may not receive a fee that is based to any extent on the appraised value of the property.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE QUALIFIED APPRAISAL REQUIREMENT

While the qualified appraisal requirement may seem to impose an onerous burden on taxpayers, given the philanthropic purpose of charitable donations, this is mitigated by rules excepting certain readily valued property from the qualified appraisal requirement. For example, a taxpayer is not required to obtain a qualified appraisal for cash donations, stock in trade, inventory, inventory property, publicly traded securities and certain vehicles.

Notably, “publicly traded securities” for this purpose is limited to mean corporate stock; a right to subscribe for or to receive a share of corporate stock; or a bond, debenture, note, certificate, or other evidence of indebtedness issued by a corporation, a government or [...]

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Weekly IRS Roundup November 28 – December 2, 2022

by | Dec 5, 2022 | , ,

Presented below is our summary of significant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and relevant tax matters for the week of November 28, 2022 – December 2, 2022.

November 28, 2022: The IRS released Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-48, which highlights the following:

  • Notice 2022-59: This notice provides the adjusted applicable dollar amount to be multiplied by the average number of covered lives for purposes of calculating the fee imposed by Sections 4375 and 4376 for policy years and plan years that end on or after October 1, 2022, and before October 1, 2023. The amount is $3.00, up from $2.79.
  • Announcement 2022-23: This announcement notifies taxpayers of new credit amounts for calendar year 2022 for the renewable electricity production credit under Section 45, in the case of any qualified facility placed in service after December 31, 2021.

November 28, 2022: The IRS and Security Summit partners announced the kick-off date for the 7th National Tax Security Awareness Week. The group also urged people to be aware of holiday scams and to protect their personal information.

November 28, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-181, reminding taxpayers to be aware of gift card scammers during the holidays. One of the common scams used this time of year is con artists asking taxpayers to pay fake tax bills with gift cards. Scammers also sometimes use a compromised email account to request gift card purchases for family and friends.

November 29, 2022: The IRS warned taxpayers to be on alert for scammers using fake charities as a way to make money during the holiday season. The message came on Giving Tuesday as part of Nationwide Tax Security Awareness Week. Tips for avoiding fake charity scams include not giving into pressure, being wary of how donations are requested and not giving more than is needed.

November 29, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-182, reminding people that they may be eligible for more than one filing status. The IRS suggests that taxpayers review their options and pick the one that makes the most sense for them.

November 29, 2022: The IRS announced that interest rates will increase for the first quarter of 2023. The new interest rates, published in Revenue Ruling 2022-23, begin January 1, 2023, and are as follows:

  • Overpayments: 7%
  • Overpayments for corporations: 6%
  • Corporate overpayments for portion exceeding $10,000: 4.5%
  • Underpayments: 7%
  • Large corporate underpayments: 9%

November 29, 2022: The IRS announced that the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, along with the American Bar Association, held its first centralized National Virtual Settlement Event in October. Over the course of four days, 44 cases were settled and at least 59 meetings took place with taxpayers, pro bono attorneys and representatives from the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.

November 29, 2022: The IRS
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Weekly IRS Roundup September 6 – September 9, 2022

by | Sep 12, 2022 | ,

Presented below is our summary of significant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and relevant tax matters for the week of September 6, 2022 – September 9, 2022.

September 6, 2022: The IRS released Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-36, which highlights the following:

  • Notice 2022-36: This guidance provides relief from certain failure to file penalties with respect to the 2019 and 2020 tax years. The IRS is refunding $1.2 billion in penalties for 1.6 million taxpayers, which will be waived, abated, refunded or credited. The relief is designed to help struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow the IRS to focus resources on processing backlogged tax returns and taxpayer correspondence.
  • Notice 2022-35: This notice provides updates on the corporate bond monthly yield curve, the corresponding segment rates, the 24-month average corporate bond segment rates, the 25-year average segment rates and the 30-year Treasury securities interest rates.
  • Revenue Ruling 2022-17: This ruling provides the federal rates, adjusted federal rates, adjusted federal long-term rate and the long-term tax-exempt rate for September 2022.

September 6, 2022: The IRS reminded taxpayers who pay estimated taxes that the deadline to submit their third quarter payments is September 15, 2022. Taxpayers not subject to withholding may need to make quarterly estimated payments, including those who are self-employed, investors, or retirees or those with other income not subject to withholding, such as interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony, cryptocurrency and rental income.

September 6, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-136, explaining common tricks and scams that lead to identity theft. The IRS also suggested a few steps to help protect data, which include:

  • Using multifactor authentication to protect client accounts
  • Allowing anti-virus software to update automatically
  • Using drive encryption and regularly backing up files to help stop theft and ransomware attacks.

September 7, 2022: The IRS is seeking comments on regulations that provide guidance on proving delivery for documents with a filing deadline, specifically in cases where there is no direct proof. The IRS is inviting comments on (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collected; (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents; and (5) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance and purchase of services to provide information. The comment window closes on November 7, 2022.

September 7, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-137, highlighting the work opportunity tax credit for businesses looking to hire help. The credit encourages employers to hire workers certified as members of any of the 10 groups identified as facing barriers [...]

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Weekly IRS Roundup August 29 – September 2, 2022

by | Sep 6, 2022 | , ,

Presented below is our summary of significant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and relevant tax matters for the week of August 29, 2022 – September 2, 2022.

August 29, 2022: The IRS released Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-35, which highlights the following:

  • Revenue Ruling 2022-15: This revenue ruling provides interest rates for tax overpayments and underpayments for the fourth quarter, starting October 1, 2022. The new rates are as follows:
    • Individuals: 6% per year, compounded daily, for both overpayments and underpayments
    • Corporations: 5% for overpayments; 6% for underpayments
    • Corporate overpayments for the portion exceeding $10,000:5%
    • Large corporate underpayments: 8%
  • Revenue Ruling 2022-16: This revenue ruling provides the average annual effective interest rates on new loans under the Farm Credit System and also contains a list of the states within each Farm Credit System Bank territory.
  • Treasury Decision 9964: The IRS released final regulations, providing guidance to states wanting to inspect certain return information for the purpose of administering state laws related to tax-exempt organizations. The final regulations reflect changes to the Internal Revenue Code made by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

August 29, 2022: The IRS announced that September is National Preparedness Month and urges everyone to develop or update their emergency plans, especially with hurricane season approaching and the ongoing threat of wildfires.

August 29, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-132, highlighting the Security Summit’s summer series, Protect Your Client; Protect Yourself. Professionals from the IRS, state tax agencies and others in the tax industry joined forces for a five-week series focused on the fundamentals of data and information security.

August 30, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-133, clarifying taxpayer obligations during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

August 31, 2022: The IRS announced that Edward Killen will become division commissioner of its Tax-Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE) division, effective September 30, 2022. The current TE/GE Commissioner, Sunita Lough, is retiring. Chief Privacy Officer Robert Choi will replace Killen as deputy commissioner of TE/GE.

August 31, 2022: The IRS released COVID Tax Tip-134, reminding parents of refunds and tax credits they may be missing if they do not normally file a tax return.

August 31, 2022: The IRS asked for comments on Form 7205, which is used to claim deductions for energy-efficient commercial buildings. The IRS wants to standardize the procedures for claiming the deduction and invites comments by October 31, 2022.

September 1, 2022: The IRS released Tax Tip 2022-135, providing suggestions to tax professionals on ways to protect clients from identity theft.

September 2, 2022: The IRS issued a statement acknowledging that it released confidential information from Form 990-Ts, which should not have been made public. Form 990-T is a business tax return used by tax-exempt entities to report and pay income [...]

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Weekly IRS Roundup May 1 – May 7, 2022

by | May 9, 2022 | ,

Presented below is our summary of significant Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and relevant tax matters for the week of May 1, 2022 – May 7, 2022. Additionally, for continuing updates on the tax impact of COVID-19, please visit our resource page here.

May 2, 2022: The IRS issued a news release as part of National Small Business Week, setting forth various resources to assist entrepreneurs with the tax aspects of starting and running a small business.

May 2, 2022: The IRS issued a news release, announcing the opening of the application period for 2023 grants under the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program, an IRS program created to assist organizations in providing pro bono representation to low-income and English as a second language (ESL) taxpayers in federal tax disputes.

May 3, 2022: The IRS issued Notice 2022-23, setting forth proposed changes to the procedures regarding qualified intermediary withholding agreements under Treas. Reg. §§ 1.1441-1(e)(5) and (e)(6). The Notice states that the proposed changes, subject to modifications based on comments received, will be finalized in a forthcoming Revenue Procedure and apply to qualified intermediary withholding agreements in effect on or after January 1, 2023.

May 3, 2022: The IRS issued a news release as part of National Small Business Week, urging small business owners to take advantage of the deductions for business-related food and beverage expenses (as expanded for 2022 pursuant to Section 274(n)(2)(D) of the Code), home office expenses and certain other deductions and benefits applicable to small businesses.

May 4, 2022: The IRS issued proposed regulations, providing updates to the rules regarding the use of actuarial tables in valuing annuities, interests for life or a term of years and remainder or reversionary interests under Section 7520 of the Code.

May 4, 2022: The IRS issued a news release as part of National Small Business Week, providing certain resources regarding estimated tax payments and encouraging taxpayers to make estimated tax payments electronically.

May 5, 2022: The IRS issued a news release as part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week and National Wildfire Awareness Month, reminding taxpayers of certain best practices to minimize the effect of natural disasters on tax compliance.

May 5, 2022: The IRS issued a news release as part of National Small Business Week, urging small businesses to take advantage of electronic options to file payroll tax returns and to pay and make deposits of payroll taxes.

May 6, 2022: The IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2022-22 and an accompanying news release, providing simplified procedures for certain residents of Puerto Rico to claim the Child Tax Credit under Section 24 of the Code, as expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

May 6, 2022: The IRS issued a news release as part of National Small Business Week, providing information to [...]

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