Under an updated contingency plan, nearly 40,000 of the approximately 74,000 IRS workers will stay on the job, including more than 24,000 in Taxpayer Services. In response to the plan, the AICPA recommended “fair, reasonable, and practical relief measures to mitigate the negative impact of the shutdown” on taxpayers and practitioners.
News
Annual inflation adjustments announced for tax year 2026
The IRS published annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions for tax year 2026, in addition to changes to the standard deduction for tax year 2025.
Social Security Administration head to also serve in new IRS role
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that Frank Bisignano, the commissioner of the Social Security Administration, will serve in the newly created role of CEO of the IRS.
AICPA calls for fully staffed IRS regardless of shutdown length
With an Oct. 15 tax deadline looming for many and guidance needed on H.R. 1, the AICPA says it’s imperative that the IRS keep all employees on the job.
Job cuts mean strong 2025 tax season may be hard to repeat, IRS watchdog warns
Critical staff stayed on the job for this year’s tax season, but that won’t be the case in 2026, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said in a new report.
IRS removes associated property rule in final interest capitalization regulations
The final regulations make minor clarifying changes to proposed regulations issued last year.
IRS withdraws prop. regs. affecting corporate spinoff transactions
The proposed regulations were withdrawn in response to comments that criticized the proposed guidance, according to the IRS.
IRS shutdown plan: Employees stay on the job for first 5 workdays
The IRS would use money from the Inflation Reduction Act to keep the agency’s over 74,000 employees working for the first five days of a potential government shutdown.
IRS trims PTIN fee as renewal season nears
The fee reduction comes as a result of a biennial review of PTIN fees.
Paper tax refund checks on the way out as IRS shifts to electronic payments
The IRS will phase out the use of paper checks for refunds beginning Sept. 30 and will publish detailed guidance later.
IRS keeps per diem rates unchanged for business travel year starting Oct. 1
In its list of high-cost and low-cost localities, the IRS kept per diem rates for travel, meals, and incidental expenses unchanged for the new annual period starting Oct. 1.
Details on IRS prop. regs. on tip income deduction
The proposed regulations define “qualified tips” for purposes of the deduction and contain details on allowable forms of payment.
AICPA urges IRS to modernize estate and trust tax forms
In a letter to the IRS, the AICPA said the changes align with an executive order mandating that all federal tax payments and refunds be processed electronically.
IRS finalizes regulations for Roth catch-up contributions under SECURE 2.0
The final regulations are similar to the proposed regulations issued in January, with some changes that the IRS said were made in response to comments.
IRS releases draft form for tip, overtime, car loan, and senior deductions
The IRS on Friday released a draft of Schedule 1-A (Form 1040), a single form that consolidates the calculations of the four temporary deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, and seniors that are allowed under H.R. 1.
IRS warns taxpayers: Social media advice can lead to costly penalties
Misleading posts about credits like the fuel tax credit are landing taxpayers in trouble — with fines up to $5,000 for frivolous returns.
Global tax deal could hurt US companies, says letter requesting OECD guidance
A letter from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants addresses guidance and recommendations on the Pillar Two framework co-existing with U.S. tax rules for U.S. multinational enterprises in a side-by-side system to the OECD.
Treasury posts preliminary list of jobs eligible for no tax on tips
The list has a variety of occupations that customarily receive tips, including bartenders, dancers, and digital creators.
Guidance on research or experimental expenditures under H.R. 1 issued
The revenue procedure advises taxpayers how to make various elections, file amended returns, and change accounting methods as provided under Section 70302 of the new law.
Draft 2026 Form W-2 includes boxes and codes for tips and overtime
The IRS said previously that it will not release a new form for 2025, even though the temporary H.R. 1 provisions are effective this year, but it will provide transition relief.
TAX PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
2025 tax software survey
AICPA members in tax practice assess how their return preparation software performed during tax season and offer insights into their procedures.