The IRS also is updating some income tax forms and instructions to help taxpayers claim the deductions.
IRS Practice & Procedure
AICPA warns that merger of IRS offices would ‘confuse’ taxpayers
The proposed merger of the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Return Preparer Office would blur “the public’s ability to perceive the distinction between credentialed, uncredentialed, and unenrolled preparers,” the AICPA said in a letter.
Is the IRS just between shutdowns? Former IRS commissioners are worried
Three former IRS leaders, speaking at the 2025 AICPA National Tax Conference, discussed the agency’s future and what happens if a shutdown occurs during filing season.
Inflation adjustments to retirement account limits issued for 2026
The IRS announced inflation-adjusted limits on benefits and contributions for various retirement accounts on Thursday, including maximum contribution amounts for 401(k) plans and traditional and Roth IRAs.
Almost 1,400 IRS employees receive layoff notices, adding to staff losses
In court documents filed in a lawsuit, officials said 1,446 Treasury employees received reduction-in-force notices, including 1,399 at the IRS.
IRS ends Direct File, shifts focus to Free File upgrades and private sector
The IRS cited low usage and high costs as reasons for shuttering the program, which began during the previous administration.
Employers get reporting relief on tips, overtime; won’t face penalties for tax year 2025
An IRS notice says employers won’t face penalties if they don’t provide a separate accounting of cash tips and overtime compensation for tax year 2025 under H.R. 1.
Equitable tolling does not apply to excuse late filing of petition
On remand from the Eighth Circuit and after the Supreme Court held in the case that the Sec. 6330(d)(1) period for filing a Tax Court petition for a review of a Collection Due Process determination is nonjurisdictional, the Tax Court denied equitable tolling of the deadline.
Final partnership adjustment not issued timely
The Tax Court found a regulation invalid to the extent it holds the period open for the IRS to issue a final partnership adjustment longer than the statutory 270 days after a partnership has submitted “everything required” for a complete modification request.
Estate of McKelvey highlights potential tax pitfalls of variable prepaid forward contracts
A taxpayer’s extension of variable prepaid forward contracts resulted in a constructive sale and a termination of obligations that gave rise to taxable gain, the Tax Court held.
IRS renews corporate tax opportunities with letter rulings
After decades of limiting private letter ruling issues, the IRS has steadily widened its program, providing taxpayers greater certainty.
Congress passes bill requiring IRS to clarify math error notices
The AICPA praised the Senate passage of the bill, saying it will enhance IRS operations and improve the taxpayer experience.
AICPA seeks IRS guidance on tip, overtime tax deductions for 2025
The AICPA said taxpayers and tax professionals need certainty about how to claim the deductions for 2025. The IRS has said it will not update its forms until 2026.
IRS offers relief on car loan interest reporting under H.R. 1
The agency said it is providing the relief because both lenders and the IRS need more time to comply with the new car loan interest reporting requirements added by H.R. 1.
IRS furloughs nearly half its workers, closes most operations
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.
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.
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.
