IRS Seeks Applications for Advisory Committee for the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division Oct. 2011 IR-2011-107, Oct. 27, 2011 — Applications are being sought by the IRS for vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT). IRPAC Issues Annual Report for 2011 IR-2011-106, Oct. 26, 2011 — The Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC) released its 2011 Report. IRS Begins PTIN Renewals for 2012 Filing Season IR-2011-105, Oct. 20, 2011 —The IRS announced that the nation’s 738,000 tax return preparers who have Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) can now renew their PTINs for the 2012 filing season. Preparers are required to renew their PTINs on an annual basis and need to do so before the next year begins. For example, a preparer’s PTIN for 2012 must be renewed by Dec. 31, 2011. In 2012, Many Tax Benefits Increase Due to Inflation Adjustments IR-2011-104, Oct. 20, 2011— Personal exemptions, standard deductions and other tax items go up in 2012 for tax returns people will file in 2013. IRS Announces Pension Plan Limitations for 2012 IR-2011-103, Oct. 20, 2011 — The contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plans rises to $17,000 for tax year 2012. New Seminars from the 2011 Forums Available at IRS Nationwide Tax Forums Online IR-2011-102, Oct. 14, 2011— Get Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits through the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums Online. Tax Extension Reminder: Don't Overlook Special Individual and Small Business Tax Benefits; Choose e-file, e-pay IR-2011-101, Oct. 12, 2011 — Taxpayers whose tax-filing extensions run out soon are urged to double check their returns for expanded individual and business tax benefits, and then file their returns electronically using IRS e-file or Free File. IRS Urges Tax Professionals to Prepare Now for New e-file Rules IR-2011-100, Oct. 12, 2011 — Starting in 2012, paid preparers who prepare more than 10 returns must use IRS e-File. IRS Announces New Members for ETAAC IR-2011-99, Oct. 11, 2011 — The IRS announced the selection of four new members and a chairman for the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). IRS Issues Proposed Regulations That Would Require Tax Preparers to File Due Diligence Checklist with All EITC Claims Submitted in 2012 IR-2011-98, Oct. 6, 2011 — Comments on the proposed regulations are due Nov. 10 and a public hearing is set for Nov. 7. News release and fact sheet archive Find previous year news releases and fact sheets from 1997 through last month.