Tax Preparedness Series: IRS Offers Free Tax Help IR-2016-175, December 29, 2016 — As tax filing season approaches, the IRS reminds taxpayers that free tax help is available online, by phone and in-person. Tax Professionals Provide Insights on IRS Future State; Feedback Efforts Continue in 2017 as Online Account Shows Strong Early Use IR-2016-174, December 21, 2016 — As part of ongoing efforts to receive feedback from the tax community and partner groups, the IRS today said tax professionals attending the Nationwide Tax Forums this year highlighted a number of areas to help the agency shape Future State efforts to improve taxpayer service. Many ITINs Expire Jan. 1; Renew Now to Avoid Refund Delays IR-2016-173, December 21, 2016 — Time is running out for many ITIN holders who need to file a federal income tax return in 2017 and want to avoid a long wait for a refund, according to the IRS. Tax Preparedness Series: IRS Face-To-Face Help Now By Appointment IR-2016-172, Dec. 20, 2016 — As the tax filing season approaches, the IRS reminds taxpayers that an appointment is required for in-person tax help at all IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Tax Preparedness Series: Plan Now to Get Full Benefit of Saver’s Credit; Tax Credit Helps Low- and Moderate-Income Workers Save for Retirement IR-2016-171, Dec. 15, 2016 — As the tax filing season approaches, the IRS reminds low- and moderate-income workers that they can take steps now to save for retirement and earn a special tax credit in 2016 and years ahead. Tax Preparedness Series: What to Do Before The Tax Year Ends Dec. 31 IR-2016-170, December 14, 2016 — As tax filing season approaches, the IRS is reminding taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for filing season. 2017 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving Announced IR-2016-169, December 13, 2016 — The IRS today issued the 2017 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Plan Now to Use Health Flexible Spending Arrangements in 2017 IR-2016-168, December 9, 2016 ― The IRS today reminded eligible employees that now is the time to begin planning to take full advantage of their employer’s health flexible spending arrangement during 2017. 2017 Tax Filing Season Begins Jan. 23 for Nation’s Taxpayers, Tax Returns Due April 18 IR-2016-167, December 9, 2016 ― The IRS announced today that the nation’s tax season will begin Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, and reminded taxpayers claiming certain tax credits to expect a longer wait for refunds. National Tax Security Week Concludes; IRS, Security Summit Partners Continues Work to Protect Taxpayers in 2017 IR-2016-166, December 9, 2016 — The IRS and Security Summit partners urged taxpayers to take immediate steps to protect their personal data to strengthen expanded efforts being taken this upcoming tax season by federal, state and tax industry leaders against identity theft and refund fraud. IRS Advice to Those with Expiring ITINs: Apply Now to Avoid Refund Delays; Agency Offers Tips on Avoiding Common Errors IR-2016-165, December 8, 2016 — The IRS today urged any taxpayer with an expiring Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and a need to file a return in the upcoming filing season to file a renewal application in the next few weeks to avoid refund and processing delays. IRS Warns Taxpayers of Numerous Tax Scams Nationwide; Provides Summary of Most Recent Schemes IR-2016-164, December 8, 2016 — As tax season approaches, the IRS, states and the tax industry reminded taxpayers to be on the lookout for an array of evolving tax scams related to identity theft and refund fraud. Protect Your Clients: Security Summit Partners Warn Tax Pros of Cybercriminals, Launch New Awareness Tips IR-2016-163, Dec. 7, 2016 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned tax professionals of the continuing threat from cybercriminals and launched a series of security tips to encouraging stronger measures to protect taxpayer data. Tax Preparedness Series: Tax Records — What to Keep IR-2016-162, December 6, 2016 — As tax filing season approaches, the IRS has information for taxpayers who wonder how long to keep tax returns and other documents. Wrongful-Incarceration Exclusion Reminder: Dec. 19 is Deadline for Many Older Refund Claims; Use Special Address for All Back-Year Claims IR-2016-161, December 6, 2016 — The IRS today reminded wrongfully-incarcerated taxpayers, wishing to take advantage of the special retroactive tax exclusion now available to them, that in many cases, they must file their refund claims by Dec. 19. IRS, Security Summit Partners Remind Taxpayers to Recognize Phishing Scams IR-2016-160, December 6, 2016 — The IRS and its Security Summit partners cautioned taxpayers today to avoid identity theft by watching for phishing scams that can increase around the tax season. Interest Rates Remain the Same for the First Quarter of 2017 IR-2016-159, Dec. 5, 2016 — The IRS today announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning Jan. 1, 2017. IRS, Security Summit Partners, Remind Taxpayers to Protect Themselves Online IR-2016-158, Dec. 5, 2016 — The IRS, the states and the tax industry today urged taxpayers to take steps to protect themselves online to help in the fight against identity theft. Fall 2016 Statistics of Income Bulletin Now Available IR-2016-157, December 2, 2016 — The IRS today reminded researchers that the fall 2016 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin is available on IRS.gov. IRS, Security Summit Partners Announce “National Tax Security Awareness Week” beginning Dec. 5 IR-2016-156, December 1, 2016 — The IRS and its Security Summit partners today announced the start of “National Tax Security Awareness Week.” IRS Launches New Online Tool to Assist Taxpayers with Basic Account Information IR-2016-155, December 1, 2016 — The IRS announced today the launch of an online application that will assist taxpayers with straightforward balance inquiries in a safe, easy and convenient way. News release and fact sheet archive Find previous year news releases and fact sheets from 1997 through last month.