With new SALT limit, IRS explains tax treatment of state and local tax refunds IR-2019-59, March 29, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service today clarified the tax treatment of state and local tax refunds arising from any year in which the new limit on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction is in effect. IRS revises EIN application process; seeks to enhance security IR-2019-58, March 27, 2019 — As part of its ongoing security review, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that starting May 13 only individuals with tax identification numbers may request an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as the “responsible party” on the application. Plug-in electric vehicle manufacturer crosses 200,000 sold threshold; tax credit for eligible consumers begins phase down on April 1 IR-2019-57, March 26, 2019 — The IRS announced today that General Motors, LLC has sold more than 200,000 vehicles eligible for the plug-in electric drive motor vehicle credit during the fourth quarter of 2018. Tax Time Guide: Tax help is just a click away on IRS.gov IR-2019-56, March 26, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service reported that there were more than 585 million visits to IRS.gov by taxpayers finding answers to tax questions, e-filing tax returns and checking on their tax refunds in 2018. IRS expands penalty waiver for those whose tax withholding and estimated tax payments fell short in 2018; key threshold lowered to 80 percent IR-2019-55, March 22, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service today provided additional expanded penalty relief to taxpayers whose 2018 federal income tax withholding and estimated tax payments fell short of their total tax liability for the year. IRS issues proposed regulations on new tax reform reporting requirements for life insurance contract transactions; New reporting forms available IR-2019-54, March 22, 2019 –The Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations on the new information reporting requirements for certain life insurance contracts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Tax Time Guide: Free tax return help available in-person and online IR-2019-53, IR-2019-53, March 21, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that free tax help is available at over 11,000 volunteer sites nationwide and online through IRS Free File. IRS offers free March 28 webinar: Understanding how to do a ‘Paycheck Checkup’ IR-2019-52, March 21, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service will provide a free online, web-based information session in two languages on Thursday, March 28, 2019, to help people understand how to do a ‘Paycheck Checkup.’ As the April tax deadline approaches, the IRS reminds members of the U. S. Armed Forces of special tax breaks, helpful resources IR-2019-51, March 20, 2019 – The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged members of the military and their families to learn more about the special tax benefits available to them as the April 15 tax filing season deadline approaches. IRS announces arrests and indictments after two-week campaign to fight refund fraud and identity theft IR-2019-50, March 20, 2019 — The IRS today announced the results of a national two-week enforcement and education campaign to combat refund crimes and identity theft that resulted in numerous legal actions against suspected criminals and businesses committing these crimes. IRS concludes "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams for 2019: Agency encourages taxpayers to remain vigilant year-round IR-2019-49, March 20, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service today wrapped up issuing its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams. Supplemental application period now open for LITC grants IR-2019-48, March 19, 2019 — The IRS today announced it will accept applications for a partial-year LITC matching grant from qualified organizations. Abusive tax shelters, trusts, conservation easements make IRS’ 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams to avoid IR-2019-47, March 19, 2019 — The IRS today warned taxpayers to steer clear of abusive tax avoidance schemes and the unscrupulous individuals who promote them. Tax Time Guide: Contribute to an IRA by April 15 to claim it on 2018 tax returns IR-2019-46, March 19, 2019 — The IRS reminded taxpayers today that it’s not too late to contribute to an IRA and still claim it on a 2018 tax return. Frivolous tax arguments remain on IRS’ ‘Dirty Dozen’ scams list for 2019 IR-2019-45, March 18, 2019 — The IRS today issued a warning to taxpayers against using frivolous tax arguments to avoid paying taxes. IRS warns of new phone scam using Taxpayer Advocate Service numbers IR-2019-44, March 15, 2019 — The IRS today warned the public about a new twist on the IRS impersonation phone scam whereby criminals fake calls from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an independent organization within the IRS. Failure to report offshore funds remains a crime; IRS includes topic on its 2019 "Dirty Dozen" scams list IR-2019-43, March 15, 2019 — Hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains on the IRS's “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2019, the agency said today. Avoid improper claims for business credits; topic makes this year’s IRS “Dirty Dozen” list IR-2019-42, March 14, 2019 — The IRS today warned taxpayers to avoid improperly claiming various business tax credits, a common scam used by unscrupulous tax preparers. Tax Time Guide: Protect personal, financial and tax information IR-2019 -41, March 14, 2019 — The IRS today urged taxpayers to protect the security of their personal, financial and tax information. Free File is growing: More people are filing their return for free IR-2019-40, March 13, 2019 — More people are using the improved IRS Free File option to prepare and electronically file their returns for free, according to the Internal Revenue Service. IRS cautions taxpayers on scams involving disasters, charitable causes — 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list continues IR-2019-39, March 13, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to be alert to scam groups masquerading as charitable organizations. IRS: Refunds of $1.4 billion waiting to be claimed by individuals who have not filed federal income tax returns for 2015 IR-2019-38, March 13, 2019 ― Unclaimed income tax refunds totaling almost $1.4 billion may be waiting for an estimated 1.2 million taxpayers who did not file a 2015 Form 1040 federal income tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Tax Time Guide: IRS urges taxpayers to check their tax withholding early in 2019; Paycheck Checkup can avoid problems next year IR-2019-37, March 12, 2019 – The Internal Revenue Service today renewed its effort to encourage taxpayers to review their tax withholding using the IRS Withholding Calculator and make any needed adjustments early in 2019. IRS’ 2019 "Dirty Dozen" tax scams list highlights inflating deductions, credits IR-2019-36, March 12, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to avoid falsely inflating deductions or credits on tax returns as part of its 2019 list of the “Dirty Dozen” tax scams. Schemes involving falsifying income, creating bogus documents make IRS’ "Dirty Dozen" list for 2019 IR-2019-35, March 11, 2019 — The IRS today warned taxpayers to avoid schemes involving falsifying income, including the creation of bogus Forms 1099. Tax Time Guide: IRS publication helps small businesses, self-employed understand what’s new for taxes IR-2019-34, March 8, 2019 — The IRS wants business owners and the self-employed to know that a publication on IRS.gov has information they can use to learn which recent tax-law changes impact their bottom line. IRS: Be on the lookout for promises of inflated tax refunds — 2019 IRS "Dirty Dozen" list continues IR-2019-33, March 8, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers today to be alert to unscrupulous tax return preparers boasting of inflated tax refunds, a common scam tactic during filing season. IRS: Choose tax preparers carefully; Tax return preparer fraud makes IRS’ 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams IR-2019-32, March 7, 2019 — The IRS today included tax return preparer fraud on its "Dirty Dozen" list of common tax scams for 2019 and offered tips to help taxpayers avoid unscrupulous tax preparers. IRS extends April 15, other upcoming deadlines for Alabama storm victims, provides other tax relief IR-2019-31, March 7, 2019 — Victims of Sunday’s tornadoes and severe storms in Alabama have until July 31, 2019, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, the IRS announced today. Identity theft remains on IRS’ "Dirty Dozen" list despite progress IR-2019-30, March 6, 2019 — Despite a steep drop in tax-related identity theft in recent years, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers that the scam remains serious enough to earn a spot on the agency’s 2019 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams. Tax Time Guide: Seniors who turned 70 and a half last year must start receiving retirement plan payments by April 1 IR-2019-29, March 5, 2019 — The IRS today reminded taxpayers that, in most cases, Monday, April 1, 2019, is the date by which persons who turned age 70½ during 2018 must begin receiving payments from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and workplace retirement plans. IRS: Be vigilant against phone scams; Annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ list continues IR-2019-28, March 5, 2019 — As the April filing deadline approaches, the IRS today warned taxpayers to be alert to tax time phone scams where aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in hopes of stealing money or personal information. IRS issues proposed regulations on deduction for foreign-derived intangible income and global intangible low-taxed income IR-2019-27, March 5, 2019 — The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations under section 250 of the Internal Revenue Code, which offers domestic corporations deductions for foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) and global intangible low-taxed income. IRS kicks off annual list of most prevalent tax scams: Agency warns taxpayers of pervasive phishing schemes in its ‘Dirty Dozen’ campaign IR-2019-26, March 4, 2019 — Kicking off the annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers of the ongoing threat of internet phishing scams that lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft. News release and fact sheet archive Find previous year news releases and fact sheets from 1997 through last month.