The IRS released the optional standard mileage rates for 2022. Most taxpayers may use these rates to compute deductible costs of operating vehicles for:

• business,

• medical, and

• charitable purposes

Some members of the military may also use these rates to compute their moving expense deductions.

The IRS released the optional standard mileage rates for 2022. Most taxpayers may use these rates to compute deductible costs of operating vehicles for:

• business,

• medical, and

• charitable purposes

Some members of the military may also use these rates to compute their moving expense deductions.

2022 Standard Mileage Rates

The standard mileage rates for 2022 are:

• 58.5 cents per mile for business uses;

• 18 cents per mile for medical uses; and

• 14 cents per mile for charitable uses.

Taxpayers may use these rates, instead of their actual expenses, to calculate their deductions for business, medical or charitable use of their own vehicles.

FAVR Allowance for 2022

For purposes of the fixed and variable rate (FAVR) allowance, the maximum standard automobile cost for vehicles places in service after 2021 is:

• $56,100 for passenger automobiles, and

• $56,100 for trucks and vans.

Employers can use a FAVR allowance to reimburse employees who use their own vehicles for the employer’s business.

2022 Mileage Rate for Moving Expenses

The standard mileage rate for the moving expense deduction is 18 cents per mile. To claim this deduction, the taxpayer must be:

• a member of the Armed Forces of the United States,

• on active military duty, and

• moving under a military order and incident to a permanent change of station

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the moving expense deduction for all other taxpayers until 2026.

Unreimbursed Employee Travel Expenses

For most taxpayers, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended the miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. However, certain taxpayers may still claim an above-the-line deduction for these expenses. These taxpayers include:

• members of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces,

• state or local government officials paid on a fee basis, and

• performing artists with relatively low incomes.

Notice 2021-2, I.R.B. 2021-2, 478, is superseded.

The IRS has encouraged taxpayers to take important actions this month to help them file their tax returns in 2022, including special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance Child Tax Credit payments. As a part of a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season, the IRS highlighted a special page the outlines the steps taxpayers can take to make the tax filing season easier.

The IRS has encouraged taxpayers to take important actions this month to help them file their tax returns in 2022, including special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance Child Tax Credit payments. As a part of a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season, the IRS highlighted a special page the outlines the steps taxpayers can take to make the tax filing season easier.

Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

The IRS advised families who received advance payments to compare the advance Child Tax Credit payments that they received in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit that they can properly claim on their 2021 tax return. Taxpayers who received less than the amount for which they're eligible can claim a credit for the remaining amount of Child Tax Credit on their 2021 tax return. Similarly, taxpayers who received more than the amount for which they're eligible may need to repay some or all of the excess payment when they file. Additionally, eligible families who did not get monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when they file a 2021 federal income tax return next year. This includes families who don’t normally need to file a return.

The IRS announced that it would send Letter 6419 in January 2022 with the total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments taxpayers received in 2021. Taxpayers should keep this and any other IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments with their tax records.

Economic Impact Payments and Recovery Rebate Credit

Individuals who failed to qualify for the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) or did not receive the full amount may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax information. Accordingly, these individuals will need to file a 2021 tax return, even if they do not usually file, to claim the credit. Further, individuals will also need the amount of their third EIP and any Plus-Up Payments received to calculate their correct 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit amount when they file their tax return.

Charitable Deduction Changes

Finally, taxpayers who do not itemize deductions may qualify to take a charitable deduction of up to $600 for married taxpayers filing joint returns and up to $300 for all other filers for cash contributions made in 2021 to qualifying organizations.

The IRS has extended the availability of electronic signatures on certain audit and non-audit forms. Through October 31, 2023, taxpayers and their authorized representatives may electronically sign documents and email documents to the IRS. This is an exception to normal policy. Previously, the IRS had allowed e-signatures through the end of 2021.

The IRS has extended the availability of electronic signatures on certain audit and non-audit forms. Through October 31, 2023, taxpayers and their authorized representatives may electronically sign documents and email documents to the IRS. This is an exception to normal policy. Previously, the IRS had allowed e-signatures through the end of 2021.

Audit or Collection

The Service will accept e-signatures during audit or collection for:

• extensions of statute of limitations on an assessment or collection;

• waivers of statutory notice of deficiency and consents to an assessment;

• closing agreements; and

• other statements or forms collected outside standard filing procedures.

The IRS accepts two types of electronic signatures during an audit or collection interaction (1) digital signatures, and (2) imaged signatures. Regarding imaging signatures, taxpayers that do not have a digital certificate may hand sign a document, and then scan or photograph the document and save it in a standard picture format such as JPEG, TIFF or PDF.

Other Forms That Can Be Electronically Signed

Electronic signatures are also allowed through October 31, 2023 for the following forms and purposes:

• Form 11-C, Occupational Tax and Registration Return for Wagering;

• Form 637, Application for Registration (For Certain Excise Tax Activities);

• Form 706, U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return;

• Form 706-A, U.S. Additional Estate Tax Return;

• Form 706-GS(D), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Distributions;

• Form 706-GS(D-1), Notification of Distribution from a Generation-Skipping Trust;

• Form 706-GS(T), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Terminations;

• Form 706-QDT, U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic Trusts;

• Form 706 Schedule R-1, Generation Skipping Transfer Tax;

• Form 706-NA, U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return;

• Form 709, U.S. Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return;

• Form 730, Monthly Tax Return for Wagers;

• Form 1042, Annual Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of Foreign Persons;

• Form 1066, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit;

• Form 1120-C, U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations;

• Form 1120-FSC, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Sales Corporation;

• Form 1120-H, U.S. Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations;

• Form 1120-IC DISC, Interest Charge Domestic International Sales – Corporation Return;

• Form 1120-L, U.S. Life Insurance Company Income Tax Return;

• Form 1120-ND, Return for Nuclear Decommissioning Funds and Certain Related Persons;

• Form 1120-PC, U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax Return;

• Form 1120-REIT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Investment Trusts;

• Form 1120-RIC, U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies;

• Form 1120-SF, U.S. Income Tax Return for Settlement Funds (Under Section 468B);

• Form 1127, Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship;

• Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change or Retain a Tax Year;

• Form 2678, Employer/Payer Appointment of Agent;

• Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method;

• Form 3520, Annual Return to Report Transactions with Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts;

• Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner;

• Form 4421, Declaration – Executor’s Commissions and Attorney’s Fees;

• Form 4768, Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes;

• Form 8038, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues;

• Form 8038-G, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Governmental Bonds;

• Form 8038-GC; Information Return for Small Tax-Exempt Governmental Bond Issues, Leases, and Installment Sales;

• Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions;

• Form 8453 series, Form 8878 series, and Form 8879 series regarding IRS e-file Signature Authorization Forms;

• Form 8802, Application for U.S. Residency Certification;

• Form 8832, Entity Classification Election;

• Form 8971, Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property from a Decedent;

• Form 8973, Certified Professional Employer Organization/Customer Reporting Agreement; and

• Elections made pursuant to Code Sec. 83(b).

The IRS has issued guidance for employers on the retroactive termination of the COVID-19 employee retention credit against the employer's share of Medicare tax. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) amended Code Sec. 3134 so that for most employers the credit applies only to wages paid before October 1, 2021. If the employer is a recovery startup business, the credit continues to apply to wages paid before January 1, 2022.

The IRS has issued guidance for employers on the retroactive termination of the COVID-19 employee retention credit against the employer's share of Medicare tax. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) amended Code Sec. 3134 so that for most employers the credit applies only to wages paid before October 1, 2021. If the employer is a recovery startup business, the credit continues to apply to wages paid before January 1, 2022.

The guidance applies to employers that:

• paid wages after September 30, 2021,

• either received an advance payment of the credit for those wages, or reduced employment tax deposits in anticipation of the credit for the fourth quarter of 2021, but

• are ineligible for the credit due to the change in the law.

Advance Payments

Employers that are not recovery startup businesses but received advance payments of the employee retention credit for fourth quarter wages of 2021 can avoid failure to pay penalties if they repay those amounts by the due date of their applicable employment tax returns. Failure to repay the advance payment by the due date may result in the IRS imposing failure to pay penalties.

Reduced Employment Tax Deposits

Employers that reduced deposits on or before December 20, 2021, for wages paid during the fourth calendar quarter of 2021 in anticipation of the employee retention credit but are not recovery startup businesses will not be subject to a failure to deposit penalty for the retained deposits if they:

• reduced deposits in anticipation of the credit, consistent with the rules in Notice 2021-24;

• deposit the amounts initially retained in anticipation of the credit on or before the relevant due date for wages paid on December 31, 2021, regardless of whether the employer actually pays wages on that date; and

• report the tax liability resulting from the termination of the credit on the applicable employment tax return or schedule that includes the period from October 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.

Failure to Deposit Penalty Waiver

Due to the termination of the employee retention credit for wages paid in the fourth quarter of 2021 for employers that are not recovery startup businesses, the IRS will not waive failure to deposit penalties for employers that reduce deposits in anticipation of the employee retention credit after December 20, 2021.

Reasonable Cause Relief

Employers that do not qualify for relief under this guidance can reply to an IRS penalty notice with an explanation. The IRS will consider reasonable cause relief.

Effect on Other Documents

This guidance modifies Notice 2021-49, IRB 2021-34, 316, and Notice 2021-24, IRB 2021-18, 1122.

The IRS has reminded tax professionals and taxpayers that they can use digital signatures on a variety of common IRS forms and access a secure online platform to view and make changes to their account. The IRS has balanced the e-signature option with critical security and protection needed against identity theft and fraud.

The IRS has reminded tax professionals and taxpayers that they can use digital signatures on a variety of common IRS forms and access a secure online platform to view and make changes to their account. The IRS has balanced the e-signature option with critical security and protection needed against identity theft and fraud. The Service has informed taxpayers that acceptable electronic signature methods include:

• a typed name on a signature block;

• a scanned or digitized image of a handwritten signature that's attached to an electronic record;

• a handwritten signature input onto an electronic signature pad;

• a handwritten signature, mark or command input on a display screen with a stylus device; or

• a signature created by a third-party software.

The IRS will accept images of signatures (scanned or photographed) including common file types supported by Microsoft 365 such as .tiff, .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, Microsoft Office suite, or Zip. Further, the IRS allows taxpayers and representatives to use electronic or digital signatures on certain paper forms which they cannot file using IRS e-file. The forms are available on the IRS website and through tax professional's software products.

The IRS has also added a new feature this year, which gives taxpayers digital control over who can represent them or view their tax records. The new feature, one of many recent enhancements to the Online Account for individuals, will allow individual taxpayers to authorize their tax practitioner to represent them before the IRS with a Power of Attorney (POA) and to view their tax accounts with a Tax Information Authorization (TIA). Tax professionals may go to the new Tax Pro Account on IRS.gov to digitally initiate POAs and TIAs. These digital authorization requests are simpler versions of Forms 2848 and 8821.

This new digital authorization option will allow the IRS to reduce its current CAF inventory and to focus on authorization requests received through fax, mail or the Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online – all of which require IRS personnel to handle. The Security Summit partners remind all tax professionals to review their security measures. IRS Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data (.pdf), provides tax pros with a starting point for basic steps to protect clients. IRS Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals (.pdf), provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov, including the reporting processes.

The IRS has reminded taxpayers that they can get extra protection starting in January by joining the Service's Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program. The IRS has made recent changes to the program to make it easier for more taxpayers to join. The fastest and easiest way to receive an IP Pin is by using the Get an IP PIN tool.

The IRS has reminded taxpayers that they can get extra protection starting in January by joining the Service's Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program. The IRS has made recent changes to the program to make it easier for more taxpayers to join. The fastest and easiest way to receive an IP Pin is by using the Get an IP PIN tool.

The IRS has urged any IP PIN applicant previously rejected during the identity authentication process to try applying again in 2022. The authentication process has been refined and improved, now enabling many taxpayers screened out in the past to have a better chance of passing the authentication process. Taxpayers are requested to keep in mind these key points about the IP PIN program:

• For 2022, the Get an IP PIN tool is scheduled to launch on January 10. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get an IP PIN. It is also the only option that immediately reveals the IP PIN to the taxpayer. For that reason, the IRS urges everyone to try the Get an IP PIN tool first, before pursuing other options.

• No identity theft affidavit is required for taxpayers opting in.

• The IP PIN is valid for one year.

• Taxpayers should enter the IP PIN on any return, whether it is filed electronically or on paper.

• Anyone with either a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who can verify their identity is eligible for the IP PIN opt-in program.

• Any eligible family member can get an IP PIN.

• Taxpayers should never reveal an IP PIN to anyone. The only exception is a taxpayer who uses a trusted tax professional to file their return.

There are two options have been made available for people who cannot pass the IRS online identity authentication process. One involves filing Form 15227 and the other requires a visit to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Further, for processing year 2022, individuals with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less and those married filing jointly with an AGI of $146,000 or less with access to a telephone can complete Form 15227 (.pdf) and either mail or fax it to the IRS. Any taxpayer who is ineligible to file a Form 15227 may make an appointment to visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Anyone using this option must bring two forms of picture identification. Because this is an in- person identity verification, an IP PIN will be mailed to the taxpayer after their visit. To find the nearest TAC, taxpayers can use the IRS Local Office Locator online tool or call 844-545-5640.

The Internal Revenue Service is now allowing taxpayers who have had an offer in compromise accepted by the agency to keep their tax refunds instead of the previous policy of having those refunds applied to their outstanding tax debt.

An offer in compromise (OIC) happens when the IRS and the taxpayer settle past due taxes for an amount that is less than the full amount owed. This typically happens when the agency agrees with the taxpayer that the payment in full will create a financial burden.

"For taxpayers facing an economic hardship, the anticipation of a refund may be the safety pin holding together a family’s ability to meet basic living expenses, especially for taxpayers relying on the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit that Congress intended for subsistence of low-income taxpayers," National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins said in a recent blog post discussing the changes, which went into effect in November. She added that it will also help those who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The blog notes that the filing of an amended return could cause the refund to be applied to an existing debt rather than being sent to the taxpayer.

Additionally, the agency announced that certain taxpayers will be able to seek an offset bypass refund while OIC decisions are pending, although taxpayers need to be proactive in contacting the IRS if they want an offset bypass refund, as there is no formal form to request it.

A. Mcnulty, 157 TC —, No. 10, Dec. 61,950

Delivery of coins to the owner of a self-directed "Check Book IRA" was taxable income even though she took the coins as manager of the IRA’s LLC. While an IRA owner may act as a conduit or agent of the IRA custodian, she may do so only as long as she is not in constructive or actual receipt of the IRA assets. The fact that the Check Book IRA website said this would not be treated as a taxable distribution did not constitute reasonable cause for escaping understatement penalties.

A. Mcnulty, 157 TC —, No. 10, Dec. 61,950

Delivery of coins to the owner of a self-directed "Check Book IRA" was taxable income even though she took the coins as manager of the IRA’s LLC. While an IRA owner may act as a conduit or agent of the IRA custodian, she may do so only as long as she is not in constructive or actual receipt of the IRA assets. The fact that the Check Book IRA website said this would not be treated as a taxable distribution did not constitute reasonable cause for escaping understatement penalties.

Background

A husband and wife each established a self-directed IRA and directed assets held in the IRA to invest in a single-member limited liability company (LLC). The wife was the manager of the LLC that her IRA invested in. She directed the LLC to purchase American Eagle coins and took physical possession of the coins. The IRS treated this as a taxable distribution in the year she received physical custody of the coins. The husband directed his IRA to invest in these kinds of coins and a condominium through an LLC. He conceded that he received taxable distributions from these transactions but contested understatement penalties for the failure to report the distributions.

Custody

According to the court, IRA owners cannot have unfettered command over the IRA assets without tax consequences. A qualified custodian or trustee is required to be responsible for the management and disposition of property held in a self-directed IRA. When coins or bullion are in the physical possession of the IRA owner (in whatever capacity the owner may be acting), there is no independent oversight that could prevent the owner from invading her retirement funds.

Penalties

Understatement penalties were imposed even though the Check Book IRA website said that taking possession of the property as manager of the LLC would not be treated as a taxable distribution. The court was skeptical about treating viewing the Check Book’s website as seeking professional advice upon which a reasonable person could rely. The taxpayers did not seek or receive any advice from their C.P.A., who prepared their returns, regarding their self-directed IRAs. They failed to disclose the relevant information to their C.P.A. They were both professionals. They liquidated nearly $750,000 from their existing qualified retirement accounts to invest in a questionable internet scheme without disclosing the transactions to their C.P.A.

The Internal Revenue Service is keeping the pressure on high income taxpayers who do not file their taxes as well as other high wealth taxpayers who may otherwise be hiding their earnings to avoid paying taxes.

And while agents are actively pursuing these people, Darren Guillot, Commissioner of the IRS Small Business/Self-Employed – Collection division said the goal is to avoid as much as possible escalating a case to enforcement proceedings.

His message on November 15 to attendees of the AICPA & CIMA National and Sophisticated Tax Planning Conferences in Washington, D.C., was a simple one: "Just tell the truth. We want to get you in compliance. We want you to file on time and pay what you owe. Every case is not criminal. We don’t want any case to be criminal, or enforcement or a seizure."

The Internal Revenue Service is keeping the pressure on high income taxpayers who do not file their taxes as well as other high wealth taxpayers who may otherwise be hiding their earnings to avoid paying taxes.

And while agents are actively pursuing these people, Darren Guillot, Commissioner of the IRS Small Business/Self-Employed – Collection division said the goal is to avoid as much as possible escalating a case to enforcement proceedings.

His message on November 15 to attendees of the AICPA & CIMA National and Sophisticated Tax Planning Conferences in Washington, D.C., was a simple one: "Just tell the truth. We want to get you in compliance. We want you to file on time and pay what you owe. Every case is not criminal. We don’t want any case to be criminal, or enforcement or a seizure."

HiDeF Sweeps

To that end, he highlighted some of the activities the agency is engaged in that target high income non-filers, which he defined as earning at least $100,000 in income from a third-party source. The agency is employing data analytics to identify these individuals and are engaging these taxpayers through what is called High Income Delinquent Filer (HiDeF) Sweeps, which began in December 2018.

The analytics identified those who meet the income threshold and had at least three years of unfiled returns. The agency then proceeded with unannounced field visits, though those were moved to a virtual environment because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guillot said these personal interactions with agents have been key in collection activities. "It sends a message," he said. "We just want to hear from you. And you certainly are going to hear from us."

He noted that in 2019, there were 9.5 million non-filers and of them, more than 843,000 were high income non-filers. He said the program HiDeF program would be continuing for years to come. For those instances that involve egregious noncompliance and/or potential fraud, the IRS has what is called Operation Surround Sound, a collaboration beween the Office of Fraud Enforcement, Collection and Examination Operations.

These types of cases could involve significantly higher amounts of earned income, as well as foreign holdings and cryptocurrency. And again, Guillot reiterated the advice of "just tell the truth" about what is going on and get back into compliance before it has a chance to become an enforcement action that could entail measures such as levies, asset collections, repatriation of foreign assets and revocation or denial of passports.

Busting Ghost Employers

Guillot also highlighted another target the agency recently began focusing on: ghost employers. These involve employers who provide a W-2 to their employees but do not file the proper forms or pay the money owed to the IRS or the Social Security Administration.

Again, he pointed to the agency’s use of data analytics, which uncovered this scheme, and in a relatively short amount of time, revenue officers were able to help launch a number of criminal investigations. He said the work in this area is going to continue.

Other areas the IRS is focused on include employers who fraudulently applied for COVID assistance to help keep their employees, which he noted that work in this area has stopped hundreds of millions of dollars in payments; tracking transactions of more than $10,000 in cash where no tax returns are filed; and efforts that are focusing on high income earners and under-reporting of income in gig economy segments.

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Charles Rettig praised the work of agency employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic but stated that there simply are not enough of them as the agency is slowly working through the backlog the pandemic caused.

Rettig used that as the foundation to call for not only more funding for the agency, but to encourage people to apply for open positions within the agency, especially as it is facing significant employee shortages in the coming years.

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Charles Rettig praised the work of agency employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic but stated that there simply are not enough of them as the agency is slowly working through the backlog the pandemic caused.

Rettig used that as the foundation to call for not only more funding for the agency, but to encourage people to apply for open positions within the agency, especially as it is facing significant employee shortages in the coming years.

"I appreciate your patience and understanding and working with us," he said November 16 at the AICPA & CIMA National and Sophisticated Tax Planning Conferences in Washington, D.C., acknowledging how challenging it has been for them to be working with the IRS throughout the pandemic.

One issue has been the backlog in mail, which by July 2020, there were more than 20 million pieces of mail stockpiled Rettig said.

An Extreme Spike In Calls Received

He also noted that during the pandemic, the agency has been receiving a significantly higher number of phone calls. By August 2021, the agency received 246 million calls being handled by less than 15,000 customer service representatives. He said that on March 15, the calls were coming in at a rate of 1,500 calls per second. By comparison, the IRS received 42 million calls in 2019 and 44 million calls in 2020.

The average call in 2021 was also four minutes longer than in previous years, he said.

With that in mind, Retting stated that taxpayers and the tax professionals who help them deserve the timely responses they may not be getting, whether by mail or over the phone, because of workplace protocols that make some of these processes challenging and cause delays and issues between departments within the agency.

However, Rettig noted the constraints of working for the government are keeping the agency from expanding as it would simply do if it was a private firm.

"Level of service is an appropriated item," meaning the IRS simply could not hire more people to man the phones or open the mail without getting more money from Congress to do so. "This should help frame up for you the importance of a properly funded Internal Revenue Service."

He also noted that in the next six years, the agency is going to lose 52,000 employees.

"Our rebuild is critical for you and for the country," he said. "If you ever thought about coming to work for the government, no better way to say it than now is the time. You can make a difference."

If You See Something, Say Something

The other clear message he wanted to pass along to attendees of the conference was to be vocal with the agency about what is going on in the field so the agency can continue to improve. Rettig noted his work as a professional CPA prior to taking on the commissioner’s role and how he remains in regular contact with his professional peers from his time in private practice.

"You should be a part of this," he said, emphasizing that he is easily reachable.

But he also mentioned that he has heard tax professionals that he knows complain in public forums about things without bringing it to his direct attention.

"If I know it and I don’t do something, that’s on me," he said. "Continue to help us help others."

In between preparing for the year-end holidays, school vacations, travel, work, and so on, tax planning should not be on the back burner. Although 2015 is quickly coming to a close, there is still time, with careful planning, to execute some last minute tax strategies. In many cases, these strategies can help minimize the tax burden. Of course, every individual’s situation is different, so please contact our office for specific details about a year-end tax planning strategy customized to you.

In between preparing for the year-end holidays, school vacations, travel, work, and so on, tax planning should not be on the back burner. Although 2015 is quickly coming to a close, there is still time, with careful planning, to execute some last minute tax strategies. In many cases, these strategies can help minimize the tax burden. Of course, every individual’s situation is different, so please contact our office for specific details about a year-end tax planning strategy customized to you.

Extenders

For many taxpayers, one of the most significant questions looming over 2015 returns is will they be able to claim all the deductions, credits and incentives that were available in 2014? Many of these incentives are grouped in a package known as the tax extenders. If you have taken in 2014 (or in a prior year) the state and local sales tax deduction, higher education tuition deduction, teacher’s classroom expense deduction, IRA distribution to charity, among others, you enjoyed the benefit of a tax extender.

Under current law, these popular tax breaks expired after 2014. That means they are no longer available for 2015, unless they are renewed by Congress. At this time, it is highly likely that Congress will vote to extend the extenders at least for 2015. Congress could approve a two-year extension. A vote is expected before January 1, 2016. However, Congress could delay the vote until early January. Uncertainty is never far from the extenders, but the best approach is to develop a year-end planning strategy that reflects both an extension of the extension and develop another plan that does not.

For example, qualified taxpayers contemplating making a gift to a charitable organization should take into account renewal of the tax break for gifts to charity from an IRA. If all the requirements are met, this may be a valuable tax break. However, there are other avenues for gifts to charity that can help maximize tax savings if you do not qualify for the deduction or the deduction is not renewed. Also, keep in mind the rules for substantiating gifts to charity. You do not want to lose the tax benefit of a generous gift to charity because these substantiation rules were not followed. Our office can explore these strategies with you.

While taxpayers wait for action on the extenders, tax bills already passed in 2015 could be valuable. The Defending Public Safety Employees’ Retirement Act expands the exemption from the penalty for early retirement withdrawals to include certain federal law enforcement officers, federal firefighters, customs and border protection officers, and air traffic controllers. The Surface Transportation Act of 2015 provides that a veteran’s eligibility to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a health savings account (HSA) is not affected by receipt of medical care from the VA for a service-connected disability.

Traditional techniques

The roster of traditional year-end tax planning strategies is lengthy and often involves methods to shift income between 2015 and 2016. To postpone income to 2016, taxpayers can consider delaying plans to sell appreciated assets, redeem U.S. savings bonds, completing Roth IRA conversions, and so on. If possible, it may be worthwhile to postpone any bonuses until after 2015. In contrast, some taxpayers may want to accelerate income into 2015. This can be particularly valuable if a taxpayer expects to be in a higher tax bracket in 2016 compared to 2015.

When considering traditional year-end techniques, keep in mind the 3.8-percent net investment income (NNI) tax. The NII tax applies to the lesser of (1) an individual’s net investment income (NII) or (2) the excess of the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over the threshold amount. The thresholds are $250,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and surviving spouses; $125,000 for married taxpayers filing a separate return; and $200,000 for all other taxpayers.

Gift-making

Gift-making is an important year-end tax strategy that can be overlooked. The Tax Code allows taxpayers to give away up to an “annual exclusion amount” per recipient per year free of gift tax. For 2015, the annual exclusion amount is $14,000. If property is given instead of cash, the value of the gift is the fair market value of the property. If spouses consent to split all gifts that are made by either one of them during any year and each spouse is also a U.S. citizen or resident, then the gifts can be deemed as having been made one half by each spouse. As a result, spouses who consent to split their gifts can transfer twice the annual per-recipient exclusion amount each year, free of gift tax ($28,000 for 2015).

These are just some of the tax strategies to consider before year-end. Please contact our office for more details.

After acknowledging earlier this year that hackers breached one of its popular online apps, the IRS has promised more identity theft protections in the 2016 filing season. The IRS, along with partners in the tax preparation community, has identified and tested more than 20 new data elements on returns to help detect and prevent identity-theft related filings. The agency is also working to prevent criminals from accessing tax-time financial products.

After acknowledging earlier this year that hackers breached one of its popular online apps, the IRS has promised more identity theft protections in the 2016 filing season. The IRS, along with partners in the tax preparation community, has identified and tested more than 20 new data elements on returns to help detect and prevent identity-theft related filings. The agency is also working to prevent criminals from accessing tax-time financial products.

Identity theft

Combatting identity theft is on ongoing process as criminals continue to create new ways of stealing personal information and using it for their gain. Tax-related identity theft typically peaks early in the filing season. Criminals file bogus returns early so taxpayers remain unaware you have been victimized until they try to file a return and learn one already has been filed. Between 2011 and 2015, the IRS identified 19 million suspicious returns and prevented the issuance of some $60 billion in fraudulent refunds. During the 2015 filing season, the IRS detected and stopped more than 3.8 million suspicious returns.

However, criminals continue to probe for weaknesses. In May, the IRS discovered that criminals had breached its Get Transcript app. Return information of as many as 300,000 taxpayers may have been compromised, the IRS reported.

New protections

In March, the IRS began working with the return preparation community and the tax software industry to develop a coordinated response to tax-related identity theft. The stakeholders, the IRS reported, have focused on a number of areas including improved validation of the authenticity of taxpayers and information on returns, increased information sharing to improve refund fraud detection and expand prevention, as well as more sophisticated threat assessment and strategy development to prevent risks and threats.

One outgrowth of the process is the creation of new data elements that can be shared at the time of filing with the IRS to help authenticate a taxpayer's identity. The IRS explained that there are more than 20 new data components. They will be submitted with electronic return transmissions during the 2016 filing season. Some of the data elements are

• Reviewing the transmission of the tax return, including the improper and/or repetitive use of internet addresses from which the return is originating;
• Reviewing the time it takes to complete a tax return, so computer mechanized fraud can be detected.
• Capturing metadata in the computer transaction that will allow review for identity theft related fraud.

"We are taking new steps upfront to protect taxpayers at the time they file and beyond," IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said at a news conference in Washington, D.C. "Thanks to the cooperative efforts taking place between the industry, the states and the IRS, we will have new tools in place this January to protect taxpayers during the 2016 filing season."

Financial products

Previously, the IRS announced that it would limit the number of direct deposit refunds to a single financial account or pre-paid debit card to three. Fourth and subsequent valid refunds will convert to paper checks and be mailed to the taxpayer. The IRS emphasized that it will continue to bolster its efforts to curb tax-time financial product fraud.

If you have any questions about tax-related identity theft, please contact our office.

IR-2015-117, FS-2015-23