| IR-2002-142 |
Dec. 23, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Home Sale Exclusion Rules |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance in the form of both final and temporary regulations related to excluding gain on the sale of a principal residence. A 1997 law substituted an exclusion of up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple filing jointly) for the old “replacement residence” rules. Unlike a previous once-in-a-lifetime exclusion for senior citizens, the new exclusion may be claimed repeatedly, but usually only once every two years. |
| IR-2002-141 |
Dec. 19, 2002 |
| Certain Disaster Relief Payments Are Tax-Free |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance holding that individuals who are disaster victims will generally not have to pay taxes on assistance payments they receive. |
| IR-2002-140 |
Dec. 18, 2002 |
| Daily IRS Tax Tips Available for 2003 Filing Season |
| The Internal Revenue Service will again offer a daily series of Tax Tips for the 2003 federal tax filing season beginning January 2. |
| IR-2002-139 |
Dec. 17, 2002 |
| IRS Makes Changes to Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Application |
| Resident and non-resident aliens applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number must soon use a newly revised Form W-7. |
| IR-2002-138 |
Dec. 13, 2002 |
| New IRS Report Shows Income and Taxes Surged in 2000; Alternative Minimum Tax Jumped |
| Individual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) surged 8.7 percent to almost $6.4 trillion in 2000, according to data the Internal Revenue Service issued today. |
| IR-2002-137 |
Dec. 12, 2002 |
| National Taxpayer Advocate Selects Deryle J. Temple as First Director of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel |
| National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson announced today the selection of Deryle J. Temple as the Director of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). Temple will direct a geographically dispersed staff of approximately 20 IRS personnel to support the panel´s activities. The TAP has 102 members representing each of the 50 states. The panel listens to taxpayers, identifies issues and makes suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. |
| IR-2002-136 |
Dec. 11, 2002 |
| IRS Earns Recognition for Modernization Processes |
| The management framework that the Internal Revenue Service uses to acquire modernized business solutions has earned special recognition by an independent research group. |
| IR-2002-135 |
Dec. 11, 2002 |
| IRS Revises Voluntary Disclosure Practice |
| Internal Revenue Service officials announced today they have revised and updated a key practice that assists agency investigators in determining whether a case is recommended for criminal prosecution. |
| IR-2002-134 |
Dec. 9, 2002 |
| Charitable Donations Can Lower Tax Bills; Simple Steps Can Help |
| As the end of the year quickly approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that they may be able to use their gifts to tax-exempt charitable and religious groups to reduce their taxes. |
| IR-2002-133 |
Dec. 4, 2002 |
| IRS Implements New Limited Issue Focused Examination (Life) Process |
| The Internal Revenue Service Large and Mid-Size Business (LMSB) Division is implementing a new streamlined examination process called the Limited Issue Focused Examination, or LIFE. |
| IR-2002-132 |
Dec. 4, 2002 |
| IRS Awards Grants to Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today it has awarded $7 million in matching-fund grants to 138 tax-exempt organizations and academic institutions under the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic program. |
| IR-2002-131 |
Dec. 2, 2002 |
| Interest Rates Drop for the First Quarter of 2003 |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the interest rates for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2003, will drop by one percentage point in each category. |
| IR-2002-130 |
Nov. 27, 2002 |
| IRS Offers New Toll-Free Numbers to Assist Taxpayers |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today two new toll-free telephone numbers to provide taxpayers with better service. Small businesses and taxpayers requesting refunds will each have a special toll-free number; these two numbers become operational on December 2, 2002. |
| IR-2002-129 |
Nov. 25, 2002 |
| IRS Launches Newsletter for Federal, State & Local Government Entities |
| Internal Revenue Service officials today announced the launch of a new electronic newsletter designed to help federal, state and local government entities understand and comply with federal tax laws. |
| IR-2002-128 |
Nov. 25, 2002 |
| EFTPS Users Have Fewer IRS Tax Penalties |
| According to research conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, businesses that pay their taxes using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) have significantly fewer IRS penalties assessed. |
| IR-2002-127 |
Nov. 25, 2002 |
| IRS Reminds Taxpayers they Can Use Stock Losses to Reduce Taxes |
| As the end of the year quickly approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that they may be able to use their losses in the stock market to reduce their tax burden. |
| IR-2002-126 |
Nov. 22, 2002 |
| IRS Selects American Arbitration Association to Prepare Arbitrators’ List for Tax Shelter Cases |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it has selected the American Arbitration Association to provide a list of qualified neutrals to serve in Section 351 contingent liability tax shelter cases proceeding to binding arbitration. |
| IR-2002-125 |
Nov. 22, 2002 |
| IRS Announces New Arbitrage Outreach, Seeks Comments on Tax-Exempt Bond Forms |
| Mark Scott, Director of the IRS´s Tax Exempt Bonds division, announced today a new outreach coordination effort in the area of arbitrage with the creation of additional tax-exempt bond stakeholder groups and sub-groups. One of the new sub-groups in the Municipal Bond Market Participants Group is for Rebate Consultants, Auditors & Other Professionals. |
| IR-2002-124 |
Nov. 22, 2002 |
| IRS Grants Tax Relief to Storm Victims |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced special tax relief for residents of 65 counties in five states – Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee – affected by the November 10 tornadoes and storms. |
| IR-2002-123 |
Nov. 21, 2002 |
| IRS Outlines Revised Filing Requirements for 527 Political Organizations |
| The Internal Revenue Service today outlined new reporting requirements that exempt many state and local political organizations from filing certain forms. |
| IR-2002-122 |
Nov. 21, 2002 |
| IRS Advises Tax Professionals to Apply Soon for E-Filing |
| The Internal Revenue Service advises tax professionals who would like to e-file tax returns for their clients during 2003 to file their applications soon. The form must be submitted by those new to the e-file program and by those who need to update prior applications. |
| IR-2002-121 |
Nov. 13, 2002 |
| Millions in Tax Refund Checks Go Undelivered, IRS Web Site Can Answer The Question: ‘Where’s My Refund?’ |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it's looking for 96,792 taxpayers across the nation with $80 million in undelivered tax refund checks. The IRS can reissue the checks after taxpayers update their addresses. |
| IR-2002-120 |
Nov. 8, 2002 |
| IRS Releases Tax Exempt Bonds Continuing Professional Education Text |
| The Internal Revenue Service recently issued the second edition of the Tax Exempt Bonds (TEB) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) text. The text of educational training material is prepared annually as part of the IRS´ ongoing effort to provide its TEB agents and specialists with top quality training courses. |
| IR-2002-119 |
Nov. 7, 2002 |
| David B. Palmer Named Chief of Criminal Investigation |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of David B. Palmer as Chief of Criminal Investigation, the agency´s law enforcement arm. |
| IR-2002-118 |
Nov. 5, 2002 |
| IRS Proposes User Fee for Certain Offer-In-Compromise Requests |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations, which, if adopted, would require a $150 user fee for many Offers-In-Compromise (OIC). A taxpayer would normally be required to pay the user fee at the time the OIC request is submitted. |
| IR-2002-117 |
Nov. 4, 2002 |
| IRS Seeks Nominations for TE/GE Advisory Committee |
| The Internal Revenue Service is seeking nominations for vacancies on the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT), which provides a venue for public input into critical tax administrative areas. Two vacancies exist in each of the following customer segments: employee plans, exempt organizations and government entities. |
| IR-2002-116 |
Oct. 29, 2002 |
| Karen S. Ammons Named Deputy Chief of Appeals |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of Karen S. Ammons as Deputy Chief of Appeals. Appeals serves as the administrative forum for any taxpayer contesting an IRS compliance action. |
| IR-2002-115 |
Oct. 28, 2002 |
| National Taxpayer Advocate Selects Kenneth J. Drexler as Senior Advisor |
| National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson has selected Kenneth J. Drexler to serve as her Senior Advisor in connection with the National Taxpayer Advocate´s Annual Report to Congress. Drexler will assist in developing legislative recommendations for the annual report and will serve as the National Taxpayer Advocate´s liaison with members of Congress, Congressional committees and other federal agencies concerning proposals to improve the administration of the tax system. |
| IR-2002-114 |
Oct. 28, 2002 |
| IRS Reminds Taxpayers Some Refinancing Costs May Be Deductible |
| As thousands of people refinance their home mortgages, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that they may be eligible to deduct some costs associated with their loans. |
| IR-2002-113 |
Oct. 24, 2002 |
| New Members Selected for the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the selection of seven new members for the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). The group serves as a public forum for discussion of Electronic Tax Administration issues and supports the goal of increasing electronic interaction between tax professionals and the IRS. |
| IR-2002-112 |
Oct. 21, 2002 |
| IRS Names Rich Morgante Deputy Commissioner, Tax Exempt & Government Entities Division |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of Rich Morgante as Deputy Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division. He succeeds Darlene Berthod, who recently retired. |
| IR-2002-111 |
Oct. 18, 2002 |
| IRS Announces Pension Plan Limitations for 2003 |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced cost-of-living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations for pension plans and other items for Tax Year 2003. Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code provides for dollar limitations on benefits and contributions under qualified retirement plans. It also requires that the Commissioner annually adjust these limits for cost-of-living increases. |
| IR-2002-110 |
Oct. 16, 2002 |
| IRS Recommends Taxpayers Check their Withholding |
| With the year starting to wind down, the Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to take a few minutes to check their withholding to make sure what is being taken out of their paychecks matches their actual tax liability. |
| IR-2002-109 |
Oct. 15, 2002 |
| IRS Releases New Continuing Professional Education Text for Exempt Organizations |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued the text of educational training material for its Exempt Organizations agents. |
| IR-2002-108 |
Oct. 11, 2002 |
| IRS Reaffirms Abusive Nature of ‘LILO’ Tax Shelter Transaction |
| The Internal Revenue Service today reaffirmed its 1999 conclusion that a taxpayer may not deduct rent or interest paid or incurred in connection with a Lease-In/Lease-Out Transaction, also known as a "LILO" transaction. |
| IR-2002-107 |
Oct. 8, 2002 |
| Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Members Selected |
| The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced the selection of 102 members who will serve on the new nationwide Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). The panel members will listen to taxpayers, identify issues and make suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. |
| IR-2002-106 |
Oct. 8, 2002 |
| More than One Million Face Oct. 15 Tax Deadline |
| Although most taxpayers have long since filed their 2001 federal income tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service said today that more than a million people still face a filing deadline next week. |
| IR-2002-105 |
Oct. 4, 2002 |
| IRS Offers Tax Shelter Settlements for Limited Times |
| The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers involved in three types of tax shelters will have limited times to accept IRS offers to resolve their tax issues. After the settlement periods end, the IRS will pursue the remaining cases through its usual enforcement processes, including litigation when appropriate. |
| IR-2002-104 |
Oct. 3, 2002 |
| IRS Helps Taxpayers Preserve Retirement Savings by Allowing a Change to Pension Distribution Amounts |
| The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have released Revenue Ruling 2002-62 that will help taxpayers preserve their retirement savings when there is an unexpected drop in the value of their retirement savings. Some taxpayers began receiving fixed payments from their IRA or retirement plan based on the value of their account at the time they started receiving payments. Those taxpayers may now switch – without penalty -- to a method of determining the amount of their payments based on the value of their account as it changes from year to year. |
| IR-2002-103 |
Oct. 1, 2002 |
| IRS Answers Questions about Tax Treatment of Peanut Quota Payments |
| The Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2002-67 today addressing the federal tax treatment of payments from the Department of Agriculture to peanut quota holders. Recent agricultural legislation repealed the marketing quota program for peanuts and directs the Department of Agriculture to make payments to peanut quota holders for the lost value of the quota resulting from the repeal. |
| IR-2002-102 |
Sept. 26, 2002 |
| IRS Changes Filing Requirements for Schedule B, Agency Reduces Burden for More than 15 Million Taxpayers |
| The Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department announced today an increase in the threshold for filing a separate schedule for interest or dividend income. The change means more than 15 million taxpayers will have one less schedule to file with their tax return. |
| IR-2002-100 |
Sept. 18, 2002 |
| IRS Announces 2003 Standard Mileage Rates |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the optional standard mileage rates to use for 2003 in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving expense purposes. |
| IR-2002-99 |
Sept. 16, 2002 |
| Tax Shelter Disclosure Initiative Benefits the IRS in Fighting Abuse |
| The Internal Revenue Service continues to reap benefits from its tax shelter compliance efforts as officials evaluate information produced by the 120-day disclosure initiative that ended earlier this year. |
| IR-2002-98 |
Sept. 10, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Summer 2002 Statistics of Income Bulletin |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of the Summer 2002 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin. It includes articles on profits for nonfarm sole proprietorships for Tax Year 2000, non-resident alien estate tax returns for 1999, corporation income tax returns for 1999, the growth of foreign-controlled domestic corporations in 1999, capital gains and losses of individuals for 1998 and United States-source income paid to foreign persons for 1999. |
| IR-2002-97 |
Sept. 6, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Additional Certifications of Hybrid Vehicles for Clean Fuel Deduction (Corrected) |
| The Internal Revenue Service has certified two more hybrid gas-electric automobiles as being eligible for the clean-burning fuel deduction under a procedure for automobile manufacturers put in place in mid-May. |
| IR-2002-96 |
Sept. 3, 2002 |
| John Petrella, Jr., Named IRS Industry Director, Financial Services, Large & Mid-Size Business |
| The Internal Revenue Service announces the selection of John Petrella, Jr., as Industry Director of Financial Services, Large and Mid-Size Business. |
| IR-2002-95 |
Aug. 30, 2002 |
| No Change In Interest Rates for The Fourth Quarter of 2002 |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates for the calendar quarter beginning October 1, 2002, will remain the same as the third quarter of 2002. |
| IR-2002-93 |
Aug. 12, 2002 |
| IRS Issues its First Certification of Hybrid Vehicle for Clean Fuel Deduction |
| The Internal Revenue Service has certified the first hybrid gas-electric automobile as being eligible for the clean-burning fuel deduction, reflecting swift action under a procedure for automobile manufacturers put in place in mid-May. |
| IR-2002-92 |
Aug. 9, 2002 |
| IRS Provides Center Addresses to Tax Professionals |
| As the Internal Revenue Service reassigns workloads at its processing centers, some taxpayers may be filing their tax returns at different locations from the previous year. Because many tax professionals will need the addresses to IRS centers before the tax filing season (January 1 – April 15), the IRS is providing them today to be used for tax year 2002 returns that will be filed during filing season 2003. |
| IR-2002-91 |
Aug. 5, 2002 |
| Aug. 15 Tax Deadline Nears for More than 8 Million Extension Filers |
| Most taxpayers already have filed their tax year 2001 federal income tax returns. But for more than 8 million taxpayers who opted for the automatic extension of time to file, the deadline is August 15. |
| IR-2002-90 |
July 18, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Spring 2002 Statistics of Income Bulletin |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of the Spring 2002 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin. It includes articles on individual income tax returns with Adjusted Gross Income of $200,000 or more, S corporation returns, a reconciliation of pretax corporate income reflected on financial statements with that reflected on corporate income tax returns and a review of Federal estate tax returns filed for estates of 1999 decedents. |
| IR-2002-89 |
July 10, 2002 |
| IRS Selects Issues for Industry Issue Resolution Program |
| The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department today announced the selection of issues for the 2002 Industry Issue Resolution (IIR) Program. |
| IR-2002-88 |
July 9, 2002 |
| National Taxpayer Advocate Issues Annual Fiscal Year Objectives Report to Congress |
| In an annual report to Congress, National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson outlined her objectives for the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) for the coming fiscal year. |
| IR-2002-87 |
July 8, 2002 |
| IRS Advisory Committee Issues Reports; Welcomes Public Comments on Recommendations |
| Reports by the Internal Revenue Service´s Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT) are now posted on the agency´s Web site and available for public comment. |
| IR-2002-86 |
July 2, 2002 |
| IRS Publication Has New Life Expectancy Tables for Figuring Retirement Distributions |
| The Internal Revenue Service has put its new life expectancy tables into a separate publication. |
| IR-2002-85 |
July 1, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Plain-Language Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations |
| The Internal Revenue Service today released a revised plain-language tax guide that explains the special tax laws and procedures that apply to churches and religious organizations. |
| IR-2002-84 |
July 1, 2002 |
| Deadline for Political Organizations Nears |
| Certain political organizations that must file information returns and forms with the Internal Revenue Service have 15 days remaining to submit past-due or corrected items. |
| IR-2002-83 |
June 28, 2002 |
| Enhanced Schedule K-1 Compliance Effort in Effect |
| The Internal Revenue Service has launched an enhanced compliance effort to encourage taxpayers to properly report partnership, S corporation or trust income or losses on their individual tax returns. Some taxpayers may soon receive notices requesting an explanation for a discrepancy. |
| IR-2002-82 |
June 27, 2002 |
| IRS Reaches Agreement with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to
Resolve Tax Shelter Registration & List Mainenance Issues |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it had reached an agreement with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to resolve issues relating to tax shelter registration and list maintenance under the Internal Revenue Code. |
| IR-2002-81 |
June 27, 2002 |
| IRS Urges Use of E-File, Direct Deposit for Taxpayers with Extensions; Taxpayers Missing Out On Faster Refunds |
| The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers who have filing extensions that its electronic services are still available to them for filing returns and receiving refunds quickly, safely and accurately. |
| IR-2002-80 |
June 26, 2002 |
| IRS Offers Faster Resolution of Tax Disputes |
| Starting this month, small business and self-employed taxpayers can resolve tax disputes through fast-track mediation offered by the Internal Revenue Service. Disputes will be resolved through the new expedited process within 40 days compared to several months through the regular appeal process. |
| IR-2002-79 |
June 18, 2002 |
| Revised Federal-State Reference Guide Now Available |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that newly revised Publication 963, “Federal-State Reference Guide,” is now available on its Web site at www.irs.gov/govts. |
| IR-2002-78 |
June 17, 2002 |
| IRS Changes Policy on Workpaper Requests to Fight Abusive Tax Avoidance Transactions |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced a policy change to help the agency shut down abusive tax avoidance transactions. |
| IR-2002-77 |
June 17, 2002 |
| IRS Seeks Comments on Proposal to Simplify Transfer Pricing Documentation |
| The IRS is soliciting comments on a proposed multilateral transfer pricing documentation package developed by the Pacific Association of Tax Administrators (PATA). The PATA members include Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States. |
| IR-2002-76 |
June 14, 2002 |
| TE/GE Advisory Committee to Hold Public Meeting |
| The Internal Revenue Service´s Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT) will hold its first public meeting June 21, 2002 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at IRS headquarters, 1111 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. |
| IR-2002-75 |
June 13, 2002 |
| David B. Robison Named Chief of Appeals |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of David B. Robison as Chief of Appeals. Appeals serves as the administrative forum for any taxpayer contesting an IRS compliance action. |
| IR-2002-74 |
June 10, 2002 |
| Advice to Newlyweds from the IRS |
| It may not be high on the list of wedding planning activities, but there are a few, simple steps that can help keep tax issues from interrupting newly-wedded bliss, according to the Internal Revenue Service. |
| IR-2002-73 |
June 6, 2002 |
| No Change in Interest Rates for The Third Quarter of 2002 |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 2002, will remain the same as the second quarter of 2002. |
| IR-2002-72 |
June 5, 2002 |
| New Look for IRS Web Site Garners Award for Innovation |
| The Internal Revenue Service´s redesigned Web site continues to be a top attraction for both taxpayers and awards, logging more than 2 billion hits this fiscal year and gaining recognition for its improvements. |
| IR-2002-71 |
June 3, 2002 |
| Charles Peterson Named Director of Government Entities Office |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of Charles Peterson as director of Government Entities in the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division (TE/GE). |
| IR-2002-70 |
May 28, 2002 |
| IRS Puts New Refund Application through Trial Run |
| The Internal Revenue Service is testing a new Internet-based service that will allow taxpayers to check the status of their refunds at anytime from anywhere. The web application, expected to be fully operational for the 2003 filing season, represents a major step forward for IRS modernization. |
| IR-2002-69 |
May 28, 2002 |
| IRS Tests New Procedures to Speed Technical Advice Process |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced that it is testing a pilot program to streamline the process for issuing technical advice in audit situations. During the pilot, the new product – called a Technical Expedited Advice Memorandum (TEAM) – will be limited to income tax and accounting issues. If successful, the TEAM process will expand to all tax issues. |
| IR-2002-68 |
May 23, 2002 |
| IRS Provides Simplified Accountable Plan Rules for Certain Employers |
| Using the Industry Issue Resolution (IIR) program, Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance that provides employers in the pipeline construction industry an optional deemed substantiation method for reimbursing certain employee business expenses. Under Revenue Procedure 2002-41, payments by pipeline construction employers to employees who are required to use their own welding or mechanics rigs as a condition of employment are deemed substantiated at up to $13 an hour. |
| IR-2002-67 |
May 23, 2002 |
| IRS Announces More Taxpayer Assistance; 400 New Local Phone Numbers Offer Faster Access to In-Person Help to Solve Tax Problems |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced steps to expand customer service for taxpayers. Through the agency´s Everyday Tax Solutions service, a taxpayer or tax preparer now can call a local number to set up a personal appointment at the most convenient Taxpayer Assistance Center, on the most convenient business day. |
| IR-2002-66 |
May 22, 2002 |
| IRS Gives Taxpayers Until Oct. 31 to Make Choice on New 5-Year Carryback for Net Operating Losses |
| The Internal Revenue Service today allowed taxpayers until Oct. 31, 2002, to choose whether or not they want to use the new five-year carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs) that was part of a tax law enacted in March. |
| IR-2002-65 |
May 21, 2002 |
| Teachers Should Save Receipts for New Tax Deduction |
| The Internal Revenue Service today advised teachers to save their receipts for purchases of books and classroom supplies. These out-of-pocket expenses may lower their taxes, thanks to a recent change in the law. |
| IR-2002-64 |
May 21, 2002 |
| IRS Moves to Clarify Taxpayer Deduction for Hybrid Vehicles |
| The Internal Revenue Service has issued a revenue procedure that helps determine the deduction allowed to individuals who are the original purchasers of one of the new hybrid gas-electric automobiles entering the market. |
| IR-2002-63 |
May 20, 2002 |
| IRS Gives Interest & Penalty Relief to Victims of Terrorism |
| Using a new authority granted by the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act, the Internal Revenue Service has given relief from interest and penalties to various taxpayers affected by the Sept. 11 attacks who earlier received extra time to file returns or pay taxes. |
| IR-2002-62 |
May 15, 2002 |
| IRS Increases Performance Score |
| The Internal Revenue Service today gained recognition for its on-going improvement efforts as the Federal Performance Project gave the agency an overall grade of B minus, up from a C average in 1999. |
| IR-2002-61 |
May 8, 2002 |
| New Tax Scams Page Debuts on IRS.gov |
| Keeping taxpayers alerted to the latest scams, the Internal Revenue Service has created an updated Criminal Investigation web page on schemes and cons. |
| IR-2002-60 |
May 6, 2002 |
| IRS Accepting Grant Applications for Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics |
| Organizations providing low-cost or no-cost representation to people involved in tax disputes can apply for grants worth up to $100,000 for the 2003 grant cycle, the Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday. Grants are also available for programs that inform taxpayers for whom English is a second language of their tax rights and responsibilities. |
| IR-2002-59 |
May 3, 2002 |
| IRS Names New Members to IRPAC |
| Internal Revenue Service announced today 12 people will join the Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee. They join eight returning members who are in the middle of their two-year terms. |
| IR-2002-58 |
May 3, 2002 |
| IRS Names New Members to IRSAC |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today 13 people will join the IRS Advisory Council. These new appointees join 11 returning members who are in the middle of their two-year terms. |
| IR-2002-57 |
May 2, 2002 |
| IRS Offers Opportunity for 527 Groups to Comply by July 15 |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced an opportunity for certain tax-exempt political organizations to file required forms by July 15, 2002. The voluntary compliance program for political organizations that failed to file or filed incorrectly will promote maximum disclosure to the public before upcoming general elections. |
| IR-2002-56 |
May 2, 2002 |
| Tax Shelter Disclosure Initiative Yields Results in Fighting Abusive Shelters |
| The Internal Revenue Service has announced that its 120-day Tax Shelter Disclosure Initiative has led to taxpayers disclosing billions of dollars in claimed losses and deductions. This strategy is part of the effort to curb abusive tax shelters. |
| IR-2002-55 |
May 1, 2002 |
| IRS Warns of Scheme to Steal Identity & Financial Data |
| The Internal Revenue Service warned today of a fraudulent scheme currently circulating that uses fictitious bank correspondence and IRS forms in an attempt to trick taxpayers into disclosing their personal and banking data. The information fraudulently obtained is then used to steal the taxpayer´s identity and bank account deposits. |
| IR-2002-54 |
April 29, 2002 |
| IRS Invites Taxpayers to Apply for Taxpayer Panel |
| The Internal Revenue Service is inviting civic-minded individuals to help improve the nation´s tax agency by applying to be members of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. The panel provides a forum for citizens from each state to make suggestions regarding IRS decision making. |
| IR-2002-53 |
April 25, 2002 |
| Tax Filing Season Was One for the Record Books |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced that its just-completed tax season was a solid success, setting new records for processing returns and conducting electronic transactions. |
| IR-2002-52 |
April 24, 2002 |
| IRS Provides Relief from Disqualification of Defined Contribution Retirement Plans Maintained by Professional Employer Organizations |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance intended to assist professional employer organizations (PEOs) with maintaining defined contribution plans. |
| IR-2002-51 |
April 22, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Winter 2001-2002 Statistics of Income Bulletin |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of the Winter 2001-2002 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin. It includes an in-depth analysis of individual income tax returns, details on domestic private foundations and charitable trusts, an examination of information returns by gender and age, and a close look at the impact of the foreign tax credit used by U.S. corporations. |
| IR-2002-50 |
April 16, 2002 |
| IRS Further Simplifies Distribution Rules for Retirement Plans |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that simplified rules for required retirement plan distributions, incorporating many suggestions made after the IRS proposed these rules in January 2001, will take effect next year. |
| IR-2002-49 |
April 10, 2002 |
| Michael R. Chesman Named to Small Business Burden Reduction Post |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of Michael R. Chesman as the new director of the Office of Taxpayer Burden Reduction in the Small Business/Self-Employed Division. |
| IR-2002-48 |
April 10, 2002 |
| IRS Reduces Paperwork Burden on Small Businesses |
| In a significant cost-saving move for small businesses, the Internal Revenue Service today announced it has reduced paperwork for most small businesses currently required to file corporate income tax return forms. |
| IR-2002-47 |
April 10, 2002 |
| IRS Expands & Makes Industry Issue Resolution Program Permanent |
| The Industry Issue Resolution Program, a pilot program aimed at resolving contentious tax issues involving business, is being made permanent, IRS officials announced today. |
| IR-2002-46 |
April 10, 2002 |
| IRS Offers Tips for Last-Minute Filers |
| The Internal Revenue Service has some tips for those hurrying to finish their tax forms – double-check your return for accuracy, use the free IRS resources if you need tax help, consider electronic options for filing and paying, and don´t miss the filing deadline. |
| IR-2002-45 |
April 9, 2002 |
| Tax Shelter Disclosure Initiative Ends April 23, 2002 |
| April 23 is the last day taxpayers can voluntarily disclose to the IRS their participation in tax shelters and other questionable transactions and be eligible for waiving certain accuracy-related penalties if there is an underpayment of tax. |
| IR-2002-44 |
April 5, 2002 |
| Forman to Lead IRS Modernization Program Office |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the appointment of Dr. Fred L. Forman as the associate commissioner of Business Systems Modernization. In this position, he will lead the agency´s multi-year business and technology modernization program. |
| IR-2002-43 |
April 4, 2002 |
| IRS Suspends Requirement to File Form 5500, Schedule F; Change Reduces Taxpayer Burden |
| Effective immediately, the Internal Revenue Service has indefinitely suspended the requirement for taxpayers to file Schedule F (Form 5500) “Fringe Benefit Plan Annual Information Return.” This is part of the agency´s ongoing commitment to reduce unnecessary taxpayer burden. |
| IR-2002-42 |
April 3, 2002 |
| IRS Updates Web Item Debunking Frivolous Tax Arguments |
| The Internal Revenue Service has updated its Web site item that addresses false arguments about the legality of not paying taxes or filing returns. |
| IR-2002-41 |
April 3, 2002 |
| IRS Offers Options When Tax Day is “Pay” Day |
| If the tax filing deadline will be a “pay” day for you, the Internal Revenue Service offers several options to help you meet your obligation. It also has an installment program for those who cannot pay the full amount now. |
| IR-2002-40 |
April 2, 2002 |
| Weight-Loss Programs May be Tax Deductible |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued a ruling explaining conditions under which expenses for certain weight-loss programs may qualify as a medical deduction. The cost of diet foods, however, would not be deductible. |
| IR-2002-39 |
March 28, 2002 |
| Stress-Reducing Tips for the Approaching Tax Deadline |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it has already received half of the 132 million returns it expects this year and the agency offered some tips to reduce “tax time stress” for those who have yet to file. |
| IR-2002-38 |
March 27, 2002 |
| IRS Provides Relief on Documentation of Donations |
| Because of the unique circumstances of the September 11 th tragedy, the Internal Revenue Service today announced taxpayers who made certain charitable contributions during 2001 will have an easier time substantiating their donations. |
| IR-2002-37 |
March 20, 2002 |
| IRS Web Site has Revised 2001 Depreciation Forms; Net Operating Loss Instructions to Follow |
| The Internal Revenue Service has posted to its Web site revised forms related to depreciation and expects to add new instructions for claiming net operating losses soon. The materials, for Tax Year 2001, reflect changes made by the recently-enacted Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act. |
| IR-2002-36 |
March 20, 2002 |
| VISA Joins IRS Credit Card Program |
| Taxpayers can now charge their federal taxes on their VISA cards. VISA´s participation further enhances the IRS credit card program, which has been growing steadily since it began in 1999. Taxpayers may now use any of the four major credit cards – VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card – for federal tax payments. |
| IR-2002-35 |
March 19, 2002 |
| IRS Issues FY 2001 Data Book |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of its Fiscal Year 2001 Data Book on the “Tax Stats” portion of its Web site, www.irs.gov. |
| IR-2002-34 |
March 14, 2002 |
| Filing Extensions Readily Available by Phone or Computer |
| People who need more time to complete their forms will find it easy to extend their filing deadline – they don´t need an excuse, or even a stamp. |
| IR-2002-33 |
March 13, 2002 |
| IRS Extends March Deadline for Withholding Agents |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the extension of time for filing the 2001 Form 1042-S, “Foreign Person´s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding,” from March 15, 2002 to May 15, 2002. |
| IR-2002-32 |
March 13, 2002 |
| New IRS Publication Helps Contributors, Charities with Claims for Tax Deductions |
| The Internal Revenue Service has issued a new publication to help taxpayers and charities understand the rules for documenting the charitable deductions claimed on federal tax returns. |
| IR-2002-31 |
March 8, 2002 |
| IRS Appoints John Robinson Chief of EEO & Diversity |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the selection of John M. Robinson as Chief, Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity. |
| IR-2002-30 |
March 7, 2002 |
| Strong Growth in Computer Returns & Federal/State E-File |
| The Internal Revenue Service continues to receive more tax returns electronically, with especially big increases in taxpayers e-filing from their own computers – almost 4.8 million, up 40 percent over this time last year – and for those e-filing federal and state returns together – more than 11.5 million, up 20 percent. |
| IR-2002-29 |
March 7, 2002 |
| No Change in Interest Rates for the Second Quarter of 2002 |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates for the calendar quarter beginning April 1, 2002, will remain the same as the first quarter of 2002. |
| IR-2002-28 |
March 6, 2002 |
| IRS Reminds Farmers that National Tobacco Settlement Payments are Taxable Each Year |
| Landowners, producers and tobacco quota owners who receive money from the National Tobacco Settlement Trust must report those payments as income each year, the Internal Revenue Service said today. |
| IR-2002-27 |
March 5, 2002 |
| Petska, Concklin Selected for Key IRS Positions |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today the selection of Thomas B. Petska as the new director of the Statistics and Income Division and Bert M. Concklin as the director of the Office of Competitive Sourcing. Both programs are part of IRS National Headquarters. |
| IR-2002-26 |
March 4, 2002 |
| IRS Provides Updated Information on Charitable Organizations; Agency Alerts Disaster Relief Charities of New Developments |
| The Internal Revenue Service today released updated information to help charities assist disaster victims and their families, particularly those charities established in connection with the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks. |
| IR-2002-25 |
Feb. 28, 2002 |
| Early Filers Overwhelmingly Choose Direct Deposit For Refunds |
| Most early tax filers not only get refunds, they get them quickly by choosing Direct Deposit. According to new data from the Internal Revenue Service, 70 percent of this year´s refunds were being deposited directly to a bank account. As of Feb. 22, there were more than 20 million Direct Deposit refunds, an 11.6 percent increase from nearly 18 million at the same time last year. |
| IR-2002-24 |
Feb. 27, 2002 |
| IRS Has $2.3 Billion in Refunds for Individuals Who Failed to File 1998 Returns |
| Unclaimed refunds totaling more than $2.3 billion are awaiting about 1.7 million people who failed to file a 1998 income tax return, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, in order to collect the money, a return must be filed with an IRS office no later than April 15, 2002. |
| IR-2002-23 |
Feb. 25, 2002 |
| New IRS Publication Details Tax Relief for Victims of Terrorist Attacks |
| The Internal Revenue Service has issued Publication 3920, explaining how to file claims under the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001. The new booklet is available now through the IRS Web site – www.irs.gov – and printed copies may be ordered in a few weeks by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). |
| IR-2002-22 |
Feb. 22, 2002 |
| Tax Shelter Disclosure Initiative Reaches Mid-Point; IRS Adds New Protection on Privileges |
| Midway through the 120-day window of opportunity for people to disclose tax shelter transactions, the Internal Revenue Service has taken new steps to protect the right for taxpayers to assert attorney-client and work-product privileges when they voluntarily disclose tax shelter transactions. |
| IR-2002-21 |
Feb. 21, 2002 |
| Early Filings Show Growth in Refunds & Electronic Transactions |
| This year´s early filers have been getting larger refunds and have been more likely to conduct an electronic tax transaction, according to the Internal Revenue Service. |
| IR-2002-20 |
Feb. 15, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Guidance on Including Impact Fees in Basis Of Building |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance that concludes that impact fees paid by real property developers are indirect costs that should be capitalized and added to the basis of buildings constructed. As such, these fees can be included by low-income housing developers and operators in the computation of the low-income housing credit. |
| IR-2002-19 |
Feb. 14, 2002 |
| More than 1 Million Errors on New Tax Form Line; IRS Urges Caution to Avoid Refund Delays |
| The Internal Revenue Service said that errors related to a new line on the basic income tax forms may delay refunds by a week or more for taxpayers filing incorrect returns. The IRS has already found more than 1 million returns with these Rate Reduction Credit errors. |
| IR-2002-18 |
Feb. 11, 2002 |
| Tax Relief for Troops in Afghanistan Combat Zone |
| The Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance on the relief that the tax law provides to troops serving in Afghanistan. President Bush has declared Afghanistan and its airspace to be a combat zone, starting Sept. 19, 2001. |
| IR-2002-17 |
Feb. 8, 2002 |
| IRS Warns of Schemes Promoting Use of Disabled Access Credit |
| The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers, especially the elderly, to beware of a fraudulent investment scheme that entices people to improperly use the Disabled Access Credit. The credit is intended to help small businesses offset costs associated with bringing their business into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. |
| IR-2002-16 |
Feb. 7, 2002 |
| IRS Issues Fall 2001 Statistics Of Income Bulletin |
| The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of the Fall 2001 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin. It provides detailed statistical information on individual income tax returns, partnership returns, nonprofit charitable organizations, foreign-owned domestic corporations and growth trends in foreign investments by U.S. taxpayers. |
| IR-2002-15 |
Feb. 6, 2002 |
| New Schedule D Eases Taxpayer Burdens |
| Schedule D, the form that millions of taxpayers use to calculate their capital gains and losses, has been redesigned for the 2002 tax-filing season. The goal of the revision, which cuts 14 lines from the schedule, is to reduce the difficulty that individuals face when filling out their return. |
| IR-2002-14 |
Feb. 5, 2002 |
| Employers Have Until Feb. 15 to Give W-2s to Household Employees |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that employers have until February 15 to furnish household employees with W-2 Forms showing wages paid and employment taxes withheld. The extension of time is a result of a late mailing of Package H, the forms and instruction booklets sent yearly to those who filed tax returns as household employers the year before. |
| IR-2002-13 |
Feb. 5, 2002 |
| IRS Warns Taxpayers to Be Aware of Home-Based Business Tax Avoidance Schemes |
| The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert today regarding home-based business schemes that purport to offer tax “relief.” In reality, they provide bad advice to unwary taxpayers that, if followed, results in improper tax avoidance. |
| FS-2002-13 |
Nov. 1, 2002 |
| Section 527 Political Organizations Revised Tax Filing Requirements |
| Legislation adopted in 2002 altered filing requirements for certain political organizations that seek tax-exempt status under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. The new law generally reduces filing requirements for certain state/local political organizations that already disclose certain information to state agencies. |
| IR-2002-12 |
Jan. 31, 2002 |
| The ‘Dirty Dozen’: IRS Warns of 12 Common Scams |
| The Internal Revenue Service issued a nationwide alert to taxpayers warning them not to fall victim to one of the “Dirty Dozen” tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from false claims of slavery reparations to illegal ways of “untaxing” yourself. |
| FS-2002-12 |
Sept. 1, 2002 |
| IRS Sets New Audit Priorities |
| The Internal Revenue Service is realigning its audit resources to focus on key areas of non-compliance with the tax laws. The strategy represents a new direction for the agency´s compliance effort. |
| IR-2002-11 |
Jan. 31, 2002 |
| Patriots’ Day Gives Some Taxpayers an Extra Day for Filing |
| The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers in four states and part of a fifth will have an extra day to file their income tax returns because this year´s filing deadline falls on a state holiday. |
| FS-2002-11 |
May 1, 2002 |
| Section 527 Political Organizations Tax Filing Requirements |
| Political organizations that have tax-exempt status under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code must file some or all of four forms as a condition of tax-exempt status. |
| IR-2002-10 |
Jan. 30, 2002 |
| IRS Works to Expand E-Filing Opportunities |
| As part of the Internal Revenue Service´s continuing effort to expand access to electronic filing, the agency plans to engage in a new round of dialogue with the tax preparation industry. This process will include an e-filing forum for the IRS to seek out views and suggestions from industry leaders. |
| FS-2002-10 |
March 29, 2002 |
| IRS Treatment of Third-Party Information Relating to Tax Exempt Organizations |
| The Internal Revenue Service follows specific procedures for handling information items received from third parties about tax-exempt organizations. These procedures ensure that the IRS operates in an unbiased and appropriate manner and that its compliance programs are not improperly influenced by outside intervention. |
| IR-2002-09 |
Jan. 29, 2002 |
| IRS Reminds Retirement Plan Professionals to Amend Plans by Feb. 28 |
| The Internal Revenue Service reminds employers and plan administrators to amend their employees´ retirement plans by the February 28, 2002, deadline. They must amend these plans to accommodate extensive changes contained in recent legislation affecting employee plans. This deadline affects qualified retirement plans, which include 401(k) plans, defined benefit pension plans, profit-sharing plans, ESOPs and Keogh plans. |
| FS-2002-09 |
Feb. 1, 2002 |
| Fiscal Year 2003 IRS Budget Request |
| The IRS total budget request for FY 2003 is $10.418 billion and full-time equivalent employment (FTE) of 101,080. The request is $482 million more than last year´s $9.936 billion budget. The increase maintains momentum in the IRS Business Systems Modernization projects with $58 million and provides $40 million to fund legislative proposals in the President´s budget request. The remaining increase is just 3.9 percent more than last fiscal year´s financial plan and is necessary to improve customer service, compliance and meet workload increases. |
| IR-2002-08 |
Jan. 24, 2002 |
| Slavery Reparation Scams Surge, IRS Urges Taxpayers Not to File False Claims |
| The Internal Revenue Service issued a nationwide warning for taxpayers not to be misled into filing slavery reparation claims. The IRS has recently seen a significant surge in these false filings, and the agency urged taxpayers not to fall victim to this tax refund scam. |
| FS-2002-08 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| Reparation Scams Carry a Price |
| The Internal Revenue Service urges taxpayers not to fall victim to tax scams involving tax credits or refunds related to slavery reparations. |
| IR-2002-07 |
Jan. 23, 2002 |
| IRS Implements New Tax Relief for Victims of Terrorist Attacks |
| The Internal Revenue Service has developed special procedures to expedite refund claims related to the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act, which President Bush signed today. |
| FS-2002-07 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| National Research Program |
| The National Research Program (NRP) is a comprehensive effort by the IRS to measure payment, filing and reporting compliance for different types of taxes and various sets of taxpayers. The first stages will focus on individual income taxes, while future stages will measure other taxes and other types of taxpayers. |
| IR-2002-06 |
Jan. 23, 2002 |
| IRS Cautions Taxpayers about New Line on Tax Forms |
| The Internal Revenue Service says many early filers have made an error related to a new line on the federal tax form. This line is for the Rate Reduction Credit, which taxpayers use if they did not receive last summer´s Advance Payment in the maximum amount for their filing status. |
| FS-2002-06 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| 2002 Tax Law Changes: Education Incentives |
| While taxpayers will encounter only a handful of tax law changes when doing their tax returns this spring, they should be aware of some wide-ranging changes for 2002 related to education expenses. Many of these will require action on the part of taxpayers to benefit from them. |
| IR-2002-05 |
Jan. 16, 2002 |
| IRS Moves to Ensure Fairness of Tax System; Research Program Works to Increase Compliance Program Effectiveness, Reduce Burdens on Taxpayers |
| The Internal Revenue Service is proposing to reestablish a key component of the agency´s ongoing compliance effort to help ensure fairness for America´s taxpayers. The updated program is designed to accurately measure tax compliance while minimizing the need to contact taxpayers during the process. |
| FS-2002-05 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| 2002 Tax Law Changes: IRAs / Retirement Plans |
| Taxpayers will find many changes affecting their retirement planning this year as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. They may be able to contribute more to retirement plans, get larger tax benefits for doing so and have more options for handling plan distributions. |
| IR-2002-04 |
Jan. 14, 2002 |
| Form 1040 Change Helps Solve Processing Problems |
| This year´s tax form for individuals contains a small change that IRS officials hope will make a big difference to the millions of Americans who make minor errors filling out their returns. |
| FS-2002-04 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| 2001 Tax Rate Reductions & Advance Payments |
| The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 lowered the tax rates above the 15 percent level by one percentage point, but this reduction did not take effect until mid-year. As a result, the tax rate schedules use “blended rates” of 27.5%, 30.5%, 35.5% and 39.1% for all of 2001. Taxpayers saw the effects of this change through reductions in the tax withheld from their pay in the second half of the year. |
| IR-2002-03 |
Jan. 7, 2002 |
| IRS Awards $7 Million to Tax Clinics Aiding Low-Income Taxpayers |
| As part of the effort to provide top-quality service to America´s taxpayers, the IRS has awarded more than $7 million for legal assistance this year to low-income taxpayer clinics. The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) grant program, now in its fourth year, is designed to help organizations provide low-cost legal assistance to taxpayers to resolve tax disputes. Organizations operating independent taxpayer clinics can qualify to receive up to $100,000 in matching funds through the program. |
| FS-2002-03 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| Free Tax Assistance |
| Fast and reliable assistance for the 2002 tax filing season is as close as your personal computer, your telephone or your fax machine. A user-friendly Web site and toll-free help lines will make it easier than ever to access the 5,000-plus tax products and services offered by the Internal Revenue Service. |
| IR-2002-02 |
Jan. 3, 2002 |
| IRS National Taxpayer Advocate Releases Annual Report To Congress |
| National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson today released an annual report to Congress that includes a recommendation for lawmakers to create a uniform definition of a “qualifying child” for tax purposes. The report also includes proposals for narrowing the impact of the alternative minimum tax for individuals. |
| FS-2002-02 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| 2002 IRS e-File Options for Filing & Paying Taxes Electronically |
| “Options” is the keyword for IRS e-file in 2002 – options for filing, options for paying and options for getting a refund quickly. An ever-expanding number of Americans are choosing e-file options that let them easily file a tax return, pay a balance due, get an extension of time to file or make estimated tax payments without sending any paper to the Internal Revenue Service. |
| IR-2002-01 |
Jan. 2, 2002 |
| New Credits, Services Highlight 2002 Filing Season; IRS Encourages Fresh Look at e-Filing |
| The Internal Revenue Service kicked off the 2002 tax filing season Wednesday with new and expanded services, features and credits to help taxpayers. The agency also encouraged taxpayers and tax practitioners to take a fresh look at e-filing following a new study spotlighting the program´s growing popularity with users. |
| FS-2002-01 |
Jan. 1, 2002 |
| Tax Packages |
| The Internal Revenue Service will send taxpayers more than 40 million tax packages and nearly 23 million computer-filing brochures this year. This mailout costs $9.7 million for printing and nearly $12.2 million for postage, for an average cost of 34.1 cents per item mailed. Most people will get their tax packages in early January. The IRS expects to receive more than 132 million tax returns in 2002, with e-filing reaching nearly 45 million returns. |
