Tax Exempt Bonds Community Updates

 

News related to tax-exempt bonds.

On this Page

Recent Developments

Changes to guidance, law and procedures that affect Tax-Exempt Bonds.

Form 8038-CP - Availability of Electronic Filing; Mandatory Electronic Filing for Certain Filers in 2024. (March 27, 2023)

As part of ongoing efforts to improve service for the tax-advantaged bond community, the IRS accepts electronic filing of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds. For more information, review the March 27, 2023 newsletter.


Subscribe

Get email updates on the latest tax-exempt bond developments for Federal, State and Local Governments. These include:

  • Tax law changes
  • Events calendar 
  • Forms and filing requirements

Subscribe to email updates


2024

Expand/Collapse All

The IRS is offering office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act.

Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions. 
Registration for office hours is open. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below.

Date Time Registration
January 26, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
January 30, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
February 2, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
February 6, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
February 9, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here 

Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds – Mandatory Electronic Filing for Most Filers in 2024, Electronic Filing Resources

Electronic filing (e-file) of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds, is mandatory under Treasury Regulations (T.D.9972) published February 2023 if the filer is required to file 10 or more returns of any type in a calendar year. Form 8038-CP is used to claim credit payments under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 6431 relating to interest on: 

  • build America bonds
  • recovery zone economic development bonds
  • new clean renewable energy bonds
  • qualified energy conservation bonds
  • qualified zone academy bonds
  • qualified school construction bonds

Resources for e-filing Form 8038-CP:

Form 8038 Corner webpage includes links to:

Recent updates concerning 8038-CP processing, including e-file

The updates include answers to frequently asked questions about how and when to e-file, reminders, report numbers and more.

Instructions for Form 8038-CP and Schedule A, revised December 2023PDF

Informational Video: Electronic filing of Form 8038-CP

E-file Unavailable for Form 990-T and Form 1120-POL until March 17, 2024. An extension can be filed for both forms or paper file with Form 1120-POL

The Internal Revenue Service announced in News Release 2024-15, taxpayers won’t be able to electronically file Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return, or Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations, until March 17, 2024. IRS system upgrades mean e-filing of Forms 990-T and Forms 1120-POL (including returns on extension) with due dates from Jan. 15, 2024, to March 15, 2024, is currently unavailable.

Taxpayers with due dates on April 15, 2024, and later will be able to e-file Forms 990-T and Forms 1120-POL on time.

Returns due from Jan. 15, 2024, to March 15, 2024:

  • Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return

    Organizations subject to unrelated business income tax (UBIT) are required by law to file Form 990-T electronically. An organization with a Form 990-T due from Jan.15, to March 15, 2024, should request an automatic six-month extension of time to file by submitting Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return, by the due date of the return. The IRS estimates only about 2,000 of the 200,000 Form 990-T filers have a due date in this time period and are affected by this.

    Any balance due must be submitted with Form 8868 to avoid interest and penalties. Beginning March 17, 2024, organizations will be able to timely e-file Form 990-T by the extended due date.

    If an affected organization doesn’t timely submit an extension, or if the extended due date falls within the period from Jan. 15, 2024, to March 15, 2024, and the organization consequently doesn’t timely e-file its Form 990-T, it should include with its late e-filed Form 990-T a request that any penalties for late filing not be imposed due to reasonable cause. The reasonable cause request should reference that e filing was not available as of the due date of the return. 

  • Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations Organizations filing a Form 1120-POL that is due from Jan. 15, 2024, to March 15, 2024, (including returns on extension) may file on paper. An organization that wishes to e-file a return with an original due date during that period may request an automatic six-month extension of time to file Form 1120-POL by submitting Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns, and paying the full balance due with that form to avoid interest and penalties. Only a handful of these organizations typically file electronically in the affected time period. 

Filing only to make an elective payment election for Clean Energy Credits

The electronic filing delay won’t affect the ability of government entities and Indian tribal governments -- that aren’t subject to UBIT -- to timely file Form 990-T to make an elective payment election (EPE)PDF for Clean Energy Tax Credits.  EPE is available for tax years beginning in 2023, therefore the returns won’t be due until after March 17.

In addition, under the law, an entity can’t receive the elective payment amount before the original due date of the return. Filing before the original due date for the return will not shorten the time for payment. While government entities and Indian tribal governments that aren’t subject to UBIT aren’t subject to the electronic filing mandate, the IRS encourages all taxpayers to e-file. See the Elective Pay and Transferability FAQs on irs.gov for more information on EPE for Clean Energy Credits.

IRS offers office hours for help with the pre-filing registration process for elective payment and transfer of clean energy and CHIPS credits

The IRS is excited to offer office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions. 

Registration for office hours is now open. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below.

 
Date Time Registration
January 16, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
January 19, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
January 23, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
January 26, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
January 30, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
February 2, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
February 6, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here
February 9, 2024 1-2 p.m. EST Register Here 


2023

Expand/Collapse All

IRS IRA/CHIPS Pre-Filing Registration tool now open

Qualifying tax-exempt organizations and entities such as state, local and tribal governments can now register using the new IRS IRA/CHIPS Pre-Filing Registration Tool. Registration allows entities to take advantage of the options for elective payment or transfer of certain tax credits.

Tax-exempt and governmental entities can benefit from clean energy tax credits using new options enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). The IRA allows qualifying tax-exempt organizations and governments to benefit from certain clean energy tax credits through elective pay. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, an applicable entity that qualifies for a clean energy tax credit can make an elective payment election. This election will treat certain credits as a payment against federal income tax liabilities rather than as a nonrefundable credit. The amount of the credit will first offset any tax liability of the entity and any excess will be refundable. 

Qualifying entities that make an elective payment or credit transfer election must earn the credit, which means they must make a tax credit investment or undertake tax credit production activities to earn a qualifying credit.

Qualifying entities must complete the pre-file registration process and receive a registration number. The registration number must be included on the taxpayer’s annual return as part of making a valid elective pay election. To facilitate this, the IRS created the IRA/CHIPS Pre-Filing Registration Tool.

Complete and submit the pre-filing registration request no earlier than the beginning of the tax year in which the taxpayer will earn the credit it wishes to monetize with an elective payment election or transfer election. 

Refer to Publication 5884, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and CHIPS Act of 2022 (CHIPS) Pre-Filing Registration Tool User GuidePDF to assist in the pre-filing registration process. This guide has information on the clean energy credits and detailed instructions on the pre-filing registration process. A how-to video, Pre-filing Registration Tool Overview, is available on IRS Videos. Functionality allowing additional authorized users and expansion of the entity type drop down menu will be available soon.

The full news release about the IRA/CHIPS Pre-Filing Registration tool is available on IRS.gov. 

Additional information about clean energy credits can be found at IRS.gov/cleanenergy

Free webinar:  Electronic Filing of Form 8038-CP

You’re invited to join us for a free one-hour webinar through Microsoft Teams on December 7, 2023 at 12 pm EST, hosted by the Office of Tax Exempt Bonds. 

The IRS accepts electronic filing (e-file) of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds, as part of ongoing efforts to improve service for the tax-advantaged bond community.

Form 8038-CP is used to claim credit payments under Internal Revenue Code section 6431 relating to interest on build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, new clean renewable energy bonds, qualified energy conservation bonds, qualified zone academy bonds, and qualified school construction bonds.

During the webinar we’ll discuss: 

  • benefits of electronic filing
  • E-File regulations
  • getting started with electronic filing
  • practical tips on filing Form 8038-CP
  • resources

Registration link: Electronic Filing of Form 8038-CP Webinar Registration

Once you have registered you will receive a confirmation email.

Note: If you don’t see the confirmation email, check your Junk Email folder. Please open the attachment in the confirmation email, when prompted choose yes to open the calendar invitation and then accept to add the invitation to your calendar.

Free webinar:  Electronic Filing of Form 8038-CP

You’re invited to join us for a free one-hour webinar through Microsoft Teams on December 7, 2023 at 12 pm EST, hosted by the Office of Tax Exempt Bonds. 

The IRS accepts electronic filing (e-file) of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds, as part of ongoing efforts to improve service for the tax-advantaged bond community.

Form 8038-CP is used to claim credit payments under Internal Revenue Code section 6431 relating to interest on build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, new clean renewable energy bonds, qualified energy conservation bonds, qualified zone academy bonds, and qualified school construction bonds.

During the webinar we’ll discuss: 

  • benefits of electronic filing
  • E-File regulations
  • getting started with electronic filing
  • practical tips on filing Form 8038-CP
  • resources

Registration link: Electronic Filing of Form 8038-CP Webinar Registration

Once you have registered you will receive a confirmation email.

Note: If you don’t see the confirmation email, check your Junk Email folder. Please open the attachment in the confirmation email, when prompted choose yes to open the calendar invitation and then accept to add the invitation to your calendar.

Clean energy credits: what you need to know about elective pay

Tax-exempt and governmental entities can benefit from clean energy tax credits using new options enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). The IRA allows governmental entities to benefit from certain clean energy tax credits through elective pay. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, an applicable entity that qualifies for a clean energy tax credit can make an elective payment election. This election will treat certain credits as a payment against their federal income tax liabilities rather than as a nonrefundable credit. The amount of the credit will first offset any tax liability of the entity and any excess will be refundable.

How do I make an elective pay election?

The elective payment election is made on your annual tax return in the manner prescribed by the IRS, along with any form required to claim the relevant tax credit (source credit forms), a completed Form 3800, General Business Credit (or its successor), and any additional information, including supporting calculations, required in instructions to the relevant forms. Making an elective payment election requires completing multiple steps, including completing the required pre-filing registration process.

The term annual tax return includes:

  1. for any person normally required to file an annual tax return with the IRS, such annual return (including Form 990-T for organizations with unrelated business income tax or a proxy tax under section 6033(e));
  2. for any person that is not normally required to file an annual tax return with the IRS (such as taxpayers located in the territories), the return they would be required to file if they were not located in the territories, or, if no such return is required (such as for State, local, or Indian tribal governmental entities), the Form 990-T Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return; and
  3. for short tax year filers, the short year tax return.

Electronic return filing is strongly encouraged.

Each entity making an elective payment election must have a unique EIN. More information about applying for an EIN is available at IRS.gov/ein.

How do I determine the taxable year?

Check the instructions for the annual tax return you are filing. For example, for tax-exempt entities filing Form 990-T, the return must be filed using the organization's established annual accounting period. If the organization has no established accounting period, file the return on the calendar-year basis.

How do I timely file my return?

An elective payment election may only be made on an original, timely filed return (including extensions). This means the deadline is the due date (including extensions of time) for the tax return for the taxable year for which the election is made. For most tax exempt and government entities including Indian tribal governments this is generally 4.5 months (for example, May 15 for a calendar year taxpayer) (or up to 10.5 months with extensions) after the end of the entity's tax year.

An original return includes a superseding return filed on or before the due date (including extensions). No election is permitted to be made on an amended return or by filing an administrative adjustment request under section 6227 of the Code. There is no relief available under §§ 301.9100-1 through 301.9100-3 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations (26 CFR part 301) for an elective payment election that is not timely filed.

Subject to future guidance, an automatic paperless six-month extension from the original due date is deemed to be allowed for entities for which no Federal income tax return is required under sections 6011 or 6033(a) of the Code.

Additional information about Clean Energy Credits can be found at IRS.gov/cleanenergy.

Clean energy credits: what you need to know about claiming and receiving credits

Tax-exempt and governmental entities can benefit from clean energy tax credits using new options enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). The IRA allows governmental entities to benefit from certain clean energy tax credits through elective pay. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, an applicable entity that qualifies for a clean energy tax credit can make an elective payment election. This election will treat certain credits as a payment against their federal income tax liabilities rather than as a nonrefundable credit. The amount of the credit will first offset any tax liability of the entity and any excess will be refundable. 

Available clean energy credits

For information on which clean energy tax credits are available, Publication 5817-GPDF has a list of elective pay eligible tax credits. 

Pre-filing registration information

A pre-filing registration process must be completed, and a registration number received, prior to making an elective payment election on an annual tax return. Applicable entities will need their own Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) to complete the pre-filing registration process. Applicable entities cannot use or borrow the EIN of a related entity. Watch this video to learn about using the IRS EIN tool to get an EIN.

The online pre-filing registration process is expected to launch in late 2023. After the launch, you may complete pre-filing registration as soon as you have all the information required. More detail will be available as the launch approaches. 

To complete pre-filing registration, you must provide certain information about yourself, the applicable credits you intend to earn, each eligible project or property that will contribute to the applicable credit, and certain additional information. The IRS will review the information provided and will issue a separate registration number for each applicable credit property for which the applicable entity or electing taxpayer provided sufficient verifiable information. Registration is not complete until a registration number is received. Each entity making an elective payment election must have a unique Employer Information Number (EIN). 

After you complete the pre-filing registration process, the IRS will review the information provided and will issue a separate registration number for each applicable credit property for which the applicable entity or electing taxpayer provided sufficient verifiable information.

How to make an elective payment election for a clean energy tax credit:

  1. Identify and pursue the qualifying project or activity: You will need to know which credit you intend to earn.
     
  2. Determine your tax year, if not already known: Your tax year will determine the due date for your tax return.
     
  3. Complete pre-filing registration with the IRS
     
  4. Satisfy all eligibility requirements for the tax credit and any applicable bonus credits, if applicable, for a given tax year: For example, to claim an energy credit on a solar energy generating project, you would need to place the project in service before making an elective payment election. You will need the documentation necessary to properly substantiate any underlying tax credit, including if bonus amounts increased the credit.
     
  5. File the required annual tax return by the due date (or extended due date) and make a valid elective payment election. This includes properly completed and attached source credit forms, Form 3800 (including registration numbers) and required return attachments.

Additional information about clean energy credits can be found at IRS.gov/cleanenergy

Electronic Filing of Form 8038-CP is available; Mandatory Electronic Filing for Certain Filers in 2024

As part of ongoing efforts to improve service for the tax-advantaged bond community, the IRS accepts electronic filing of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds. Form 8038-CP is used to claim credit payments relating to interest on build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, new clean renewable energy bonds, qualified energy conservation bonds, qualified zone academy bonds, and qualified school construction bonds.

Electronic filing ensures that returns are filed using the current versions of Form 8038-CP and the accompanying Schedule A. Electronic filing can also reduce filing errors. See the Instructions for Form 8038-CP and Schedule A (Form 8038-CP), under General Information, on how to get faster payments and avoid common mistakes.

Under Treasury Regulations published February 23, 2023 (26 CFR Section 301.6011-11), electronic filing of Forms 8038-CP filed after December 31, 2023 is mandatory for certain filers.
Electronic filing of Form 8038-CP must be done through an authorized e-file provider. The IRS maintains a list of authorized Form 8038-CP e-file providers on the following page:  Tax Year 2023 Other Tax Exempt Entities Modernized e-File (MeF) Providers – Form 8038-CP.

For more information about electronically filing Form 8038-CP as well as updates and FAQs, visit: 

Recent Updates to Form 8038-CP and Processing Changes,
Form 8038-CP FAQs
Form 8038 Corner

Elective Payments of Credits under the Inflation Reduction Act: Pre-file Registration and Timely Filing Required

Tax-exempt and governmental entities, including those that were generally unable to use tax credits previously, can now benefit from clean energy tax credits using new options enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Elective pay makes certain clean energy tax credits effectively refundable.

For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, an applicable entity that qualifies for a clean energy tax credit can make an elective payment election. This election will treat certain credits as a payment against their federal income tax liabilities rather than as a nonrefundable credit. This payment will first offset any tax liability of the entity and any excess will be refundable. 

Applicable entities generally include tax-exempt organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, the Tennessee Valley Authority and rural electric cooperatives. Specific criteria for each type of applicable entity are included in the resources below.

The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations describing rules and definitions concerning elective payments for the clean energy tax credits. The IRS has also issued temporary regulations regarding the pre-filing registration requirements for taxpayers planning to make an elective payment election.

The pre-filing registration process must be completed, and a registration number received, prior to making an elective payment election on an annual tax return. Entities for which no such return is required (such as state and local governments and Indian tribal governments) will file Form 990-T to make the elective payment election. An elective payment election may only be made on a timely filed return (including extensions). Applicable entities will need their own Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) to complete the pre-filing registration process. Applicable entities cannot use or borrow the EIN of a related entity. To apply for an EIN online, visit IRS.gov/EIN.

The IRS is continuing to work to implement the elective payment process and will provide more information, including about the pre-filing registration process, in late 2023.

For more information on elective pay, the IRS has posted Frequently Asked Questions that discuss eligibility, applicable credits, steps for completing pre-file registration, steps for making an election, and other rules. Additionally, the IRS has a series of publications with key information specifically for various types of applicable entities that may make an elective payment election, including information on how to make the elective pay election and what to do to receive a payment:

Form 8038-CP – Availability of Electronic Filing; Mandatory Electronic Filing for Certain Filers in 2024

As part of ongoing efforts to improve service for the tax-advantaged bond community, the IRS accepts electronic filing of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds. Form 8038-CP is used to claim credit payments under Internal Revenue Code section 6431 relating to interest on build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, new clean renewable energy bonds, qualified energy conservation bonds, qualified zone academy bonds, and qualified school construction bonds.

Electronic filing ensures that returns are filed using the current versions of Form 8038-CP (January 2022) and the accompanying Schedule A (December 2022) and can reduce filing errors. Use of a prior version of the form and filing errors delay processing. See the Form Instructions for Form 8038-CP and Schedule A (Form 8038-CP) (December 2022), under General Information, for information on how to get faster payments and avoid common mistakes.

Under Treasury Regulations published February 23, 2023(26 CFR Section 301.6011-11), electronic filing of Forms 8038-CP filed after December 31, 2023 is mandatory for certain filers.

Electronic filing of Form 8038-CP must be done through an authorized e-file provider. The IRS maintains a list of authorized Form 8038-CP e-file providers at IRS.gov/Efile. Additional information regarding Form 8038-CP is available from the IRS on the Form 8038-CP Corner.

Tribal Economic Development Bond Volume Cap is still available

National bond volume authority (volume cap) for Tribal Economic Development Bonds is available for allocation to federally recognized Indian tribal governments. This volume cap is available for tax-exempt bonds issued to finance qualified projects.

In 2009, Congress provided for $2 billion of volume cap for Tribal Economic Development Bonds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Currently, approximately $63 million of unused volume cap is available.

Notice 2012-48PDF solicits applications for volume cap and provides related guidance on application requirements and forms to request volume cap allocations. Notice 2015-83PDF modifies Notice 2012-48 and provides special rules for bonds issued under a “draw-down” loan structure.

Tribes may request an allocation of volume cap by following the application procedures provided in Notice 2012-48. The IRS will allocate available volume cap on a first-come, first-served basis by order of submission date.

Find additional information on IRS.gov at Published Volume Cap Limit for Tribal Economic Development Bonds.

2022

Expand/Collapse All

Telephonic public approval hearings permitted permanently

The IRS has released Revenue Procedure 2022-20PDF, which provides guidance regarding the public approval requirement under section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code for tax-exempt qualified private activity bonds. Specifically, the revenue procedure provides that hearings held by teleconference as described in section 4 of the revenue procedure will be treated as held in a location that, based on the facts and circumstances, is convenient for residents of the approving governmental unit for the purpose of section 1.147(f)-1(d)(2) of the Income Tax Regulations. This guidance eliminates the time period limitations on holding telephonic public hearings that were contained in previous guidance.

Reminder: Use revised form 8038-CP to claim direct pay credits

Issuers of direct pay tax credit bonds should use the January 2022 version of Form 8038-CP for all credit payment claims. Using a prior version of Form 8038-CP will cause processing delays. However, filers should not refile if they have used a prior version of the form.

Below are links to the revised form and instructions:

Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, and specified tax credit bonds.

The IRS has revised Form 8038 to include bonds authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The IRS has released an updated Form 8038, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues.  Form 8038 has been revised to include exempt facility bonds for qualified broadband projects (line 11k) and qualified carbon dioxide capture facilities (line 11o), which were authorized to be financed with private activity bonds by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (2021).

Tax Exempt Bonds Forms & Publications are available on IRS.gov.

Reminder: Use revised form 8038-CP to claim direct pay credits

Issuers of direct pay tax credit bonds should use the January 2022 version of Form 8038-CP for all future credit payment claims. Using a prior version of Form 8038-CP may cause processing delays.
Below are links to the revised form and instructions:

Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, and specified tax credit bonds.

The IRS extends the acceptance of electronic or digital signatures on certain Form 8038 series filings

The IRS has extended its policy to temporarily allow the use of electronic or digital signatures on various forms if signed and postmarked by October 31, 2023. This includes the following Form 8038 filings:

  • Form 8038, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues
  • Form 8038-G, Information Return for Government Purpose Tax-Exempt Bond Issues
  • Form 8038-GC, Consolidated Information Return for Small Tax-Exempt Government Bond Issues

No other Form 8038 series forms are eligible for this temporary relief.

Electronic or digital signatures are not mandatory and handwritten signatures will continue to be accepted. These forms cannot be e-filed and generally are printed and mailed. Electronic and digital signatures appear in many forms when printed and may be created by many different technologies. The IRS does not require the use of any specific technology to generate electronic or digital signatures.

Reminder: Use revised Form 8038-CP to claim direct pay credits

Issuers of direct pay tax credit bonds should use the January 2022 version of Form 8038-CP for all future credit payment claims. Using a prior version of Form 8038-CP may cause processing delays.

Below are links to the revised form and instructions:

Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds and specified tax credit bonds.

Revised Form 8038-CP

The IRS revised Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds, and related instructionsPDF. The January 2022 revision includes a new Schedule A, Specific Tax Credit Bonds Interest Limit ComputationPDF.

Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified build America bonds, recovery zone economic development bonds, and specified tax credit bonds.

Issuers should use the January 2022 version of Form 8038-CP for all future submissions. Using a prior version after 2021 may cause a delay in processing a request for credit payment.

Watch the new video from Tax Exempt Bonds, Revisions to Form 8038-CP for a detailed discussion of the Form 8038-CP changes.

Reporting private activity bonds authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The IRS plans to update Form 8038, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues, to provide for identifying the new types of projects (qualified broadband projects and qualified carbon dioxide capture facilities) authorized to be financed with private activity bonds by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (2021). The revised Form 8038 is expected to be available before May 15, 2022.

 

2021

Expand/Collapse All

Revision to Form 8038-CP and Instructions

The IRS released draft Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified BondsPDF, including new Schedule A, Specific Tax Credit Bonds Interest Limit ComputationPDF, and the related draft InstructionsPDF. We’re updating the form and instructions to accommodate electronic filing of Form 8038-CP in 2022.

Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified Build America Bonds, Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds, and specified tax credit bonds.

Issuers should use the January 2022 version of Form 8038-CP for submissions received by the IRS in January 2022. Using a prior version of Form 8038-CP after 2021 may cause a delay in processing a request for credit payment.

Tax Exempt Bonds will hold two Zoom meetings to explain the changes to filing Form 8038-CP and answer questions. Select the appropriate link below to join the meeting:

These Zoom meetings are open to everyone and will cover the same material with a slightly different emphasis. You are welcome to attend either meeting.

We’ll post more information about Form 8038-CP revisions and electronic filing at the Recent Updates to Form 8038-CP and Processing Changes.

Revision to Form 8038-CP and Instructions

The IRS released draft Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified BondsPDF, including new Schedule A, Specific Tax Credit Bonds Interest Limit ComputationPDF, and the related draft InstructionsPDF. We're updating the form and instructions to accommodate electronic filing of Form 8038-CP in 2022.

Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified Build America Bonds, Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds, and specified tax credit bonds.

Issuers should use the January 2022 version of Form 8038-CP for submissions received by the IRS in January 2022. Using a prior version of Form 8038-CP after 2021 may cause a delay in processing a request for credit payment.

Tax Exempt Bonds will hold two Zoom meetings in November to explain the changes to filing Form 8038-CP and answer questions. Select the appropriate link below to join the meeting:

These Zoom meetings are open to everyone and will cover the same material with a slightly different emphasis. You are welcome to attend either meeting. We'll post more information about Form 8038-CP revisions and electronic filing at the Recent Updates to Form 8038-CP and Processing Changes.

IRS Position Announcement – Tax Law Specialists (Tax Exempt Bonds)

The IRS Office of Tax Exempt Bonds (TEB) is seeking to hire two highly experienced Tax-Advantaged Bonds Tax Law Specialists. The positions are available in any of 27 different locations, as described in the position announcement.  The application closing date is October 22, 2021.

As a member of our team, you will be responsible for serving as an expert on technical matters relating to tax-advantaged bonds and municipal finance with respect to all aspects of the TEB program including voluntary compliance, enforcement, data analysis, education and outreach. The job duties for the position include preparing technical responses to inquiries submitted by members of Congress, taxpayers, authorized representatives, government agencies, and other external customers. The position involves conferring with customers and representatives to explain financial, legal and other significant issues involved and the applicability of pertinent tax guidance, as well as actions or adjustments required to promote compliance.

Candidates must have specialized experience in the application of Federal tax laws, regulations and other guidance applicable to tax-advantaged municipal bond transactions, and strong analytical, organizational, writing and interpersonal skills. Please visit us at usajobs.gov.

IRS Position Announcement – Senior Tax Law Specialist (Tax-Advantaged Bonds)

The IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE) division is seeking to hire a highly experienced Tax-Advantaged Bonds Tax Law Specialist in its Exempt Organizations/Government Entities function for its Washington, D.C. office. The application closing date is October 29, 2021.

As a member of our team, you will be responsible for advising and providing specialized support to the Division Director on complex technical and analytical matters pertaining to tax-advantaged municipal finance transactions, including enforcement and voluntary compliance support and outreach activities. The job duties for the position include preparing technical responses to the most complex inquiries submitted by TE/GE leadership, IRS employees, members of Congress, Tax Exempt Bonds, taxpayers, authorized representatives, government agencies, and other external and internal customers. The position involves networking and relationship building to develop and maintain effective liaisons with internal and external customers within the tax advantaged bond community.

Candidates must have specialized experience in the application of Federal tax laws, regulations and other guidance applicable to tax-advantaged municipal bond transactions, and strong analytical, organizational, writing and interpersonal skills. Please visit us at usajobs.gov.

Revenue Procedure 2021-39 provides temporary guidance regarding the public approval requirement under section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code for tax-exempt qualified private activity bonds.  Specifically, in light of the continuing Coronavirus Disease pandemic, this revenue procedure extends until March 31, 2022, the time period during which certain telephonic hearings are permitted, as described in Rev. Proc. 2020-21 and modified by Rev. Proc. 2020-49.

New Webpage from the Office of Tax Exempt Bonds

A new webpage from the Office of Tax Exempt Bonds, Compliance Resources for Issuers, contains important information for issuers of tax-advantaged bonds all in one place. You’ll find IRS publications covering different types of bonds, compliance guides for issuers and borrowers, and links to other resources addressing topics of importance to the tax-advantaged bond community.

Electronic or digital signatures temporarily permitted on various forms, including certain Form 8038 series filings

The IRS will temporarily allow the use of electronic or digital signaturesPDF on various forms, including only the following three Form 8038 filings listed below:

  • Form 8038, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues
  • Form 8038-G, Information Return for Government Purpose Tax-Exempt Bond Issues
  • Form 8038-GC, Consolidated Information Return for Small Tax-Exempt Government Bond Issues

No other Form 8038 series forms are eligible for this temporary relief.

Electronic or digital signatures will be accepted on these forms that are signed and postmarked from January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021.

Electronic or digital signatures are not mandatory and handwritten signatures will continue to be accepted. These forms cannot be e-filed and generally are printed and mailed. Electronic and digital signatures appear in many forms when printed and may be created by many different technologies. The IRS does not require the use of any specific technology to generate electronic or digital signatures.

 

2020

Expand/Collapse All

IRS Tax Exempt Bonds Website Study – We Need Your Help

TEB needs just 10 minutes of your time to take a web study. The web study by Treejack software is helping the IRS determine how users look for tax-exempt bond information on IRS.gov. The survey results will help us redesign our webpages and improve the availability of tax-exempt bond information, but we need study participants. Will you help?

Resumption of Form 8038-CP processing

To protect the public and IRS employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in compliance with orders of local health authorities around the country, certain Internal Revenue Service operations, such as processing of paper returns, were limited or suspended on March 27, 2020. Due to this suspension of operations, processing of Form 8038-CP Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified BondsPDF , including requested payments, is delayed.

On June 1, 2020, the functions responsible for the processing of Form 8038-CP started to resume operations and will be processing Forms 8038-CP in order of receipt and as a high priority.

If you have filed Form 8038-CP, please do not file a duplicate return.

Revised Form 14429 for the Tax Exempt Bonds Voluntary Closing Agreement Program

Revised Form 14429, Tax Exempt Bonds Voluntary Closing Agreement Program RequestPDF, dated February 2020, is now available. Form 14429 is used by issuers of tax-advantaged bonds to submit a request to the Tax Exempt Bonds Voluntary Closing Agreement Program (TEB VCAP) to ensure the submission is complete in accordance with Notice 2008-31 and IRM 7.2.3.

Issuers should use the February 2020 version of Form 14429 for new submissions to TEB VCAP. Using the old version of Form 14429 may result in the issuer providing unnecessary items or missing required items in the submission. Do not resubmit a new filing using the updated form if you have already submitted a TEB VCAP request using the older version of Form 14429.

Please visit the Tax Exempt Bonds Voluntary Compliance page on IRS.gov for more information.

New Form 8038-CP and Instructions

New Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified BondsPDF and new instructionsPDF dated January 2020 are now available. Form 8038-CP is used to claim refundable tax credit payments payable to issuers of qualified Build America Bonds, Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds under former IRC Sections 54AA and 1400U-2 and specified tax credit bonds under former IRC Sections 54A and 6431(f).

Issuers should use the January 2020 version of Form 8038-CP for new submissions to the IRS. Using the old version of Form 8038-CP may cause a delay in a request for credit payment. Do not submit a new filing using the updated form if you have already mailed an older version of Form 8038-CP to the IRS.

Please visit the Interactive Form 8038-CP and Important Processing Changes page on IRS.gov for more information.

Reorganization

Effective November 24, 2019, the Office of Government Entities (GE) was reestablished and now includes separate offices for Tax Exempt Bonds (TEB) and Indian Tribal Governments (ITG). GE also has responsibilities for Federal, State and Local-Employment Tax (FSL-ET) and two correspondence units. The reorganization will help us serve our customers more efficiently. Angela Gartland is the acting Director of Government Entities. Allyson Belsome is the program manager for TEB. Telly Meier is the program manager for ITG.

 

 

2019

Expand/Collapse All

Help Improve TEB’s Webpages
Tax Exempt Bonds needs your help to improve its webpages and make it easier for you to find TEB information on IRS.gov. Please complete this short study (10 minutes) before November 12, 2019, to provide your feedback.
 
New Instructions for Forms 2848 and 8821
Instructions for Forms 2848 and 8821 are now available. These instructions will help tax-advantaged bond issuers, conduit borrowers and other related taxpayers complete Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration Representative, and Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization

Notice 2019-39PDF

Notice 2019-39 clarifies the rules that apply to current refundings for targeted bond programs, including Tribal Economic Development Bonds (TEDBs). This notice is in response to requests for clarification on whether bonds for certain targeted bond programs may be refinanced without applying for a new allocation of volume cap.

It provides guidance on refinancings of TEDBs and targeted bonds for disaster relief bond programs, generally eliminating the need to provide guidance on a program-by-program basis.

This notice applies to all current refunding issues that are issued on or after May 22, 2019. Issuers may also apply this notice to current refunding issues that are issued before May 22, 2019.

 

2018

Expand/Collapse All

Private Business Use Issue Snapshots

The IRS has issued two new Issue Snapshots that support examinations to determine if federal government use and management contracts cause excessive private business use that adversely affects the tax-exempt status of public safety bonds.

Issue Snapshots are IRS employee job aids that provide analysis and resources along with audit tips or issue indicators for technical tax issues.

Correcting Excessive Private Business Use Violations

Self-Correction: Bond issuers may be able to use self-correction to avoid violations related to excessive private business use that adversely affect the tax-advantaged status of their bonds through remedial actions provided in Treasury Regulation 1.141-12 and Revenue Procedure 2018-26PDF.

TEB Voluntary Closing Agreement Program (TEB VCAP): For excessive private business use that cannot be remediated through self-correction, bond issuers can use TEB VCAP to resolve violations.

IRS Secure Messaging Pilot for Tax Exempt Bonds

Tax Exempt Bonds is beginning a pilot to test the use of the IRS Secure Messaging platform for TEB examinations. The IRS Secure Messaging platform will allow you to communicate online with us about your bond examination.

  • Correspond with the examination agent through your web browser
  • Electronically submit requested documentation quickly and securely
  • Eliminate paper and postage
  • Reduce the need to call or wait for mail delivery

Issuers, authorized conduit borrowers and authorized representatives invited to participate in the pilot can use IRS Secure Messaging. TEB examinations started before April 30 and TEB VCAP are not a part of this pilot.

Look for your invitation to join the IRS secure messaging pilot included in your bond examination letter.

Issue Snapshots

Issue Snapshots are IRS employee job aids that provide analysis and resources along with audit tips or issue indicators for technical tax issues. The most recent Issue Snapshots from Tax Exempt Bonds are:

 

2017

Expand/Collapse All

Issue Snapshots

This Tax Exempt Bonds Issue Snapshot addresses the Maturity Limitation for Certain Private Activity Bonds that must be satisfied to be qualified private activity bonds. Visit Issue Snapshots periodically for any new or updated snapshots.

Tax Exempt Bonds Webinars

First-time issuers of tax-advantaged bonds should watch TEB’s three-part webinar series on how to maintain the tax-advantaged status of your bonds.

  • Part I Introductory Module 
  • Part II Private Business Use Module 
  • Part III Arbitrage Module

Watch this webinar to learn about TEB’s tax-advantaged bonds examination process.

TEB’s three-part webinar series on conduit issuers offers a basic overview of tax-advantaged debt obligations.

Additional TEB webinars are available at IRSvideos.gov.

Issue Snapshots

Issue Snapshots are IRS employee job aids that provide analysis and resources along with audit tips or issue indicators for a given technical tax issue. The most recent Issue Snapshots from Tax Exempt Bonds are: 

Rehabilitation Requirement under IRC Section 147(d) for Financing Acquisitions of Existing Property
Discusses the rehabilitation requirement that must be met when the net proceeds of a bond issue subject to Section 147(d) are used to acquire used property. 

Qualified Residential Rental Property – Multifamily Housing Bonds
Discusses the residential rental property requirements of IRC Section 142(d), including what types of property can be financed and the qualified uses of that property.

Sale or Disposition of a Bond Financed IRC Section 501(c)(3) Facility
Remedial action provisions that may remediate what would otherwise be a violation of Section 145(a) require particular actions during specific timeframes. 

Bonds with a Qualified Hedge – Hedge Termination
Addresses the rules that apply to terminations and deemed terminations of qualified hedges.

“Deep Discount”: Effect on Exempt Facility Bonds Compliance
Original issue discount in the sale of exempt facility bonds and small issue bonds may affect compliance with the 95% expenditure requirement through the addition of "imputed proceeds" to the amount of net proceeds. This Issue Snapshot discusses the regulations that govern the determination of the amount of imputed proceeds that arise from deep discount sales.

Requirement to Spend Available Project Proceeds of Qualified Tax Credit Bonds within 3 Years of Date of Issuance
Qualified tax-credit bonds have requirements on how much of the proceeds must be spent on a qualified use and when the proceeds must be used for that qualified use. This Issue Snapshot discusses the spending rules and the permitted remediation for these bonds.

95% Expenditure Requirement for Exempt Facility Bonds
Exempt facility bonds have requirements that 95% or more of their net proceeds must be used to provide an exempt facility. This Issue Snapshot discusses the spending rules and the permitted remediation for these bonds.

Publication 5271, Complying with Arbitrage Requirements: A Guide for Issuers of Tax-Exempt BondsPDF
This new publication is a basic guide to the yield restriction and rebate requirements (arbitrage requirements) of Internal Revenue Code Section 148 and related regulations. Information in the guide can help issuers and conduit borrowers comply with their obligations and prevent violations of the arbitrage requirements.

Form 8038 series receipt acknowledgements
The return acknowledgement process for the Form 8038 series returns is automated. The IRS will send you a Notice CP152, CP152A or Letter 86C for each form you file. Don’t include an acknowledgement copy of your return with your filing; it may delay processing or cause a duplicate filing.

Avoid Form 8038-CP processing delays
All required lines must be completed on your Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds, before we can process it. We’ll request any missing information from you by mail, leading to delays in getting your refund. To avoid these delays, use our interactive Form 8038-CP. Complete it in the order presented and you’ll be alerted to missing fields and other errors.

Form 8038 Corner
The Form 8038 Corner on IRS.gov has links to the Form 8038 series returns, filing tips and the sequestration rates that affect Form 8038-CP filers

 

2016

Expand/Collapse All

IRM 4.81.5 Interim Guidance on New Case Closing Procedures
Tax Exempts Bonds issued interim guidance effective October 18, 2016 to update IRM 4.81.5 regarding New Case Closing Procedures.

FY2017 Update: Effect of Sequestration on State & Local Government Filers of Form 8038-CP
Pursuant to the requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, certain automatic reductions will take place as of October 1, 2016. These required reductions include a reduction to the refundable credit under section 6431 of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to certain qualified bonds.

Understanding the Tax Exempt Bonds Examination Process
New guide discusses general rules and procedures that we follow in examinations and how to correct certain compliance problems.

Form 8038-CP FAQs
How and when to file a Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds to claim refundable tax credits payable to issuers of certain bonds.

IRS Makes Changes to Its Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT)
The Internal Revenue Service has announced changes to its Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT) including a reduction in the number of people on the committee and a revision to its focus.

Published Volume Cap Limit for Tribal Economic Development Bonds
IRS announces the Published Volume Cap Limit for applications for allocations of national bond volume limitation authority to issuers of tribal economic development bonds for periods beginning in 2016.

Published Volume Cap Limits and Available Amounts for New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
IRS announces the Published Volume Cap Limits and the available volume caps for periods beginning in 2016, for applications for allocations of the national volume cap to issuers of New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds.

 

2015

Expand/Collapse All

FY2016 Update: Effect of Sequestration on State & Local Government Filers of Form 8038-CP
Pursuant to the requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, certain automatic reductions will take place as of October 1, 2015. These required reductions include a reduction to the refundable credit under section 6431 of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to certain qualified bonds.

Mailing Address for Notices of Defeasance and Certain Elections Required by Treasury Regulations
Mailing address for notices of defeasance under Treasury Regulations 1.141-12(d)(3), Treasury Regulations1.142-2(c)(2), and Notices of Election under Treasury Regulations 1.142(f)(4)-1.

Provide Accurate Routing and Account Numbers on Form 8038-CP to Avoid Delayed Payments
Inaccurate direct deposit information on Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds may cause a delay in the payment of a request for a credit payment.

Notice 2015-12 (New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Volume Cap Application)
This Notice (updated to clarify the definition of qualified facility under section 45(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) solicits applications for allocations of the remaining available amount of the national limitation (volume cap) for new clean renewable energy bonds (New CREBs). The available amounts include certain amounts previously allocated and subsequently forfeited. This Notice also provides related guidance on the following: (1) application requirements and forms for requests for volume cap allocations; and (2) the method that will be used to allocate the volume cap. The IRS will update the Volume Cap Limit and the available amounts by publishing these updates on the IRS website approximately every sixty days until the applicable volume cap is fully allocated.

Notice 2015-11 (Qualified Zone Academy Bond Allocations for 2014)
This notice sets forth the maximum face amount of Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) that may be issued for each State for the calendar year 2014 under § 54E(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under § 54A(e)(3), the term State includes the District of Columbia and any possession of the United States.

Announcement 2015-2 (Simplified VCAP Process for Issuers of Qualified 501(c)(3) Bonds)
This Announcement provides a simplified VCAP process for issuers of qualified 501(c)(3) bonds, as defined in the Announcement, to request a closing agreement in situations in which the borrower of the proceeds of the bonds received Prospective Reinstatement, as defined in the Announcement, after its tax-exempt status was automatically revoked under section 6033(j)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).