8.5 Million Who Filed for Extensions Approach Aug. 15 Tax Deadline IR-2003-96 — IRS reminds taxpayers who filed for extensions that their income tax returns are due on Aug. 15. Offshore Compliance Program Shows Strong Results IR-2003-95 — The Offshore Voluntary Compliance Initiative (OVCI) continues to provide results with more than $75 million in taxes collected so far. IRS Delays Key Technology Program Until 2004 Filing Season IR-2003-94 — The IRS will delay the first phase of the program to modernize its computer system taxpayer master files. Matthews Selected As New Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement IR-2003-93 — Former Criminal Investigation Chief returns to supervise the four major IRS business units and two other offices. New Issues Selected for the IRS Industry Issue Resolution Program IR-2003-92 — IRS will issue guidance on 5 items chosen from those identified by businesses as being frequently disputed or burdensome. Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Begin July 25, 2003 IR-2003-91 — Qualifying taxpayers just have to wait for their checks to arrive. EFTPS-OnLine Gets Major Upgrade IR-2003-90 — Greater convenience and expanded research capabilities are among the benefits of a half-dozen new features. Retirement Plans Need Not File Fringe Benefit Information IR-2003-89 — Employers and retirement plan professionals no longer have to file information about fringe benefit plans. The IRS suspended the requirement for an annual Form 5500 and Schedule F last year for pure fringe benefit plans. IRS Guidance on Fiber Optic Cable for Cable TV Distribution System IR-2003-88 — Technical tax guidance for the cable TV industry. Web Site for Political Organizations Improves Filing and Disclosure IR-2003-87 — Improvements give public easier access to files and better electronic filing for political organizations. National Taxpayer Advocate Issues Annual Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress IR-2003-86 — A review of accomplishments during the current fiscal year and a description of the focus and goals for the coming fiscal year. IRS Names Beverly Babers as New Chief Human Capital Officer IR-2003-85 — The IRS has chosen Beverly Babers to be the new Chief Human Capital Officer to direct human relations management and policy. IR-2003-84 Resolves issues relating to an examination of Ernst & Young’s compliance with the registration and list maintenance requirements regarding the firm’s marketing of tax shelters. The agreement requires Ernst & Young to make a non-deductible payment of $15 million. News Release and Fact Sheet Archive News releases and fact sheets from November 2002 forward and an archive of news releases and fact sheets in PDF format back to 1997.