WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds workers in the gig economy and those who claimed unemployment compensation in 2020 of their options and where to find information on meeting their tax obligations.

Gig economy

The gig economy refers to income earned providing on-demand work performing services or selling goods, including driving a car for booked rides or deliveries, renting out property, selling goods online or freelance work. Often, customers and service providers or sellers are brought together through a digital platform on an app or website. Visit the Gig Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov to learn more about withholding and estimated tax requirements for these types of earned income and paid services.

Taxpayers should collect and keep records and receipts during the year. Recordkeeping can help track income, deduct expenses and complete tax returns.

Unemployment benefits

A record number of Americans applied for unemployment compensation in 2020 due to the pandemic. Anyone who received unemployment benefits will need to report it on their tax returns.

However, the American Rescue Plan, enacted on March 11, 2021, excludes from income up to $10,200 ($20,400 if married filing jointly) of unemployment compensation received in 2020 for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income under qualifying thresholds. Any amount over $10,200 is still taxable for each person. To determine if payments received for being unemployed are taxable, see the Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov.

For those who have already filed their 2020 tax return and paid taxes on the full amount of unemployment compensation before the law was passed, they should not file an amended return. The IRS will automatically refund money to people who already filed their tax return reporting unemployment compensation.

The IRS will recompute any credits and deductions claimed on the original return. However, if the reduction of income now qualifies a taxpayer for a new credit not claimed on the original return, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), those taxpayers will need to file an amended tax return, Form 1040x, to claim the new credit. Taxpayers can see if they qualify for the EITC at IRS.gov.

Unemployment benefit recipients should have received a Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, from the agency paying the benefits. The form will show the amount of unemployment compensation they received in 2020 in Box 1, and any federal income tax withheld in Box 4.

Some states do not mail Form 1099-Gs. Taxpayers may need to get the electronic version from their state's website.

Taxpayers who received an incorrect Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits they did not receive should contact the issuing state agency to request a revised Form 1099-G showing they did not receive these benefits.

Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a timely, corrected form from their state should still file an accurate tax return, reporting only the income they received. A corrected Form 1099-G showing zero unemployment benefits in cases of identity theft will help taxpayers avoid an unexpected federal tax bill for unreported income.

Additionally, if taxpayers are concerned that their personal information has been stolen and they want to protect their identity when filing their federal tax return, they can request an Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN) from the IRS.

Generally, by law, unemployment compensation must be included as income. Taxable benefits include any of the special unemployment compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted in 2020.

If a taxpayer didn’t report income from gig work or unemployment compensation on a return, a corrected return can be filed using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Form 1040-X can be filed electronically.

Taxpayers who owe but can’t pay in full always have options to seek help through payment plans and other tools from IRS.gov/payments.

Tax information is also available in Spanish Español; Chinese 中文; Korean 한국어; Russian Pусский; and Vietnamese TiếngViệt.

Resources

Today, the IRS published the latest executive column “A Closer Look,” which features IRS Customer Account Services Director Dietra Grant discussing tax tips from a mother’s perspective. “The IRS serves so many people and I believe that we need to “meet you where you are.” There is so much information on our website, IRS.gov, to assist people in preparing and filing their taxes, and we’re making that information more accessible to people…,” said Grant. Read more here. Read the Spanish version here.

“A Closer Look” is a column from IRS executives that covers a variety of timely issues of interest to taxpayers and the tax community. It also provides a detailed look at key issues affecting everything from IRS operations and employees to issues involving taxpayers and tax professionals.

Check here for prior posts and new updates.

WASHINGTON − Anyone can request an automatic tax-filing extension, but some people get extra time without asking, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the IRS postponed the usual April 15 deadline for filing individual income tax returns until May 17, 2021. Even so, as is the case every year, many Americans will still need more time to meet their tax-filing obligation.

The IRS estimates that more than 16 million taxpayers will get an automatic extension this filing season, either by filing a form or making an electronic tax payment. But some taxpayers, including disaster victims, those serving in a combat zone and Americans living abroad get more time, even if they don’t ask for it. Here are details on each of these special tax-relief provisions.

Disaster victims

Victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 returns and pay any tax due.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.

This relief also includes more time for making 2020 contributions to IRAs and other plans and making 2021 estimated tax payments. In some cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area, have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the Around the Nation page on IRS.gov.

Combat zone taxpayers

Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of designated combat zone localities can be found in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on IRS.gov.

Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in Publication 3.

Taxpayers outside the United States

U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 tax returns and pay any tax due.

The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.

Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest -- currently at the rate of 3% per year, compounded daily -- applies to any payment received after this year’s May 17 deadline. For more information about the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, on IRS.gov.

Everyone else

Taxpayers who don’t qualify for any of these three special situations can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until Oct. 15, 2021. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their 2020 tax payments are still due by May 17.

An easy way to get the extra time is through Free File on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically request an extension on Form 4868. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.

Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax payment by the May 17 due date using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System EFTPS or a debit or credit card. Under this option, there is no need to file a separate Form 4868. Please note, you must register for EFTPS before using.  Electronic payment options are available at IRS.gov/Payments. 

WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are disbursing nearly 2 million payments in the seventh batch of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.

Today’s announcement brings the total disbursed so far to approximately 163 million payments, with a total value of approximately $384 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches as announced on March 12. 

The seventh batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 23, with an official payment date of April 28, with some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending deposits. Here is additional information on this batch of payments:

Additional information is available on the first six batches of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which processed weekly on April 16, April 9, April 2, March 26, March 19 and March 12.

The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for “plus-up” payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to urge people who don’t normally file a tax return and haven’t received Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the benefits they’re entitled to under the law, including tax credits such as the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Filing a 2020 tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will begin to be disbursed this summer.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying dependents.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, but they’ll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return.

Free tax return preparation is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on Economic Impact Payments is available on IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers and tax professionals to continue using electronic options to speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and  payments. IRS.gov showcases many task-based tools and features to help people navigate their taxes. All are available 24/7/365.

Timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance is especially important during the pandemic. To speed refunds and avoid delays in processing, the IRS strongly advises taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need.

Simple options to make filing easier

Other useful tools and features

Free options for the military and some veterans

MilTax, Military OneSource's tax service, provides online software for eligible individuals to electronically file a federal return and up to three state returns for free.

Military OneSource is a program funded by the Department of Defense that provides a range of free resources for military members, veterans and their families. More information about OneSource is available at MilitaryOneSource.mil.

Tax deadline is May 17

Although the tax filing deadline has been extended to May 17, 2021, from April 15, the IRS continues to process electronic tax returns, issue direct deposit refunds and accept electronic payments. As of April 16, the IRS received over 110 million tax returns and issued over $210 billion in refunds.

Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct deposit if there are no issues with their tax return.

WASHINGTON — Building on the success of Settlement Days and Virtual Settlement Days, the Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel hosted its first National Virtual Settlement Month in March 2021. The results are impressive.

Settlement Days events are coordinated efforts to resolve cases in the United States Tax Court by providing taxpayers who are not represented by counsel the opportunity to receive free tax advice from Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs), American Bar Association (ABA) volunteer attorneys and other pro bono organizations.

"The March Settlement Days campaign yielded great results with well over half of participating taxpayers settling their cases on a basis agreeable to them without having to represent themselves in Tax Court," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "These strong results could not be achieved without the dedication and support of our partner groups--the LITCs, ABA and other pro bono organizations."

During the Office of Chief Counsel’s National Virtual Settlement Month, Virtual Settlement Days events were held in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Many were held in cities that had not recently hosted a Settlement Days event. Nearly 240 taxpayers met with Chief Counsel employees and pro bono organizations, leading to settlements in 148 Tax Court cases. Those taxpayers whose cases were not resolved had the opportunity to obtain free legal advice and better understand their cases and the process of litigating in the Tax Court. (IR-2021-61)

LITC representatives and ABA volunteer attorneys provided free legal advice, assisting taxpayers outside their regular service areas as needed. At many events, taxpayers were also able to discuss payment options with IRS Collection employees. Taxpayers were also able to consult Taxpayer Advocate Service employees about unrelated tax matters not before the Tax Court.

"Unrepresented taxpayers with cases in Tax Court should strongly consider seeking assistance at a settlement day event when given the chance. It provides taxpayers a fair way to resolve their cases on a basis they agree with rather than taking their chances in court," Rettig noted.

Virtual Settlement Days events were first announced in May 2020 to continue the benefits of Settlement Days during the pandemic. (IR-2020-87) Before March 2021, more than 260 taxpayers resolved their Tax Court cases during a Virtual Settlement Days event, avoiding the need for over 260 trials.
 
The Office of Chief Counsel plans to continue Virtual Settlement Days events together with face-to-face options when circumstances permit. In the meantime, taxpayers with cases before the Tax Court are encouraged to contact the assigned Chief Counsel attorney or paralegal to inquire about participating in a Virtual Settlement Days event. It is possible they can achieve same-day resolution of their case on a basis they agree with.

Revenue Procedure 2021-23 modifies and supersedes portions of the 2021 inflation rev. proc., Rev. Proc. 2020-45, to reflect statutory amendments made by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Specifically, it modifies inflation adjusted amounts for the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Credit, and the Applicable Percentage Table for section 36B.

 

Rev. Proc. 2021-23 will be published in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2021-19 on May 10, 2021.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they are disbursing nearly 2 million payments in the sixth batch of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan.

Today’s announcement brings the total disbursed so far to approximately 161 million payments, with a total value of more than $379 billion, since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches as announced on March 12. 

The sixth batch of payments began processing on Friday, April 16, with an official payment date of April 21, with some people receiving direct payments in their accounts earlier as provisional or pending deposits. Here is additional information on this batch of payments:

Additional information is available on the first five batches of Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan, which began processing on April 9, April 2, March 26, March 19 and March 12.

The IRS will continue to make Economic Impact Payments on a weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for “plus-up” payments.

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return

Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to urge people who don’t normally file a tax return and haven’t received Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the benefits they’re entitled to under the law, including tax credits such as the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Filing a 2020 tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is eligible for an advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which will begin to be disbursed this summer.

For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying dependents.

People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor and others. Individuals who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, but they’ll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return.

Free tax return preparation is available for qualifying people.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these levels are ineligible for a payment.

Individuals can check the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on Economic Impact Payments is available on IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today issued Revenue Procedure 2021-20 for certain businesses that received first-round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans but did not deduct any of the original eligible expenses because they relied on guidance issued before the enactment of tax relief legislation in December of 2020.

Under prior guidance, businesses that received PPP loans to cover payroll costs, interest on covered mortgage obligations, covered rent obligation payments, and covered utility payments could not deduct corresponding expenses.

With the Dec. 27, 2020, enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, businesses now may claim these deductions even though they received PPP loans to cover original eligible expenses. These businesses can use the safe harbor provided by this guidance to deduct those expenses on the return for the immediately subsequent year.

More information on COVID-19 related tax relief for business can be found on IRS.gov

Revenue Procedure 2021-20 provides a safe harbor for certain taxpayers that received a loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and, based on guidance issued by the Treasury Department and the IRS prior to the enactment of the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, did not deduct certain otherwise deductible expenses paid or incurred during the taxpayer’s taxable year(s) ending after March 26, 2020, and on or before December 31, 2020.  Under the safe harbor, these taxpayers may deduct the expenses in the immediately subsequent taxable year.  This revenue procedure also obsoletes Revenue Procedure 2020-51. 

Revenue Procedure 2021-20 will appear in IRB 2021-19, issued on May 10, 2021.