Topics in the news

Here you'll find items of current interest — new programs, recent guidance or timely reminders.

Tax updates and news from the IRS

The Tax updates and news from the IRS page is designed to help anyone whether they are now preparing their tax return or are awaiting processing of a return or refund. It also has the latest updates on IRS letters and notices. Newer updates will be placed at the top of that page. The IRS will also provide critical updates through social media.

IRS statement on operations during the appropriations lapse

The IRS will continue operations under the current lapse in appropriations through midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 7, using funding from 2022 legislation.

IRS operations will continue during this time with IRS offices maintaining regular hours, on-line self-service help tools available and other services continuing as usual. Taxpayers should continue to meet any federal tax filing or payment obligations as normal.

Volunteers needed to provide services for filing season

The IRS and its community partners are seeking volunteers to support the VITA and TCE programs. Interested individuals can sign up from October through January to volunteer at a local VITA/TCE site.

Guidance for Opportunity Zone investments in rural areas under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

The Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued guidance on Qualified Opportunity Zone investments in rural areas as provided for under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

Paper tax refund checks phase out

The IRS announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning on Sept. 30, 2025, as required by Executive Order 14247, to the extent permitted by law. This marks the first step of the broader transition to electronic payments.

Treasury and IRS issue guidance on “no tax on tips” provision

The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service provided guidance listing occupations where workers customarily and regularly receive tips under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The proposed regulations list nearly 70 separate occupations of tipped workers, from bartenders to water taxi operators.

Treasury and IRS request comments from the public within 30 days to be made through Regulations.gov. Complete instructions on submitting comments can be found in the proposed regulations. Comments on the proposed regulations are due by Oct. 23, 2025.

Final regulations issued on several SECURE 2.0 Act provisions

The Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued final regulations addressing several SECURE 2.0 Act provisions relating to catch-up contributions.

Beware of tax schemes regarding misuse of tax credits

The IRS is alerting taxpayers about a growing number of fraudulent tax schemes circulating on social media that promote the misuse of credits such as the Fuel Tax Credit and the Sick and Family Leave Credit. These scams have led thousands of taxpayers to file inaccurate or frivolous returns, often resulting in the denial of refunds and steep penalties.

Prepare emergency plans ahead of peak disaster season

As hurricane season peaks and wildfire risks remain high, the IRS urges individuals and businesses to create or update their emergency preparedness plans as part of National Preparedness Month. Disaster readiness starts with safeguarding critical documents, recording valuables and knowing how to access IRS support.

Interest rates for the fourth quarter of 2025

Interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning Oct. 1, 2025. For individuals, the rate for overpayments and underpayments will be 7% per year, compounded daily.

FAQs on termination of several energy provisions under OBBB

The IRS issued frequently asked questions in Fact Sheet 2025-05 that provide guidance on several energy credits and deductions that are expiring under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) and their termination dates.

No changes to individual information returns or withholding tables for 2025

The IRS announced that, as part of its phased implementation of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, there will be no changes to certain information returns or withholding tables for tax year 2025 related to the new law.

Reminder for employers about educational assistance programs

The IRS reminds employers that they can continue to use educational assistance programs to help employees pay down student loans through Dec. 31, 2025.

Provisions from the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

The IRS issued Fact Sheet 2025-03 describing new provisions from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill that go into effect for 2025.

Disaster tax relief for taxpayers

The IRS is providing additional tax relief to eligible taxpayers affected by ongoing events in Israel, postponing until Sept. 30, 2026, a wide range of deadlines for filing federal returns, making tax payments and performing other time-sensitive tax-related actions. Notice 2025-53  PDFcovers taxpayers affected by terroristic action in the State of Israel throughout 2024 and 2025.

The IRS extended tax relief for farmers and ranchers affected by drought in 49 states, the District of Columbia and other regions that reported exceptional, extreme or severe drought during any week between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025. Under the guidance, farmers and ranchers may take more time to replace their livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales or exchanges.

IRS urges extension filers to file now; eligible taxpayers can file using IRS Free File

The IRS urges taxpayers who requested an extension to file their returns now rather than wait until the Oct. 15 deadline. IRS Free File is available 24/7 and offers free guided tax preparation for those with an adjusted income of $84,000 or less.

IRS extends transition relief for brokers required to file forms on certain digital asset sales

Notice 2025-33 PDF extends the transition relief from backup withholding tax liability and associated penalties for any broker that fails to withhold and pay the backup withholding tax for any digital asset sale or exchange transaction effected during calendar year 2026.

Taxpayers should check their withholding now for next year

Proper tax withholding now is key to avoiding surprises when filing tax returns next year. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free online tool that helps workers, independent contractors and retirees determine if they are having the right amount of federal income tax withheld from their paychecks.

IRS Individual Online Account

It’s not too late to access or create an individual IRS Online Account. An IRS Online Account makes it easy for people to quickly get the tax planning information they need.

Earlier this year, the IRS added the ability for taxpayers to file their taxes by adding information return documents to their IRS Individual Online Account, helping consolidate important tax records into one digital location. Adding these forms to the IRS Individual Online Account enhances taxpayers’ ability to quickly and securely access their tax planning information and makes keeping track of it even simpler.

Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025

The IRS announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2025 with a warning for taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to watch out for common schemes, ranging from email schemes to misleading tax credits.

IRS online tools

The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov and use online tools to get immediate answers to their tax questions. Online resources include the Let us help you page that covers most topics tax related topics and beyond and free help online with self-service options.

In addition, the IRS provides tools to help taxpayers make informed decisions and choose the right tax professional to help them avoid tax-related identity theft and financial harm. While most tax return preparers are trustworthy and provide high-quality service, some engage in fraud, identity theft and scams. Taxpayers must understand who they’re hiring and ask the right questions before handing over their sensitive personal and financial information.