Here you'll find items of current interest — new programs, recent guidance or timely reminders. Tax updates and news from the IRS The Tax updates and news from the IRS page is designed to help anyone whether they are now preparing their tax return or are awaiting processing of a return or refund and the latest updates on IRS letters, or notices. Newer updates will be placed at the top of that page; the IRS will also provide critical updates through social media. Scams and inaccurate social media advice: Frequently asked questions The IRS issued frequently asked questions involving a series of scams and inaccurate social media advice. Social media schemes led to thousands of inflated refund claims during the past tax season. Taxpayers are warned to not fall for these scams centered around the Fuel Tax Credit, the Sick and Family Leave Credit, and household employment taxes. Clean energy tax credit scams The IRS warns taxpayers not to fall victim to a new emerging scam involving buying clean energy tax credits. The IRS is seeing instances where unscrupulous tax return preparers are misrepresenting the rules for claiming clean energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Individual taxpayers considering purchasing clean energy credits under the IRA should consult a trusted tax professional for advice on whether they are eligible to purchase credits and claim the tax benefits. Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself summer series With new and evolving scams emerging, the IRS and the Security Summit partners announced the start of the special summer Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself campaign to help tax professionals protect themselves against new and ongoing threats involving tax-related identity theft. Tax relief for Mississippi taxpayers Individuals and businesses in Mississippi that were affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began on April 8, 2024, now have until Nov. 1, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). National Taxpayer Advocate issues mid-year report to Congress National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins released her mid-year report to Congress. The report says the tax-return filing season generally ran smoothly this year, but it identifies delays in issuing refunds to identity theft victims, misleading telephone measures that lead to poor resource allocation decisions, and delays in processing ERC claims as key taxpayer challenges. The report also emphasizes the importance of technology upgrades as the IRS seeks to modernize its operations in the coming years. IRS denies improper high-risk Employee Retention Credit claims Following a detailed review to protect taxpayers and small businesses, the IRS announced plans to deny tens of thousands of improper high-risk Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims while starting a new round of processing lower-risk claims to help eligible taxpayers. The claims followed a flurry of aggressive marketing and promotions last year that led to people being misled into filing for the ERC. IRS issues frequently asked questions regarding educational assistance programs Taxpayers may exclude certain educational assistance benefits from their gross income if they are provided under an educational assistance program. Educational assistance benefits include payments for tuition, fees and similar expenses, books, supplies and equipment. They also include principal or interest payments on qualified education loans made by the employer after March 27, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2026 (unless extended by future legislation). Check the status of your refund Taxpayers can track their refund easily and conveniently with the IRS Where's my refund? tool at IRS.gov/refunds and with the IRS2Go app. Refund status is available within 24 hours of the IRS letting the taxpayer know that they got the e-filed return. The tool also gives the taxpayer a personalized refund date after the IRS processes the return and approves the refund.
