Issue Number:  IR-2026-46

Inside This Issue

IRS expands Business Tax Account access to partnerships, government entities, and tax-exempt organizations

IR-2026-46, April 6, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a major expansion of its Business Tax Account, making the online self-service platform available to partnerships, federal, state, and local governments, Indian tribal governments, and tax-exempt organizations.

“By opening the Business Tax Account to partnerships, tax-exempts and other organizations, we’re giving millions more entities secure, convenient access to their tax information,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “Digital access will reduce the burden on these taxpayers because they no longer will be limited to paper and phone interactions to perform simple tasks with the IRS.”

The newly eligible entities join sole proprietors, S corporations, and C corporations that are already able to access the platform. The expansion supports the agency’s ongoing service improvement effort by broadening digital access to more segments of the business community.

The Business Tax Account is a secure, centralized platform that allows eligible users to manage their federal tax responsibilities online. 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 a Business Tax Account, visit www.irs.gov/businessaccount.

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Issue Number:  IR-2026-45

Inside This Issue

Treasury, IRS provide guidance to States for nominating census tracts as qualified opportunity zones under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

IR-2026-45, April 6, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance to the Chief Executive Officers of any State, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories regarding the procedure for nominating population census tracts to be designated as qualified opportunity zones (QOZs) under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

“Permanently extending and expanding Qualified Opportunity Zones offers states an opportunity to attract long-term investment into underserved, rural, and economically distressed areas,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “The IRS works collaboratively with the Treasury Department and the states to ensure a smooth QOZ designation process, which in turn encourages investment in Qualified Opportunity Funds that spur economic development.”

Revenue Procedure 2026-12, which describes the nomination process, also identifies the eligible population census tracts, including those that are comprised entirely of a rural area, which may be nominated by the CEOs of the States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories (States) to be designated as QOZs beginning in 2027.

New QOZ designations under OBBB

A QOZ is an economically distressed area in which new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. The OBBB makes the QOZ tax incentive permanent. The first round of QOZ designations following the enactment of the OBBB will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, with new rounds following every 10 years. In addition, the OBBB added tax benefits specific to investments made into QOZs that are comprised entirely of a rural area.

To be eligible for QOZ designation for 2027, a census tract must qualify as a low-income community (LIC). Rev. Proc. 2026-12 identifies 25,332 population census tracts that are LICs eligible for nomination as a QOZ. Of those, 8,334 tracts are comprised entirely of a rural area. By law, the number of population census tracts in a State that may be designated as QOZs may not exceed 25% of the number of LICs in the State. If a State contains 25 – 99 LICs, then a total of 25 eligible population census tracts may be designated and if a State contains fewer than 25 LICs, then all eligible population tracts within the State may be designated.

Beginning on July 1, 2026, and lasting a period of 90 days, subject to a single 30-day extension, State CEOs will begin nominating eligible census tracts to be designated as QOZs. Following the nomination process, the Secretary of the Treasury will certify and designate the nominated census tracts as QOZs. The Treasury Department and the IRS expect to issue additional guidance identifying the designated QOZs following the conclusion of the nominations and designation process, prior to Jan. 1, 2027.

Online tools and resources to be made available to State CEOs

To help with the nomination process, online tools and resources will be rolled out to State CEOs in the coming months to ensure efficiency and accuracy of their nominations.

In addition, the Treasury Department and the IRS previously issued Notice 2025-50 providing guidance on QOZ investments in rural areas as provided for under OBBB. For more information, see One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions on IRS.gov.

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Issue Number:    IR-2026-44

Inside This Issue

IRS: Act now to file, pay, or request an extension

IR-2026-44, April 3, 2026

WASHINGTON — With the April 15 tax deadline fast approaching, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that there is still time to file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit for any refund due. Taxpayers can avoid interest and some penalties by filing their tax return, and if they owe, paying the full amount due by the deadline.

Use IRS.gov for the quickest and easiest information

IRS.gov is available 24 hours a day and offers a variety of tools and resources to help taxpayers meet their tax obligations.

• Let Us Help You. This page provides tips, tools, and answers to frequently asked tax questions.
• IRS Individual Online Account. Taxpayers can securely view tax account information, manage payments, check the status of refunds, and communicate with the IRS.

No-cost electronic filing options

Filing electronically reduces errors because tax software performs calculations, flags common mistakes, and prompts users for missing information. Most taxpayers qualify to file electronically at no cost, and when they choose direct deposit, they usually receive their refund within 21 days.

• IRS Free File and Fillable Forms. Qualified taxpayers with income of $89,000 or less in 2025 can use IRS Free File to prepare and file their federal tax returns. Taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own taxes can use IRS Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of income.
• MilTax. Military members and some veterans can use the Department of Defense program MilTax for free return preparation and electronic filing.
• IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs provide free basic tax preparation to eligible individuals in communities nationwide.

Payment options for taxpayers who owe

Taxpayers can make payments directly from a checking or savings account using their IRS Individual Online Account. Other electronic payment options include IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit cards, digital wallets, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, and electronic funds withdrawal.

Taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount owed by the tax deadline should pay what they can now and apply for an online payment plan. Most applicants receive immediate notification of approval or denial, without having to call or write to the IRS.

Unable to file by the April 15 deadline

Individuals who cannot file their tax return by April 15 can request an automatic extension of time to file. An extension to file is not an extension to pay; taxpayers must estimate and pay any taxes owed by the deadline to avoid penalties and interest. Taxpayers can request an extension by:

• Making an electronic payment using Direct Pay, a debit card, a credit card, or a digital wallet, and indicating the payment is for an extension.
• Filing a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, using IRS Free File, regardless of income.
• Mailing Form 4868 if filing an extension on paper. The form must be completed and postmarked by the tax deadline and mailed to the address listed in the instructions.

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

More information

• Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process
• Publication 6103, Get Help with Tax Debt

Both publications provide details on payment options and plans for paying a tax balance over time.

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