Tag: Tax

Filing Tax Returns and Making Tax Payments: Best Practices During the Pandemic and Beyond

With staffing shortages and service center closures, it should come as no surprise that the IRS has faced a number of challenges during the pandemic. A couple of the biggest challenges have been in the opening and processing of taxpayer correspondence and in the processing of tax returns. As National Taxpayer Advocate, Erin Collins, stated in her Annual Report to Congress, “Paper is the IRS’s Kryptonite, and the IRS is buried in it.”

Going into 2022, the IRS has a significant backlog of unprocessed taxpayer correspondence and unprocessed returns. The estimates are staggering.

  • Five million pieces of unprocessed taxpayer correspondence
  • Over 11 million unprocessed tax returns, including:
    • Six million individual income tax returns
    • 2.3 million amended individual tax returns
    • 2.8 million business returns (income tax and employment tax returns)

The 2022 tax filing season, which opened on Thursday, January 24 for individual income tax returns, has the potential to create even more challenges for the IRS. Below is a list of best practices taxpayers can follow to ensure timely processing of their payments, tax returns, and claims for refund. These practices apply to individuals and required filing for businesses.

  • File returns and make payments electronically.
  • If you must file a paper return or mail in a payment to the IRS, send the return or payment to the proper address via USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Using this method will assist in resolving timely filing and/or timely payment penalties assessed by the IRS.
  • Properly notate your tax payment and include the form number, tax period and your social security number or employer identification number.
  • Respond to notices from the IRS in a timely manner.

In addition to the above, the IRS has offered a few filing tips for individuals.

  • Fastest refunds by e-filing, avoiding paper returns: Filing electronically with direct deposit and avoiding a paper tax return is more important than ever to avoid refund delays. If you need a tax refund quickly, do not file on paper – use software, a trusted tax professional or IRS Free File.
  • Filing 2021 tax return with 2020 tax return still in process: For those whose tax returns from 2020 have not yet been processed, 2021 tax returns can still be filed. For those in this group filing electronically, here’s a critical point: taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most recent tax return at time of filing. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be processed, make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s AGI on the 2021 tax return. Visit Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return for more details.

More individual filing tips from the IRS can be found here.

If you have unpaid taxes or unfiled returns, you need an experienced tax attorney to represent you in your dealings with the IRS or the Department of Justice. An accountant or enrolled agent is not protected by the attorney-client privilege.

© 2022 Varnum LLP
For more articles about tax returns, visit the NLR Tax type of law section.

Maryland Comptroller Adopts Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax Regulations

On December 3, 2021, the Maryland Comptroller published notice of its adoption of the digital advertising gross revenues tax regulations (which was originally proposed on October 8, 2021). Per the Maryland Administrative Procedure Act, the final adopted regulations will go into effect in 10 calendar days, or December 13, 2021. (See Md. Code Ann., State Gov’t § 10-117(a)(1).)

The final regulations were adopted almost entirely as proposed, with just two minor changes that the Attorney General (AG) of Maryland certified as non-substantive. Specifically, the changes to the October 8 proposed regulations concern the information that may be used to determine the location of a device and are described by the AG as follows:

  • Regulation .02(C): The Comptroller is clarifying language regarding the allowable sources of information a taxpayer may use to determine the location of a device. Specifically, this final action amendment changes “both technical information and the terms of the underlying contract” to “both technical information and nontechnical information included in the contract.”
    • Regulation .02(C)(2): The Comptroller is amending the non-exhaustive list of technical information to include “industry standard metrics.”

    Practice Note: While “industry-standard metrics” is a nice addition to the list of sources that may be used to determine the location of devices for sourcing purposes, significant and fundamental questions and concerns submitted as part of the comments were not addressed by the Comptroller in adopting the final digital ad tax regulations. The tax is subject to multiple lawsuits (both state and federal court) and pending a court order to the contrary is scheduled to take effect beginning January 1, 2022, with the first filing obligation for large taxpayers in April 2022. Taxpayers grappling with how to comply with this new tax are encouraged to contact the authors.

    © 2021 McDermott Will & Emery

    Article by Stephen P. Kranz, Eric Carstens, and Jonathan C. Hague with McDermott Will & Emery.

For more updates on tax regulations, visit the NLR Tax section.

Wealth Planning in 2021: Preparing For a Changing Tax Landscape

Since President Biden took office at the beginning of this year, there has been much buzz and conjecture regarding what the tax policy under the Biden-Harris Administration would look like.  In light of the recently released Department of Treasury’s General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2022 Revenue Proposals, commonly known as the “Green Book,” we now have a better idea of the proposed tax law changes that the Administration will focus on implementing in the coming year.

While the Green Book contains various tax proposals that could significantly affect estate planning, it interestingly does not include a proposal to decrease the estate and gift tax exemption, which was a major topic of discussion during last year’s election cycle (click here to review our advisory on Estate Planning and the 2020 Election).  However, some Democrats in Congress nonetheless continue to argue for this reduction.  For example, Senator Bernie Sanders’ proposed legislation, For the 99.5% Act, would reduce the gift tax exemption to $1 million per person and the estate tax exemption to $3.5 million per person and would also impose new progressive estate tax rates ranging from 45% to 65%.

In any event, the Green Book contains the proposed tax laws that reflect the Administration’s top priorities and are more likely to be enacted than those proposals not included in the Green Book.  The Green Book proposals seek to reverse many of the tax laws included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted under former President Trump, such as a proposed increase to individual income tax rates and an end to certain capital gains tax preferences, discussed in further detail below.

Green Book Proposals That Would Affect High Net Worth Clients:

Increase Top Marginal Individual Income Tax Rate for High-Income Earners.  The top marginal income tax rate would increase from 37% to 39.6% for taxable income in excess of the top bracket threshold.  For taxable years beginning January 1, 2022, this would apply to income in excess of $509,300 for married individuals filing jointly and $452,700 for single filers, and thereafter be indexed for inflation.

Tax Capital Gains for High-Income Earners at Ordinary Income Tax Rates.  For taxpayers with adjusted gross income of more than $1 million, long-term capital gains and qualified dividends tax rates would increase to match the proposed ordinary income tax rates.  To the extent that a taxpayer’s income exceeds $1 million, rates would go from 20% (or 23.8% including the net investment income tax (“NIIT”)) to 39.6% (or 43.4% including NIIT).  This proposal currently includes a retroactive effective date of April 28, 2021.

Treat Transfers of Appreciated Property by Gift or at Death as Realization Events.  This proposal would eliminate the so called “step up in basis loophole,” which allows for an asset transferred at death to be “stepped up” to fair market value for cost basis purposes resulting in no capital gains tax imposed on the asset’s appreciation through date of death.  Instead, the transfer of an appreciated asset by gift or at death would be treated as sold for fair market value at the time of the transfer, creating a taxable gain realization event for the donor or deceased owner.  There would, however, be a $1 million per person (or $2 million per married couple) exemption from recognition of capital gains on property transferred by gift or at death, indexed for inflation.  In addition, certain exclusions would apply, including:

  • Residence.  $250,000 per person (or $500,000 per married couple) would be excluded from capital gain on the sale or transfer of any residence.
  • Surviving spouse.  Transfers by a decedent to a U.S. citizen spouse would carry over the basis of the decedent and capital gain recognition would be deferred until the surviving spouse dies or otherwise disposes of the asset.
  • Charity.  Appreciated property transferred to charity would not generate a taxable gain; however, the transfer of appreciated assets to a split-interest charitable trust would generate a taxable gain as to the share of the value transferred attributable to any non-charitable beneficiary.
  • Tangible personal property.  No capital gain would be recognized on transfers of tangible personal property (excluding collectibles).

Although the tax imposed on gains deemed realized at death would be deductible on the estate tax return of the decedent’s estate, deductions are not equivalent to tax credits and in high tax states such as New York, the additional tax could be substantial.

Impose Gain Recognition on Property Transferred to or Distributed from an Irrevocable Trust.  Any transfers of property into, and distributions in kind from, an irrevocable trust would be treated as deemed recognition events subject to capital gains tax.  In addition, while the generation-skipping transfer (“GST”) tax exempt status of a trust would not be affected, gain would automatically be recognized on property held in an irrevocable trust which has not otherwise been subject to a taxable recognition event within the prior 90 years.  The first possible recognition event would be December 31, 2030 for any trust in existence on January 1, 1940.  This proposal would also apply to transfers to, and distributions in kind from, partnerships and other non-corporate entities.  Elimination of Valuation Discounts.  The valuation of partial interests in property contributed to a trust would be equal to the proportional share of the fair market value of all of such property.  In other words, no discounts for lack of marketability or minority interests would be allowed in valuing transfers of partial interests in LLCs, corporations, partnerships or real property.

Summary

The legislative text of the Administration’s tax proposals will likely not be available until the fall.  It is important to note that any proposed tax law changes face a split 50-50 Senate, which means that the prospect of passing any tax reform at all is uncertain.  Commentators believe that the Green Book proposals will be the subject of extensive negotiation over the next several months, including significant opposition to large increases in capital gains tax rates.  In the meantime, we at Wiggin and Dana [link to PCS attorneys page] are available to discuss the Green Book proposals in more detail and to make proactive, tailored recommendations in light of the current changing tax law landscape.

© 1998-2021 Wiggin and Dana LLP

Article by Michael T. Clear, Veronica R.S. Bauer, Robert W. Benjamin, Daniel L. Daniels, and Helen C. Heintz with Wiggin and Dana LLP.

For more articles on taxes, visit the NLR Tax section.

Snowy Owls and Constituted Authorities

On January 27, 2021, a snowy owl was seen in New York City’s Central Park for the first time in 130 years.  Nine days later, on February 5, 2021, something almost as rare occurred – the Internal Revenue Service released a private letter ruling dealing with Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code.[1]  In PLR 202105007, the IRS determined that a nonprofit corporation that amended its articles of incorporation to change its purposes and come under the control of a city became a “constituted authority,” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.103-1(b), of the city that could issue tax-exempt bonds on behalf of the city.

The coincidence of these infrequent events involving ornithology and quasi-governmental entities calls to mind the field guide Johnny Hutchinson prepared on the tax classifications of various species of the latter, which was an homage to Roger Tory Peterson’s Field Guide to Birds, a seminal work in the canon of the former.  February is a good time to brush up on both.      

[1] of 1986, as amended.

© Copyright 2020 Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

ARTICLE BY Michael A. Cullers of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP
For more, visit the NLR Tax section.

Proposition 13 Overhaul Qualifies for November Ballot

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced on Friday, May 29, 2020, that the revised initiative entitled “The California Schools and Local Communities Act of 2020” officially qualified for the November ballot. If passed, the initiative would establish a “split roll” where retail, office, commercial, and industrial real property would be taxed based on their market value, while residential property would continue to be assessed based on its purchase price.

THE CURRENT TAX REGIME: PROPOSITION 13

The current property tax regime under Proposition 13 generally provides that real property is taxed at one percent of its fair market value, which usually is the property’s purchase price. Unless there is a change in ownership of the property such as a sale, this “base value” can only increase by an inflationary rate that cannot exceed two percent per year. When property changes ownership, it is reassessed and the property’s base value is reset to its then current fair market value. Under Proposition 13, a property’s base value can be lower than its current fair market value, which in turn can reduce the amount of property tax that might otherwise be owed.

THE SPLIT ROLL

The ballot initiative creates a “split roll” if voters approve it in November. Under the split roll, commercial and industrial property with a fair market value of more than $3 million would be reassessed at its current fair market value at least every three years. The current tax regime under the Proposition 13 rules described above would continue to apply to all residential property, including both single-family and multi-unit structures and the land on which those structures are constructed or placed. The current rules also would remain in place for real property used for commercial agricultural production.

The process of administering this new tax regime will be determined by the California legislature, which will include, among other things, a process for reassessment appeals. The taxpayer will have the burden of proving that the property was not properly valued. The legislature also will determine a process by which to allocate mixed-use property between its commercial and residential uses for purposes of implementing the split roll.

The new regime will not apply to commercial or industrial property with a fair market value of $3 million or less unless any of the direct or indirect owners of such real property also own interests in other commercial and/or industrial real property. In that case, the new regime will apply if all such real property has an aggregate fair market value in excess of $3 million.

TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

If passed, the ballot initiative would exempt small businesses from property tax on all of its tangible personal property. A small business is a business that: (1) has fewer than 50 annual full time employees, (2) is independently owned and operated such that the ownership interests, management and operation are not subject to control, restriction, modification, or limitation by an outside source, individual or another business, and (3) owns real property located in California.

For all other taxpayers, an amount up to $500,000 of combined tangible personal property and fixtures (other than aircraft and vessels) will be exempt from taxation.

WHEN WOULD THE SPLIT ROLL TAKE EFFECT?

The split roll would become operative beginning January 1, 2022, and the tangible personal property tax relief would become operative on January 1, 2024.

Despite the split roll becoming operative on January 1, 2022, the reassessment of undervalued commercial and industrial property will be implemented through a phase-in over two or more years. An owner of commercial or industrial property would only be obligated to pay taxes based on the new assessed value beginning with the lien date for the fiscal year when the assessor has completed the reassessment. In addition, if 50% or more of the square footage of a commercial or industrial property is occupied by a small business, such property will not be subject to the new regime at least until the 2025-26 fiscal year.

© 2010-2020 Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP

For more on real estate taxation, see the National Law Review Tax law section.

COVID-19: IRS Extends Production Tax Credit/Investment Tax Credit Safe Harbors

On May 27, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-41, which responds to industry-wide supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic by giving renewable energy developers additional time to complete their projects. Most importantly, the Notice extends two safe harbors applicable to the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC).

First, the “Continuity Safe Harbor” is extended from four years to five years for projects that began construction in 2016 or 2017. Developers that put the project in service by the end of the fifth calendar year after the year construction began will be deemed to meet the continuous construction requirement.

Second, relief is provided for developers that intend to meet the beginning construction requirement by incurring 5% of project costs, i.e., by making payments for services or property they reasonably expected to receive within 3½ months (a/k/a the 3½ Month Rule). Developers that pay for services or property on or after September 16, 2019 and actually receive the services or property by October 15, 2020, will be deemed to satisfy the 3½ Month Rule.

This relief is available to developers of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, trash, hydropower, fuel cells, microturbines, and combined heat and power systems.

©2020 Pierce Atwood LLP. All rights reserved.

For more on IRS Safe Harbors, see the National Law Review Tax Law section.

New Revenue Ruling 2020-8 Helps Taxpayers Seek COVID-19 Tax Refund Claims

Recently, in Revenue Ruling 2020-8, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that it was suspending Revenue Ruling 71-533, which had addressed the interaction of two Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provisions regarding limitations periods on refund claims, pending reconsideration of the holding of the earlier Revenue Ruling.

Under IRC section 6511(d)(2)(A), a taxpayer generally must make a refund claim relating to an overpayment attributable to a net operating loss (NOL) carryback no later than three years after the taxable year in which the NOL was generated. Under IRC section 6511(d)(3)(A), a taxpayer generally must make a refund claim relating to an overpayment attributable to a foreign tax credit carryback no later than ten years after the taxable year in which the foreign taxes were paid.

Revenue Ruling 71-533 had addressed a situation that implicated both of these provisions. Specifically, the taxpayer at issue in the ruling had incurred a NOL in 1969, which it carried back to 1966. After application of the NOL, the taxpayer had excess foreign tax credits available for 1966, which it then carried back to 1964. The ruling held that the ten-year limitations period in IRC section 6511(d)(3)(A) applied to claims for refund with respect to the 1964 overpayment.

In Revenue Ruling 2020-8, the IRS noted that, even though the fact pattern in Revenue Ruling 71-533 involved both a NOL carryback and a foreign tax credit carryback, the ruling did not consider whether IRC section 6511(d)(2)(A) should apply in lieu of IRC section 6511(d)(3)(A). Therefore, the IRS stated that it was suspending Revenue Ruling 71-533 pending reconsideration of its ruling. However, the IRS also stated that this suspension would not be applied adversely to refund claims properly filed within the IRC section 6511(d)(3)(A) limitations period in accordance with Revenue Ruling 71-533 during the period in which the ruling’s holding is being reconsidered.

Practice Point: Revenue Ruling 2020-8 is particularly important to taxpayers seeking refunds under the special COVID-19 rules. We discussed those refunds here. The IRS is trying to do everything it can to facilitate getting relief to taxpayers.

© 2020 McDermott Will & Emery

For more on IRS COVID-19 Guidance, see the National Law Review Tax Law section.

Stimulus, IRS Extended Deadline and Gifting Opportunities

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

  • President Trump signed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, a $2 trillion stimulus package providing $560 billion of relief for individuals, including:
    • Cash Payments: $1,200 per individual ($2,400 for couples); plus $500 per qualifying child1
    • Retirement Funds: Early withdrawal penalties waived for distributions of up to $100,000, if withdrawal is for coronavirus related purposes
    • 401(k) Loans: Loan limit increased from $50,000 to $100,000
    • Required Minimum Distributions: Suspended in 2020 for IRA/401(k) plans, including inherited IRAs
    • Charitable Deduction: Up to $300 charitable deduction for 2020 taxpayers who utilize the standard deduction

Extension of filing and payment deadlines

  • The federal and Wisconsin income tax return filing and payment deadline for the 2019 tax year was automatically extended to July 15, 2020
  • The federal gift tax return filing and payment deadline for the 2019 tax year was automatically extended to July 15, 2020

Gifting opportunities

  • Low valuations, low interest rates, and the anticipated reduction in the federal estate/gift tax exemption from $11.58 million to approximately $6.5 million on January 1, 2026 have created many planning opportunities, including:
    • Gifts and/or sales to existing or newly established Trusts to take advantage of low valuations and use the $11.58 million exemption while it is still available;
    • Amending intra-family loans to take advantage of low interest rates; and
    • Creation of charitable lead trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, and other estate planning techniques that benefit from low interest rates are particularly attractive right now.

Now may also be a good time for clients to review their existing estate plans to make certain that their plans are up to date and consistent with their wishes.

1Amounts are phased down for individuals making more than $75,000 ($150,000 for couples) and phased out for individuals making more than $99,000 ($198,000 for couples)

Copyright © 2020 Godfrey & Kahn S.C.

Important Guidance for IRS Tax Filers

Due to the situation created by the coronavirus, we’ve been fielding questions from clients, co-workers and accountants about potential changes in the tax filing and tax payment deadlines, as well as other IRS administrative issues such as examinations, collection actions and payment plans.

Because the president declared a national emergency, the IRS has broad powers under statute to extend certain deadlines. The IRS also has broad administrative authority. As of the date and time of this email, there has been no official guidance issued on extending the April 15 deadline for the filing of income tax returns. However, statements made on March 17, 2020 by Secretary of Treasury Mnuchin suggest that the government will allow a 90-day deferral of tax payments to the IRS.

Under this program, individuals can defer up to $1 million of tax payments, and corporations can defer up to $10 million, with no penalties and interest for 90 days. This program does appear to require the filing of a tax return first in order to obtain the deferral. Many questions on this program remain, and Varnum’s tax team will provide updates as they evolve.

Out of an abundance of caution, individuals may want to file an extension (Form 4868) prior to the filing deadline. This is NOT an extension in time to pay. As such, the first quarter tax estimates are due April 15 as is any shortfall in the expected 2019 tax liability. Please note, with respect to the payment deferral program, the secretary has not clarified whether the extension form or the estimated tax payment voucher falls under the definition of “return” for the payment deferral program. Finally, there are some safe harbors for estimated tax payments that may apply. Check the IRS website or talk to a tax advisor.

Tax preparers should check with the IRS employee assigned to any matter for the case status, including document requests, etc. If your client is honoring an IRS levy on an employee at this time, those obligations are still in force unless notified otherwise by the IRS. Some deadlines such as filing a Tax Court Petition for relief are statutory in nature and still valid.

© 2020 Varnum LLP

More on tax laws or the coronavirus outbreak on the National Law Review.

Delaware Franchise Taxes Are Around the Corner

If you are a Delaware corporation, you likely received a notice from the Secretary of State of Delaware informing you that your company’s Annual Report and franchise tax payment are due by March 1, 2020. These notices are sent to the corporation’s registered agent. You are still required to file an Annual Report and pay the franchise tax even if your corporation never engaged in business or generated revenue. Delaware requires these to be submitted online.

There are two ways to calculate your Delaware franchise taxes (the Authorized Shares Method and the Assumed Par Value Capital Method). Delaware defaults to calculating its franchise taxes owed by using the Authorized Shares Method, which almost always results in a higher tax liability for startups with limited assets. However, by using the Assumed Par Capital Value Method, startups are often able to significantly lower their franchise tax burden.

For example, a typical early-stage startup corporation with: (i) 10 million authorized shares of stock; (ii) 9 million issued shares of stock; (iii) a par value of $0.0001; and (iv) gross assets of $100,000, would result in the following franchise tax obligations under the different methods:

  • $85,165 under the Authorized Shares Method

  • $400 under the Assumed Par Value Capital Method

    If you are incorporated in Delaware, but conducting business in another state, you must be qualified to do business in that state – meaning, you might be subject to that state’s franchise tax (if any) as well. For example, a Delaware corporation doing business in Texas must still register for a foreign qualification to conduct business in Texas ($750 filing fee), submit a Texas annual Franchise Tax Report (due by May 15 of each year), and pay the associated tax.

Texas franchise taxes are based on an entity’s margin (unless filing under an EZ computation),

and are calculated based on one of the following ways:

  • total revenue times 70 percent;

  • total revenue minus cost of goods sold (COGS);

  • total revenue minus compensation; or

  • total revenue minus $1 million (effective Jan. 1, 2014).

© 2020 Winstead PC.

For more on franchise taxation, see the National Law Review Tax Law section.