IRS aims to expand tax certainty programs

The Internal Revenue Service is asking for comments from business taxpayers and their advisors about ways to improve and expand its programs for resolving tax issues upfront before companies run into compliance problems.

The IRS wants to expand its pre-filing and tax certainty programs, such as Dispute Prevention and Resolution for Large Business and International Taxpayers, the IRS Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System and the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program. It's looking for feedback on those programs, as well as on related programs, including its Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) program, along with pre-filing agreements, competent authority for U.S. residency determinations, and more. Earlier the summer, the IRS asked for comments on its post-filing alternative dispute resolution programs (see story).

The specific areas where the IRS would now like feedback can be found in this news release. Comments should be emailed to LBI.SOP.Initiative.Feedback@irs.gov by March 31, 2024.

Even as it's seeking voluntary compliance from big businesses, the IRS is ramping up efforts on the enforcement front. The agency announced separately Friday that it's looking to hire 3,700 more employees to help with tax compliance for large corporations and complex partnerships. The jobs will be available in over 250 locations across the country and aim to expand tax enforcement involving areas of concern with high-income earners, partnerships, large corporations and promoters.

'Tax accountants, forensic accountants, auditors, controllers and treasurers can apply through the job announcement.

Al Drago/Bloomberg