The IRS is committed to working with taxpayers who are the victims of identity theft

Source: IRS.gov | Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 18-Dec-2013

The IRS has taken numerous steps to combat identity theft and protect taxpayers. We are continually looking at ways to increase data security and protect taxpayers' identities with assistance from our Identity Protection Specialized Unit. Identity theft cases are among the most complex ones we handle.

We know identity theft is a frustrating process for victims. We take this issue very seriously and continue to expand on our robust screening process in order to stop fraudulent returns and protect innocent taxpayers.

On this page, you will find a wide range of information. Depending upon your personal circumstances, the information found here will cover a variety of scenarios involving identity theft, ranging from contacting us with a case of identity theft to providing tips to help keep your records safe.

2014 Standard Mileage Rates

IR-2013-95, Dec. 6, 2013

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2014 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2014, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 56 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 23.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Interest Rates Remain the Same for the First Quarter of 2014

IR-2013-96, Dec. 9, 2013
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning Jan. 1, 2014.  The rates will be:

• three (3) percent for over payments [two (2) percent in the case of a corporation];
• three (3) percent for underpayments;
• five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments; and
• one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a corporate over payment exceeding $10,000.

IRPAC Issues Annual Report for 2013

IR-2013-97, Dec. 11, 2013
WASHINGTON — The Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC) today released its annual report for 2013, including numerous recommendations to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue on new and existing issues in tax administration.

“In their report, IRPAC members provide valuable feedback to the IRS on a wide range of information reporting issues,” IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel said. “Committee members have graciously offered their time and expertise. The IRS will carefully consider their recommendations.”

In the 2013 report, IRPAC recommends that IRS:

• Extend truncation of taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) to employer identification numbers (EINs).
• Expand the TIN matching program to permit matching on a greater number of return types.
• Improve instructions to reduce errors on Form 1099-MISC.
• Provide additional guidance with regard to merchant card reporting on Form 1099-K.

IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Giving

IR-2013-98, Dec. 16, 2013

WASHINGTON — Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years. Some of these changes include the following:

Special Tax-Free Charitable Distributions for Certain IRA Owners.

This provision, currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2013, offers older owners of individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) a different way to give to charity. An IRA owner, age 70½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charity. This option, first available in 2006, can be used for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible.

2014 Tax Season to Open Jan. 31; e-file and Free File Can Speed Refunds

IR-2013-100, Dec. 18, 2013

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced plans to open the 2014 filing season on Jan. 31 and encouraged taxpayers to use e-file or Free File as the fastest way to receive refunds.