Tag: Tax and IRS News

Issue Number:  IR-2026-48

Inside This Issue

 Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations on the new remittance transfer tax established under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

IR-2026-48, April 10, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations that would provide rules and definitions related to the new excise tax imposed on certain remittance transfers, also referred to as the remittance transfer tax, under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a 1% remittance transfer tax applies to remittances sent from the United States to recipients in foreign countries when the sender provides cash, a money order, a cashier’s check, or other similar physical instrument to the remittance transfer provider. The sender is liable for the tax, and remittance transfer providers are required to collect the remittance transfer tax from certain senders, make semimonthly deposits, and file quarterly returns with the IRS. If the remittance transfer provider does not collect the tax from the sender, the tax becomes a liability of the remittance transfer provider.

The proposed regulations clarify the application of the remittance transfer tax, including:

• specifying the amount on which the remittance transfer tax is imposed;
• determining the full scope of physical instruments that trigger the tax; and
• providing examples illustrating the application of these proposed definitions and rules.

Remittance transfer providers report the new remittance transfer tax on Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, with the first semimonthly deposits due Jan. 29, 2026.  In October 2025, the IRS issued Notice 2025-55 providing limited penalty relief for remittance transfer providers who fail to deposit the correct amount of the remittance transfer tax as required during the first three quarters of 2026.

Treasury and IRS request comments from the public within 60 days to be made through Regulations.gov. Complete instructions on submitting comments can be found in the proposed regulations. Comments on the proposed regulations are due by June 12, 2026.

For more information, see One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions on IRS.gov.

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Issue Number:  IR-2026-47

Inside This Issue

Last-minute filing tips, resources available to help taxpayers who still need to file

IR-2026-47, April 9, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds last-minute tax filers that the April 15 tax deadline is next week. The IRS encourages those who still need to file to use free tools and resources on IRS.gov to file on time or request an extension.

From refund status and getting tax preparation assistance to researching tax law and finding answers to frequently asked questions, IRS.gov offers resources to help individuals and businesses meet the deadline.

For last-minute filers looking for free filing resources, IRS Free File remains an option for qualified taxpayers to file their return.

Taxpayers with questions about the new tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill can find eligibility information and guidance on IRS.gov. The site also offers tools to help taxpayers understand how these changes could affect their tax return.

Key IRS.gov resources

• IRS.gov/ITA. The Interactive Tax Assistant asks a series of questions and provides answers on a variety of tax topics based on the taxpayer’s responses.
• Forms and Instructions. Find forms, instructions, and publications that reflect the latest tax changes, along with interactive links for additional help. This includes the new Schedule 1-A, Additional Deductions, used to claim tax deductions related to four major OBBB provisions.
• Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. This publication explains tax law to help ensure taxpayers pay only the tax they owe.

Get personalized account services and faster refunds

• IRS Individual Online Account. Access tax information 24/7 through a secure IRS Individual Online Account. Taxpayers can view tax account information and transcripts, interact with the IRS, and manage payments, refunds, and communications.
• Direct Deposit. The fastest way to receive a refund. The IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks and encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit.

Get an extension to file

Taxpayers who cannot file their return by April 15 should request an extension by that date to avoid a failure to file penalty. An approved extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to submit their return. However, any tax owed is still due by April 15. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.  All taxpayers can also use IRS Free File to request an extension electronically.

Some taxpayers qualify for automatic extensions

• U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad
• Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Those serving in combat zones have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide.
• Taxpayers residing in a federally declared disaster area.

Taxpayers who do not qualify for an automatic extension can request one by the April 15 deadline. They should still pay as much as they can by the deadline to minimize interest and penalties.

Having trouble paying? IRS has options

Taxpayers who owe taxes have several payment options.

Those unable to pay in full by April 15 may qualify for online payment plans, including short- and long-term installment agreements. The IRS urges taxpayers to file their tax return and pay what they can, even if they cannot pay the full amount owed.

Interest and late-payment penalties will continue to accrue on unpaid balances after April 15. However, the failure to pay penalty is reduced by half while an installment agreement is in effect. More information is available on IRS.gov under About Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request.

Taxpayers can find these resources and more on the Let Us Help You section of IRS.gov, which provides quick access to filing assistance, refund information, payment options, and answers to common questions.

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-30

Need more time to file? Don’t wait, request an extension

The April 15 deadline to file federal income tax returns is coming up fast. Taxpayers who need more time to file, should request an extension by the filing due date. An extension gives people until October 15 to file without penalties.

It’s important to know, the extension is only for filing a return and not for extra time to pay, if taxes are owed. Taxpayers are still obligated to pay taxes due on April 15, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest. There are options available for people who can’t pay the full balance before the deadline, but they shouldn’t delay any longer.

Three ways to request an extension

• Pay online and select extension. Taxpayers can pay what they owe using an online payment option, then click on extension as the reason for the payment. The taxpayer will receive a confirmation number of their extension for their records. There’s no need to file any additional forms.
• Use IRS Free File. All individual filers can use the program to request an automatic extension, regardless of income and at no cost to them. However, there are income requirements when using IRS Free File to file taxes.
• Request an extension by mail. File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Taxpayers can file by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner or through a tax professional. They must estimate how much tax is owed for the year on the extension form and subtract the taxes already paid for the filing year and pay the balance owed.

Taxpayers serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty areas, living outside of the United States, or affected by certain disaster situations may be eligible for additional time to file and pay. They should check their eligibility before the tax filing deadline.

People who can’t pay the full balance owed by April 15 should still pay what they can and apply for a payment plan, also called an installment agreement or online payment agreement. Most applicants receive immediate notification of approval or denial, without having to call or write to the IRS.

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Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-29

Last minute filers still have options but need to act

The April 15 tax filing deadline is roughly a week away – there’s still time to file. Here’s some general reminders and resources for people who haven’t filed yet.

Before filing
Taxpayers should review their return to ensure all income is reported and deductions are claimed correctly, including any deductions reported on Schedule 1-A. They should also keep records that support the amounts on their returns, such as pay statements or other documentation.

Get tax filing help, if needed
For those needing last-minute help to file:

• Filing information for individuals as well as businesses and self-employed people is available on IRS.gov
• IRS Free File remains an option for qualified taxpayers who have an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less.
  • Anyone can use IRS Free File to submit an extension of time to file regardless of their income
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly are free programs that offer help to low- to moderate-income taxpayers and taxpayers 60 or older to prepare and file their returns. For the closest VITA/TCE site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and has thousands of locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers, and senior centers annually during the filing season. For more information, go to AARP.org/TaxAide or call 888-AARP-NOW (888-227-7669)
• Eligible members of the military community can use MilTax, a free tax resource offered through Military OneSource. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to complete and electronically file a federal tax return and up to five state returns for free. There are no income limits.

Additional resources available on IRS.gov
IRS.gov is an important resource that can help in several areas:

• For answers to tax law questions, taxpayers can use the Interactive Tax Assistant. Choose a topic, then enter basic information to find an answer.
• Taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own tax returns can use IRS Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of income.
• Special information is available about tax credits and deductions. Available to individuals and businesses, credits can reduce the amount of tax due while deductions can reduce the amount of taxable income.
• For payment options, visit Payments on IRS.gov.
• Get the most up-to-date information about tax refunds using the Where’s My Refund? tool.

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Issue Number:  2025-07

Inside This Issue

• Millions sign up for Trump Accounts
• How the One, Big, Beautiful Bill helps gig economy workers
• Beware of tax scams related to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
• IRS Business Tax Account expands user access
• Other tax news

    Millions sign up for Trump Accounts

More than 4 million children have been signed up for the Trump Accounts. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill established the Trump Accounts and the Trump Account contribution pilot program allowing taxpayers to establish an individual retirement account for children under 18 and receive a $1,000 federal seed contribution.

The eligibility requirements for a Trump Account and the pilot program are:

• Trump Account is new type of individual retirement account for an eligible child who meets the age requirement and has valid Social Security number
• Trump Accounts pilot program offers a $1,000 federal seed contribution for children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, who are U.S. citizens with a valid Social Security number

Qualifying taxpayers must use Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s) to establish a Trump Account and to enroll in the pilot program with their tax year 2025 return.

For more information on Trump Accounts visit trumpaccounts.gov.

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    How the One, Big, Beautiful Bill helps gig economy workers

New provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill lessen tax burden for gig economy workers.
Here are the notable changes that affect gig economy workers.

• No tax on tips deductions: Eligible gig economy workers can deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips based on filing status from their taxable income from tax year 2025 through 2028\
• Permanent Qualified Business Income deduction: This deduction is now permanent and allows eligible workers to plan long term to maximize benefits. Certain tip income may be excluded when computing QBI.
• Form 1099-K and the increased reporting threshold: Third party payment platforms must issue a Form 1099-K if the payments made during the calendar year is more than $20,000 and more than 200 transactions. Taxpayers must report all income when they file their tax return regardless of whether they receive a Form 1099-K or other information return
• Bonus depreciation: The law allows 100% bonus depreciation on certain assets acquired after Jan. 19, 2025. This allows gig workers who buy certain qualifying property solely for use in their business.

Visit the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provision on IRS.gov for more information.

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    Beware of tax scams related to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

Scammers frequently exploit new or complex tax laws by spreading misinformation and making false promises. Businesses and individual taxpayers should watch for OBBB-related scams and take steps to protect their personal and financial information.

Here are some scams to watch for:

• Ghost preparers exploiting new credits
• Tips and overtime deduction scams
• Deduction for senior enrollment scam
• Fake OBBB credit or deduction outreach\
• Refund advance or fast OBBB payout scams
• Social media and influencer tax scams

Common red flags of these scams include:

• Requests for personal or financial information by text, email, or social media
• Promises of guaranteed or unusually large refunds
• Fees to “enroll,” “activate,” or “expedite” tax benefits
• Preparers who refuse to explain calculations or sign returns

For more information on the new tax law, visit One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions on IRS.gov.

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    IRS Business Tax Account expands user access

Business Tax Account is now available partnerships, federal, state, and local governments, Tribal governments, and tax-exempt organizations.
More businesses can now access IRS Business Tax Account. This secure online tool allows eligible users to manage their company’s federal tax responsibilities.

• Through BTA, users and designated officials can: View tax balances, make payments, and see payment history
• Download select digital notices
• View eligible transcripts, such as payroll and income
• Request a tax compliance check
• See the business name and address on file with the IRS

For more information or to set up an account visit the Business Tax Account page on IRS.gov.

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    Other tax news

The following information may be of interest to individuals and groups in or related to small businesses:

• IRS announces special Saturday hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the nation to provide face-to-face help
• Tax Time Guide: Steps taxpayers can take now to resolve tax issues and stay on track
• What taxpayers can do if they haven’t received all their tax documents

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