Just in time for the holidays, the IRS has unwrapped two significant tax relief, Santa gifts for taxpayers: a voluntary disclosure program for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and automatic penalty relief for millions who fell behind on taxes during the pandemic. This good news comes as a welcome relief for businesses and individuals alike, offering a helping hand and a chance to resolve outstanding tax issues.
ERC Tax Relief: Second Chance for Erroneous Claims
The ERC was a vital lifeline for businesses struggling during the pandemic, providing payroll tax credits to keep employees on the books. Sadly, some unscrupulous tax professionals and others took advantage of the program, encouraging ineligible businesses to claim the credit. The IRS, now cracking down on these bad actors, has been sending out disallowance notices.
However, the IRS understands that not all businesses that claimed the ERC did so with malicious intent. Recognizing this, they’ve introduced a voluntary disclosure program. Businesses that received the credit but shouldn’t have can now come forward and repay the money at a 20% discount, avoiding further penalties and interest. This program offers a valuable opportunity for businesses to rectify their mistakes without facing harsh consequences.
Penalty Tax Relief for Delinquent Taxpayers: Help for Millions
Another significant announcement from the IRS concerns penalty relief for approximately 4.7 million individuals, businesses, and organizations who fell behind on their taxes in 2020 or 2021. Due to the pandemic, the IRS temporarily suspended sending automated collection notices, leaving some taxpayers unaware of their outstanding bills.
To ease the burden of resuming normal collection processes, the IRS is waiving some of the penalties accrued by these taxpayers. This relief, totaling around $1 billion, will primarily benefit lower-income earners, with nearly 70% of individual recipients making less than $100,000 per year.
For eligible taxpayers, the process is automatic. No action is required to receive the relief. Those who already paid their full balance will even receive a refund or credit. This significant move demonstrates the IRS’s commitment to supporting taxpayers during challenging times.
Beyond the Headlines: What This Means for You
These announcements hold various implications for taxpayers:
- Businesses with erroneous ERC claims: If you received the ERC but shouldn’t have, consider participating in the voluntary disclosure program to avoid further penalties.
- Taxpayers with unpaid bills: Check your mailbox for a special reminder letter from the IRS outlining your liability and penalty relief options. Remember, the IRS offers various payment plans and resources to help you manage your tax debt.
- Everyone: Stay informed about IRS updates and communications. Utilize online tools and resources to manage your tax obligations effectively.
A Season of Understanding and Support
While not everyone will qualify for these specific programs, the IRS’s recent actions illustrate a shift towards understanding and support for taxpayers. This holiday season, the IRS is offering a helping hand, encouraging individuals and businesses to come forward and address their tax issues. Remember, the IRS is there to assist you, not to punish you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
Understanding the Tax Relief:
- Applies to taxpayers with assessed tax under $100,000.
- Covers specific tax forms (1040, 1120, 1041, and 990-T) for tax years 2020 and 2021.
- Recipients were in the IRS collection notice process or received an initial balance due notice between February 5, 2022, and December 7, 2023.
Additional Help Available:
- Those ineligible for automatic relief can still qualify for penalty relief under reasonable cause criteria or the First-Time Abate program.
- Visit IRS.gov/penaltyrelief for details and assistance options.
- Taxpayers can view their transcript on IRS.gov to see if they received a refund or credit.
Resumption of Collection Notices:
- The IRS will gradually resume sending notices and letters to taxpayers with outstanding debts, starting in January 2024.
- This excludes those with existing debt in multiple years.
- The pause in these notices during the pandemic created a backlog, prompting the IRS to send a special reminder letter to affected taxpayers starting next month.
- This reminder will inform them of their liability and direct them to contact the IRS or make alternative arrangements.
Key Points for Taxpayers:
- Carefully read any IRS letters or notices.
- Visit IRS.gov for resources and assistance regarding tax debt.
- Contact the IRS after March 31, 2024, with any questions on penalty relief.
The Bottom Line:
The IRS’s penalty relief program and planned resumption of collection notices offer both relief and responsibility for taxpayers. While the holidays are a time for cheer, remembering to stay proactive with your tax obligations is crucial. By understanding the eligibility requirements and available resources, individuals and businesses can navigate the IRS processes efficiently and resolve any outstanding tax issues smoothly.
By taking advantage of available programs and resources, both taxpayers and the IRS can navigate the post-pandemic landscape with greater ease and a renewed sense of partnership.