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

Taxpayers face a number of issues due to critical tax law changes that took place in 2022 and ongoing challenges related to the pandemic. We continue to share updated information for people preparing to file their 2022 tax returns, as well as anyone who has previous year tax returns awaiting processing by 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 and the latest updates on IRS letters, or notices. Newer updates will be placed at the top of that page; the IRS will also provide critical updates through social media.

IRS ends most unannounced home visits

The IRS announced a major policy change that will end unannounced visits to taxpayers by agency revenue officers to reduce public confusion and increase overall safety. The change reverses a decades-long practice by IRS Revenue Officers, the unarmed agency employees whose duties included visiting households and businesses to collect unpaid taxes. Effective immediately, the unscheduled visits will end except in a few unique circumstances.

IRS Free File available until October 18

The IRS reminds low- to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those who don't normally file a tax return, that they can still use IRS Free File to prepare their own federal tax return to potentially receive overlooked tax credits or refunds. The IRS's Free File program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies.

Check the status of your refund

Taxpayers can track their refund easily and conveniently with the IRS Where's My Refund? tool at IRS.gov/refunds and with the IRS2Go app.

Refund status is available within 24 hours of the IRS letting the taxpayer know that they got the e-filed return. The tool also gives the taxpayer a personalized refund date after the IRS processes the return and approves the refund.

Inflation Reduction Act Strategic Operating Plan

The IRS unveiled its Strategic Operating Plan, an ambitious effort to transform the tax agency and dramatically improve service to taxpayers and the nation during the next decade. The report outlines the agency's historic plans to make fundamental changes following funding from last year's Inflation Reduction Act.

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area. The IRS may also grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes.

To find the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations, visit the Tax Relief in Disaster Situations page.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The IRS is working on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This major legislation will affect individuals, businesses, and tax exempt and government entities.

The Inflation Reduction Act changed a wide range of tax laws and provided funds to improve our services and technology to make tax filing easier for you.

Coronavirus Tax Relief

For the latest information about coronavirus tax relief, see the Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments page.

Visit our Coronavirus and Economic Impact Payments: Resources and Guidance page for our latest content including news releases, Tax Tips, frequently asked questions, multilingual partner materials and more.

To learn about IRS operations during COVID-19, visit our operations page for up-to-date status on affected IRS operations and services.

Outreach Connection

Get free tax content to share with your staff, clients, customers or colleagues that you can include in your:

• Website
• e-Newsletter
• Twitter, Instagram or other social media

Tax Withholding

The IRS encourages taxpayers to perform a quick "paycheck checkup" by using the Withholding Estimator to check if they have the right amount of withholding for their personal situation.

Consumer Alerts on Tax Scams

‪Note that the IRS will never:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail you a bill if you owe any taxes.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
• Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

For more information on tax scams, please see Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts. For more information on phishing scams, please see Suspicious emails and Identity Theft.