All you need to know about State-specific Tax deadlines and COVID-19

by Mounica Kota | May 5, 2020 | COVID - 19, tax deadline, tax return, US Government

All you need to know about State-specific Tax deadlines and COVID-19

The pandemic COVID-19 has affected the economic lives of the Americans in a very adverse manner. The Federal Government and the State Government have taken initiatives to reduce the stress of the Americans by bringing up numerous changes in the tax laws.

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for filing tax returns and also payment of taxes to 15th July 2020. There are some states which have aligned to the changes in the Federal tax laws and have extended their deadlines as well. However, there are some other states which are still charging interest on the non-payment of taxes on time.

Let us know about the changes in some of the State-specific tax deadlines made due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

a.Alabama

1.Alabama has postponed the tax returns filing and payment date from 15th April 2020 to 15th July 2020 for the below-mentioned categories of taxes.

Individual Income Tax
Excise Tax for financial institutions
Corporate Income Tax
Business privilege Tax

2.These tax reforms include relief on the payment of tax on self-employment income and the estimated income tax for the year 2020.

3.Penalties for the late payment of Sales and Use tax have been waived for small businesses.

b.Alaska

The Alaska Legislation has extended all tax returns and payments administered by the Alaska Revenue Tax Division due for 15th April 2020 until 15th July 2020.
No penalties or interest would be charged for the late payment of the taxes during this period.

c.Arizona

In Arizona, the deadline for the filing of tax returns and payment of State Income Tax due on 15th April 2020 has been extended to 15th July 2020.
This extension in the deadline is applicable for individuals, corporations, and fiduciaries.

d.Hawaii

In Hawaii, the taxpayers who are due to file their State Income Tax returns or pay the State taxes from 20th April 2020 to 20th June 2020 can do that by 20th July 2020.
This extension is applicable only for the Hawaii income tax return filing and payment; and not applicable for estimated income tax payment, franchise tax, withholding tax, general excise tax or public service company tax.

e.Georgia

The Governor of Georgia has announced that there would be an extension in the deadline for filing of Georgia’s income tax returns.
The new deadline has been determined as 15th July 2020 which is per that of the federal deadline.

f.Idaho

The deadline for filing Idaho’s Income Tax returns has been extended till 15th June 2020.
In this case, it is advisable to complete both Federal and State tax return filing by 15th June 2020 so that the returns can also be obtained on time.

g.North Carolina

In North Carolina, the deadline for filing state tax return has been extended to 15th July 2020.
But, interest would be charged on any tax payment which is made after 15th April 2020. So, taxpayers should pay their tax soon to avoid being charged with interest.

h.Virginia

The Virginian State Government has extended the State Income Tax return filing date to 1st May 2020.
However, interest would be levied on any late payment of State Income Tax which is due within 1st April to 1st June 2020. It is advisable to file the returns and even pay the taxes soon.

i.New Jersey

In New Jersey, the timeline to file and pay the individual gross income tax, corporation business tax, and partnership tax for the year 2019 has been extended until 15th July 2020.
This extension of the deadline is also applicable for the 1st quarter estimated tax payments.

However, all other payments of tax and filing of returns remain de on their original date which also includes the 2nd quarter estimated tax payments.

j.New Hampshire

According to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, there would be no changes in the deadlines for payment and returns of business profits tax, business enterprise tax or any other tax which is administered by the Department.
The interests on non-payment of taxes would be charged from 15th April 2020 onwards.

k.Montana

Montana has made an extension in the deadline for the filing of tax returns and for the payment of individual State income tax to 15th July 2020.
There has also been an extension in the deadline for making the payment of the 1st quarter estimated tax payments to 15th July 2020.

Hence, these are some of the States which have made certain changes in their tax laws for bringing some relief to the Americans. However, for detailed information on the State tax law changes the State tax Consultant must be consulted.

References

State and Local Tax relief laws for COVID-19

by Mounica Kota | Apr 11, 2020 | COVID - 19, federal government, global income tax, local tax relief laws, state tax relief laws, Tax credits, tax deadline, Tax Extension, tax filing, Tax Payers, taxes, US Government

State and Local Tax relief laws for COVID-19

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly with a huge toll on the lives of common people and the global economy as well. In the US, the number of people being affected by the COVID-19 is on an increase and has reached around 4 lakhs now. The number of people who have died due to COVID-19 in the US is approximately around 11,000. Similarly, many people have even lost their livelihoods due to the closing or the downfall of several businesses.

However, Tax relief laws the Federal Government has been extremely considerate towards the sufferings of the common people and has taken several initiatives for providing some relief to them. The income tax payment and return filing deadline for the taxes due on 15th April 2020 has been postponed to 15th July 2020 by the IRS. Also, several new laws have been implemented by the Federal Government for the support of individuals, small and medium scale businesses even. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Stimulus Package, etc. are some of the major initiatives taken by the Government for providing support and assistance to people.

Tax relief laws by State Government

In the US, the tax rules and laws associated with the Federal Government and the State Government are different from each other. In this distressful period, the State Government of different states of the country has announced various changes and new rules related to the tax laws.

Let us talk about some of the major tax relief laws imposed by the State Government in the different states to deal with the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.

Alabama

In Alabama, the Revenue Department has announced on provisions for tax relief to small businesses that would not be able to pay their Sales tax for February, March, and April. Those small retail businesses whose monthly sales in the previous year have been $62500 or less on average can have the liberty to file their sales tax return for February, March, and April without paying the State Sales tax. There will be a waiver of late tax payment penalties for these small retail businesses through 1st June 2020.
The deadline for motor vehicle registration and vehicle property tax payment for March 2020 has been extended through 15th April 2020. Moreover, tax relief would be available for State lodgings tax account holders who are unable to make their payment for February-April 2020.
The due date for payment and filing returns for 2019 Income tax and 2020 estimated Income tax which were due on 15th April 2020 has been extended to 15th July 2020.

California

The Income Tax deadline for return filing, payment for 2019 and 2020 estimated tax payments Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 has been extended to 15th July 2020. This is also applicable for 2020 LLC taxes, fees, and 2020 non-wage withholding payments.
The Californian Employment Development Department (EDD) has declared that the employers in the State who have been impacted by COVID-19 can request a delay of up to 60 days in filing their State payroll reports or in the deposit of their payroll taxes without the payment of any penalty. The employers must provide a written request for this extension within 60 days of the original tax filing/payment due date.
Moreover, there has been an announcement on the deferral of business taxes for supporting small businesses that have been affected by the COVIS-19.

Connecticut

The Department of Revenue Services in Connecticut has extended the deadlines for filing the annual tax returns due on or after 15th March 2020 and before 1st June 2020 to 15th June 2020.
Also, the tax payments which are associated with these tax returns have been extended to the due date available in June.
The personal income tax return filing deadline has been extended to 15th July 2020 and this extension is also applicable for estimated tax payments of 2020 Quarter 1 and Quarter 2.

Columbia

For income tax returns, the deadline for tax payment and return filing which was due on 15th April 2020 has been extended to 15th July 2020.
In the District of Columbia, penalties/interest will be waived for the failure of sales tax payment for a period that ends on 29th February 2020 or 31st March 2020 if all the taxes are paid completely on or before 20th July 2020. This waiver does not apply to hotels or motels which can defer property tax under another emergency legislation.
This legislation states that hotels/motels can avail penalties waiver for the delay in payment of the property tax’s first installment of 2020 if the installment is paid by 20th June 2020.

Texas

In Texas, the Comptroller has declared that the sales tax collected in March 2020 would be remitted and would be available for emergency health care and other emergency operations for the people.
The Texan Comptroller has also insisted on the businesses in the State to make use of short term payment agreements for meeting the deadline of March 2020.

Massachusetts

The Department of Revenue in Massachusetts has implemented an emergency regulation amendment. According to this amendment, the sales and use tax return filing and payment which are due for the period of 20th March 2020 to 31st May 2020 will remain suspended. These tax return filing and tax payments would be now due for 20th June 2020.
Marijuana retailers, marketplace facilitators or motorcycle vendors are not included within this amendment. Any penalties or interest would be waived but the accumulation of statutory interest will continue.

Virginia

In Virginia, the Department of Taxation has announced that all the income tax payments which are due from 1st April 2020 to 1st June 2020 can be paid at the Department anytime on or before 1st June 2020. If all the payments are received by 1st June 2020, then the Department would waive all penalties for late payment otherwise penalties would start accumulating from the original payment due date.
However, interest would also keep accruing from the original due date of payment. Some of the taxes which are eligible for this extension and waiver are individual, fiduciary and corporate income taxes and any estimated income tax payments in this period. The State provides an automatic filing deadline extension for all the taxpayers for six months. Also, the Department of Taxation would consider requests for sales tax dealers who would request an extension in the sales tax payment and return filing which was due on 20th March 2020 and would extend it till 20th April 2020.

Montana

The Montana Revenue Department would assess the situation of taxpayers on a case-by-case basis and might permit the deferral of tax payments for up to one month at an instance.
The taxpayers must contact the Tax Collection Bureau by email, phone or mail at least one week before the actual due date of payment for making a deferral request.
The 2020 estimated tax payments for the first quarter have been extended to 15th July 2020 and the second quarter payment is also due on 15th July 2020.

Conclusion

Hence, along with the Federal Government, these are some of the tax relief laws/rules implemented by the different states. Taxpayers can communicate with their respective State tax agencies for complete details on the amendments made in their respective tax laws for COVID-19. These rules and amendments in State tax laws would act as a support for the distressed individual taxpayers or businesses in coping up with the economic disruptions.

References

https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/tax-relief-offered-by-states-and-localities-in-response-to-covid-19/?utm_campaign=T_CPE_NSL_9017597_covid19news_20200406_PR_EM1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&site_id=82769734&cid=9017596&chl=em&sfdccampaignid=7014Q000002SW4xQAG&elqTrackId=8432E59EA486AE4E4F693C86C8DF092E&elq=1fca5b09cc9e4a48adaa952eec158059&elqaid=22686&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=16486

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/tax/articles/covid-19-state-and-local-tax-due-date-relief-developments.html

COVID-19 Stimulus Payment and Tax Relief for the Self-Employed

by Mounica Kota | Apr 5, 2020 | COVID - 19, self employed, Stimulus payment, US Government

COVID-19 Stimulus Payment and Tax Relief for the Self-Employed

Self-employed individuals are those who earn a livelihood by working for themselves. They do not work as an employee for someone else and not as an owner/shareholder of any corporation. Self-employed persons can work for themselves in different trades and occupations such as photography, music, hairstyling, tutors, childcare workers, etc. Professionals like Gig workers, independent contractors, freelancers, and owners of small businesses can be said to be self-employed.

A very important part of the American workforce comprises of self-employed individuals. With the outbreak of the COVID-19, there are a large number of self-employed individuals who are facing economic disruptions. Many of them have either lost their income or are struggling hard to make income.

Let us talk about the various changes made in the tax laws by the Federal Government for reducing the stress of these self-employed individuals during the COVID-19.

a.Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law on 18th March 2020. This Act included certain refundable tax credits which would be beneficial for the self-employed individuals.

1.Qualified Sick Leave

In case a self-employed individual is taking a sick leave from his job due to his health or for taking care of a family member showing up symptoms of being affected by COVID-19. In case of a self-employed individual is willing to claim sick leave credit, the below-mentioned guidelines would be helpful.

If the individual is himself being quarantined due to exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, he can claim up to ten days of sick pay at his average rate of income whose maximum value is $511 per day.
If the self-employed individual has to take a leave for taking care of a family member exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, he can claim up to 10 days of sick pay at two-thirds of his average rate of income whose maximum value can be $200 per day.

2.Qualified Family Leave

A self-employed individual can claim a refundable tax credit associated with family leave. This family leave can be because of not being able to send your kid to school or daycare as they are closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. In this case, the self-employed individual would be able to claim up to 50 days of income at the rate of two-thirds of his earning. The maximum value of the average rate of earning in a day can be $200.

These refundable credits offered by FFCRA will be applicable when a self-employed individual is filing his tax returns for 2020 in 2021. The IRS has suggested considering these credits while planning for federal estimated tax payments. The self-employed tax would get reduced by the qualifying credit and hence the funds can be used up now at the times of emergency. Self-employed individuals can maintain records related to virus testing, medical care or school closure for making the claims.

b.Extension in tax deadlines

To alleviate the financial disruption caused by COVID-19, the Federal Government has extended the deadlines for filing tax returns and even tax payments to 15th July 2020.

For the self-employed taxpayers, the deadline for payment of the first quarter estimated tax has been extended to 15th July 2020. However, the deadline for the payment of second, third and fourth remains unchanged i.e. 15th June 2020, 15th October 2020 and 15th January 2021 respectively.

Even though there has been an extension in the deadline for filing tax returns and tax payment, the IRS advises people to file the tax refund soon as the refund can be obtained on time and be utilized in these times of emergency.

c.Stimulus payment under the CARES Act

The Federal Government would be sending the taxpayers stimulus payments based on their AGI and tax filing status of the year 2019. The Government would consider the tax returns filed for the year 2019 to determine how much a self-employed individual should obtain as Stimulus payment. In case, a self-employed individual has not filed for the year 2019 his tax returns for 2018 would be taken into consideration.

If a self-employed individual is filing his tax returns as a single individual and his AGI is below $75,000 then he would receive a Stimulus payment of $1200.
In case of filing tax returns jointly as a married couple with AGI less than $150,000, the Stimulus payment received would be $2400.
If there is a dependent below the age of 17 years and has been claimed on tax returns, then an additional Stimulus payment of $500 would be obtained.

Hence, with the impacts of COVID-19 affecting the financial lives of the Americans especially the self-employed individuals, it is quite sure that the relief measures initiated by the US Government would bring the stress level of the Americans under control.

References

https://www.taxslayer.com/blog/covid-19-stimulus-payment-tax-credits-self-employed-gig-workers/

https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/families-first-coronavirus-response-act-guide

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/self-employed-person.asp

How high deductible health plans would help in providing cover against COVID-19 expenses?

by Mounica Kota | Mar 31, 2020 | COVID - 19, federal government, HDHP, HSA, Relief notice 2020-15, tax deadline, Tax Extension, Tax Payers, taxes, US Government

How high deductible health plans would help

in providing cover against COVID-19 expenses?

Lately, people across the world have been struggling hard to combat the dreadful effects of the pandemic COVID-19. The number of deaths occurring due to coronavirus is on an increase and is also leading to an increase in the fright of the common people. Any symptoms of the COVID-19 and there have to be several tests, quarantining without any idea about what the future holds.Amidst all this chaos, the US Government has taken some very necessary steps to lessen the stress among common people. Extension in the tax return filing and tax payment deadlines, extension in the deadline for making contributions to IRA and HSA, Tax stimulus package, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, etc. are some of the major changes implemented by the US Government to bring some relief to the impacted taxpayers. Another major initiative taken by the US Government for helping the common people is the implementation of testing /treatment of COVID-19 by HDHP with no deductible or sharing of the cost.

What is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)?

What is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)?

A high deductible health plan (HDHP) is a type of health insurance plan which has a lower premium in a month and a higher deductible. HDHPs are more affordable by common people in terms of their monthly premiums. Since the name suggests, high deductible health plan; it implies that the deductible for the health plan is high than that of a traditional healthcare plan. However, by the time the policy holder reaches the annual deductible, he would be covered 100% for the rest part of the calendar year.

A high deductible health plan is suitable for those policyholders who are quite healthy and rarely visit the doctor. In these types of cases, HDHP is an excellent option to cut expenses and it is a better option rather than going without health insurance. However, it should be kept in mind that the policyholder must set aside a considerable amount of liquid savings which would help in covering the deductible and the out-of-pocket expenses.

How does a High Deductible Health Plan work?

How does a High Deductible Health Plan work?

The minimum deductible in an HDHP is $1350 for an individual whereas it is around $2700 for a family. The out-of-pocket expenses for an HDHP are limited to $6650 for an individual and $13300 for a family. To offset the cost of the HDHP it is necessary to open a Health Savings Account (HSA). The HSA offers a tax-advantaged method by which healthcare costs can be saved.

There is a limit on the annual contribution which can be made to the HSA; it helps in rolling over the balance from one year to another. It is ideal for a policyholder to contribute the amount of deductible of HDHP into the HSA so that there are enough funds to cover the medical expenses.

HDHPs and expenses associated with COVID-19

HDHPs and expenses associated with COVID-19

The US Government issued a notice i.e. Notice 2020-15 which states that a health plan which satisfies the requirements to be a high deductible health plan (HDHP) shall not fail to be an HDHP if it provides health benefits related to the testing of COVID-19 and its treatment. This testing and treatment of COVID-19 by the HDHP would be available without a deductible or with a deductible which is below the minimum deductible. So, the evident implication from this notice is that an individual who is covered under the HDHP will still be an eligible individual who might make tax-favored contributions to an HSA.

The Notice 2020-15 also states that all the medical care services received and the materials purchased for the testing of COVID-19 which are provided by a health plan which is either without a deductible or with a deductible that is below the minimum deductible needed for a health plan to be HDHP should be disregarded.

The relief provided by the Notice 2020-15

The relief provided by the Notice 2020-15

This notice does not modify any of the requirements or conditions which are needed for a health plan to be an HDHP other than the relief related to the testing/treatment of COVID-19. However, vaccinations would continue to be considered as preventive care materials for determining if a health plan is an HDHP or not.

So, if a policyholder is availing a health plan with no deductible or less deductible than the minimum annual deductible needed to be an HDHP for testing/treatment of COVID-19 he would still make contributions to the HSA which can help in tax relaxation.

Conclusion

Hence, this effort by the US Government for providing some relief to the affected citizens is commendable and would be helpful for the citizens in these times of distress.

References

When you file your 2019 tax return will impact your stimulus payment?

by Mounica Kota | Mar 30, 2020 | Adjusted Gross Income, COVID - 19, federal income tax, income tax credit, SSN, tax filing, Tax Payers, tax return, taxes, US Government

Calculate your Stimulus Eligibility

When you file your 2019 tax return will impact your stimulus payment?

File your 2019 tax return will impact your stimulus payment, The pandemic COVID-19 continues to have a huge impact on the citizens of the USA. The Federal Government has been taking several steps to alleviate the burden that the common people might be facing due to this dreadful disease. One major step taken by the US Government to help out the common people in easing tax-related stress is by the passing of a $2 trillion stimulus bill. This bill includes a provision by which several citizens of the country would receive stimulus cheque from the Federal Government.

Eligibility for obtaining stimulus cheque

You can qualify to obtain the stimulus cheque from the Federal Government if the below-mentioned conditions are met.

If you are a US resident who is single and have an adjusted gross income which is less than $99,000.
If you file your tax returns as the head of the household and earn an amount below $136,500.
If you are filing your tax return jointly without any children and would earn an amount less than $198,000.

How to obtain the stimulus cheque

For obtaining a stimulus cheque, a person should have a Social Security number and should be the residents of the United States. The amount you can receive as a stimulus cheque is based on the adjusted gross income (AGI) that has been listed in your latest tax returns.

The IRS would be using the direct deposit information that you have provided during filing your last tax returns. In case your bank details have not been mentioned while filing the last return, the IRS would send the cheque to the recent address it has. It is also advisable to notify the IRS if you have shifted your house recently.

Factors affecting the stimulus payment

There are some major factors which can affect your stimulus payment such as

Filing status-If you are single you can receive $1200 as your stimulus payment, but for a married couple who are filing the income tax returns jointly the stimulus payment is $2400.

Size of your family-The stimulus payment also depends on the size of your family and for every child of yours who is below the age of 17 years; the stimulus payment is an additional $500.

Dependent-In case if you are claimed as a dependent on the tax returns of someone else then they would not be receiving any stimulus payment.

Level of your income-If you have a high income, the stimulus payment depends on the level of your income. For a married couple filing returns jointly, the stimulus payment starts reducing if the AGI exceeds $150000 and the same thing can occur for taxpayers who are single and their income exceeds $75000.

However, there is another factor is important in determining the stimulus payment and that is whether the tax returns for the year 2019 have been filed or not.

When are you filing your 2019 tax return?

Firstly, the IRS would always check out for tax returns related information for the year 2019 for making the stimulus payment. If there is no information available for the year 2019, the IRS would use the information for the year 2018.

In case, you have a Social Security Number but do not need to file the tax return then your stimulus payment would be done based on the information present in Form 1099-SSA.

This can be utilized as an opportunity by several taxpayers and if you have not filed or prepared your tax returns of 2019, then he can take into consideration the variables like Adjusted Gross Income, family size, etc. to determine higher stimulus payment to occur in which the year 2018 or 2019.

If, you feel that the payment was better in 2018 than you would hold on to that information or else if the returns of 2019 tend to yield more results then you should file your returns immediately.

Moreover, you must also consider any refund which you might obtain from the 2019 tax returns. It is quite obvious that you will have to make a decision i.e. either a large refund now and a smaller stimulus or larger stimulus immediately and the same refund after some months.

Stimulus payment can be said as an advanced payment which you would make against the actual credit that will be computed on the tax returns of 2020.

In case your advance payment done is less than what you would owe while computing the tax returns of 2020, then the excess would be obtained as a credit on the tax returns.
However, if advance payment is greater than what you owe while filing 2020 returns then there is no procedure to repay the excess amount or in recognition of the excess amount as income.

Conclusion

Hence, your stimulus payments are highly determined by when you are filing your tax returns. If you have not filed your tax returns for 2019 yet then you must consider if the tax return filing would either increase your stimulus payment or decrease it and then pursue your actions accordingly.

References

https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonynitti/2020/03/26/when-you-file-your-2019-tax-return-will-impact-your-stimulus-payment/#32168a96b9dc

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bigger-stimulus-check-waiting-file-123220996.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-heres-everything-you-need-to-know.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-26/when-and-how-will-i-get-that-1-200-stimulus-payment-quicktake

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/coronavirus-stimulus-check-is-official-find-out-if-youre-eligible-for-up-to-1200/

https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/how-to-get-a-stimulus-check-from-the-us-government-which-could-pay-up-to-1200-if-you-qualify/articleshow/74837139.cms

People First Initiative: Everything you should know about this IRS initiative during the COVID-19 outbreak

by Mounica Kota | Mar 30, 2020 | COVID - 19, IRS, Tax Extension, Tax Payers, Tax Refund, tax savings, US Government

People First Initiative: Everything you should know about this IRS initiative during the COVID-19 outbreak

The number of people affected by COVID-19 is going on increasing very rapidly and so are the challenges, issues faced by the common masses. In such a situation, the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) has announced a series of steps and guidelines which would help common people in providing some relief related to tax payment compliance. The IRS is highly concerned about the well-being and the working together of people.

The People First Initiative of the IRS has the main objective of helping those people who are facing economic issues and uncertainty in payment of taxes. This program implements temporary changes to the various IRS activities beginning on 1st April 2020 through 15th July 2020. These changes in the tax processes have been made temporarily by the IRS to help people and business entities during these difficult times.

The new changes made by IRS include several issues which are ranging from the postponement of specific payments that are related to the Installment Agreements and Offers in compromise to the limiting of some enforcement activities.
While some of the activities have been suspended temporarily other activities would move in the modified manner up to a maximum extent.
Moreover, the IRS also would avoid any in-person contacts during this period.

Major areas highlighted under the People First Initiative

The major areas which have been mainly given importance under the People First Initiative are

A.Installment Agreement and Offers in Compromise payments

The IRS has offered expanded payment relief for the existing Installment Agreements and accepted the applications related to Offers in Compromise (OIC) until 15th July 2020. But, taxpayers must also be aware that any unpaid balances will get interest accrued on it as per the law.

For those installment agreements which already exist, the payments that are due between 1st April 2020 and 15th July 2020 are suspended. The IRS would not charge any default installment payment during this time. Those taxpayers who might find compliance with the Installment payment agreement and also with the Direct Debit Installment Agreement can suspend their payments during this time.

However, if a taxpayer is making the tax payments by mailing it or by visiting the IRS website then it is quite simple to stop the procedure. But, in case of direct debit payment, it might be difficult to suspend the process. Taxpayers will have to log in to the IRS website and change the payment information associated with the Direct Debit option.

B.Offers in compromise (OIC)

The various stages of OICs in which the IRS is helping the common people to resolve their issues are summarized below.

Pending OIC Applications–The IRS will not be closing any pending OIC requests before 15th July 2020 without obtaining consent from the taxpayers.

OIC Payments–Taxpayers will have the option by which they can suspend all the payments until 15th July 2020 on those OICs which have been accepted.

Delinquent return filings–Any delinquent return filings are pending for 2018 then the taxpayers must complete them by 15th July 2020.

New OIC Applications–Those taxpayers who have liabilities more than their net worth then the OIC process can be designed by using “Fresh Start” to resolve the issues of outstanding liabilities.

C.Compliance Actions

It has not been made clear from when the IRS would start the operations listed below. However, the IRS will not pursue any compliance actions unless those actions are necessary for the protection of the Government’s interest.

New automatic system liens and levies would be suspended during this duration.
Liens and levies which have been initiated by field revenue officers would be suspended during his time. However, the field revenue officers will keep on continuing high-income non-filers and would perform other such types of similar activities.
For seriously delinquent taxpayers, IRS would suspend new certifications to the Department of State during this period. This certification will prevent the taxpayers from receipt or renewal of passports.
If there are new delinquent accounts, then they will not be forwarded by the IRS to private collection agencies for performing the work during this period.
New audits will not be carried off by the IRS during this period.
The current audits might continue in some capacity but all those that happens in-person meetings are suspended.

D.Independent office of appeals

The Appeals office will continue their work on their cases. Appeals would not currently hold an in-person conference with the taxpayers. The conferences can be held over the phone through videoconferencing. Taxpayers can respond to any outstanding information request for all the cases in the Independent office of appeals.

E.Statute of Limitations

The IRS would take necessary steps for the protection of all applicable statutes of limitations. There can be instances where the statute expirations may be jeopardized during this period and taxpayers are encouraged to co-operate in the extension of such statutes.

Conclusion

Hence, the People First Initiative is mainly dedicated to helping the common people in having better lives during this period of crisis. The IRS team is committed to helping common people to get through this stressful situation. The IRS would keep on reviewing the “People First Initiative” and would make necessary changes whenever required. The taxpayers must extend their support and co-operation to the IRS as well to win over this tough situation together.

References

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-unveils-new-people-first-initiative-covid-19-effort-temporarily-adjusts-suspends-key-compliance-program

https://www.eisneramper.com/people-first-covid-0320/

https://www.taxwarriors.com/blog/irs-unveils-people-first-initiative

https://rsmus.com/what-we-do/services/tax/federal-tax/tax-controversy/irs-announces-its-people-first-initiative-ir-20-59.html

https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/irs-people-first-initiative-changes-collections-procedures/