Tax Professionals Warned of e-Services Scam; Urged to be Wary of Schemes as Filing Season Deadline Approaches IR-2017-71, March 31, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned tax professionals to beware of phishing email scams claiming to be from IRS e-Services and of schemes in general as the April 18 deadline nears. For Small Business Startups, IRS Explains New Option for Claiming Research Credit; Option Still Available for Those That Already Filed IR-2017-70, March 30, 2017 – The IRS today issued interim guidance explaining how eligible small businesses can take advantage of a new option enabling them to apply part or all of their research credit against their payroll tax liability, instead of their income tax liability. IRS Releases FY 2016 Data Book Showing Range of Tax Data, Including Service and Enforcement Changes IR-2017-69, March 30, 2017 — The IRS today released the 2016 IRS Data Book, a snapshot of agency activities for the fiscal year. Free File Tops 50 Million Users Saves Taxpayers One and a Half Billion Since Inception IR-2017-68, March 28, 2017 — The IRS announced today that Free File recently surpassed 50 million users since the program started. IRS Reminds Seniors to Remain on Alert to Phone Scams during Tax Season IR-2017-67, March 23, 2017 — With the 2017 tax season underway, the IRS reminds seniors to remain alert to aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents. IRS Announces Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Members Selected for 2017; Recruits Members for 2018 IR-2017-66, March 22, 2017 — The IRS announced today the selection of 24 new members to serve on the nationwide Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. Tax Time Guide: Get an Automatic Six More Months to File; Free File Now Available for Extensions IR-2017-65, March 21, 2017 — The IRS reminded taxpayers today that if they are unable to file their tax returns by this year’s April 18 deadline there is an easy, online option to get more time to complete their return. IRS, States and Tax Industry Warn of Last-Minute Email Scams IR-2017-64, March 17, 2017 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned both tax professionals and taxpayers of last-minute phishing email scams, especially those requesting last-minute deposit changes for refunds or account updates. IRS Reminds Taxpayers of April 1 Deadline to Take Required Retirement Plan Distributions IR-2017-63, March 17, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers who turned age 70½ during 2016 that, in most cases, they must start receiving required minimum distributions (RMDs) from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and workplace retirement plans by Saturday, April 1, 2017. Tax Time Guide: ‘Where’s My Refund?’ Tool Best Way to Check Tax Refund Status IR-2017-62, March 16, 2017 — The IRS reminded taxpayers today that while more than 90 percent of federal tax refunds are issued in 21 days or less, some refunds may take longer. Winter Storm Extension: Many Businesses Have Extra Time to Request A Six-Month Extension IR-2017-61, March 15, 2017 — The IRS today granted many businesses affected by this week’s severe winter storm additional time to request a six-month extension to file their 2016 federal income tax returns. Tax Time Guide: Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2016 IR-2017-60, March 15, 2017 — The IRS today reminded taxpayers that they still have time to contribute to an IRA for 2016 and, in many cases, qualify for a deduction or even a tax credit. Tax Time Guide: Electronic Payment/Payment Agreement Options Available to Those Who Owe Taxes IR-2017-59, March 14, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that it’s easier than ever to pay taxes electronically. IRS Seeks Volunteers for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel through April 24 IR-2017-58, March 13, 2017 — The IRS is seeking civic-minded volunteers to serve on the TAP, a federal advisory committee that listens to taxpayers, identifies major taxpayer concerns and makes recommendations for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. IRS Seeks Applications for Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee IR-2017-57, March 10, 2017 — The Internal Revenue Service is seeking qualified applicants for nomination to the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). Program Report and 2017 Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List IR-2017-56, March 9, 2017 — The IRS's LITC Program Office has issued its annual program report, which details how LITCs have provided representation, education, and advocacy for taxpayers who are low income or speak English as a second language. Tax Time Guide: Protect Personal, Financial, Tax Information and Computers IR-2017-55, March 9, 2017— The IRS today reminded taxpayers to be cautious and protect personal, financial and tax information, particularly at tax time. Tax Time Guide: Save Time, Make an Appointment before Visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Do you need help with your taxes? Make an appointment at the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Interest Rates Remain the Same for the Second Quarter of 2017 IR-2017-53, March 7, 2017 ― The IRS today announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning April 1, 2017. Tax Time Guide: IRS Publication 17 Helps with 2016 Taxes IR-2017-52, March 2, 2017 — Taxpayers can get the most out of various tax benefits and get useful tips on preparing their 2016 federal income tax returns by consulting a free, comprehensive tax guide available on IRS.gov. Free Help Preparing Tax Returns Available Nationwide 2017 IR-2017-51, March 1, 2017 –– The IRS reminded taxpayers today that they may be eligible to receive free tax help at nearly 12,000 preparation sites nationwide IRS Has Refunds Totaling $1 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2013 Federal Income Tax Return IR-2017-50, March 1, 2017 — The IRS announced today that unclaimed federal income tax refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for an estimated 1 million taxpayers who did not file a 2013 federal income tax return. News release and fact sheet archive Find previous year news releases and fact sheets from 1997 through last month.
