Final Regulations on QDOTs Issued (TD 10050) Final regulations under Code Sec. 2056A have been adopted, applicable specifically to the estates of decedents that are passing property in a qualified domestic trust (QDOT) to (or for the benefit o...
FL - Exemption for Portable Gas or Diesel Fuel Cans Expanded Recently enacted legislation provides that the Florida sales and use tax exemption for portable gas or diesel fuel cans is expanded, effective July 1, 2026, to include portable propane tanks with a ca...
Contributions to Trump accounts will be treated as completed gifts that are not future interests in property and the gift tax annual exclusion amount will apply under a safe harbor for certain donors making contributions to Trump accounts created under Code Sec. 530A.
Contributions to Trump accounts will be treated as completed gifts that are not future interests in property and the gift tax annual exclusion amount will apply under a safe harbor for certain donors making contributions to Trump accounts created underCode Sec. 530A.
Pursuant to the rules ofCode Sec. 530A, distributions from Trump accounts are limited during the growth period, which is the period ending on January 1 of the year in which the account beneficiary attains age 18. During the growth period, annual contributions are limited to $5,000 per year, as adjusted for inflation after 2027. Gifts of future interests in property are not eligible for the annual gift tax exclusion and must be reported on a federal gift tax return.
The safe harbor applies for a particular year if the following requirements of section 4.02 are met:
The taxpayer is an individual;
The only taxable gifts made by the taxpayer during the calendar year are cash contributions to one or more Trump accounts, each made before the calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains age 18;
The taxpayer's total gifts during the calendar year to each individual who is an account beneficiary, including contributions to that individual beneficiary's Trump account, do not exceed theCode Sec. 2503(b)annual exclusion;
Such contributions to Trump accounts during the calendar year do not generate for that year either a gift or generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax liability after application of the taxpayer's remaining applicable credit amount against the gift tax or remaining GST exemption; and
Disregarding the Trump account contributions described in section 4.02(2) of the revenue procedure, a gift tax return is not required to be filed, and no gift tax return is otherwise filed for that calendar year by or on behalf of the taxpayer for any other purposes.
If these requirements are satisfied, each Trump account contribution made by the taxpayer during the calendar year will be treated as a completed gift to the account beneficiary that is not a future interest in property and to which the annual exclusion applies for purposes of gift and GST tax reporting. As a result, taxpayers within the scope of the safe harbor will not be required to file a gift tax return reporting the such contributions.
The IRS has issued final regulations identifying certain Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) transactions and substantially similar transactions as listed transactions subject to the reportable transaction disclosure rules. The regulations require participants and material advisors to disclose these transactions to the IRS while clarifying that charitable organizations whose only interest is as charitable remaindermen are not treated as participants or parties to prohibited tax shelter transactions. The regulations are effective July 9, 2026.
The IRS has issued final regulations identifying certain Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) transactions and substantially similar transactions as listed transactions subject to the reportable transaction disclosure rules. The regulations require participants and material advisors to disclose these transactions to the IRS while clarifying that charitable organizations whose only interest is as charitable remaindermen are not treated as participants or parties to prohibited tax shelter transactions. The regulations are effective July 9, 2026.
UnderCode Secs. 6011and6707A, the IRS may identify transactions with tax avoidance potential as listed transactions. The final regulations addReg. §1.6011-15, identifying transactions in which appreciated property is contributed to a purported CRAT, sold by the trust, and the sale proceeds are used to purchase an annuity, with the beneficiary improperly treating the annuity payments underCode Sec. 72instead of applying the distribution ordering rules ofCode Sec. 664(b).
Although participants and material advisors remain subject to the applicable disclosure requirements, organizations described inCode Sec. 170(c)that merely receive the charitable remainder interest are excluded from participant status and are not treated as parties to prohibited tax shelter transactions underCode Sec. 4965solely because of that interest. The IRS finalized the regulations without substantive changes from the proposed regulations issued in 2024.
A portion of litigation settlement proceeds consisting of attorney’s fees and costs was includible in the gross income of two individuals (taxpayers). Said portion was not deductible under Code Sec. 62(a)(20). The Fair Credit Reporting Act’s (FCRA) (P.L. 91-508) fee-shifting provisions were inapplicable in this case.
A portion of litigation settlement proceeds consisting of attorney’s fees and costs was includible in the gross income of two individuals (taxpayers). Said portion was not deductible underCode Sec. 62(a)(20). The Fair Credit Reporting Act’s (FCRA) (P.L. 91-508) fee-shifting provisions were inapplicable in this case.
Background
The taxpayers sued multiple credit reporting agencies under FCRA provisions. They eventually settled with each agency. In all relevant Forms 1099–MISC the settlement amounts were reflected without the attorney’s fees and costs.
Civil Rights Interpretation for FCRA Claims Denied
The taxpayers’ FCRA claims of unlawful discrimination did not fall underCode Sec. 62(e)(18)(i). Said claims were based on fair and accurate credit reporting and not consumer privacy. Particularly, the taxpayers’ concerns did not fall under “highly sensitive” and “intimate personal information” categories.
The IRS has reminded taxpayers that major life events can affect tax filing requirements, eligibility for tax benefits and the amount of tax withheld from paychecks. The agency explained that changes such as marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, divorce or the death of a loved one may require updates to tax information and a review of filing status.
The IRS has reminded taxpayers that major life events can affect tax filing requirements, eligibility for tax benefits and the amount of tax withheld from paychecks. The agency explained that changes such as marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, divorce or the death of a loved one may require updates to tax information and a review of filing status. A name change following marriage should be reported to theSocial Security Administrationso the updated name matches Social Security records. An address change should be reported to the IRS by filingForm 8822, Change of Address, and employers, financial institutions and the U.S. Postal Service should also be notified. Marriage may also require submission of a new FormW-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, to ensure the correct amount of tax is withheld.
Additionally, the IRS noted that the birth or adoption of a child may make a taxpayer eligible for valuable tax benefits, including theChild Tax Credit, Adoption Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit, if applicable requirements are satisfied. Divorce or the death of a spouse may also affect filing status, tax withholding and eligibility for certain tax benefits. The IRS encouraged prompt updates to tax records, careful evaluation of changes affecting tax obligations and use of available IRS resources to better understand the tax consequences of major life events. Early action can help avoid filing issues, support accurate tax reporting, maximize available tax benefits and improve preparation for the next tax filing season.
The Internal Revenue Service received and processed less returns during 2026, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
The Internal Revenue Service received and processed less returns during 2026, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
In a recently releasedreport, TIGTA stated that from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, the IRS received 51.5 million tax returns, down from 52. 4 million in the previous year, though it did see a significant drop in paper returns received from 1.2 million in 2025 to 618,000 in 2026. Of the returns received in 2026, the agency processed 50.9 million returns, down from 51.8 million.
From the beginning of the 2026 tax filing season to the end of February 2026, TIGTA reported that the inventory backlog in key tax return processing programs increased from 1.9 million to 2.4 million. Additionally, nearly 75 percent of the amended return inventory is over-aged during the 2026 tax filing season.
“Generally, inventories increase during the filing season as the IRS balances efforts to answer phone calls and reduce inventories,” TIGTA stated in the report. “However, with the reduction in staff, increases in key inventories could become a concern.”
The number of refunds dipped to 36.5 million from 36.9 million, although there was a $360 increase in the average refund from $3,382 in 2025 to $3,742.
TIGTA also reported that the IRS did not meet its hiring goals for the 2026 tax filing season. The agency had been approved to hire 1,900 employees for submission processing (these workers process original and amended returns and resolve tax return errors) but only onboarded 800 individuals. Likewise, it was approved to hire 3,500 account management employees (handlers of taxpayer contacts through telephone and mail and process adjustments) but brought 2,300 on board.
Submission processing management said it would be onboarding new hires throughout the tax season, while account management leadership had no plans to hire new employees and would only be onboarding those who previously received offers but had delays in the hiring process.
In a positive from the 2026 season, TIGTA reported that the new and modified “e-file business rules associated with the child tax Credit, state and local tax deduction, and adoption credit are working as intended.”
Taxpayer Assistance Centers offered incorrect tax guidance during nearly half of unannounced visits by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration staff.
Taxpayer Assistance Centers offered incorrect tax guidance during nearly half of unannounced visits by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration staff.
According to a recent TIGTAreport, during the 2025 tax filing season, the Treasury watchdog made 91 unannounced visits to TACs nationwide at various time (regular and extended hours), at the 61 visits where TIGTA staff did receive assistance, “TAC employees did not provide the correct tax law guidance during 28 of those visits (46 percent).”
TAC employees were presented with questions across one of the three areas – injured spouse, selling your main home, and American Opportunity Tax Credit. The report notes that for questions related to tax law topics, “TAC employees must use the Interactive Tax Law Assistant ITLA) tool to respond to taxpayers. The ITLA tool asks a series of questions, then generates accurate and complete responses based on the taxpayer’s situation. The tool is designed for TAC employees and is intended to improve operational performance in the areas of quality, efficiency, customers satisfaction, and employee satisfaction.”
TIGTA noted that during the 2025 filing season, “managers counseled several TAC employees for not using the ITLA tool during taxpayer interactions. During our site visits, we also observed that TAC employees did not always the ITLA tool to answer our tax law questions.”
Additionally, of those 91 visits, TIGTA “did not receive full assistance during 30 of our 91 visits due to incomplete or inaccurate responses to tax law questions, denial of entry by security or unexpected TAC closures.”
The IRS has announced penalty relief for the 2025 tax year relating to new information reporting obligations introduced under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The relief applies to penalties imposed under Code Secs. 6721 and 6722 for failing to file or furnish complete and correct information returns and payee statements.
The IRS has announced penalty relief for the 2025 tax year relating to new information reporting obligations introduced under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The relief applies to penalties imposed underCode Secs. 6721and6722for failing to file or furnish complete and correct information returns and payee statements.
The OBBBA introduced new deductions for qualified tips and qualified overtime compensation, applicable to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. These provisions require employers and payors to separately report amounts designated as cash tips or overtime, and in some cases, the occupation of the recipient. However, recognizing that employers and payors may not yet have adequate systems, forms, or procedures to comply with the new rules, the IRS has designated 2025 as a transition period.
For 2025, the Service will not impose penalties if payors or employers fail to separately report these new data points, provided all other information on the return or payee statement is complete and accurate. This relief applies to information returns filed underCode Sec. 6041and to Forms W-2 furnished to employees underCode Sec. 6051. The IRS emphasized that this transition relief is limited to the 2025 tax year only and that full compliance will be required beginning in 2026 when revised forms and updated electronic reporting systems are available.
Although not mandatory, the IRS encourages employers to voluntarily provide separate statements or digital records showing total tips, overtime pay, and occupation codes to help employees determine eligibility for new deductions under the OBBBA. Employers may use online portals, additional written statements, or Form W-2 box 14 for this purpose.
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that affect pension plan dollar limitations and other retirement-related provisions have been released by the IRS. In general, many of the pension plan limitations will change for 2026 because the increase in the cost-of-living index met the statutory thresholds that trigger their adjustment. However, other limitations will remain unchanged.
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that affect pension plan dollar limitations and other retirement-related provisions have been released by the IRS. In general, many of the pension plan limitations will change for 2026 because the increase in the cost-of-living index met the statutory thresholds that trigger their adjustment. However, other limitations will remain unchanged.
The SECURE 2.0 Act (P.L. 117-328) made some retirement-related amounts adjustable for inflation. These amounts, as adjusted for 2026, include:
The catch-up contribution amount for IRA owners who are 50 or older is increased from $1,000 to $1,100.
The amount of qualified charitable distributions from IRAs that are not includible in gross income is increased from $108,000 to $111,000.
The limit on one-time qualified charitable distributions made directly to a split-interest entity is increased from $54,000 to $55,000.
The dollar limit on premiums paid for a qualifying longevity annuity contract (QLAC) remains $210,000.
Highlights of Changes for 2026
The contribution limit has increased from $23,500 to $24,500 for employees who take part in:
401 (k)
403 (b)
most 457 plans, and
the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan
The annual limit on contributions to an IRA increased from $7,000 to $7,500.
The catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over for employer retirement plans (such as 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans) has increased from $7,500 to $8,000.
The income ranges increased for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to:
IRAs,
Roth IRAs, and
to claim the Saver’s Credit.
Phase-Out Ranges
Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. The deduction phases out if the taxpayer or their spouse takes part in a retirement plan at work. The phase-out depends on the taxpayer’s filing status and income.
For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is $81,000 to $91,000, up from $79,000 to $89,000.
For joint filers, when the spouse making the contribution takes part in a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is $129,000 to $149,000, up from $126,000 to $146,000.
For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan but their spouse is, the phase-out range is $242,000 to $252,000, up from $236,000 to $246,000.
For a married individual filing separately who is covered by a workplace plan, the phase-out range remains $0 to $10,000.
The phase-out ranges for Roth IRA contributions are:
$153,000 to $168,000 for singles and heads of household,
$242,000 to $252,000 for joint filers,
$0 to $10,000 for married separate filers.
Finally, the income limits for the Saver’s Credit are:
The IRS has released the annual inflation adjustments for 2026 for the income tax rate tables, plus more than 60 other tax provisions. The IRS makes these cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) each year to reflect inflation.
The IRS has released the annual inflation adjustments for 2026 for the income tax rate tables, plus more than 60 other tax provisions. The IRS makes these cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) each year to reflect inflation.
2026 Income Tax Brackets
For 2026, the highest income tax bracket of 37 percent applies when taxable income hits:
$768,700 for married individuals filing jointly and surviving spouses,
$640,600 for single individuals and heads of households,
$384,350 for married individuals filing separately, and
$16,000 for estates and trusts.
2026 Standard Deduction
The standard deduction for 2026 is:
$32,200 for married individuals filing jointly and surviving spouses,
$24,150 for heads of households, and
$16,100 for single individuals and married individuals filing separately.
The standard deduction for a dependent is limited to the greater of:
$1,350 or
the sum of $450, plus the dependent’s earned income.
Individuals who are blind or at least 65 years old get an additional standard deduction of:
$1,650 for married taxpayers and surviving spouses, or
$2,050 for other taxpayers.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption for 2026
The AMT exemption for 2026 is:
$140,200 for married individuals filing jointly and surviving spouses,
$90,100 for single individuals and heads of households,
$70,100 for married individuals filing separately, and
$31,400 for estates and trusts.
The exemption amounts phase out in 2026 when AMTI exceeds:
$1,000,000 for married individuals filing jointly and surviving spouses,
$500,000 for single individuals, heads of households, and married individuals filing separately, and
For tax years beginning in 2026, taxpayers can expense up to $2,560,000 in section 179 property. However, this dollar limit is reduced when the cost of section 179 property placed in service during the year exceeds $4,090,000.
Estate and Gift Tax Adjustments for 2026
The following inflation adjustments apply to federal estate and gift taxes in 2026:
the gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per donee, or $194,000 for gifts to spouses who are not U.S. citizens;
the federal estate tax exclusion is $15,000,000; and
the maximum reduction for real property under the special valuation method is $1,460,000.
2026 Inflation Adjustments for Other Tax Items
The maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount in 2026 is $132,900.
The IRS also provided inflation-adjusted amounts for the:
adoption credit,
earned income credit,
excludable interest on U.S. savings bonds used for education,
various penalties, and
many other provisions.
Effective Date of 2026 Adjustments
These inflation adjustments generally apply to tax years beginning in 2026, so they affect most returns that will be filed in 2027. However, some specified figures apply to transactions or events in calendar year 2026.
The IRS has released the 2025-2026 special per diem rates. Taxpayers use the per diem rates to substantiate certain expenses incurred while traveling away from home. These special per diem rates include:
The IRS has released the 2025-2026 special per diem rates. Taxpayers use the per diem rates to substantiate certain expenses incurred while traveling away from home. These special per diem rates include:
the special transportation industry meal and incidental expenses (M&IE) rates,
the rate for the incidental expenses only deduction,
and the rates and list of high-cost localities for purposes of the high-low substantiation method.
Transportation Industry Special Per Diem Rates
The special M&IE rates for taxpayers in the transportation industry are:
$80 for any locality of travel in the continental United States (CONUS), and
$86 for any locality of travel outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
Incidental Expenses Only Rate
The rate is $5 per day for any CONUS or OCONUS travel for the incidental expenses only deduction.
High-Low Substantiation Method
For purposes of the high-low substantiation method, the 2025-2026 special per diem rates are:
$319 for travel to any high-cost locality, and
$225 for travel to any other locality within CONUS.
The amount treated as paid for meals is:
$86 for travel to any high-cost locality, and
$74 for travel to any other locality within CONUS
Instead of the meal and incidental expenses only substantiation method, taxpayers may use:
$86 for travel to any high-cost locality, and
$74 for travel to any other locality within CONUS.
Taxpayers using the high-low method must comply withRev. Proc. 2019-48, I.R.B. 2019-51, 1392. That procedure provides the rules for using a per diem rate to substantiate the amount of ordinary and necessary business expenses paid or incurred while traveling away from home.
This year marks the 5th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week-a collaboration by the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry. The IRS and the Security Summit partners have issued warnings to all taxpayers and tax professionals to beware of scams and identity theft schemes by criminals taking advantage of the combination of holiday shopping, the approaching tax season and coronavirus concerns. The 5th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week coincided with Cyber Monday, the traditional start of the online holiday shopping season.
This year marks the 5th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week-a collaboration by the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry. The IRS and the Security Summit partners have issued warnings to all taxpayers and tax professionals to beware of scams and identity theft schemes by criminals taking advantage of the combination of holiday shopping, the approaching tax season and coronavirus concerns. The 5th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week coincided with Cyber Monday, the traditional start of the online holiday shopping season.
The following are a few basic steps which taxpayers and tax professionals should remember during the holidays and as the 2021 tax season approaches:
use an updated security software for computers and mobile phones;
the purchased anti-virus software must have a feature to stop malware and a firewall that can prevent intrusions;
don't open links or attachments on suspicious emails because this year, fraud scams related to COVID-19 and the Economic Impact Payment are common;
use strong and unique passwords for online accounts;
use multi-factor authentication whenever possible which prevents thieves from easily hacking accounts;
shop at sites where the web address begins with "https" and look for the "padlock" icon in the browser window;
don't shop on unsecured public Wi-Fi in places like a mall;
secure home Wi-Fis with a password;
back up files on computers and mobile phones; and
consider creating a virtual private network to securely connect to your workplace if working from home.
In addition, taxpayers can check out security recommendations for their specific mobile phone by reviewing the Federal Communications Commission's Smartphone Security Checker. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued warnings about fraud and scams related to COVID-19 schemes, anti-body testing, healthcare fraud, cryptocurrency fraud and others. COVID-related fraud complaints can be filed at the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission also has issued alerts about fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization. Taxpayers can keep atop the latest scam information and report COVID-related scams at www.FTC.gov/coronavirus.
