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2022 Tax Year-In-ReviewConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2023Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Signed Aug. 16
Inflation Reduction Act Triggers Numerous Tax Form Changes
The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 has triggered changes to many tax forms, tax form instructions, and other publications prior to the start of the 2023 tax filing season.According to ...
IRS Reminds Taxpayers to Check Tax Withholding Now to Avoid Paying Future Quarterly Estimated Payments, FS-2023-1; IR-2023-10
The IRS reminded taxpayers who earn wages to use the Tax Withholding Estimator tool to adjust their 2023 withholding. Checking now and making necessary adjustments early in the year may help taxpaye...
2023 Standard Mileage Rates Released, Notice 2023-3
The IRS released the optional standard mileage rates for 2023. Most taxpayers may use these rates to compute deductible costs of operating vehicles for business, medical, and charitable purposes. Some...
FAQs Released on Energy Efficient Home Improvements and Residential Clean Energy Property Credits, FS-2022-40
The IRS has released frequently asked questions (FAQs) about energy efficient home improvements and residential clean energy property credits. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) amended the cre...
IRS, DOL Renew Employee Misclassification Memorandum of Understanding
The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor announced they have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which the two agencies will continue to work together to combat empl...
Transitional Guidance on Broker Digital Asset Reporting Provided, Announcement 2023-2
The Treasury Department and IRS have announced that brokers are not required to report additional information with respect to dispositions of digital assets until final regulations are issued under C...
IRS Completes Final Corrections on 2020 Unemployment Compensation Tax Payments, IR-2023-2
The IRS recently completed the final corrections of tax year 2020 accounts for taxpayers who overpaid their taxes on unemployment compensation received in 2020. This resulted in nearly 12 million ...
FL - Additional guidance issued on tax relief for property made uninhabitable by Hurricanes Ian or Nicole
The Florida Department of Revenue has issued additional guidance regarding property tax relief for residential properties rendered uninhabitable for 30 days or more due to Hurricanes Ian or Nicole. Th...
Treasury Out Promoting Inflation Reduction Act as GOP Works To Repeal It, IRS
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo was out promoting the positives of the Inflation Reduction Act in an apparent effort to counteract the messaging from Republicans who are working to abolish the law as well as to replace the IRS with a national sales tax.
Speaking January 17, 2023, at a White House event, Deputy Secretary Adeyemo described the law as "the most significant piece of legislation in our country's history when it comes to building a clean energy future," and highlighted the law's tax incentives aimed at getting more Americans to invest in clean energy.
For example, he noted the $1,200 available to people for making homes more energy efficient with new insulation, doors, windows, and other upgrades. He also highlighted the up to $2,000 available to upgrade existing furnaces and air conditioners with energy efficient heat pumps, as well as tax credits to help defray the cost of installing solar panels on their home rooftops.
Adeyemo also highlighted the tax incentives related to the purchase of clean vehicles, including up to a $7,500 tax credit for a new vehicle and up to $4,000 for a pre-owned vehicle.
"Treasury is working expeditiously to provide clarity and certainty to taxpayers, so the climate and economic benefits of this historic legislation can be felt as quickly as possible," he said.
Adeyemo also referenced the additional funding the Internal Revenue Service is receiving due to the Inflation Reduction Act. He noted that a "well-resourced IRS … is essential for effective implementation of the IRA's clean energy credits and other tax benefits, and for ensuring fairness of our tax system overall."
Countering Republican Messaging
Adeyemo's comments come as Republicans in their new majority in the House of Representatives begin to work on abolishing the IRA and dismantling the IRS.
Already passed in the GOP-led House is the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act (H.R. 23), which would eliminate the additional IRS funding in the IRA and in particular targets the 87,000 new hires by the agency. GOP messaging continues to misrepresent those new hires as all being IRS agents who will target low- and middle-income taxpayers with audits, despite the stated purposed of those new hires to be primarily for customer service, with the new agents that do get hired to be used to target the wealthiest taxpayers in an effort to ensure they are paying their fair share and to close the tax gap.
Indeed a one-sheet on the H.R. 23 posted to the House Ways and Means website highlights that the bill is targeting the 87,000 new hires which it claims will all be agents. The bill passed the House on January 9, 2023, by a 221-210 vote along party lines. The Senate is likely not going to take up the bill and President Biden already threatened a veto if the bill made it to his desk.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that enacting this bill would actually reduce revenue by nearly $186 billion and increase the deficit by more than $114 billion.
House Republicans also introduce a bill (H.R. 25) that would abolish the IRS and replace its revenue generating taxation authority with a national sales tax of 23 percent, with a means-tested monthly sales tax rebate available to taxpayers who qualify. No further action on this bill has been taken.
2023 Luxury Auto Depreciation Caps and Lease Inclusion Amounts Issued, Rev. Proc. 2023-14
The IRS has issued the luxury car depreciation limits for business vehicles placed in service in 2023 and the lease inclusion amounts for business vehicles first leased in 2023.
Luxury Passenger Car Depreciation Caps
The luxury car depreciation caps for a passenger car placed in service in 2023 limit annual depreciation deductions to:
$12,200 for the first year without bonus depreciation
$20,200 for the first year with bonus depreciation
$19,500 for the second year
$11,700 for the third year
$6,960 for the fourth through sixth year
Depreciation Caps for SUVs, Trucks and Vans
The luxury car depreciation caps for a sport utility vehicle, truck, or van placed in service in 2023 are:
Excess Depreciation on Luxury Vehicles
If depreciation exceeds the annual cap, the excess depreciation is deducted beginning in the year after the vehicle's regular depreciation period ends.
The annual cap for this excess depreciation is:
$6,960 for passenger cars and
$6,960 for SUVS, trucks, and vans.
Lease Inclusion Amounts for Cars, SUVs, Trucks and Vans
If a vehicle is first leased in 2023, a taxpayer must add a lease inclusion amount to gross income in each year of the lease if its fair market value at the time of the lease is more than:
$60,000 for a passenger car, or
$60,000 for an SUV, truck or van.
The 2023 lease inclusion tables provide the lease inclusion amounts for each year of the lease.
The lease inclusion amount results in a permanent reduction in the taxpayer's deduction for the lease payments.
Vehicles Exempt from Depreciation Caps and Lease Inclusion Amounts
The depreciation caps and lease inclusion amounts do not apply to:
cars with an unloaded gross vehicle weight of more than 6,000 pounds; or
SUVs, trucks and vans with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 6,000 pounds.
So taxpayers who want to avoid these limits should "think big."
IRS Urges Employees to Use Saver's Credit And Save More In 2023, IR-2022-224
IRS has reminded eligible workers from low and moderate income groups to make qualifying retirement contributions and get the Saver's Credit on their 2022 tax return. Taxpayers have until the due date for filing their 2022 return, that is April 18, 2023, to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA for 2022.
IRS has reminded eligible workers from low and moderate income groups to make qualifying retirement contributions and get the Saver's Credit on their 2022 tax return. Taxpayers have until the due date for filing their 2022 return, that is April 18, 2023, to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA for 2022. The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the Saver's Credit, helps offset part of the first $2,000 workers voluntarily contribute to Individual Retirement Arrangements, 401(k) plans and similar workplace retirement programs. The credit also helps any eligible person with a disability who is the designated beneficiary of an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, contribute to that account. The Saver's Credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply, and contributions to both, Roth and traditional IRAs qualify for the credit.
Taxpayers participating in workplace retirement plans must make their contributions by December 31, 2022. The Saver's Credit supplements other tax benefits available to people who set money aside for retirement. The Service also urges employees who are unable to set aside money in 2022, to schedule their 2023 contributions soon, so their employers can begin withholding them in January, 2023.
The IRS also informs taxpayers about the eligibility and restrictions to Saver's Credit:
Saver's Credit can be claimed by married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $68,000 in 2022 or $73,000 in 2023, heads of household with incomes up to $51,000 in 2022 or $54,750 in 2023, married individuals filing separately and singles with incomes up to $34,000 in 2022 or $36,500 in 2023.
Eligible taxpayers must be at least 18 years of age.
Anyone claimed as a dependent on someone else's return cannot take the credit, and any person enrolled as a full-time student during any part of 5 calendar months during the year, cannot claim the credit.
A taxpayer's credit amount is based on their filing status, adjusted gross income, tax liability and amount contributed to qualifying retirement programs or ABLE accounts. The Service has cautioned that, though the maximum Saver's Credit is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples), it was often much less.
The IRS has also announced that, any distributions from a retirement plan or ABLE account, reduces the contribution amount used to figure the credit. For 2022, this rule applies to distributions received after 2019 and before the due date, including extensions, of the 2022 return.
Treasury Announces Clean Vehicle Tax Benefits, FAQS, Planned Guidance, Notice 2023-1, FS-2022-42
The IRS and Treasury have announced have released a list of clean vehicles that meet the requirements to claim the new clean vehicle tax credit, along with FAQs to help consumers better understand how to access the various tax incentives for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles available beginning January 1, 2023.
The IRS and Treasury have announced have released a list of clean vehicles that meet the requirements to claim the new clean vehicle tax credit, along with FAQs to help consumers better understand how to access the various tax incentives for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles available beginning January 1, 2023. The Service has clarified the incremental cost of commercial clean vehicles in 2023 and stated that, for vehicles under 14,000 pounds, the tax credit was 15-percent of a qualifying vehicle's cost and 30-percent if, the vehicle is not gas or diesel powered.
The Service has also given a notice of intent to propose regulations on the tax credit for new clean vehicles, to provide clarity to manufacturers and buyers, on changes that take effect automatically on January 1, such as Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price limits. The notice has further clarified, that a vehicle would be considered as placed in service, for the purposes of the tax credit, on the date the taxpayer takes possession of the vehicle, which may or may not be the same date as the purchase date.
In order to help manufacturers identify vehicles eligible for tax credit, when the new requirements go into effect after a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is issued in March, the Treasury also released a white paper on the anticipated direction of their upcoming proposed guidance on the critical minerals and battery components requirements and the process for determining whether vehicles qualify under these requirements.
Guidance Issued on Incremental Cost for Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, Notice 2023-9
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have issued guidance pertaining to the new credit for qualified commercial clean vehicles, established by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ( P.L. 117-169). Notice 2023-9 establishes a safe harbor regarding the incremental cost of certain qualified commercial clean vehicles placed in service in calendar year 2023.
Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles
The amount of the credit is equal to the lesser of (1) 15% of the basis of the vehicle (30% if the vehicle is not powered by a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine), or (2) the incremental cost of the vehicle. The credit is limited to $7,500 for a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 14,000 pounds, and $40,000 for other vehicles.
A qualified commercial clean vehicle's incremental cost is the excess of the vehicle's purchase price over the price of a comparable vehicle. A comparable vehicle is any vehicle that is powered solely by a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine and is comparable in size and use to the qualified vehicle.
Under Code 45W(c), a qualified commercial clean vehicle includes a vehicle treated as a motor vehicle for purposes of title II of the Clean Air Act and manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways (not including street vehicles); and mobile machinery (as defined by Code 4053(8)).
The Treasury Department reviewed a Department of Energy incremental cost analysis (DOE analysis) of current costs for all street vehicles in calendar year 2023. The DOE analysis determined and/or provided the following:
the incremental cost of all street vehicles (other than compact car PHEVs) that have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds will be greater than $7,500;
the incremental cost for compact car PHEVs, including mini-compact and sub-compact cars, will be less than $7,500;
an incremental cost analysis of current costs for several representative classes of street vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or more in calendar year 2023; and
the incremental cost will not limit the available credit amount for vehicles placed in service in calendar year 2023.
Accordingly, the Treasury Department and IRS will accept a taxpayer's use of the incremental cost published in the DOE Analysis to calculate the credit amount for compact car PHEVs placed in service during calendar year 2023, and for the appropriate class of street vehicle to calculate the credit amount for vehicles placed in service during calendar year 2023.
A taxpayer's use of $7,500 as the incremental cost for all street vehicles (other than compact car PHEVs) with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds to calculate the credit for vehicles placed in service during calendar year 2023.
IRS Delays New Third-Party Settlement Reporting Threshold Enforcement, Notice 2023-10
The IRS announced a delay in reporting thresholds for third-party settlement organizations (TSPOs). As a result of this delay, third-party settlement organizations will not be required to report tax year 2022 transactions on a Form 1099-K to the IRS or the payee for the lower, $600 threshold amount enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( P.L. 117-2).
Code Sec. 6050W requires payment settlement entities to file an information return for each calendar year for payments made in settlement of certain reportable payment transactions. The annual information return must set forth the (1) name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) of the participating payee to whom payments were made; and (2) gross amount of the reportable payment transactions with respect to that payee. The returns must be furnished to the participating payees on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which the return was made. Further, the returns must be filed with the IRS on or before February 28 (March 31 if filing electronically) of the year following the calendar year for which the return was made.
Transition Period
A TPSO will not be required to report payments in settlement of third party network transactions with respect to a participating payee unless the gross amount of aggregate payments to be reported exceeds $20,000 and the number of such transactions with that participating payee exceeds 200. This condition applies to calendar years beginning before January 1, 2023. The Service will not assert penalties under Code Sec. 6721 or 6722 for TPSOs failing to file or failing to furnish Forms 1099-K unless the gross amount of aggregate payments to be reported exceeds $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200.
For returns for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2022, a TPSO would be required to report payments in settlement of third party network transactions with any participating payee that exceed a minimum threshold of $600 in aggregate payments, regardless of the number of such transactions. The delay does not affect requirements of Code Sec. 6050W that were not modified by the American Rescue Plan Act. Taxpayers that have performed backup withholding under Code Sec. 3406(a) during calendar year 2022 must file a Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions, with the IRS and furnish a copy to the payee if total payments to and withholding from the payee exceeded $600 for the calendar year.
Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction Applicable Reference Standard Announced, Announcement 2023-1
The IRS has notified taxpayers of the applicable reference standard required to be used to determine the amount of the energy efficient commercial building (EECB) property deduction allowed under Code Sec. 179D as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) ( P.L. 117-169).
The IRS has notified taxpayers of the applicable reference standard required to be used to determine the amount of the energy efficient commercial building (EECB) property deduction allowed under Code Sec. 179D as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) ( P.L. 117-169). Further, the IRS has announced the existing reference standard, affirmed a new reference standard and clarified when each of the two reference standards will apply to taxpayers. The effective date of this announcement is January 1, 2023.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Reference Standard 90.1-2019 has been affirmed as the applicable Reference Standard 90.1 for purposes of calculating the annual energy and power consumption and costs with respect to the interior lighting systems, heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water systems of the reference building as follows:
For property for which construction begins after December 31, 2022, ASHRAE 90.1-2019 will be the applicable standard for property that is placed in service after December 31, 2026.
Taxpayers who already began or will begin construction by December 31, 2022, or who already placed property in service or will place property in service by December 31, 2026, are not subject to the updated Reference Standard 90.1-2019. For such property, the applicable Reference Standard 90.1 is Reference Standard 90.1-2007.
Taxpayers who begin construction before January 1, 2023 may apply Reference Standard 90.1-2007 regardless of when the building is placed in service.
Treasury, IRS Issue Guidance on Corporate Stock Repurchase Excise Tax, in Advance of Proposed Regulations, Notice 2023-2
The Treasury Department and the IRS have provided guidance announcing that they intend to issue proposed regulations to address the application of the new one-percent corporate stock repurchase excise tax under Code Sec. 4501, which was added by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ( P.L. 117-169).
Excise Tax on Stock Repurchases
Beginning in 2023, a publicly traded U.S. corporation is subject to a one-percent excise tax on the value of its stock that the corporation repurchases during the tax year, effective for stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. Repurchases include stock redemptions, as well as economically similar transactions as determined by the Treasury Secretary.
The excise tax does not apply if:
the total value of the stock repurchased during the tax year does not exceed $1 million;
the repurchased stock (or its value) is contributed to an employee pension plan, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), or similar plan;
the repurchase is by a regulated investment company (RIC) or a real estate investment trust (REIT);
the repurchase is part of a reorganization in which no gain or loss is recognized;
the repurchase is treated as a dividend; or
the repurchase is by a dealer in securities in the ordinary course of business.
Interim Guidance
The interim guidance is intended to clarify excise tax calculation, and the application of Code Sec. 4501 to certain transactions and other events occurring before the proposed regulations are issued.
Among other things, the interim guidance addresses the $1 million de minimis exception; the stock repurchase excise tax base; redemptions and economically similar transactions; acquisitions by specified affiliates, applicable specified affiliates, or covered surrogate foreign corporations; timing and fair market value of repurchased stock; statutory exceptions; and a netting rule. The guidance also includes illustrative examples.
The proposed regulations are anticipated to provide that the stock repurchase excise tax must be reported on IRS Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return. To facilitate the tax computation, the IRS also intends to issue an additional form that taxpayers will be required to attach to Form 720.
Although Form 720 is filed quarterly, the Treasury and IRS expect the proposed regulations to provide that the stock repurchase tax will be reported once per tax year, on the Form 720 that is due for the first full quarter after the close of the taxpayer's tax year.
Applicability Dates
The proposed regulations are anticipated to provide that rules consistent with those in the guidance will generally apply to repurchases of stock of a covered corporation made after December 31, 2022, and to issuances of stock made during a tax year ending after December 31, 2022. Rules consistent with those in the guidance on purchases funded by applicable specified affiliates will apply to repurchases and acquisitions of stock made after December 31, 2022, that are funded on or after the date the guidance is released to the public.
Until the proposed regulations are issued, taxpayers can rely on the rules in the guidance.
Request for Comments
Interested parties can submit written comments on the rules by or before 60 days after the date the guidance is published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. Comments may be submitted by the Federal E-rulemaking Portal ( https://www.regulations.gov), or by mail to Internal Revenue Service, CC:PA:LPD:PR ( Notice 2023-2), Room 5203, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, D.C., 20044. Refer to Notice 2023-2.
Rules of the House Could Affect Tax Policy in 2023
With the transition of leadership from Democrats to Republicans in the House of Representatives comes new rules that legislators must adhere to, and they could have implications on tax policy.
The rules, which were adopted January 9, 2023, almost exclusively along party lines (only one Republican voted against and no Democrats voted in favor), contain two key provisions that could impact tax policy in at least the next two years. First is the need for a supermajority of lawmakers to vote in favor of a tax rate increase and the second is a replacement of the "pay as you go" rule {any increase in spending needs a mechanism to fund the increase) to a "cut as you go" rule, which means any increase in spending in one area must be offset by a cut of funding in another area.
A summary of the rules states that it "restores a requirement for a three-fifths supermajority vote on tax rate increases." This is likely to have little impact as there likely will not be many, if any, proposals to increase taxes coming out of the GOP-led House, especially considering many Republicans signed a pledge to oppose increase taxes.
"While it is unsurprising that Republicans approved this rule, it undermines the stated goal of lowering the debt," Joe Hughes, federal policy analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, stated in a blog on the rules. He added that "there is a clear contradiction in stating that government should take on less debt while putting tight restraints on the government's ability to pay for things."
The second provision, cut as you go, requires that increases in mandatory spending programs, including programs such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans' benefits and unemployment compensation, be offset by cuts to other mandatory spending programs.
"This means that the House cannot even pass increases to these programs that are fully paid for with new revenue, unless they also cut some other program in this category," Hughes notes.
This could make passage of enhancements to popular tax provisions more problematic. For example, the cut as you go rule "makes it harder to enhance proven and effective policies like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) because the refundable portions of the credits—the amount that can exceed the income tax a family would otherwise owe—are counted as mandatory spending under the budget scoring rules used by Congress," Hughes writes, noting that any improvements would require cuts to another essential program like Social Security or Medicare.
"Advocates and lawmakers hoping to restore the 2021 expansion, or otherwise improve the CTC or EITC, will now face an even tougher road ahead" due to the cut as you go rule, he states.
Taxpayer Advocate Collins Optimistic for 2023
Despite a significant number of challenges faced by taxpayers in 2022, National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins has reason to be more optimistic for 2023.
"We have begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel," Collins wrote in the 2022 annual NTA report to Congress, released on January 11, 2023. "I'm just not sure how much further we have to travel before we see sunlight."
She highlighted three key areas that are providing a foundation for the optimistic outlook for this year:
The IRS has largely worked through its backlog of unprocessed returns, though there still remains a high volume of suspended returns and correspondence;
Congress has provided funding to increase customer service staffing; and
The agency has already added 4,000 new customer service and is seeking to add 700 additional employees to provide in-person help at its Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
Collins did caution that while she is optimistic for the future, the near term will still be faced with challenges. In particular, she noted that while new staff are being trained, some of the issues that have been plaguing the IRS will continue.
"As new employees are added, they must be trained." Collins noted. "For most jobs, IRS does not maintain a separate cadre of instructors. Instead, experienced employees must be pulled off their regular caseloads to provide the initial training and act as on-the-job instructors. In the short run, that may mean that fewer employees are assisting taxpayers, particularly experienced employees who are likely to be the most effective trainers."
Taking into consideration the time needed to train new employees, some of the challenges from 2022 that were highlighted in the report could still be an issue early into 2023.
That could mean ongoing processing and refund delays. The COVID-19 pandemic created a significant backlog of unprocessed returns and while the IRS has made strides to reducing that backlog, as of December 23, 2022, the agency reported it still has a backlogged inventory of about 400,000 individual tax returns and about 1 million business tax returns. It could also mean ongoing delays in processing taxpayer correspondence and other cases in the Accounts Management function.
Another issue that could linger as more employees are being trained is getting a live person on the telephone. NTA reported that about one in eight calls from taxpayers to the agency made it through to a live person, with hold times for taxpayers averaged 29 minutes.
Tax professionals were able to get through to a live person about ever one in six calls to the Practitioner Priority Service, with about 25 minutes of hold time on average.
"Tax professionals are key to a successful tax administration," Collins wrote. "The challenges of the past three filing seasons have pushed tax professionals to their limits, raising client doubts in their abilities and created a loss of trust in the system."
The report makes a number of recommendations both to the IRS and legislative recommendations to strengthen taxpayer rights and improve tax administration.
To the IRS, Collins recommends a couple of employee-related items – hiring and training more human resource employees to manage the hiring of all agency employees and ensuring all IRS employees are well-trained to do their jobs.
On the IT front, she also recommended improvements to online account accessibility and functionality to make them comparable to private financial institutions' online accounts, as well as temporarily expand the uses of the documentation upload tool or similar technology. Also, there was a call to enable all taxpayers to e-file their tax returns.
Among the legislative recommendations are amending the "lookback period" to allow tax refunds for certain taxpayers who took advantage of the postponed filing deadlines due to COVID-19; establish minimum standards for paid tax preparers; expand the U.S. Tax Court's jurisdiction to adjudicate refund cases and assessable penalties; modify the requirement that written receipts acknowledge charitable contributions must predate the filing of a tax return; and make the Earned Income Tax Credit structure simpler.
New challenges for 2014 year-end tax planning
Before the fast-approaching new year, it's important to take some time and reflect on year-end tax planning. The weeks pass quickly and the arrival of January 1, 2015 will close the doors to some tax planning strategies and opportunities. Fortunately, there is still time for a careful review of your year-end tax planning strategy.
Traditional year-end planning techniques
For many individuals, a look at traditional year-end tax planning techniques is a good starting point. Spreading the recognition of certain income between 2014 and 2015 is one technique. Individuals need to take into account any possible changes in their income tax bracket. The individual income tax rates for 2014 are unchanged from 2013: 10, 15, 25, 28, 33, 35 and 39.6 percent. Each taxable income bracket is indexed for inflation. The starting points for the 39.6 percent bracket for 2014 are $406,750 for unmarried individuals; $457,600 for married couples filing a joint return and surviving spouses; $432,200 for heads of households; and $228,800 for married couples filing separate returns. For 2014, the top tax rate for qualified capital gains and qualified dividends is 20 percent.
For the second year, individuals also need to plan for potential net investment income (NII) tax liability. The NII tax applies to taxpayers with certain types of income and who fall within the thresholds for liability. Again, spreading income out over a number of years or offsetting the income with both above-the-line and itemized deductions are strategies to consider.
Many individuals are surprised to learn that some very popular and widely-used tax incentives are temporary. If you claimed the higher education tuition deduction on your 2013 return, you cannot claim it in your 2014 return because the deduction expired after 2013. The same is true for the state and local sales tax deduction, the teachers' classroom expense deduction, the Code Sec. 25C residential energy credit, transit benefits parity, and more. All of these tax breaks expired after 2013 and unless they are extended by Congress, you will not be able to claim them on your 2014 returns.
Businesses are also affected. A lengthy list of business-oriented tax breaks expired after 2013. They include the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), research tax credit, Indian employment credit, employer wage credit for military reservists, special incentives for biodiesel and renewable fuels, tax credits for energy-efficient homes and appliances, and more.
The good news is that Congress is likely to extend these tax breaks, probably for two years, and make the extension retroactive to January 1, 2014. That means taxpayers can claim these incentives on their 2014 returns. One hurdle is when Congress will act. In past years, lawmakers waited until very late in the year, or even until the start of the new year, to vote on an extension of these incentives. Late extension puts extra pressure on the IRS to quickly reprogram its return processing systems. Most likely, the IRS will have to delay the start of the filing season. Our office will keep you posted of developments.
In 2014, the Tax Court surprised many with its decision that a taxpayer could make only one nontaxable rollover contribution within each one-year period regardless of how many IRAs the taxpayer maintained (Bobrow, TC Memo. 2014-21). The one-year limitation is not specific to any single IRA maintained by a taxpayer, but instead applies to all IRAs maintained by the taxpayer. The IRS, in turn, announced that it would change its rules to reflect the court's decision.
The key point to keep in mind is that the Bobrow decision affects only IRA-to-IRA rollovers. The decision does not limit trustee-to-trustee transfers.
Individuals who obtain health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (and the federal government estimates they number seven million) have special tax planning considerations, especially if they are eligible for the Code Sec. 36B premium assistance tax credit. The credit is payable in advance to insurers and it appears that most taxpayers have elected this option. These individuals must reconcile the amount paid in advance with the amount of the actual credit computed when they file their tax returns. Changes in circumstances, such as an increase or decrease in income, marriage, birth or adoption of a child, and so on, may affect the amount of the actual credit.
Remember that the Affordable Care Act requires individuals to have minimum essential coverage for each month, qualify for an exemption, or make a payment when filing his or her federal income tax return. Many individuals will qualify for an exemption if they are covered under employer-sponsored coverage. Individuals covered by Medicare also are exempt.
If you have any questions about year-end planning, please contact our office.
Wolters Kluwer, CCH projects 2015 tax rate brackets and other tax figures adjusted for inflation
Taxpayers will receive some modest relief for the 2015 tax year, thanks to the mandatory annual inflation-adjustments provided under the Tax Code. When there is inflation, indexing of brackets lowers tax bills by including more of people's incomes in lower brackets—for example by placing taxpayers' income in the existing 15-percent bracket, rather than the existing 25-percent bracket.
Wolters Kluwer, CCH has used the formulas specified in the Tax Code and the Department of Labor's newly-released Consumer Price Index (all urban) for August 2014 to project the inflation-adjusted figures for 2015. (The list provided below is not exhaustive.) The IRS is expected to issue the official figures by December 2014.
2015 tax schedules
Married Filing Jointly (and Surviving Spouses)
Not over $18,450 10% of taxable income
$18,450 to $74,900 $1,845 + 15% of taxable income in excess of $18,450
$74,900 to $151,200 $10,312.50 + 25% of taxable income in excess of $74,900
$151,200 to $230,450 $29,387.50 + 28% of taxable income in excess of $151,200
$411,500 to $464,850 $111,324 + 35% of taxable income in excess of $411,500
Over $464,850 $129,996.50 + 39.6% of taxable income in excess of $464,850
$50,200 to $129,600 $6,872.50 + 25% of taxable income in excess of $50,200
Over $439,000 $125,362 + 39.6% of taxable income in excess of $439,000
Single (Other than Heads of Household and Surviving Spouses)
Not over $9,225 10% of taxable income
$9,225 to $37,450 $922.50 + 15% of taxable income in excess of $9,225
$37,450 to $90,750 $5,156.25 + 25% of taxable income in excess of $37,450
$411,500 to $413,200 $119,401.25 + 35% of taxable income in excess of $411,500
Married Filing Separate
$9,225 to $37,450 $922.50 + 15% of excess over $9,225
$37,450 to $75,600 $5,156.25 + 25% of excess over $37,450
$75,600 to $115,225 $14,693.75 + 28% of excess over $75,600
$115,225 to $205,750 $25,788.75 + 33% of excess over $115,225
$205,750 to $232,425 $55,662 + 35% of excess over $205,750
Over $232,425 $64,998.25 + 39.6% of excess over $232,425
$2,500 to $5,900 $375 + 25% of taxable income in excess of $2,500
$5,900 to $9,050 $1,225 + 28% of taxable income in excess of $5,900
$9,050 to $12,300 $2,107 + 33% of taxable income in excess of $9,050
Over $12,300 $3,179.50 + 39.6% of taxable income in excess of $12,300
2015 personal exemption
For 2015, personal exemptions will increase to $4,000, up from $3,950 in 2014. The phase out of the personal exemption for higher income taxpayers will begin after taxpayers pass the same income thresholds set forth for the limitation on itemized deductions, detailed below.
The personal exemption will completely phase out when income surpasses the following levels: $432,400 (married joint filers); $406,550 (Heads of household); $380,750 (unmarried taxpayers); and $216,200 (married filing separate).
2015 standard deduction
For 2015, the standard deduction will be as follows: $6,300 for unmarried taxpayers and married separate filers (up from $6,200 in 2014). For married joint filers, the standard deduction will rise to $12,600, up from $12,400 in 2014. For heads of household, the standard deduction will be $9,250, up from $9,100 in 2014.
The 2015 standard deduction for an individual claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return is either $1,050 or $350 plus the dependent's earned income, whichever is greater.
The additional standard deduction for the blind and aged increases for married taxpayers to $1,250, up from $1,200 in 2014. For unmarried, aged, or blind taxpayers, the amount of the additional standard deduction remains $1,550.
Limitation on itemized deductions
For higher income taxpayers who itemize their deductions, the limitation on itemized deductions for 2015 will be imposed at the following income levels:
For married couples filing joint returns or surviving spouses, the income threshold will be $309,900, up from $305,050 for 2014.
For heads of household, the threshold will be $284,050, up from $279,650 in 2014.
For single taxpayers, the threshold will be $258,250, up from $254,200 in 2014.
For married taxpayers filing separate returns, the 2015 threshold will be $154,950, up from $152,525 for 2014.
AMT exemptions
Wolters Kluwer, CCH projects that, for 2015, the AMT exemption for married joint filers and surviving spouses will be $83,400 (up from $82,100 in 2014). For heads of household and unmarried single filers, the exemption will be $53,600 (up from $52,800 in 2014). For married separate filers, the exemption will be $41,700, up from ($41,050 in 2014). For estates and trusts, the exemption will be $23,800 (up from $23,500 in 2014.)
For a child to whom the so-called "kiddie tax" under Code Sec. 1(g) applies, the exemption amount for AMT purposes may not exceed the sum of the child's earned income for the tax year, plus $7,400 (up from $7,250 for 2014).
Other adjusted amounts
IRA Contributions. The maximum amount of deductible contributions that can be made to an IRA will remain the same for 2015, at $5,500 (or $6,500 for taxpayers eligible to make catch-up contributions). The income phase out ranges increase, however. For 2015, the allowable amount of deductible IRA contributions will phase out for married joint filers whose income is between $98,000 and $118,000 (if both spouses are covered by a retirement plan at work). If only one spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase out range is from $183,000 to $193,000.
For heads of household and unmarried filers who are covered by a retirement plan at work, the 2015 income phase out range for deductible IRA contributions is $61,000 to $71,000, up from $60,000 to $70,000 for 2014.
Education Savings Bond Interest Exclusion. When U.S. savings bonds are redeemed to pay expenses for higher education, the interest may be excluded from income if the taxpayer's income is below a certain range. For 2015, the phase-out range for single filers will be from $77,200 to $92,200 (up from $76,000 to $91,000 for 2014). For joint filers the 2015 phase-out range will be $115,750 to $145,750 (up from $113,950 to $143,950 for 2014).
Phase-out of Student Loan Interest Deduction. For 2015, the $2,500 student loan interest deduction will phase out for married joint filers with income between $130,000 and $160,000, the same as for 2014. The 2015 deduction will phase out for single taxpayers with income between $65,000 to $80,000.
Medical Savings Accounts. The minimum–maximum range for premiums used to determine whether a medical savings account (MSA) is tied to a high deductible health plan for 2015 will be $2,200–$3,300 for self-only coverage (up from $2,200 to $3,250 for 2014) and $4,450 to $6,650 for family coverage (up from $4,350 to $6,550 for 2014).
Self-only coverage plans are subject to a $4,450 maximum amount for annual out-of-pocket costs (up from $4,350 for 2014). Family coverage plans have a $8,150 annual limit (up $8,000 for 2014).
Limitation on Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs). The limitation on the amount of salary reductions an employee may elect to contribute to a cafeteria plan under an FSA increases to $2,550 for 2015, up $50 from the limit for 2014 and 2013.
Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits. For 2015, the monthly cap on the exclusion for transit passes and for commuter highway vehicles will be $130, the same as it was for 2014 (parity between transit and parking benefits expired at the end of 2013). The monthly cap on qualified parking benefits will be $250, the same as for 2014.
Estate and Gift Tax. The gift tax annual exemption will remain the same for 2015, at $14,000. However, the estate and gift tax applicable exclusion will increase from $5,340,000 in 2014 to $5,430,000 for 2015.
Gifts to Noncitizen Spouses. The first $147,000 of gifts made in 2015 to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen will not be included in taxable gifts, up $2,000 from $145,000 in 2014.
Foreign Earned Income/Housing. The amount of the 2015 foreign earned income exclusion under Code Sec. 911 will be $100,800, up from $99,200 for 2014. The maximum foreign earned income housing deduction for 2015 will be $30,240, up from $29,760 for 2014.
Employers prepare for employer mandate and Code Sec. 6056 reporting
As January 1, 2015 draws closer, many employers are gearing up for the "employer mandate" under the Affordable Care Act. For 2015, there is special transition relief for mid-size employers. Small employers (employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees) are always exempt from the employer mandate and related employer reporting.
Employer mandate
Under Code Sec. 4980H, an applicable large employer must make a shared responsibility payment if either:
The employer does not offer or offers coverage to less than 95 percent (70 percent in 2015) of its full-time employees and their dependents the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage and one or more full-time employee is certified to the employer as having received a Code Sec. 36B premium assistance tax credit or cost-sharing reduction ("Section 4980H(a) liability"); or
The employer offers to all or at least 95 percent of its full-time employees and their dependents the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage under an eligible employer-sponsored plan and one or more full-time employees is certified to the employer as having received a Code Sec. 36B premium assistance tax credit or cost-sharing reduction ("Section 4980H(b) liability").
For purposes of the employer mandate shared responsibility provisions, an employee is a full-time employee for a calendar month if he or she averages at least 30 hours of service per week. Under final regulations issued by the IRS earlier this year, for purposes of determining full-time employee status, 130 hours of service in a calendar month is treated as the monthly equivalent of at least 30 hours of service per week.
The IRS has provided two methods for determining whether a worker is a full-time employee: the monthly measurement method and the look-back measurement method. The monthly measurement method allows an employer to determine each employee's status by counting the employee's hours of service for each month. The look-back measurement method allows employers to determine the status of an employee as a full-time employee during a future period, based upon the hours of service of the employee in a prior period.
In September 2014, the IRS clarified the look-back method in certain circumstances. The IRS described application of the look-back method where an employee moves from one measurement period to another (for example, an employee moves from an hourly position to which a 12-month measurement period applies to a salaried position to which a 6-month measurement period applies). The IRS also described situations where an employer changes the measurement method applicable to employees within a permissible category (for example, an employer changes the measurement period for all hourly employees for the next calendar year from a 6-month to a 12-month measurement period).
Transition relief for mid-size employers
Mid-size employers are exempt from the Code Sec. 4980H employer mandate for 2015 under special transition relief. Employers qualify as mid-size if they employ on average at least 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalents, but fewer than 100 full-time employees, including full-time equivalents.
The IRS has placed some restrictions on this transition relief for mid-size employers. During the period beginning on February 9, 2014, and ending on December 31, 2014, the employer that reduces the size of its workforce or the overall hours of service of its employees in order to satisfy the workforce size condition is ineligible for the transition relief. A reduction in workforce size or overall hours of service for bona fide business reasons will not be considered to have been made in order to satisfy the workforce size condition, the IRS explained.
Code Sec. 6056 requires certain employers to report to the IRS information about the health insurance, if any, they offer to employees. The IRS has posted draft forms and instructions about Code Sec. 6056 reporting on its website: Form 1094-C, Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns, and Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage.
Information reporting encompasses (among other things):
The employer's name, address, and employer identification number;
The calendar year for which information is being reported;
A certification as to whether the employer offered to its full-time employees and their dependents the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential coverage under an employer-sponsored plan;
The number, address and Social Security/taxpayer identification number of all full-time employees;
The number of full-time employees eligible for coverage under the employer's plan; and
The employee's share of the lowest cost monthly premium for self-only coverage providing minimum value offered to that full-time employee.
Code Sec. 6056 reporting for 2015 is mandatory. Although mid-size employers may be exempt from the employer mandate, they are not exempt from Code Sec. 6056 reporting for 2015. The IRS is requiring all Code Sec. 6056 information returns to be filed no later than February 28 (March 31 if filed electronically) of the year immediately following the calendar year to which the return relates.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about preparing for the employer mandate and Code Sec. 6056 reporting.
FAQ: Are employer-provided meals deduction/income?
Every year the IRS publishes a list of projects that are currently on its agenda. For example, the IRS may indicate through this list that it is working on a new set of procedures relating to claiming business expenses. The new 2014–2015 IRS Priority Guidance Plan, just released this September, has indicated that IRS is working on guidance relating to whether employer-provided meals offered on company premises are taxable as income to the employee. In the Priority Guidance Plan's Employee Benefits Section B.3, the IRS listed: "Guidance under §§119 and 132 regarding employer-provided meals" in its list of projects for the upcoming year.
This could be significant for many employees who could potentially have to report as taxable income what they formerly thought were free meals provided by their employer. Currently, an employer may offer meals to employees on the work premises as a tax-free perk, if the meals are provided for the employer's convenience. The question of whether the meals are provided for the convenience of the employer is determined, however, on the basis of all the facts and circumstances. Clearer guidance from the IRS may signal that in the future, examiners will pay closer attention to meals provided by employers.
A growing trend among employers is to provide free gourmet meals to their employees. Employers argue this is for their convenience, which if true would make the meals non-taxable. But in some instances the IRS and others have posited that such meals more closely resemble income.
The Tax Code currently sets forth some basic guidelines for how to determine whether meals are being provided "for the convenience of the employer." First of all, an employment contract or state statute are not determinative of whether the meals are intended as compensation. Secondly, the meals must be provided for a substantial noncompensatory business reason.
Factors indicating that meals are furnished for the convenience of the employer include:
A short time available for lunch due to legitimate business reasons and not just to shorten the work day;
The need for availability of employees for emergencies;
Insufficient other eating facilities nearby; and
A standard charge for meals regardless of whether they are eaten.
The IRS has also noted in its existing regulations that meals provided simply to promote morale or goodwill of employees, to attract new employees or as a means of providing additional compensation are not considered to be furnished for the convenience of the employer.
The IRS's current regulations contain examples of meals that the IRS has considered to be legitimately provided to employees, tax-free, because they are provided for the employer's conveniences. These include:
Meals provided by a bank to its bank tellers to retain them on the premises during the lunch hour because the bank's peak workload occurs during the normal lunch period; and
Meals provided to casino workers, who are required to eat their meals on the premises in order to minimize the security searches they undergo as they come and go, and to ensure that staff does not succumb to the temptations of nearby casinos rather than promptly returning to work.
Conversely, meals provided by a restaurant to a waitress on her days off are not tax-free because they are perks and not for the employer's convenience.
How Do I? Compute depreciation conventions at year-end?
Under the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) (which is more commonly known as depreciation), a half-year timing (i.e., averaging) convention generally applies to the depreciation deduction for most assets during anytime within the year in which they are purchased. That is, whether you purchase a business asset in January or in December, it's treated for depreciation purposes as being purchased on July 1st. However, a taxpayer who places more than 40 percent of its depreciable property (excluding residential rental property and nonresidential real property) into service during the last three months of the tax year must use a mid-quarter convention – decidedly less advantageous. Because of the 40 percent rule, the purchase of a vehicle or other equipment in the last month of the tax year might, in itself, trigger imposition of the mid-quarter convention. Businesses should keep in mind the 40 percent rule especially for year-end tax planning purposes.
The applicable averaging convention is not elective. Rather, one of three conventions (half-year, mid-month, and mid-quarter) must apply.
Half-year convention. Under this convention, property is treated as placed in service, or disposed, on the midpoint of the tax year. Thus, one-half of the depreciation for the first year of the recovery period is allowed in the tax year in which the property is placed in service, regardless of when the property is placed in service during the tax year. The half-year convention applies to property other than residential rental property, nonresidential real property, and railroad grading and tunnel bores unless the mid-quarter convention applies
Mid-month convention. Under this convention, property is treated as placed in service, or disposed of, on the midpoint of the month. The MACRS deduction is based on the number of months that the property was in service. Thus, one-half month of depreciation is allowed for the month that property is placed in service and for the month of disposition if there is a disposition of property before the end of the recovery period. The mid-month convention applies to residential rental property (including low-income housing), nonresidential real property, and railroad grading and tunnel bores.
Mid-quarter convention. Under this convention, all property (other than the property otherwise excluded) placed in service, or disposed, during any quarter of a tax year is treated as placed in service, or disposed, on the midpoint of the quarter. A quarter is a period of three months. The mid-quarter convention applies to all property (other than residential rental property, nonresidential real property, and railroad grading and tunnel bores) if more than 40 percent of the aggregate bases of such property is placed in service during the last three months of the tax year.
October 2014 tax compliance calendar
As an individual or business, it is your responsibility to be aware of and to meet your tax filing/reporting deadlines. This calendar summarizes important tax reporting and filing data for individuals, businesses and other taxpayers for the month of October 2014.
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for payroll dates September 24–26.
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for payroll dates October 1–3.
Employees who work for tips. Employees who received $20 or more in tips during September must report them to their employer using Form 4070.
Individuals. Individuals with automatic 6-month extensions to file their 2013 income tax returns must file Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ, and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due.
Partnerships. Electing large partnerships that obtained a 6-month extension for filing the 2013 calendar year return (Form 1065-B) must now file the return.
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for payroll dates October 8–10
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for payroll dates October 11–14
Employers get first look at health insurance information reporting
Since passage of the Affordable Care Act, several key requirements for employers have been delayed, including reporting of health coverage offered to employees, known as Code Sec. 6056 reporting. As 2015 nears, and the prospects of further delay appear unlikely, employers and the IRS are preparing for the filing of these new information returns.
Three related provisions
Three provisions of the Affordable Care Act are closely related: the employer mandate for applicable large employers (ALEs), the Code Sec. 36B premium assistance tax credit and Code Sec. 6056 reporting. To administer the employer mandate and the Code Sec. 36 credit, the IRS must receive information from ALEs, such as the type of health coverage offered, if any, by the ALE, the number of employees, and the cost of coverage.
Who must report?
Not all employers must report under Code Sec. 6056. The most important exception is for employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees. These smaller employers are exempt—at all times—from Code Sec. 6056 reporting and the employer mandate.
For 2015, there is also a temporary exemption for some ALEs from the employer mandate only. ALEs are employers that employ on average at least 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalents but fewer than 100 full-time employees including full-time equivalents. However, mid-size employers must file Code Sec. 6056 information returns for 2015. All other ALEs are subject to the employer mandate for 2015 as well as Code Sec. 6056.
What must be reported?
The IRS has posted draft forms for Code Sec. 6056 reporting on its website: Form 1094-C Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns and Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage. Draft Instructions for these forms are expected to be released in the near future.
ALEs generally must report:
The employer's name, address, and employer identification number;
The number of full-time employees eligible for coverage under the employer's plan; and
The employee's share of the lowest cost monthly premium for self-only coverage providing minimum value offered to that full-time employee.
Under IRS regulations, Code Sec. 6056 reporting is optional for 2014. Reporting for 2015 is required. Information returns must be filed no later than March 1, 2016 (February 28, 2016, being a Sunday), or March 31, 2016, if filed electronically.
Simplified method
The IRS has provided ALEs with simplified methods of reporting. Employers that provide a "qualifying offer" to any of their full-time employees may be eligible as are employers that offer coverage to a certain percentage of employees. For more details about the simplified method, please contact our office.
Employers that self-insure
The Affordable Care Act also requires every health insurance issuer, sponsor of a self-insured health plan, government agency that administers government-sponsored health insurance programs, and other entities that provide minimum essential coverage to file information returns. This is known as "Code Sec. 6055 reporting." The IRS has posted draft versions of Form 1094-B, Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Returns, and Form 1095-B, Health Coverage on its website.
Employers that self-insure have a streamlined way to report for purposes of Code Sec. 6055 reporting and Code Sec. 6056 reporting. The top half of Form 1095-C includes information needed for Code Sec. 6056 reporting; the bottom half includes information needed for Code Sec. 6055 reporting.
If you have any questions about Code Sec. 6056 reporting, please contact our office.
IRS Commissioner predicts bumpy 2015 filing season due to budget cuts
As the 2015 filing season approaches, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen is bracing taxpayers for more reductions in customer service unless the agency receives more funding. According to Koskinen, the IRS is facing its biggest challenge in recent years. Koskinen, who spoke at the annual conference of the National Society of Accountants in August, also predicted that taxpayers will have to wait until after the November elections to learn the fate of many popular but expired tax incentives.
Budget pressures
The IRS has experienced budgetary pressures since 2010. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) imposed across-the-board spending cuts on many federal agencies, including the IRS. Some funding was restored last year. Looking ahead, the House has voted to cut the IRS's budget by $341 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. The Senate has proposed to increase the IRS's budget by $240 million. Even with the proposed increase, IRS officials have said that the agency's budget would still be seven percent below funding levels for FY 2010.
The funding cuts have drawn criticism from senior IRS officials. "Funding reductions have significantly hampered the IRS's ability to carry out its mission," National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson told Congress. Olson warned that "underfunding of the IRS poses one of the greatest long-term risks to tax administration today."
Koskinen echoed Olson's concerns. "Congress is starving our revenue-generating operation. If voluntary compliance with the tax code drops by 1 percent, it costs the U.S. government $30 billion per year," he explained. "The IRS annual budget is only $11 billion per year.
For many taxpayers, the most visible impact of the budget cuts has been reductions in customer service. Koskinen said that the IRS has cut 5,200 call center employees because of lack of funding. Wait times to speak with the IRS will increase, he predicted. During the 2014 filing season, the IRS's level of customer service was around 72 percent. The level of customer service for the 2015 filing season could fall to as low as 50 percent without adequate funding, Koskinen cautioned.
Koskinen acknowledged that the funding cuts have fueled efficiencies in the agency's operations. The agency has reduced hiring, offered buyouts to long-time employees, and cut travel and training costs. "We are becoming more efficient but there is a limit," he said. "Eventually the effects will show up. We are no longer going to pretend that cutting funding makes no difference."
Unless extended, a host of expired tax incentives will be unavailable to taxpayers when they file their 2014 returns. These include widely-used incentives, such as the state and local sales tax deduction, the higher education tuition deduction, and transit benefits parity. Businesses also would be impacted, with failure to renew popular incentives, including the research tax credit and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
Legislation to extend many of these incentives will likely not be passed by Congress until after the November elections, Koskinen predicted. "Congress needs to understand that the later these are passed and the more complicated they are, the more challenging it is for taxpayers to file accurate returns on time." Koskinen added that the IRS will be challenged to reprogram its return processing systems for renewal of the tax extenders. As a result, the start of the 2015 filing season could be delayed, he said.
Koskinen lauded the agency's work to curb tax-related indentity theft. This initiative is a high-profile one. The IRS has worked with other federal agencies and state and local governments to discover and prosecute identity thieves. The IRS has also upgraded its return processing systems to uncover fraudulent returns and has assigned special identity protection numbers to victims of identity theft. "We rejected 5.7 million suspicious returns last year that may have been tied to identity theft," he said.
To learn more information or for updates, please contact our offices.
IRS final rules encourage longevity annuity purchases
Life expectancies for many Americans have increased to such an extent that most taxpayers who retire at age 65 expect to live for another 20 years or more. Several years ago, a number of insurance companies began to offer a new financial product, often called the longevity annuity or deferred income annuity, which requires upfront payment of a premium in exchange for a guarantee of a certain amount of fixed income starting after the purchaser reaches age 80 or 85. Despite the wisdom behind the longevity annuity, this new type of product did not sell especially well, principally for tax reasons. These roadblocks, however, have largely been removed by new regulations.
Treasury and the IRS recently released final regulations (TD 9673) to encourage taxpayers to purchase "qualified longevity annuity contracts" (QLACs) with a portion of their retirement savings held in IRAs or in retirement accounts held under a 401(k), 403(b) or other defined contribution plans that are subject to the rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs). The final regulations are meant to remove or mitigate some of the tax concerns new retirees may face when deciding whether or not to purchase a deferred income annuity.
Longevity Annuities—Generally
Purchase of a longevity annuity provides for a deferred income stream. Although the terms of specific longevity annuity contracts differ from plan to plan, the arrangement generally requires the purchaser to pay the premium as a lump sum to the insurer. The purchaser could be 65 years of age, 55, 50 or some other age, and the insurer would not begin to make payments under the longevity annuity contract until the purchaser had reached the specified age (of no more than 85 years for the tax benefits contained in the final regulations). The amount of the annuity depends on a number of factors, among them: the age at which the contract is purchased; the amount of the premium paid; the contractual interest rate; and the age at which payments begin.
RMDs
Not every individual who reaches retirement age possesses enough spare cash outside of his or her IRAs or other retirement accounts to purchase an income annuity, let alone a longevity annuity that does not begin to pay out for many years. In such cases individuals can purchase an annuity from within an IRA or defined contribution plan account. Prior to the final regulations, however, the RMD rules requiring taxpayers who reach age 70 ½ to begin taking distributions from these accounts would have forced taxpayers to factor the premium amounts into the calculation of their annual taxable distribution. This would have depleted the account funds more quickly than the actual balance, without premium payment, warranted.
QLACs
The final regulations provide that only qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs) are eligible for account balance exclusion from the RMD calculation. The regulations define a QLAC as:
A longevity annuity whose premium payment does not exceed the lesser of $125,000 or 25 percent of the employee's account balance;
A contract that provides for payouts to begin no later than the first day of the month following the purchaser's 85th birthday;
A contract that does not provide any commutation benefit, cash surrender right, or other similar feature;
A contract under which any death benefit offered meets the requirements of paragraph A-17(c) of Reg. §1.401(a)(9)-6 (see below for more details);
A contract that states when issued that it is intended to be a QLAC; and
A contract that is not a variable contract under Code Sec. 817, an indexed contract, or a similar contract.
The total value of all QLACs held by one person cannot exceed the lesser of $125,000 (indexed for inflation) or 25 percent of all qualified retirement accounts put together. This limitation does not extend to funds held in non-retirement accounts or to funds held in Roth IRAs.
In addition, the amount used to pay the QLAC premium is not taxable when the QLAC is purchased. This means the account holder has a zero basis in the QLAC. Distributions from the QLAC are fully taxable.
Most longevity annuities do not provide any death benefit for the purchaser's beneficiaries. While some longevity annuity plans do offer a death benefit for the beneficiaries of annuity purchasers who die prematurely, plans that maximize the annuity payment generally provide that the insurer keeps the entire premium amount, plus interest, if the purchaser dies before payouts begin or the contract basis is exhausted.
Return of premium. The final regulations attempt to mitigate some of the risk retirees face when deciding to purchase a QLAC by allowing a QLAC to provide certain death benefits in limited circumstances. Notably, the final regulations add a feature missing from the proposed regulations: return of premium. Under the final rules, a QLAC is authorized to guarantee the return of a purchaser's premium if the purchaser dies before receiving benefits equal to the premium paid.
Surviving spouse. The final regulations provide that, where the purchaser's sole beneficiary under the QLAC is his or her surviving spouse, generally the only benefit permitted to be paid after the purchaser's death is a life annuity that does not exceed 100 percent of the annuity that would have been paid to the employee. The final regulations also allow QLACs to provide the return of premium feature if a surviving spouse who receives a life annuity under the contract dies before the payments equal the premium.
Non-spouse beneficiary/beneficiaries. QLACs may also provide a lifetime annuity to designated non-spouse beneficiaries, but the annuity would likely be reduced. Calculation of an annuity payable to a non-spouse beneficiary would be calculated based on the applicable percentage provided in one of the tables in the final regulations. However, if the QLAC provides a return of premium feature, the applicable percentage that the beneficiary would receive is zero.
Please contact this office if you have any questions on how a qualified longevity annuity might fit into your retirement plans now that the IRS has relaxed some of the rules.


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MarketScale Building Management 12/12: Making the Most of Your Space
Tyler Kern
Today's episode of the MarketScale Building Management Podcast takes a look at the various ways that facilities can make the most of their available space. From music venues utilizing their space for multiple events, to automated parking garages, and coworking spaces, one of the objectives for each of these projects is to make the most of the limited amount of space at each particular facility.
A Crash Course on Coworking Spaces
Chances are you hadn't heard of coworking spaces ten years ago, but you've almost certainly heard of them now. What caused this surge in the market? Mike LaRosa, Co-Found of Agora RDM, is an expert in these types of spaces. He joined the show to talk about the factors that combined to create an environment for growth and the best practices these coworking spaces should employ to maximize their success.
"As coworking has evolved, or as we like to say, space as a service has evolved, folks are identifying a slew of different ways to monetize under-utilized space," LaRosa says. He calls the combination of factors that led to the explosion of coworking spaces as "the perfect storm", referencing the downturn in the economy ten years ago, an increase in remote employees, and the desire of younger generations to free themselves from the tradition office setting.
Out With the Old Parking Garages, In With Automated Parking
Could we be living in the last days of the parking garage as we know it? If Yair Goldberg has his way, that answer is yes. He is the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for U-Tron, a company dedicated to the design and implementation of automated parking solutions.
He explains how these systems work and why building managers can view these structures as attractive amenities for tenants. "Now parking is not just an afterthought," Goldberg says. "It's part of the design of the flow and the journey that users go through when they come in and out from the building."
He says that while they may seem like a foreign concept for many drivers now, automated parking systems could one day become as common as elevators.
The Art of the Flip
How do concert venues go from one setting to the other? How much work is involved? Is technology making it any easier? On this feature segment, Sam Mosher interviews Elmer Guardado from the Missouri Theatre company to learn about how venues "flip" from event to the other.
Elmer helps define the "flip," talks about the kind of innovations happening in the space, explains how staff coordination works, and breaks down the differences between loading in local shows and road shows.
For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Building Management Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.
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Elmer Guardado Podcast
Mike LaRosa Podcast
Tyler Kern Podcast
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Reds are so in this spring. From pink to hot red to burgundy, these feisty colors are sure to help corporate fashionistas make a statement. For a subtle look, pair reds with tan…if you are a classic kinda girl, try reds with black/white…want to be THAT audacious lady, combine reds with prints/stripes.


Associate your brand with a favorite American pastime — cooking out. This 13-piece BBQ set includes everything needed to be king or queen of the backyard grill — spatula, tongs, knife, fork, four skewers, and four corn holders, all in an aluminum case.
Heavy-duty apron with pockets for spatula, fork, tongs, oven mitt, and a salt & pepper shaker.
This portable grill features a 9" cooking surface that fits neatly in an insulated cooler. Adjustable shoulder strap makes transporting this grill and cooler perfect for picnics or the tailgate.


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Business News Deals Labels & Publishers Management & Funding
Karma Artists and Imagem partner on new publishing company
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 15 August 2016
Imagem Music has announced a new joint venture publishing agreement with producer and writer management company Karma Artists. The deal will see Imagem administer a catalogue of songs acquired by Karma's songs business.
"This is a great complement to our A&R frontier at Imagem and I look forward to working together across a range of songwriters and producers", says Imagem's UK Managing Director Kim Frankiewicz.
Karma Artists' A&R Director Ross Gautreau says of the decision to move into publishing: "We've built a fantastic roster of writers and producers over the past four years and manage two very exciting artists in Joel Baker and Little Giants. This, together with our A&R consultancy work with Universal and Syco on 'X-Factor', has enabled us to build a very exciting and diverse music company".
He goes on: "A fully servicing publishing division was something that we felt we were missing and something we have always been keen to build, but this was always going to be dependent on finding a like-minded, forward thinking partner like we have in Imagem".
The Karma Songs catalogue currently includes works recorded by Andrea Bocelli, Diana Ross, Bananarama and The Saturdays.
READ MORE ABOUT: Imagem | Karma Artists


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£10m to upgrade transport systems in North East England
Home» News» News» £10m to upgrade transport systems in North East England
Improvements to cycleways and bus routes are set to appear across the North East thanks to £10million of funding announced during the Chancellor's Spring Statement.
Over half of the funding will provide improvements for cyclists, with new route connections in Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as increased connectivity to major employment areas including South Tyneside's International Advanced Manufacturing Park and Sunderland's Nissan plant.
Residents will also benefit from upgrades to local roads to better accommodate buses, more reliable bus services and traffic signal upgrades to reduce congestion and improve passenger journeys across the region.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: "The £10million we have won for the region through the Transforming Cities Fund will go towards our immediate £22million programme to provide smoother and cleaner journeys for local people. We will do this through investment this year including upgrading traffic signals to keep buses moving more efficiently and provide better cycle routes through our town and city centres and into employment sites.
"This funding represents key early investment in our transport network and is welcome news as we prepare a much larger bid for Transforming Cities funding, which will place sustainable transport at the heart of our plans to support economic growth in the North East."
The Government announcement is the next step in the £2.5billion Transforming Cities Fund, launched as part of the Industrial Strategy in the Autumn Budget 2017 to increase access to jobs and prosperity by addressing weaknesses in city transport systems.
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The Fearow Sitting Cuties Plush is weighted with microbeads, so it sits up when you put it on a flat surface. This palm-sized plush is a fun, charming way to show off a favorite Normal- and Flying-type Pokémon originally discovered in Kanto!
Where will you set Fearow?


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Explore a modern distillery at the forefront of spirit production in New Zealand right here in Reefton.
A modern distillery from an age old town.
We are proud to welcome our very own premium spirits distillery; Reefton Distilling Co.
Reefton Distilling Co. is a modern distillery at the forefront of spirit production in New Zealand. The distillery is housed in one of Reefton's original buildings which has been carefully restored to accommodate a working distillery, tasting bar and retail store.
The Reefton Distilling Co. team are inspired to provide you with a truly unique West Coast experience; as they share the story behind the crafting of their local botanical gins, fruit liqueurs, vodka and whiskies.
The spirits are produced on site using local botanicals and spray-free fruits, with a range including three Little Biddy Gins, Wild Rain Vodka and Reefton Distilling Co. Liqueurs. Also a bourbon-style and single malt whiskey to be produced in 2019, for the avid whiskey fan in your life. Reefton Distilling Co.
Distillery tours and tastings are also available, along with an onsite tasting bar and retail store.
Monday - Sunday- 10.00am – 4.00pm
We are closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, ANZAC Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Website: www.reeftondistillingco.com
Getting Here Reefton is centrally located at the hub of state highway access into the Coast, north from Murchison, Nelson and Blenheim and east from Christchurch.
Events Whether you're in Reefton for a day, overnight, a week or even more, there's always something exciting happening here. Find out more about our events and other things to do during your stay.
"Reefton is a small town that had a lot of cool surprises. It's a must-see when in the West Coast. Bearded Miners is popular for a reason. I would high..."


Our friend and brand ambassador Bridget Edwards shares her Valentine's Day recipe for Emoji sugar cookies. Give a wink, a kiss or "love" eyes to someone you care about.
And now, here's Bridget from Bake at 350 !
Who knew emojis could be so romantic? Besides the heart emojis, three others lend themselves so well to a Valentine cookie set…the heart eyes, blowing a kiss, and wink emojis. We're going to make all three sugar cookies.
Cut cookie dough with the circle cookie cutter. Bake and allow to cool completely.
Make the royal icing and divide in two. Tint one bowl with the yellow food coloring and the other black. Press plastic wrap directly onto the food coloring to prevent crusting.
In a shallow bowl, thin the yellow icing with water, a bit at a time, stirring after each addition. Continue adding water until a ribbon of icing dropped back into the bowl, disappears in a count of 3-5 seconds. Cover the bowl with a damp dishcloth and let rest for several minutes.
Spoon the black icing into a bag fitted with the coupler and tip.
Pipe a wide smile toward the bottom of the cookie.
Pipe two small dots where the heart sprinkles will go. (In this photo, the icing is red, but the color doesn't matter.) Place the sprinkles onto the dots.
Pipe a lower case "m" in the bottom center for the lips. To add the wink, start with the right eye and use a bit more pressure (for a thicker line) when adding the closed eyelid. Use less pressure when making the eyebrow. For the left eye, use more pressure when piping the "open" eye. Use less pressure adding the eyebrow.
Add a dot of icing where the sprinkle will go and press the heart sprinkle on top.
For The Winking Emoji Pipe a smile (smaller than the heart eyes emoji), at the bottom of the cookie. Add the eyes and eyebrows as described for the blowing a kiss emoji above. [Note: for reference, type the emojis into a text message and refer to them as you're working.] Let the cookies dry uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging. Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies. Happy Valentine's Day!
Check out our step-by-step, how-to video to see this recipe in action!


Jeanne Carlson is the Director of CardioPulmonary Rehabilitation and Outpatient Nutrition at the LiveWell Center at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She has her BS degree in nursing and her master's degree in exercise physiology, both from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her nursing background is in orthopaedics and cardiac/telemetry for 8 years at Forrest General Hospital, and then with Cardiopulmonary Rehab for 11 years before becoming Director in 2005 until the present. At LiveWell she works to promote secondary prevention, especially cardiovascular risk factors. She is frequently asked to speak at community and hospital events with regard to those risk factors and management of them.
She is a member of American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), She is also serving as a board member, presently the Member at Large, for the regional organization Southern Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (SACPR). She is on the advisory board for Spirit of Women – a national organization that focuses on promoting women's health.


When McDonald's and other fast-food chains announced last month that the infamous "pink slime" was no longer being used in their burgers, some thought the ammonium hydroxide-treated beef cuts had disappeared from our food supply once and for all.
Raw beef. (Jahi Chikwendiu – WASHINGTON POST) But a new report in the Daily tablet newspaper suggests the slime will appear in school lunches this spring (2012) — 7 million pounds of it.
The USDA, schools and school districts plan to buy the treated beef from Beef Products Inc. (BPI) for the national school-lunch program in coming months. USDA said in a statement that all of its ground beef purchases "meet the highest standard for food safety." The department also said it had strengthened ground beef safety standards in recent years.
Last April, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver reported that 70 percent of America's ground beef is made with BPI's ammonia-treated product.
What the heck does, "generously recognized as safe" mean? And what happens when, on one of those days, or during one of those moments, it isn't safe? Here's the link to the rest of Ms. Flock's article.


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Elizabeth Shelley's Father Defends Her Uncle as Police Maintain He Continues to Be Uncooperative
Crime 10:16 AM PDT, May 28, 2019 - Inside Edition Staff
10:16 AM PDT, May 28, 2019 - Inside Edition Staff
Logan City Police
The father of a missing 5-year-old Utah girl whose uncle has been named "the main suspect" in her disappearance spoke out in his defense, while police maintained the man had continued to be uncooperative and lie to investigators.
Elizabeth Shelley was last seen at her family's home about 2 a.m. Saturday, several hours after her mother's brother, Alex Whipple, arrived to stay the night, Logan City police said.
By the time Elizabeth's mother woke about 9 a.m., both she and Whipple, 21, were gone, officials said.
Those in the home searched for nearly an hour and then called police, who brought in multiple agencies to assist in their efforts to find Elizabeth and Whipple.
"Officers located several items of interest a short distance from the home," police said in a statement. "This item has been tested and there is forensic evidence of 5-year-old Elizabeth Shelley. This evidence also connects Mr. Whipple to the residence from which she went missing and to Elizabeth herself.
"Some items were then located another short distance away which also shows a forensic connection to our missing 5-year-old," police continued.
Whipple was found walking alone about 3 p.m. He did not identify himself to police, but authorities knew he had a warrant out for not checking in with a probation officer. They also allegedly found he had drug paraphernalia on him.
He was transported to the Logan City Police Department, where he allegedly made "several inconsistent statements at the very beginning and lied about his whereabouts, which were already known," cops said.
Whipple was also allegedly uncooperative throughout the interrogation, officials said.
Several search warrants were obtained and executed Sunday at several scenes and for evidence from Whipple.
"The evidence obtained from Alex Whipple was tested and there are confirmed forensic evidence from Elizabeth Shelley located from off his person," Logan City police said.
The department's update into their investigation into Elizabeth's disappearance came several hours after her father defended Whipple on social media, saying he didn't believe he was capable of harming the little girl.
"I knew Alex and was good friends with him for a while before I met Jess," Wes Shelley wrote in a comment replying to a Facebook user. "I don't think he could or would do it to his niece."
It was not immediately clear if Shelley knew the person he was speaking to, but his comments were made on Elizabeth's mother Jessica Whipple's Facebook.
Shelley wrote to Jessica that he "would appreciate a call" and that he knows "how it feels to have her go missing in the middle of the night."
By Tuesday, Jessica's Facebook appeared to have been deactivated.
Shelley continued to address his daughter's disappearance on his own Facebook page.
"Jess, Izzy I'm so sorry that this is happening to you two, I've been dead for so long over you two. Jess is also a victim here. I blame me for losing them," Shelley wrote.
Shelley did not respond to InsideEdition.com's request for comment.
More than 200 law enforcement officers from a dozen different agencies have set out to search for Elizabeth.
"These agencies include the FBI including their Child Exploitation Task Force and Violent Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security, Cache County Sheriff's Office, North Park Police Department, Smithfield Police Department, Utah Highway Patrol, Adult Probation and Parole and Great Basin K9," Logan City police said.
Authorities have asked residents and business owners in Logan, Nibley and Hyrum with video cameras to contact them at 435-753-7555 so they can review the footage. Anyone with information about Alex and Elizabeth's whereabouts Saturday are also asked to call police.
Did Uncle Take Missing 5-Year-Old Elizabeth Shelley?
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Missing Kentucky Toddler Discovered Near Strip Mine After 3-Day Search
Illinois 5-Year-Old Found Dead After Parents Reported Him Missing


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New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Today, multi-platinum, award-winning recording artist Emeli Sandé MBE releases new single "Extraordinary Being" taken from her stunning upcoming new album Real Life, out June 21st via Virgin EMI/Universal Music. The track is released in collaboration with X-Men; Dark Phoenix, releasing in theatre's on June 7.
Evoking the spirit and exuberance of the disco era, Extraordinary Being sees Emeli push her sound further than ever. Opening with sparse piano chords, the track quickly builds with propulsive drum taps and funky guitar rhythms, before delving into that disco sound with the addition of sweeping strings. All the while, Emeli delivers an incredible, soulful vocal performance.
Speaking about the meaning behind the song, Emeli said: "'Extraordinary Being' is about exposing the lie that we are ordinary. We are extraordinary. It is about reminding people of their innate greatness which exists in everyone. The extraordinary is not just for some people, it is for all of us. I hope the lyrics will help those lacking in confidence to be reminded of their super powers."
The accompanying music video, which was directed by Sarah McColgan sees Emeli delving into a cosmic world, interspersed with scenes taken from the film. Emeli said about teaming up for the track:
"Fox approached me about collaborating with them on a song for X-Men: Dark Phoenix. I already had 'Extraordinary Being' in the works, and when I saw the film was blown away at how the lyrics of the song matched the journey of the lead character," Emeli said about teaming up for the collaboration, "It really felt like the perfect fit!"
"Extraordinary Being" is the latest song to be taken from Real Life, an album recorded following an intense personal journey of self-doubt and self-discovery that marks a brand-new chapter and with it a bold, confident and fearless new sound. It's an album emblematic of an artist emerging from that period defiant and powerful. Feeling attuned with the disenfranchised state of the world, the vision for Real Life is to give people hope and confidence.
With over 340 million video views, 19 million singles sold including 3 number one UK singles and over 6 million albums, Emeli Sandé has dominated the music industry and captured the heart of the Nation. Her debut album Our Version of Events, released in 2012, was the biggest selling album of that year and the second biggest of 2013. The album also broke the chart record for the most consecutive weeks inside the Top 10, breaking the 50-year record previously held by The Beatles. The singer has won numerous accolades including 4 x Brit Awards (Critics Choice, Best Album and Female Solo twice, most recently in 2017 for her second album, Long Live the Angels) and in 2018 was awarded an MBE for services to Music.
Real Life - Tracklisting:
Love To Help
Extraordinary Being
Same Old Feeling
Follow Emeli Sandé:
https://twitter.com/emelisande
https://www.facebook.com/emelisande
https://www.emelisande.com
Rihanna Doesn't Plan To Duet With Drake
The Ritualists Announce Debut Album Painted People


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A insurgência no Tajiquistão é um conflito militar que ocorreu de 2010 a 2012 no leste do Tajiquistão entre o exército tajique e militantes islâmicos, liderados por numerosos líderes da Guerra Civil do Tajiquistão.

Insurgência

2010
Em 19 de setembro, mais de 25 soldados tajiques foram mortos em uma emboscada por supostos combatentes islâmicos, aliados com o Movimento Islâmico do Uzbequistão. Os soldados faziam parte de uma escolta de 75 homens se movendo através do vale de Rasht, no leste do Tajiquistão. Eles foram emboscados enquanto procuravam por membros do Movimento Islâmico do Uzbequistão que anteriormente escaparam de uma prisão em Dushanbe em 25 de agosto. A coluna militar foi emboscada por homens armados ao redor do meio-dia, hora local, enquanto passava pelo vale montanhoso de Rasht, a cerca de 250 km (150 milhas) a leste da capital. A coluna sofreu fogo pesado de metralhadoras e lançadores de granadas, nas montanhas a partir de cima. Os relatos iniciais indicaram que 40 soldados foram mortos, mas o ministro da defesa tajique negou isso. Cinco oficiais tajiques estão entre os mortos. Nenhum dos atacantes foram relatados por terem sido mortos ou feridos.

Em 4 de outubro, cinco soldados tajiques, juntamente com dois rebeldes foram mortos durante uma operação militar em vale de Rasht. O incidente ocorreu, quando um veículo foi parado em um posto de controle militar na estrada entre Garm e Dushanbe. Quando os soldados se aproximaram do carro, homens armados abriram fogo matando cinco deles e ferindo outros três. Os soldados responderam abrindo fogo contra o veículo, matando os dois atacantes. Entre os mortos estava um oficial tajique de alta patente. Enquanto isso, dezenas de estoques de armas pesadas, incluindo lançadores de granadas, bem como alimentos e medicamentos foram descobertos em um esconderijo islamita abandonado. Doze postos militares foram criados nas estradas principais da região administrada de Rasht para a capital, Dushambe.

Em 7 de outubro, 34 soldados tajiques foram mortos em dois incidentes separados durante uma operação militar contra combatentes islamitas no leste do Tajiquistão. Vinte e oito soldados foram mortos quando um helicóptero militar caiu em um possível ataque militante. Oficiais tajiques alegaram que o helicóptero foi abatido por um míssil disparado pelos islamitas de seus esconderijos nas montanhas, no entanto, o Ministério da Defesa afirmou que o helicóptero atingiu uma linha de energia, forçando-o acidentar em um rio. O helicóptero trazia recrutas da capital Dushanbe para o Vale de Rasht para participar da operação. Enquanto isso, outros 6 soldados foram mortos em um incidente separado causado por uma explosão acidental de mina.

Em 18 de outubro, três supostos insurgentes foram mortos por soldados tajiques nos arredores de Garm, localizado perto da fronteira com o Afeganistão durante uma operação militar.

Em 1 de dezembro homens armados dispararam e mataram três soldados tajiques na aldeia de Dulona-Maidon na região de Buljuvon, a 150 quilômetros a sudeste de Dushanbe.

Em 27 de dezembro, dois soldados tajiques foram mortos quando um grupo de trinta islamitas tentaram entrar no Tajiquistão a partir da fronteira afegã. Depois de três horas de combate, um helicóptero de combate chegou, abrindo fogo contra os intrusos forçando-os a recuar para o Afeganistão. Os moradores locais disseram que três soldados tajiques foram mortos com dois sendo vítimas de fogo amigo do helicóptero. Os militares tajiques no entanto reivindicam que ninguém foi morto por fogo amigo. Vários islamitas também foram mortos no ataque.

2011
Em 4 de janeiro, as autoridades tajiques alegaram que Alovuddin Davlatov foi morto junto com outros sete insurgentes quando as forças de segurança tajiques lançaram uma operação conjunta especial em seu esconderijo na cidade de Runob.

Em 14 de abril, Mulá Abdullah, um comandante importante da oposição, juntamente com outros dez islamitas foram mortos por soldados tajiques durante uma operação de busca por militantes na vila de Samsolid, 135 km a leste de Dushanbe.

2012

Em 21 de julho, o chefe da agência de inteligência tajique foi assassinado por insurgentes na cidade de Ishkashim. O governo tajique, em seguida, lançou uma operação militar conjunta no dia 25 de julho na cidade de Khorog com o objetivo de capturar Tolib Ayombekov, que foi dito estar por trás do assassinato de 21 de julho e da emboscada de 19 de setembro. Mais de 800 soldados tajiques e vários helicópteros de combate participaram da operação que durou um dia, até que o presidente tajique Emomali Rahmon suspendeu todas as operações imediatas na área no dia 25. No final do dia, mais de 20 soldados tajiques foram mortos e um número incontável estavam feridos. É desconhecido o número exato de militantes e civis mortos, mas fontes militares reivindicaram mais de 30 insurgentes, juntamente com 30 civis mortos. A operação foi considerada um sucesso, com Ayombekov e seu exército se rendendo às autoridades tajiques em agosto.

Tajiquistao
Conflitos pós-soviéticos
História do Tajiquistão
2010 no Tajiquistão
2011 no Tajiquistão
2012 no Tajiquistão

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