IRS Waives Diesel Fuel Penalty Due to Hurricane Harvey IR-2017-139, Aug. 30, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in response to shortages of undyed diesel fuel caused by Hurricane Harvey, will not impose a penalty when dyed diesel fuel is sold for use or used on the highway. Retirement Plans Can Make Loans, Hardship Distributions to Victims of Hurricane Harvey IR-2017-138, Aug. 30, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 401(k)s and similar employer-sponsored retirement plans can make loans and hardship distributions to victims of Hurricane Harvey and members of their families. This is similar to relief provided last year to Louisiana flood victims and victims of Hurricane Matthew. Beware of Fake Charity Scams Relating to Hurricane Harvey IR-2017-137, August 29, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a warning about possible fake charity scams emerging due to Hurricane Harvey and encouraged taxpayers to seek out recognized charitable groups for their donations. IRS Issues Urgent Warning to Beware IRS FBI Themed Ransomware Scam IR-2017-134, Aug. 28, 2017 - The Internal Revenue Service today warned people to avoid a new phishing scheme that impersonates the IRS and the FBI as part of a ransomware scam to take computer data hostage. IRS Gives Tax Relief to Victims of Hurricane Harvey; Parts of Texas Now Eligible; Extension Filers Have Until Jan. 31 to File IR-2017-135, Aug. 28, 2017 –– Hurricane Harvey victims in parts of Texas have until Jan. 31, 2018, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. Don’t Take the Bait, Step 8: How to Start Protecting Clients, Businesses from Cybersecurity Threats IR-2017-136, Aug. 29, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today offered important tips for how tax professionals can get started protecting their clients and their business from cybersecurity threats. San Diego IRS Tax Forum Registration Deadline is Aug. 29; Final Tax Forum for 2017 IR-2017-133, August 24, 2017 — Tax professionals wishing to attend the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in San Diego can save $115 by registering soon, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Don’t Take the Bait, Step 7: Protect e-Services Accounts, EFINs IR-2017-132, Aug. 22, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today reminded tax professionals that they are responsible for protecting access to their IRS e-Services account and safeguarding their Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) from thieves. IRS Seeks Applications for Advisory Committee for the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division IR-2017-131, August 18, 2017. The Internal Revenue Service is seeking applications for vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT). Don't Take the Bait, Step 6: Watch Out for the W-2 Email Scam IR-2017-130, August 15, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today urged tax professionals and businesses to beware of a recent increase in email scams targeting employee Forms W-2. IRS Reminds Truckers: For Most, Highway Use Tax Return Is Due Aug. 31; E-file Is a Convenient Filing Option IR-2017-129, Aug. 10, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded truckers and other owners of heavy highway vehicles that, in most cases, their next federal highway use tax return is due Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017. IRS Begins Issuing Notices to Taxpayers whose ITINs Expire by End of 2017 IR-2017-128, Aug. 8, 2017 — The IRS began mailing letters this month to more than 1 million taxpayers with expiring ITINs and urges recipients to renew them as quickly as possible to avoid tax refund and processing delays. Don’t Take the Bait, Step 5: Prevent Remote Access Takeover Attacks IR-2017-127, Aug. 8, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today reminded tax professionals that their entire digital network could be at risk for remote takeover by cybercriminals. Security Summit Alert: Tax Pros Warned of New Scam to Steal Their Passwords IR-2017-126, August 4, 2017— The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned tax professionals to be alert to a new phishing email scam impersonating tax software providers and attempting to steal usernames and passwords. Don’t Take the Bait, Step 4: Defend against Ransomware IR-2017-125, Aug. 1, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned tax professionals that ransomware attacks are on the rise worldwide as bad actors here and abroad infiltrate computer systems and hold sensitive data hostage. News release and fact sheet archive Find previous year news releases and fact sheets from 1997 through last month.
