The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced it is revisiting rules classifying which workers are independent contractors and which are employees. Its new proposal would roll back a Biden administration rule that it said was flawed.

Last year’s major tax legislation could motivate millions of individuals to become charitable givers, according to a recently released study. However, the report predicts their increased donations will not offset likely losses in dollars for the nonprofit sector at large due to the law’s new limitations on wealthy givers and businesses.  

Even as court battles continue over the Johnson Amendment, the IRS plans to develop “clear, administrable standards” about how its political communication mandates apply to churches.

A bipartisan Senate bill would expand charitable giving options by allowing qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs to be directed to donor-advised funds (DAFs). The proposed change aims to increase flexibility for older donors and could encourage greater support for churches and ministries.

An internal watchdog office at the IRS recently sent a list of concerns to Congress related to charitable giving, technology, agency staffing, and more. The National Taxpayer Advocate annually prepares a report making recommendations for better protecting taxpayer rights and easing the taxpayer burden. 

The Internal Revenue Service recently updated rules regarding group tax exemptions. As of January 20, 2026, the IRS is again accepting group exemption applications, a policy that had been stopped in June 2020 while public comments were sought to revise the process.

The deductible standard mileage rate for business purposes increased to 72.5 cents per mile effective January 1, 2026.

The U.S. Postal Service finalized a new rule defining what information is conveyed by a postmark, noting that its date is not necessarily the same day a letter or package was dropped off for mailing. 

The House Ways & Means Committee unanimously advanced bipartisan legislation to allow pastors who previously elected an exemption from the Social Security system a time-limited opportunity to opt back in.

The IRS announced tax year 2025 penalty relief for employers who are now required to report overtime pay and tips amounts separately on W-2 and 1099 forms.