Interest rates remain the same for the third quarter of 2024
For individuals, the rate for overpayments and underpayments will be 8% per year, compounded daily. Here is a complete list of the new rates:
- 8% for overpayments (payments made in excess of the amount owed), 7% for corporations.
- 5.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000.
- 8% for underpayments (taxes owed but not fully paid).
- 10% for large corporate underpayments.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points.
Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.
The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal short-term rate determined during April 2024. See the revenue ruling for details.
Revenue Ruling 2024-11PDF announcing the rates of interest will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2024-24, dated June 10, 2024.
IRS encourages tax-exempt organizations to file their taxes ahead of May 15 deadline
The annual filing due date for certain returns filed by tax-exempt organizations is normally by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of an organization's accounting period. Those operating on a calendar year (CY) basis must file a return by May 15. Returns due include:
- Form 990-series annual information returns (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF).
- Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
- Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (other than certain trusts).
- Form 4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Mandatory electronic filing
Electronic filing provides fast acknowledgement that the IRS has received the return and reduces processing time, making compliance with reporting requirements easier. Note:
- Organizations filing a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF or 990-T for CY 2023 must file their returns electronically.
- Private foundations filing a Form 4720 for CY 2023 must file the form electronically.
- Charities and other tax-exempt organizations can file these forms electronically through an IRS authorized e-file provider.
- Organizations eligible to submit a Form 990-N must do so electronically and can submit it through Form 990-N (e-Postcard) on IRS.gov.
Common errors
IRS encourages organizations to review their forms for accuracy and to submit complete returns. If an organization’s return is incomplete or the wrong return for the organization, the return will be rejected. Common errors include missing or incomplete schedules.
Extension of time to file
Tax-exempt organizations may request a six-month automatic extension by filing a Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return. In situations where tax is due, extending the time for filing a return does not extend the time for paying tax.
Treasury and IRS announce new regulations on corporate stock repurchase excise tax
The Inflation Reduction Act imposed a new excise tax on stock repurchases equal to one percent of the aggregate fair market value of stock repurchased by certain corporations during the taxable year, subject to adjustments. The stock repurchase excise tax applies to repurchases after Dec. 31, 2022.
The proposed regulations would impact publicly traded domestic corporations that repurchase their stock or whose stock is acquired by certain affiliates. The regulations also would impact certain publicly traded foreign corporations that repurchase their stock or whose stock is acquired by certain affiliates.
The regulations would implement the statutory netting rule that reduces the aggregate fair market value of stock repurchased by a taxpayer during a taxable year by the aggregate fair market value of stock issued by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Additionally, the regulations would implement the statutory “de minimis” exception which provides that a taxpayer is not subject to the stock repurchase excise tax with respect to a taxable year if the aggregate fair market value of the stock repurchased by the taxpayer during the taxable year does not exceed $1,000,000.
These regulations follow Notice 2023-2, published on Jan. 17, 2023, which provided initial guidance on the application of the stock repurchase excise tax. The Notice set forth certain interim operating rules for determining the amount of stock repurchase excise tax owed.
The regulations would provide that the stock repurchase excise tax must be reported on the Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, with the Form 7208 attached. The Form 7208, Excise Tax on Repurchase of Corporate StockPDF, would be used to figure the amount of stock repurchase excise tax owed. A draft version of the Form 7208 is currently accessible, and the final version of the form will be released prior to the first due date on which the stock repurchase excise tax must be reported and paid.
As anticipated in Announcement 2023-18, the proposed regulations would establish that, for taxpayers with a taxable year ending after Dec. 31, 2022, but before the publication of final regulations, any liability for the stock repurchase excise tax for the taxable year must be reported on the Form 720 that is due for the first full quarter after the date the final regulations are published, and that the deadline for payment of the tax is the same as the filing deadline.
IRS reminder: 2024 first quarter estimated tax payment deadline is April 15
Since income taxes are a pay-as-you go process, the law requires individuals who do not have taxes withheld to pay taxes as income is received or earned throughout the year. Most people meet their tax obligations by having their taxes deducted from their paychecks, pension payments, Social Security benefits or certain other government payments including unemployment compensation.
Generally, taxpayers who are self-employed or in the gig economy are required to make estimated tax payments. Likewise, retirees, investors and others frequently need to make these payments because a significant portion of their income is not subject to withholding.
When estimating quarterly tax payments, taxpayers should include all forms of earned income, including part-time work, side jobs or the sale of goods or services commonly reported on Form 1099-K.
Income such as interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony and rental income is normally not subject to withholding. By making quarterly estimated tax payments, taxpayers can avoid penalties and uphold their tax responsibilities.
Certain groups of taxpayers, including farmers and fishers, recent retirees, individuals with disabilities, those receiving irregular income and victims of disasters are eligible for exceptions to penalties and special regulations.
Following recent disasters, eligible taxpayers in Tennessee, Connecticut, West Virginia, Michigan, California and Washington have an extended deadline for 2024 estimated tax payments until June 17, 2024. Similarly, eligible taxpayers in Alaska, Maine and Rhode Island have until July 15, 2024, and eligible taxpayers in Hawaii have until Aug. 7, 2024. For more information, visit Tax relief in disaster situations.
In addition, taxpayers who live or have a business in Israel, Gaza or the West Bank, and certain other taxpayers affected by the terrorist attacks in the State of Israel, have until Oct. 7, 2024, to make estimated tax payments.
Paying estimated taxes
Taxpayers can rely on Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, for comprehensive instructions on computing their estimated taxes.
Opting for the IRS Online Account streamlines the payment process, allowing taxpayers to view their payment history, monitor pending payments and access pertinent tax information. Taxpayers have several options to make an estimated tax payment, including IRS Direct Pay, debit card, credit card, digital wallet or the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
To pay electronically and for more information on other payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments. If paying by check, be sure to make the check payable to the "United States Treasury."
Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, offers detailed information for individuals navigating dividend or capital gain income, alternative minimum tax or self-employment tax, or who have other special situations.
Tax Withholding Estimator
The IRS recommends taxpayers use the Tax Withholding Estimator tool to accurately determine the appropriate amount of tax withheld from paychecks.
Regularly monitoring withheld taxes helps mitigate the risk of underpayment, reducing the likelihood of unexpected tax bills or penalties during tax season. It also allows individuals to adjust withholding upfront, leading to larger paychecks during the year and potentially smaller refunds at tax time.
Filing Options
The IRS encourages people to file their tax returns electronically and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. Filing electronically reduces tax return errors because tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.
The IRS offers free online and in-person tax preparation options for qualifying taxpayers through the IRS Free File program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.
In addition, the Direct File pilot program, a new option that allows eligible taxpayers to file their federal tax returns online directly with the IRS for free, is currently available in 12 participating states.
Dirty Dozen: IRS warns about fake charities exploiting taxpayer generosity
In natural disasters and other tragic events, it’s common for compassionate individuals to donate money to help the victims. Unfortunately, scammers often use fake charities as a cover to not only obtain money but also gather sensitive personal and financial information that can be exploited for tax-related identity fraud.
“We see repeated instances of scammers using major disasters as a way to prey on well-meaning taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “In these tragic situations, many people want to help, but con artists too frequently come in posing as charitable groups to take advantage of the situation, stealing money and personal information. People should remember it’s important to never feel pressured to give donations immediately. They should do some research and only donate to clearly established charities that help victims.”
Fake charities mark day six of the Dirty Dozen. Started in 2002, the IRS' annual Dirty Dozen campaign lists 12 scams and schemes that put taxpayers, businesses and the tax professional community at risk of losing money, personal information, data and more. While the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes, including fake charities.
As a member of the Security Summit, the IRS has worked with state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry for nine years to cooperatively implement a variety of internal security measures to protect taxpayers. The collaborative effort by the Summit partners also has focused on educating taxpayers about scams and fraudulent schemes throughout the year, which can lead to tax-related identity theft. Through initiatives like the Dirty Dozen and the Security Summit program, the IRS strives to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from cyber criminals and deceptive activities that seek to extract information and money, including fake charities.
Real tragedies; fake charities
During times of disasters, fake charities become a concern. These deceitful organizations are created by scammers who take advantage of people’s generosity. They solicit money and personal information to victimize individuals through identity theft.
When taxpayers decide to contribute funds or goods to an organization, they may qualify for a deduction on their tax return, but only if they itemize their deductions. It is important to remember that charitable donations are valid when directed toward IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations. Individuals intending to donate can utilize the Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool on IRS.gov to ensure legitimacy.
Beware of scammers who might use email communications or manipulate caller IDs to deceive people into donating funds to charities. These fraudsters often target groups such as seniors and those with limited English proficiency.
Here are some helpful tips to avoid getting scammed:
- Don’t give in to pressure. Scammers often create situations to get people to make payments. Genuine charities are always grateful for donations. Donors should take their time and research before making a charitable contribution.
- Exercise caution when making donation payments. Avoid any charity that requests gift card numbers or wire transfers. It’s better to pay by credit card or check after ensuring the charity’s authenticity.
- Verify the legitimacy of the charity. Scammers often use similar-sounding names for charities to confuse people. Before donating, potential donors need to ask the fundraiser for the charity's name, website and mailing address so they can independently verify its authenticity. Use the special IRS TEOS tool to verify if an organization is a legitimate tax-exempt charity.
- Avoid sharing too much information. Scammers are always on the lookout for both money and personal data. Never disclose Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or personal identification numbers. Only provide bank or credit card details after confirming the charity's legitimacy.