Issue Number:   IR-2026-63

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IRS updates conservation easement site; settlement opportunity details forthcoming

IR-2026-63, May 6, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announces updates to its Conservation Easement site, expanding information on abusive conservation easement transactions, recent court decisions, and warning signs for investors.

“Congress created the conservation easement deduction to encourage genuine preservation, not to subsidize abusive tax shelters,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “The updated information on IRS.gov explains why the IRS continues to challenge these transactions and highlights the serious risks taxpayers face when they are sold inflated tax benefits disguised as conservation.”

The IRS reminds taxpayers that, while properly structured conservation easements can provide important public benefits, promoter-driven transactions are often built on inflated valuations that can lead to disallowed deductions, substantial penalties and other consequences. The updated Conservation Easement site addresses these issues in detail.

The IRS also announces that it will soon release the terms of a time-limited settlement opportunity for eligible taxpayers involved in these transactions. Following that announcement, the IRS will extend settlement offers to eligible partnerships to provide an opportunity to resolve the federal tax consequences of these transactions with certainty.

“The courts have repeatedly rejected abusive conservation easement arrangements, often sustaining major reductions in claimed deductions and significant penalties,” said Acting IRS Chief Counsel Kenneth J. Kies. “Taxpayers and their advisors should carefully review the updated information and the settlement terms when they are announced.”

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Issue Number:  IR-2026-62

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IRS requests applications for 2027 IRSAC membership

IR-2026-62, May 5, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council through June 5, 2026.

The IRSAC advises IRS leadership and provides a public forum for discussing key tax administration issues between IRS officials and representatives of the public. The committee operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and includes volunteer members representing a cross-section of tax-related interests. Each year, the IRSAC presents a report to IRS leadership.

The IRS is seeking qualified individuals to serve three-year terms, beginning in January 2027. Applicants should represent the taxpaying public and have experience in areas such as tax preparation for individuals, small businesses and large, multi-national corporations; tax-exempt and government entities; information reporting; and/or taxpayer or consumer advocacy.

Applicants must complete the IRSAC application and submit a resume. Additionally, applicants must provide a one- or two-page statement of interest highlighting recent examples of specific skills and qualifications, including experience in:

• Applying tax law knowledge to resolve complex tax issues.
• Evaluating issues from a broad perspective and effectively communicating recommendations.
• Working with third-party individuals or organizations who interact with the IRS on behalf of taxpayers.
• Supporting online services for tax professionals and user experience design.

Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and oral and written communication are desirable.

Applicants must submit a tax check waiver form and undergo an IRS practitioner background check. Those deemed “best qualified” will also undergo an FBI fingerprint check. Information on the tax check waiver will be provided upon receipt of the application.

Questions about the IRSAC and the application process can be emailed to publicliaison@irs.gov.

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Issue Number:   IR-2026-61

Inside This Issue

IRS recognizes importance of small businesses, provides helpful resources

IR-2026-61 May 5, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of resources and events to support small businesses during National Small Business Week, which runs through May 9.

For over 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized National Small Business Week to honor the critical role small businesses play in the nation’s economy. The IRS joins the effort by highlighting tools, guidance, and educational resources to help small business owners meet their tax obligations and plan for success.

“Small businesses are a vital part of the American economy and a key driver for its success,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “During National Small Business Week, we are highlighting the practical resources to help business owners stay compliant, protect their operations, and make informed financial decisions.”

Daily key topics for small businesses  

During National Small Business Week, the IRS will highlight important tax topics to help small business entrepreneurs:

• Avoid the scam. Small businesses should be on the lookout for scams, take proactive steps to safeguard their business, data, and employees, and report suspicious activity.
• Best practices for small businesses and tax professionals supporting small businesses. Business owners should choose the appropriate business entity, obtain an Employer Identification Number, maintain accurate records, hire qualified professionals, and stay current with tax obligations.
• Smart planning for small business success. Work with tax professionals throughout the year, understand available credits and deductions, and make timely estimated tax payments. People doing business in the gig economy and entrepreneurs should plan as well.
• Transformation and improvements: Exploring tools and technology. Use IRS digital tools, including the Business Tax Account, electronic filing options, and secure messaging, to manage tax responsibilities more efficiently.
• Prepare: Put a plan in place. Maintain records, safeguard assets, and review resources available to help businesses prepare for and recover from disasters.

Resources available year-round

• Webinars for small businesses cover topics such as business income, expenses, and tax responsibilities. Upcoming webinar, Understanding Federal Taxes for Small Businesses, will be held Thursday, May 7, from 2:00-3:30p.m. EDT.
• Workshops, meetings, and seminars are offered nationwide and through virtual events.
• e-News for small businesses is a free email service with updates, reminders, and tips.
• Current tax tips offer up-to-the-date tips to help businesses stay informed.
• gov is a central hub of information, including current guidance such as standard mileage rates, as well as other tools and services for business owners.

In addition to IRS.gov, the IRS routinely publishes helpful information on YouTube, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-37

National Small Business Week 2026: Avoid the scam

It’s National Small Business Week, and the IRS is sharing resources and highlighting key topics each day throughout the week. One of those topics is scams. Back in March, the annual Dirty Dozen list of common tax scams was announced. These scams and schemes target taxpayers, businesses of all sizes and tax professionals. Let’s look at a couple that could affect businesses and entrepreneurs as well as tax professionals supporting small businesses.

Spear-phishing and malware campaigns targeting businesses and tax professionals
Tax pros and businesses can be targets of “new client” or “document request” emails that deliver malicious links or attachments to steal client data or access systems.

• Businesses, tax pros, and individuals should always be cautious of any suspicious requests or unusual behavior before sharing any sensitive information or responding to an email.
• Warning signs may include unexpected requests for sensitive information, mismatched or unfamiliar sender addresses, urgent payment demands, or links directing users to websites that do not clearly originate from IRS.gov.
• Be aware that by gaining access to a hacked email account, scammers can locate a genuine email from a previous victim’s email account sent to their tax professional.

Bogus “Self-Employment Tax Credit”

• Scammers are promoting a broad “self-employment tax credit” which can lead to inaccurate filings.
• Many taxpayers do not qualify for these credits. Taxpayers should rely on trusted sources like Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C) and qualified tax professionals, not social media promotions, when determining eligibility for credits.

Additional tips to avoid the scam

• Businesses can take proactive steps to safeguard their business and employees by using anti-malware/anti-virus software with automatic updates and requiring strong passwords with multi-factor authentication. Only enter personal data on secure websites (https) to prevent unauthorized access. See Publication 5961, Protect your business from tax scams PDF, for more information.
• Protect the Employer Identification Number. Keep it secure and up to date. Use Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business, to make any necessary EIN updates promptly, ensuring its integrity and minimizing the risk of identity theft or fraudulent activity.

Reporting fraud or scams

• Report suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft, or other tax-related wrongdoing at IRS.gov/submitatip.
• Tell us about data losses related to W-2 scams by emailing dataloss@irs.gov and providing contact information. In the subject line, type “W2 Data Loss” so that the email makes it to the right people. Don’t attach any employee personally identifiable information.
• Contact the Federation of Tax Administrators to receive information on how to report victim information to states using the State Data Breach Contacts

More information

• IRS National Small Business Week 2026 webpage
• IRS 2026 Dirty Dozen list

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