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2021 Tax Table, Exemptions and Deductions
Rev. Proc. 2020-45; 2020-46 IRB 1
26 CFR 601.602: Tax forms and instructions.
(Also Part I, §§ 1, 23, 24, 25A, 32, 36B, 42, 45R, 55, 59, 62, 63, 125, 132(f),135, 137, 146, 147, 148, 152, 179, 199A, 213, 220, 221, 448, 461, 512, 513, 642, 831, 877, 877A, 911, 1274A, 2010, 2032A, 2503, 2523, 4161, 4261, 6033, 6039F, 6323, 6334, 6601, 6651, 6652, 6695, 6698, 6699, 6721, 6722, 7345, 7430, 7702B, 9831; 1.148-5.)
Table of Contents
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. CHANGES
SECTION 3. 2021 ADJUSTED ITEMS
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 5. DRAFTING INFORMATION
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
This revenue procedure sets forth inflation-adjusted items for 2021 for various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), as amended as of October 26, 2020. To the extent amendments to the Code are enacted for 2021 after October 26, 2020, taxpayers should consult additional guidance to determine whether these adjustments remain applicable for 2021.
SECTION 2. CHANGES
Section 402(b) of Div. O of the Further Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94, 133 Stat. 2534 (Dec. 22, 2019), increased the amount of the minimum addition to tax under § 6651(a) for failure to file a tax return within 60 days of the due date of such return (determined with regard to any extensions of time for filing). For returns the due date for which (including extensions) is after December 31, 2019, the amount of the addition to tax shall not be less than the lesser of $435 (increased from $330) or 100 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on such returns. Additionally, the $435 amount is adjusted for inflation in accordance with § 6651(j).
SECTION 3. 2021 ADJUSTED ITEMS
.01 Tax Rate Tables. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the tax rate tables under § 1 are as follows:
TABLE 1 — Section 1(j)(2)(A) — Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses
TABLE 2 — Section 1(j)(2)(B) — Heads of Households
TABLE 3 — Section 1(j)(2)(C) — Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households)
TABLE 4 — Section 1(j)(2)(D) — Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
TABLE 5 — Section 1(j)(2)(E) — Estates and Trusts
.02 Unearned Income of Minor Children (the "Kiddie Tax"). For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amount in § 1(g)(4)(A)(ii)(I), which is used to reduce the net unearned income reported on the child's return that is subject to the "kiddie tax," is $1,100. This $1,100 amount is the same as the amount provided in § 63(c)(5)(A), as adjusted for inflation. The same $1,100 amount is used for purposes of § 1(g)(7) (that is, to determine whether a parent may elect to include a child's gross income in the parent's gross income and to calculate the "kiddie tax"). For example, one of the requirements for the parental election is that a child's gross income is more than the amount referenced in § 1(g)(4)(A)(ii)(I) but less than 10 times that amount; thus, a child's gross income for 2021 must be more than $1,100 but less than $11,000.
.03 Maximum Capital Gains Rate. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the Maximum Zero Rate Amount under § 1(h)(1)(B)(i) is $80,800 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse ($40,400 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return), $54,100 in the case of an individual who is a head of household (§ 2(b)), $40,400 in the case of any other individual (other than an estate or trust), and $2,700 in the case of an estate or trust. The Maximum 15-percent Rate Amount under § 1(h)(1)(C)(ii)(l) is $501,600 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse ($250,800 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return), $473,750 in the case of an individual who is the head of a household (§ 2(b)), $445,850 in the case of any other individual (other than an estate or trust), and $13,250 in the case of an estate or trust.
.04 Adoption Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 23(a)(3) the credit allowed for an adoption of a child with special needs is $14,440. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 23(b)(1) the maximum credit allowed for other adoptions is the amount of qualified adoption expenses up to $14,440. The available adoption credit begins to phase out under § 23(b)(2)(A) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $216,660 and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $256,660 or more. (See section 3.20 for the adjusted items relating to adoption assistance programs.)
.05 Child Tax Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the value used in § 24(d)(1)(A) to determine the amount of credit under § 24 that may be refundable is $1,400.
.06 Lifetime Learning Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, a taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income in excess of $59,000 ($119,000 for a joint return) is used to determine the reduction under § 25A(d)(2) in the amount of the Lifetime Learning Credit otherwise allowable under § 25A(a)(2). The Lifetime Learning Credit is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $69,000 ($139,000 for a joint return).
.07 Earned Income Credit.
(1) In general. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the following amounts are used to determine the earned income credit under § 32(b). The "earned income amount" is the amount of earned income at or above which the maximum amount of the earned income credit is allowed. The "threshold phaseout amount" is the amount of adjusted gross income (or, if greater, earned income) above which the maximum amount of the credit begins to phase out. The "completed phaseout amount" is the amount of adjusted gross income (or, if greater, earned income) at or above which no credit is allowed. The threshold phaseout amounts and the completed phaseout amounts shown in the table below for married taxpayers filing a joint return include the increase provided in § 32(b)(2)(B), as adjusted for inflation for taxable years beginning in 2021.
Number of Qualifying Children
The instructions for the Form 1040 series provide tables showing the amount of the earned income credit for each type of taxpayer.
(2) Excessive Investment Income. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the earned income tax credit is not allowed under § 32(i) if the aggregate amount of certain investment income exceeds $3,650.
.08 Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the limitation on tax imposed under § 36B(f)(2)(B) for excess advance credit payments is determined using the following table:
.09 Rehabilitation Expenditures Treated as Separate New Building. For calendar year 2021, the per low-income unit qualified basis amount under § 42(e)(3)(A)(ii)(II) is $7,100.
.10 Low-Income Housing Credit. For calendar year 2021, the amount used under § 42(h)(3)(C)(ii) to calculate the State housing credit ceiling for the low-income housing credit is the greater of (1) $2.8125 multiplied by the State population, or (2) $3,245,625.
.11 Employee Health Insurance Expense of Small Employers. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the dollar amount in effect under § 45R(d)(3)(B) is $27,800. This amount is used under § 45R(c) for limiting the small employer health insurance credit and under § 45R(d)(1)(B) for determining who is an eligible small employer for purposes of the credit.
.12 Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the exemption amounts under § 55(d)(1) are:
For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 55(b)(1), the excess taxable income above which the 28 percent tax rate applies is:
For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amounts used under § 55(d)(2) to determine the phaseout of the exemption amounts are:
.13 Alternative Minimum Tax Exemption for a Child Subject to the "Kiddie Tax." For taxable years beginning in 2021, for a child to whom the § 1(g) "kiddie tax" applies, the exemption amount under §§ 55(d) and 59(j) for purposes of the alternative minimum tax under § 55 may not exceed the sum of (1) the child's earned income for the taxable year, plus (2) $7,950.
.14 Certain Expenses of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 62(a)(2)(D) the amount of the deduction allowed under § 162 that consists of expenses paid or incurred by an eligible educator in connection with books, supplies (other than nonathletic supplies for courses of instruction in health or physical education), computer equipment (including related software and services) and other equipment, and supplementary materials used by the eligible educator in the classroom is $250.
.15 Transportation Mainline Pipeline Construction Industry Optional Expense Substantiation Rules for Payments to Employees Under Accountable Plans. For calendar year 2021, an eligible employer may pay certain welders and heavy equipment mechanics an amount up to $18 per hour for rig-related expenses that are deemed substantiated under an accountable plan if paid in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2002-41, 2002-1 C.B. 1098. If the employer provides fuel or otherwise reimburses fuel expenses, an amount up to $11 per hour is deemed substantiated if paid under Rev. Proc. 2002-41.
.16 Standard Deduction.
(1) In general. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the standard deduction amounts under § 63(c)(2) are as follows:
(2) Dependent. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the standard deduction amount under § 63(c)(5) for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,100, or (2) the sum of $350 and the individual's earned income.
(3) Aged or blind. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the additional standard deduction amount under § 63(f) for the aged or the blind is $1,350. The additional standard deduction amount is increased to $1,700 if the individual is also unmarried and not a surviving spouse.
.17 Cafeteria Plans. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the dollar limitation under § 125(i) on voluntary employee salary reductions for contributions to health flexible spending arrangements is $2,750. If the cafeteria plan permits the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum carryover amount is $550.
.18 Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(A) regarding the aggregate fringe benefit exclusion amount for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle and any transit pass is $270. The monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(B) regarding the fringe benefit exclusion amount for qualified parking is $270.
.19 Income from United States Savings Bonds for Taxpayers Who Pay Qualified Higher Education Expenses. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the exclusion under § 135, regarding income from United States savings bonds for taxpayers who pay qualified higher education expenses, begins to phase out for modified adjusted gross income above $124,800 for joint returns and $83,200 for all other returns. The exclusion is completely phased out for modified adjusted gross income of $154,800 or more for joint returns and $98,200 or more for all other returns.
.20 Adoption Assistance Programs. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 137(a)(2), the amount that can be excluded from an employee's gross income for the adoption of a child with special needs is $14,440. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 137(b)(1) the maximum amount that can be excluded from an employee's gross income for the amounts paid or expenses incurred by an employer for qualified adoption expenses furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program for other adoptions by the employee is $14,440. The amount excludable from an employee's gross income begins to phase out under § 137(b)(2)(A) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $216,660 and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $256,660 or more. (See section 3.04 of this revenue procedure for the adjusted items relating to the adoption credit.)
.21 Private Activity Bonds Volume Cap. For calendar year 2021, the amounts used under § 146(d) to calculate the State ceiling for the volume cap for private activity bonds is the greater of (1) $110 multiplied by the State population, or (2) $324,995,000.
.22 Loan Limits on Agricultural Bonds. For calendar year 2021, the loan limit amount on agricultural bonds under § 147(c)(2)(A) for first-time farmers is $558,000.
.23 General Arbitrage Rebate Rules. For bond years ending in 2021, the amount of the computation credit determined under § 1.148-3(d)(4) of the Income Tax Regulations is $1,780.
.24 Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions on Guaranteed Investment Contracts or Investments Purchased for a Yield Restricted Defeasance Escrow. For calendar year 2021, under § 1.148-5(e)(2)(iii)(B)(1), a broker's commission or similar fee for the acquisition of a guaranteed investment contract or investments purchased for a yield restricted defeasance escrow is reasonable if (1) the amount of the fee that the issuer treats as a qualified administrative cost does not exceed the lesser of (A) $42,000, and (B) 0.2 percent of the computational base (as defined in § 1.148-5(e)(2)(iii)(B)(2)) or, if more, $4,000; and (2) for any issue, the issuer does not treat more than $118,000 in brokers' commissions or similar fees as qualified administrative costs for all guaranteed investment contracts and investments for yield restricted defeasance escrows purchased with gross proceeds of the issue.
.25 Gross Income Limitation for a Qualifying Relative. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the exemption amount referenced in § 152(d)(1)(B) is $4,300.
.26 Election to Expense Certain Depreciable Assets. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 179(b)(1), the aggregate cost of any § 179 property that a taxpayer elects to treat as an expense cannot exceed $1,050,000 and under § 179(b)(5)(A), the cost of any sport utility vehicle that may be taken into account under § 179 cannot exceed $26,200. Under § 179(b)(2), the $1,050,000 limitation under section 179(b)(1) is reduced (but not below zero) by the amount by which the cost of § 179 property placed in service during the 2021 taxable year exceeds $2,620,000.
.27 Qualified Business Income. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the threshold amount under § 199A(e)(2) is $329,800 for married filing joint returns, $164,925 for married filing separate returns, and $164,900 for all other returns.
.28 Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the limitations under § 213(d)(10), regarding eligible long-term care premiums includible in the term "medical care," are as follows:
.29 Medical Savings Accounts.
(1) Self-only coverage. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the term "high deductible health plan" as defined in § 220(c)(2)(A) means, for self-only coverage, a health plan that has an annual deductible that is not less than $2,400 and not more than $3,600, and under which the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid (other than for premiums) for covered benefits do not exceed $4,800.
(2) Family coverage. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the term "high deductible health plan" means, for family coverage, a health plan that has an annual deductible that is not less than $4,800 and not more than $7,150, and under which the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid (other than for premiums) for covered benefits do not exceed $8,750.
.30 Interest on Education Loans. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the $2,500 maximum deduction for interest paid on qualified education loans under § 221 begins to phase out under § 221(b)(2)(B) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $70,000 ($140,000 for joint returns), and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $85,000 or more ($170,000 or more for joint returns).
.31 Limitation on Use of Cash Method of Accounting. For taxable years beginning in 2021, a corporation or partnership meets the gross receipts test of § 448(c) for any taxable year if the average annual gross receipts of such entity for the 3-taxable-year period ending with the taxable year which precedes such taxable year does not exceed $26,000,000.
.32 Threshold for Excess Business Loss. For taxable years beginning in 2021, in determining a taxpayer's excess business loss, the amount under § 461(l)(3)(A)(ii)(II) is $262,000 ($524,000 for joint returns).
.33 Treatment of Dues Paid to Agricultural or Horticultural Organizations. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the limitation under § 512(d)(1), regarding the exemption of annual dues required to be paid by a member to an agricultural or horticultural organization, is $173.
.34 Insubstantial Benefit Limitations for Contributions Associated with Charitable Fund-Raising Campaigns.
(1) Low cost article. For taxable years beginning in 2021, for purposes of defining the term "unrelated trade or business" for certain exempt organizations under § 513(h)(2), "low cost articles" are articles costing $11.30 or less.
(2) Other insubstantial benefits. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 170, the $5, $25, and $50 guidelines in section 3 of Rev. Proc. 90-12, 1990-1 C.B. 471 (as amplified by Rev. Proc. 92-49, 1992-1 C.B. 987, and modified by Rev. Proc. 92-102, 1992-2 C.B. 579), for the value of insubstantial benefits that may be received by a donor in return for a contribution, without causing the contribution to fail to be fully deductible, are $11.30, $56.50 and $113, respectively.
.35 Special Rules for Credits and Deductions. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amount of the deduction under § 642(b)(2)(C)(i) is $4,300.
.36 Tax on Insurance Companies Other than Life Insurance Companies. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 831(b)(2)(A)(i) the amount of the limit on net written premiums or direct written premiums (whichever is greater) is $2,400,000 to elect the alternative tax for certain small companies under § 831(b)(1) to be taxed only on taxable investment income.
.37 Expatriation to Avoid Tax. For calendar year 2021, under § 877A(g)(1)(A), unless an exception under § 877A(g)(1)(B) applies, an individual is a covered expatriate if the individual's "average annual net income tax" under § 877(a)(2)(A) for the five taxable years ending before the expatriation date is more than $172,000.
.38 Tax Responsibilities of Expatriation. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amount that would be includible in the gross income of a covered expatriate by reason of § 877A(a)(1) is reduced (but not below zero) by $744,000 pursuant to § 877A(a)(3).
.39 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the foreign earned income exclusion amount under § 911(b)(2)(D)(i) is $108,700.
.40 Debt Instruments Arising Out of Sales or Exchanges. For calendar year 2021, a qualified debt instrument under § 1274A(b) has stated principal that does not exceed $6,099,500, and a cash method debt instrument under § 1274A(c)(2) has stated principal that does not exceed $4,356,800.
.41 Unified Credit Against Estate Tax. For an estate of any decedent dying in calendar year 2021, the basic exclusion amount is $11,700,000 for determining the amount of the unified credit against estate tax under § 2010.
.42 Valuation of Qualified Real Property in Decedent's Gross Estate. For an estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2021, if the executor elects to use the special use valuation method under § 2032A for qualified real property, the aggregate decrease in the value of qualified real property resulting from electing to use § 2032A for purposes of the estate tax cannot exceed $1,190,000.
.43 Annual Exclusion for Gifts.
(1) For calendar year 2021, the first $15,000 of gifts to any person (other than gifts of future interests in property) are not included in the total amount of taxable gifts under § 2503 made during that year.
(2) For calendar year 2021, the first $159,000 of gifts to a spouse who is not a citizen of the United States (other than gifts of future interests in property) are not included in the total amount of taxable gifts under §§ 2503 and 2523(i)(2) made during that year.
.44 Tax on Arrow Shafts. For calendar year 2021, the tax imposed under § 4161(b)(2)(A) on the first sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any shaft of a type used in the manufacture of certain arrows is $0.53 per shaft.
.45 Passenger Air Transportation Excise Tax. For calendar year 2021, the tax under § 4261(b)(1) on the amount paid for each domestic segment of taxable air transportation is $4.30. For calendar year 2021, the tax under § 4261(c)(1) on any amount paid (whether within or without the United States) for any international air transportation, if the transportation begins or ends in the United States, generally is $19.10. Under § 4261(c)(3), however, a lower rate of tax applies under § 4261(c)(1) to a domestic segment beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii, and the tax applies only to departures. For calendar year 2021, the rate of tax is $9.60.
.46 Reporting Exception for Certain Exempt Organizations with Nondeductible Lobbying Expenditures. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the annual per person, family, or entity dues limitation to qualify for the reporting exception under § 6033(e)(3) (and section 5.05 of Rev. Proc. 98-19, 1998-1 C.B. 547), regarding certain exempt organizations with nondeductible lobbying expenditures, is $120 or less.
.47 Notice of Large Gifts Received from Foreign Persons. For taxable years beginning in 2021, § 6039F authorizes the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service to require recipients of gifts from certain foreign persons to report these gifts if the aggregate value of gifts received in the taxable year exceeds $16,815.
.48 Persons Against Whom a Federal Tax Lien Is Not Valid. For calendar year 2021, a federal tax lien is not valid against (1) certain purchasers under § 6323(b)(4) who purchased personal property in a casual sale for less than $1,640, or (2) a mechanic's lien or under § 6323(b)(7) who repaired or improved certain residential property if the contract price with the owner is not more than $8,180.
.49 Property Exempt from Levy. For calendar year 2021, the value of property exempt from levy under § 6334(a)(2) (fuel, provisions, furniture, and other household personal effects, as well as arms for personal use, livestock, and poultry) cannot exceed $9,790. The value of property exempt from levy under § 6334(a)(3) (books and tools necessary for the trade, business, or profession of the taxpayer) cannot exceed $4,890.
.50 Exempt Amount of Wages, Salary, or Other Income. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the dollar amount used to calculate the amount determined under § 6334(d)(4)(B) is $4,300.
.51 Interest on a Certain Portion of the Estate Tax Payable in Installments. For an estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2021, the dollar amount used to determine the "2-percent portion" (for purposes of calculating interest under § 6601(j)) of the estate tax extended as provided in § 6166 is $1,590,000.
.52 Failure to File Tax Return. In the case of any return required to be filed in 2022, the amount of the addition to tax under § 6651(a) for failure to file a tax return within 60 days of the due date of such return (determined with regard to any extensions of time for filing) shall not be less than the lesser of $435 or 100 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on such returns.
.53 Failure to File Certain Information Returns, Registration Statements, etc. For returns required to be filed in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6652(c) are:
(1) for failure to file a return required under § 6033(a)(1) (relating to returns by exempt organization) or § 6012(a)(6) (relating to returns by political organizations):
(2) for failure to file a return required under § 6034 (relating to returns by certain trust) or § 6043(b) (relating to terminations, etc., of exempt organizations):
(3) for failure to file a disclosure required under § 6033(a)(2):
.54 Other Assessable Penalties With Respect to the Preparation of Tax Returns for Other Persons. In the case of any failure relating to a return or claim for refund filed in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6695 are:
Failure to be diligent in determining eligibility for head of household filing status, child tax credit, American opportunity tax credit, and earned income credit (§ 6695(g))
$545 per failure
No limit
.55 Failure to File Partnership Return. In the case of any return required to be filed in 2022, the dollar amount used to determine the amount of the penalty under § 6698(b)(1) is $210.
.56 Failure to File S Corporation Return. In the case of any return required to be filed in 2022, the dollar amount used to determine the amount of the penalty under § 6699(b)(1) is $210.
.57 Failure to File Correct Information Returns. In the case of any failure relating to a return required to be filed in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6721 are:
(1) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent three taxable years of more than $5,000,000, for failure to file correct information returns:
(2) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent three taxable years of $5,000,000 or less, for failure to file correct information returns:
(3) for failure to file correct information returns due to intentional disregard of the filing requirement (or the correct information reporting requirement):
.58 Failure to Furnish Correct Payee Statements. In the case of any failure relating to a statement required to be furnished in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6722 are:
(1) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent three taxable years of more than $5,000,000, for failure to file correct information returns:
(2) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent 3 taxable years of $5,000,000 or less, for failure to file correct information returns:
(3) for failure to file correct payee statements due to intentional disregard of the requirement to furnish a payee statement (or the correct information reporting requirement):
.59 Revocation or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies. For calendar year 2021, the amount of a serious delinquent tax debt under § 7345 is $54,000.
.60 Attorney Fee Awards. For fees incurred in calendar year 2021, the attorney fee award limitation under § 7430(c)(1)(B)(iii) is $210 per hour.
.61 Periodic Payments Received Under Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts or Under Certain Life Insurance Contracts. For calendar year 2021, the stated dollar amount of the per diem limitation under § 7702B(d)(4), regarding periodic payments received under a qualified long-term care insurance contract or periodic payments received under a life insurance contract that are treated as paid by reason of the death of a chronically ill individual, is $400.
.62 Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement. For taxable years beginning in 2021, to qualify as a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement under § 9831(d), the arrangement must provide that the total amount of payments and reimbursements for any year cannot exceed $5,300 ($10,700 for family coverage).
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
.01 General Rule. Except as provided in section 4.02 of this revenue procedure, this revenue procedure applies to taxable years beginning in 2021.
.02 Calendar Year Rule. This revenue procedure applies to transactions or events occurring in calendar year 2021 for purposes of sections 3.09 (rehabilitation expenditures treated as separate new building), 3.10 (low-income housing credit), 3.15 (transportation mainline pipeline construction industry optional expense substantiation rules for payments to employees under accountable plans), 3.21 (private activity bonds volume cap), 3.22 (loan limits on agricultural bonds), 3.23 (general arbitrage rebate rules), 3.24 (safe harbor rules for broker commissions on guaranteed investment contracts or investments purchased for a yield restricted defeasance escrow), 3.37 (expatriation to avoid taxes), 3.40 (debt instruments arising out of sales or exchanges), 3.41 (unified credit against estate tax), 3.42 (valuation of qualified real property in decedent's gross estate), 3.43 (annual exclusion for gifts), 3.44 (tax on arrow shafts), 3.45 (passenger air transportation excise tax), 3.48 (persons against whom a federal tax lien is not valid), 3.49 (property exempt from levy), 3.51 (interest on a certain portion of the estate tax payable in installments), 3.59 (revocation or denial of passport in case of certain tax delinquencies), 3.60 (attorney fee awards), and 3.61 (periodic payments received under qualified long-term care insurance contracts or under certain life insurance contracts) of this revenue procedure.
SECTION 5. DRAFTING INFORMATION
The principal author of this revenue procedure is William Ruane of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Accounting). For further information regarding this revenue procedure, contact Mr. Ruane at (202) 317-4718 (not a toll-free call).
26 CFR 601.602: Tax forms and instructions.
(Also Part I, §§ 1, 23, 24, 25A, 32, 36B, 42, 45R, 55, 59, 62, 63, 125, 132(f),135, 137, 146, 147, 148, 152, 179, 199A, 213, 220, 221, 448, 461, 512, 513, 642, 831, 877, 877A, 911, 1274A, 2010, 2032A, 2503, 2523, 4161, 4261, 6033, 6039F, 6323, 6334, 6601, 6651, 6652, 6695, 6698, 6699, 6721, 6722, 7345, 7430, 7702B, 9831; 1.148-5.)
Table of Contents
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. CHANGES
SECTION 3. 2021 ADJUSTED ITEMS
| Code Section | |
|---|---|
| .01 Tax Rate Tables | 1(j)(2) (A)-(D) |
| .02 Unearned Income of Minor Children ("Kiddie Tax") | 1(g) |
| .03 Maximum Capital Gains Rate | 1(h) |
| .04 Adoption Credit | 23 |
| .05 Child Tax Credit | 24 |
| .06 Lifetime Learning Credit | 25A |
| .07 Earned Income Credit | 32 |
| .08 Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan | 36B(f)(2)(B) |
| .09 Rehabilitation Expenditures Treated as Separate New Building | 42(e) |
| .10 Low-Income Housing Credit | 42(h) |
| .11 Employee Health Insurance Expense of Small Employers | 45R |
| .12 Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax | 55 |
| .13 Alternative Minimum Tax Exemption for a Child Subject to the "Kiddie Tax" | 59(j) |
| .14 Certain Expenses of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers | 62(a)(2)(D) |
| .15 Transportation Mainline Pipeline Construction Industry Optional Expense Substantiation Rules for Payments to Employees Under Accountable Plans | 62(c) |
| .16 Standard Deduction | 63 |
| .17 Cafeteria Plans | 125 |
| .18 Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit | 132(f) |
| .19 Income from United States Savings Bonds for Taxpayers Who Pay Qualified Higher Education Expenses | 135 |
| .20 Adoption Assistance Programs | 137 |
| .21 Private Activity Bonds Volume Cap | 146(d) |
| .22 Loan Limits on Agricultural Bonds | 147(c)(2) |
| .23 General Arbitrage Rebate Rules | 148(f) |
| .24 Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions on Guaranteed Investment Contracts or Investments Purchased for a Yield Restricted Defeasance Escrow | 148 |
| .25 Gross Income Limitation for a Qualifying Relative | 152(d)(1)(B) |
| .26 Election to Expense Certain Depreciable Assets | 179 |
| .27 Qualified Business Income | 199A |
| .28 Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums | 213(d)(10) |
| .29 Medical Savings Accounts | 220 |
| .30 Interest on Education Loans | 221 |
| .31 Limitation on Use of Cash Method of Accounting | 448 |
| .32 Threshold for Excess Business Loss | 461(l) |
| .33 Treatment of Dues Paid to Agricultural or Horticultural Organizations | 512(d) |
| .34 Insubstantial Benefit Limitations for Contributions Associated With Charitable Fund-Raising Campaigns | 513(h) |
| .35 Special Rules for Credits and Deductions | 642 |
| .36 Tax on Insurance Companies Other than Life Insurance Companies | 831 |
| .37 Expatriation to Avoid Tax | 877 |
| .38 Tax Responsibilities of Expatriation | 877A |
| .39 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion | 911 |
| .40 Debt Instruments Arising Out of Sales or Exchanges | 1274A |
| .41 Unified Credit Against Estate Tax | 2010 |
| .42 Valuation of Qualified Real Property in Decedent's Gross Estate | 2032A |
| .43 Annual Exclusion for Gifts | 2503; 2523 |
| .44 Tax on Arrow Shafts | 4161 |
| .45 Passenger Air Transportation Excise Tax | 4261 |
| .46 Reporting Exception for Certain Exempt Organizations with Nondeductible Lobbying Expenditures | 6033(e)(3) |
| .47 Notice of Large Gifts Received from Foreign Persons | 6039F |
| .48 Persons Against Whom a Federal Tax Lien Is Not Valid | 6323 |
| .49 Property Exempt from Levy | 6334(a) |
| .50 Exempt Amount of Wages, Salary, or Other Income | 6334(d) |
| .51 Interest on a Certain Portion of the Estate Tax Payable in Installments | 6601(j) |
| .52 Failure to File Tax Return | 6651 |
| .53 Failure to File Certain Information Returns, Registration Statements, etc. | 6652 |
| .54 Other Assessable Penalties With Respect to the Preparation of Tax Returns for Other Persons | 6695 |
| .55 Failure to File Partnership Return | 6698 |
| .56 Failure to File S Corporation Return | 6699 |
| .57 Failure to File Correct Information Returns | 6721 |
| .58 Failure to Furnish Correct Payee Statements | 6722 |
| .59 Revocation or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies | 7345 |
| .60 Attorney Fee Awards | 7430 |
| .61 Periodic Payments Received Under Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts or Under Certain Life Insurance Contracts | 7702B(d) |
| .62 Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement | 9831 |
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 5. DRAFTING INFORMATION
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
This revenue procedure sets forth inflation-adjusted items for 2021 for various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code), as amended as of October 26, 2020. To the extent amendments to the Code are enacted for 2021 after October 26, 2020, taxpayers should consult additional guidance to determine whether these adjustments remain applicable for 2021.
SECTION 2. CHANGES
Section 402(b) of Div. O of the Further Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2020, Pub. L. 116-94, 133 Stat. 2534 (Dec. 22, 2019), increased the amount of the minimum addition to tax under § 6651(a) for failure to file a tax return within 60 days of the due date of such return (determined with regard to any extensions of time for filing). For returns the due date for which (including extensions) is after December 31, 2019, the amount of the addition to tax shall not be less than the lesser of $435 (increased from $330) or 100 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on such returns. Additionally, the $435 amount is adjusted for inflation in accordance with § 6651(j).
SECTION 3. 2021 ADJUSTED ITEMS
.01 Tax Rate Tables. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the tax rate tables under § 1 are as follows:
TABLE 1 — Section 1(j)(2)(A) — Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses
| If Taxable Income Is: | The Tax Is: |
|---|---|
| Not over $19,900 | 10% of the taxable income |
| Over $19,900 but not over $81,050 | $1,990 plus 12% of the excess over $19,900 |
| Over $81,050 but not over $172,750 | $9,328 plus 22% of the excess over $81,050 |
| Over $172,750 but not over $329,850 | $29,502 plus 24% of the excess over $172,750 |
| Over $329,850 but not over $418,850 | $67,206 plus 32% of the excess over $329,850 |
| Over $418,850 but not over $628,300 | $95,686 plus 35% of the excess over $418,850 |
| Over $628,300 | $168,993.50 plus 37% of the excess over $628,300 |
TABLE 2 — Section 1(j)(2)(B) — Heads of Households
| If Taxable Income Is: | The Tax Is: |
|---|---|
| Not over $14,200 | 10% of the taxable income |
| Over $14,200 but not over $54,200 | $1,420 plus 12% of the excess over $14,200 |
| Over $54,200 but not over $86,350 | $6,220 plus 22% of the excess over $54,200 |
| Over $86,350 but not over $164,900 | $13,293 plus 24% of the excess over $86,350 |
| Over $164,900 but not over $209,400 | $32,145 plus 32% of the excess over $164,900 |
| Over $209,400 but not over $523,600 | $46,385 plus 35% of the excess over $209,400 |
| Over $523,600 | $156,355 plus 37% of the excess over $523,600 |
TABLE 3 — Section 1(j)(2)(C) — Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households)
| If Taxable Income Is: | The Tax Is: |
|---|---|
| Not over $9,950 | 10% of the taxable income |
| Over $9,950 but not over $40,525 | $995 plus 12% of the excess over $9,950 |
| Over $40,525 but not over $86,375 | $4,664 plus 22% of the excess over $40,525 |
| Over $86,375 but not over $164,925 | $14,751 plus 24% of the excess over $86,375 |
| Over $164,925 but not over $209,425 | $33,603 plus 32% of the excess over $164,925 |
| Over $209,425 but not over $523,600 | $47,843 plus 35% of the excess over $209,425 |
| Over $523,600 | $157,804.25 plus 37% of the excess over $523,600 |
TABLE 4 — Section 1(j)(2)(D) — Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
| If Taxable Income Is: | The Tax Is: |
|---|---|
| Not over $9,950 | 10% of the taxable income |
| Over $9,950 but not over $40,525 | $995 plus 12% of the excess over $9,950 |
| Over $40,525 but not over $86,375 | $4,664 plus 22% of the excess over $40,525 |
| Over $86,375 but not over $164,925 | $14,751 plus 24% of the excess over $86,375 |
| Over $164,925 but not over $209,425 | $33,603 plus 32% of the excess over $164,925/td> |
| Over $209,425 but not over $314,150 | $47,843 plus 35% of the excess over $209,425 |
| Over $314,150 | $84,496.75 plus 37% of the excess over $314,150 |
TABLE 5 — Section 1(j)(2)(E) — Estates and Trusts
| If Taxable Income Is: | The Tax Is: |
|---|---|
| Not over $2,650 | 10% of the taxable income |
| Over $2,650 but not over $9,550 | $265 plus 24% of the excess over $2,650 |
| Over $9,550 but not over $13,050 | $1,921 plus 35% of the excess over $9,550 |
| Over $13,050 | $3,146 plus 37% of the excess over $13,050 |
.02 Unearned Income of Minor Children (the "Kiddie Tax"). For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amount in § 1(g)(4)(A)(ii)(I), which is used to reduce the net unearned income reported on the child's return that is subject to the "kiddie tax," is $1,100. This $1,100 amount is the same as the amount provided in § 63(c)(5)(A), as adjusted for inflation. The same $1,100 amount is used for purposes of § 1(g)(7) (that is, to determine whether a parent may elect to include a child's gross income in the parent's gross income and to calculate the "kiddie tax"). For example, one of the requirements for the parental election is that a child's gross income is more than the amount referenced in § 1(g)(4)(A)(ii)(I) but less than 10 times that amount; thus, a child's gross income for 2021 must be more than $1,100 but less than $11,000.
.03 Maximum Capital Gains Rate. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the Maximum Zero Rate Amount under § 1(h)(1)(B)(i) is $80,800 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse ($40,400 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return), $54,100 in the case of an individual who is a head of household (§ 2(b)), $40,400 in the case of any other individual (other than an estate or trust), and $2,700 in the case of an estate or trust. The Maximum 15-percent Rate Amount under § 1(h)(1)(C)(ii)(l) is $501,600 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse ($250,800 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return), $473,750 in the case of an individual who is the head of a household (§ 2(b)), $445,850 in the case of any other individual (other than an estate or trust), and $13,250 in the case of an estate or trust.
.04 Adoption Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 23(a)(3) the credit allowed for an adoption of a child with special needs is $14,440. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 23(b)(1) the maximum credit allowed for other adoptions is the amount of qualified adoption expenses up to $14,440. The available adoption credit begins to phase out under § 23(b)(2)(A) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $216,660 and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $256,660 or more. (See section 3.20 for the adjusted items relating to adoption assistance programs.)
.05 Child Tax Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the value used in § 24(d)(1)(A) to determine the amount of credit under § 24 that may be refundable is $1,400.
.06 Lifetime Learning Credit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, a taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income in excess of $59,000 ($119,000 for a joint return) is used to determine the reduction under § 25A(d)(2) in the amount of the Lifetime Learning Credit otherwise allowable under § 25A(a)(2). The Lifetime Learning Credit is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $69,000 ($139,000 for a joint return).
.07 Earned Income Credit.
(1) In general. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the following amounts are used to determine the earned income credit under § 32(b). The "earned income amount" is the amount of earned income at or above which the maximum amount of the earned income credit is allowed. The "threshold phaseout amount" is the amount of adjusted gross income (or, if greater, earned income) above which the maximum amount of the credit begins to phase out. The "completed phaseout amount" is the amount of adjusted gross income (or, if greater, earned income) at or above which no credit is allowed. The threshold phaseout amounts and the completed phaseout amounts shown in the table below for married taxpayers filing a joint return include the increase provided in § 32(b)(2)(B), as adjusted for inflation for taxable years beginning in 2021.
Number of Qualifying Children
| Item | One | Two | Three or More | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earned Income Amount | $10,640 | $14,950 | $14,950 | $7,100 |
| Maximum Amount of Credit | $3,618 | $5,980 | $6,728 | $543 |
| Threshold Phaseout Amount (Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household) | $19,520 | $19,520 | $19,520 | $8,880 |
| Completed Phaseout Amount (Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household) | $42,158 | $47,915 | $51,464 | $15,980 |
| Threshold Phaseout Amount (Married Filing Jointly) | $25,470 | $25,470 | $25,470 | $14,820 |
| Completed Phaseout Amount (Married Filing Jointly) | $48,108 | $53,865 | $57,414 | $21,920 |
The instructions for the Form 1040 series provide tables showing the amount of the earned income credit for each type of taxpayer.
(2) Excessive Investment Income. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the earned income tax credit is not allowed under § 32(i) if the aggregate amount of certain investment income exceeds $3,650.
.08 Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the limitation on tax imposed under § 36B(f)(2)(B) for excess advance credit payments is determined using the following table:
| If the household income (expressed as a percent of poverty line) is: | The limitation amount for unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of household) is: | The limitation amount for all other taxpayers is: |
| Less than 200% | $325 | $650 |
| At least 200% but less than 300% | $800 | $1,600 |
| At least 300% but less than 400% | $1,350 | $2,700 |
.09 Rehabilitation Expenditures Treated as Separate New Building. For calendar year 2021, the per low-income unit qualified basis amount under § 42(e)(3)(A)(ii)(II) is $7,100.
.10 Low-Income Housing Credit. For calendar year 2021, the amount used under § 42(h)(3)(C)(ii) to calculate the State housing credit ceiling for the low-income housing credit is the greater of (1) $2.8125 multiplied by the State population, or (2) $3,245,625.
.11 Employee Health Insurance Expense of Small Employers. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the dollar amount in effect under § 45R(d)(3)(B) is $27,800. This amount is used under § 45R(c) for limiting the small employer health insurance credit and under § 45R(d)(1)(B) for determining who is an eligible small employer for purposes of the credit.
.12 Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the exemption amounts under § 55(d)(1) are:
| Joint Returns or Surviving Spouses | $114,600 |
| Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses) | $73,600 |
| Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns | $57,300 |
| Estates and Trusts | $25,700 |
For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 55(b)(1), the excess taxable income above which the 28 percent tax rate applies is:
| Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns | $99,950 |
| Joint Returns, Unmarried Individuals (other than surviving spouses), and Estates and Trusts | $199,900 |
For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amounts used under § 55(d)(2) to determine the phaseout of the exemption amounts are:
| Threshold Phaseout amount | Complete Phaseout amount | |
| Joint Returns or Surviving Spouses | $1,047,200 | $1,505,600 |
| Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses) | $523,600 | $818,000 |
| Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns | $523,600 | $752,800 |
| Estates and Trusts | $85,650 | $188,450 |
.13 Alternative Minimum Tax Exemption for a Child Subject to the "Kiddie Tax." For taxable years beginning in 2021, for a child to whom the § 1(g) "kiddie tax" applies, the exemption amount under §§ 55(d) and 59(j) for purposes of the alternative minimum tax under § 55 may not exceed the sum of (1) the child's earned income for the taxable year, plus (2) $7,950.
.14 Certain Expenses of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 62(a)(2)(D) the amount of the deduction allowed under § 162 that consists of expenses paid or incurred by an eligible educator in connection with books, supplies (other than nonathletic supplies for courses of instruction in health or physical education), computer equipment (including related software and services) and other equipment, and supplementary materials used by the eligible educator in the classroom is $250.
.15 Transportation Mainline Pipeline Construction Industry Optional Expense Substantiation Rules for Payments to Employees Under Accountable Plans. For calendar year 2021, an eligible employer may pay certain welders and heavy equipment mechanics an amount up to $18 per hour for rig-related expenses that are deemed substantiated under an accountable plan if paid in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2002-41, 2002-1 C.B. 1098. If the employer provides fuel or otherwise reimburses fuel expenses, an amount up to $11 per hour is deemed substantiated if paid under Rev. Proc. 2002-41.
.16 Standard Deduction.
(1) In general. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the standard deduction amounts under § 63(c)(2) are as follows:
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses (§ 1(j)(2)(A)) | $25,100 |
| Hads of Households (§ 1(j)(2)(B)) | $18,800/td> |
| Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households) (§ 1(j)(2)(C)) | $12,550 |
| Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns (§ 1(j)(2)(D)) | $12,550 |
(2) Dependent. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the standard deduction amount under § 63(c)(5) for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,100, or (2) the sum of $350 and the individual's earned income.
(3) Aged or blind. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the additional standard deduction amount under § 63(f) for the aged or the blind is $1,350. The additional standard deduction amount is increased to $1,700 if the individual is also unmarried and not a surviving spouse.
.17 Cafeteria Plans. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the dollar limitation under § 125(i) on voluntary employee salary reductions for contributions to health flexible spending arrangements is $2,750. If the cafeteria plan permits the carryover of unused amounts, the maximum carryover amount is $550.
.18 Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(A) regarding the aggregate fringe benefit exclusion amount for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle and any transit pass is $270. The monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(B) regarding the fringe benefit exclusion amount for qualified parking is $270.
.19 Income from United States Savings Bonds for Taxpayers Who Pay Qualified Higher Education Expenses. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the exclusion under § 135, regarding income from United States savings bonds for taxpayers who pay qualified higher education expenses, begins to phase out for modified adjusted gross income above $124,800 for joint returns and $83,200 for all other returns. The exclusion is completely phased out for modified adjusted gross income of $154,800 or more for joint returns and $98,200 or more for all other returns.
.20 Adoption Assistance Programs. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 137(a)(2), the amount that can be excluded from an employee's gross income for the adoption of a child with special needs is $14,440. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 137(b)(1) the maximum amount that can be excluded from an employee's gross income for the amounts paid or expenses incurred by an employer for qualified adoption expenses furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program for other adoptions by the employee is $14,440. The amount excludable from an employee's gross income begins to phase out under § 137(b)(2)(A) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $216,660 and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $256,660 or more. (See section 3.04 of this revenue procedure for the adjusted items relating to the adoption credit.)
.21 Private Activity Bonds Volume Cap. For calendar year 2021, the amounts used under § 146(d) to calculate the State ceiling for the volume cap for private activity bonds is the greater of (1) $110 multiplied by the State population, or (2) $324,995,000.
.22 Loan Limits on Agricultural Bonds. For calendar year 2021, the loan limit amount on agricultural bonds under § 147(c)(2)(A) for first-time farmers is $558,000.
.23 General Arbitrage Rebate Rules. For bond years ending in 2021, the amount of the computation credit determined under § 1.148-3(d)(4) of the Income Tax Regulations is $1,780.
.24 Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions on Guaranteed Investment Contracts or Investments Purchased for a Yield Restricted Defeasance Escrow. For calendar year 2021, under § 1.148-5(e)(2)(iii)(B)(1), a broker's commission or similar fee for the acquisition of a guaranteed investment contract or investments purchased for a yield restricted defeasance escrow is reasonable if (1) the amount of the fee that the issuer treats as a qualified administrative cost does not exceed the lesser of (A) $42,000, and (B) 0.2 percent of the computational base (as defined in § 1.148-5(e)(2)(iii)(B)(2)) or, if more, $4,000; and (2) for any issue, the issuer does not treat more than $118,000 in brokers' commissions or similar fees as qualified administrative costs for all guaranteed investment contracts and investments for yield restricted defeasance escrows purchased with gross proceeds of the issue.
.25 Gross Income Limitation for a Qualifying Relative. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the exemption amount referenced in § 152(d)(1)(B) is $4,300.
.26 Election to Expense Certain Depreciable Assets. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 179(b)(1), the aggregate cost of any § 179 property that a taxpayer elects to treat as an expense cannot exceed $1,050,000 and under § 179(b)(5)(A), the cost of any sport utility vehicle that may be taken into account under § 179 cannot exceed $26,200. Under § 179(b)(2), the $1,050,000 limitation under section 179(b)(1) is reduced (but not below zero) by the amount by which the cost of § 179 property placed in service during the 2021 taxable year exceeds $2,620,000.
.27 Qualified Business Income. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the threshold amount under § 199A(e)(2) is $329,800 for married filing joint returns, $164,925 for married filing separate returns, and $164,900 for all other returns.
.28 Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the limitations under § 213(d)(10), regarding eligible long-term care premiums includible in the term "medical care," are as follows:
| Attained Age Before the Close of the Taxable Year | Limitation on Premiums |
|---|---|
| 40 or less | $450 |
| More than 40 but not more than 50 | $850 |
| More than 50 but not more than 60 | $1,690 |
| More than 60 but not more than 70 | $4,520 |
| More than 70 | $5,640 |
.29 Medical Savings Accounts.
(1) Self-only coverage. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the term "high deductible health plan" as defined in § 220(c)(2)(A) means, for self-only coverage, a health plan that has an annual deductible that is not less than $2,400 and not more than $3,600, and under which the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid (other than for premiums) for covered benefits do not exceed $4,800.
(2) Family coverage. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the term "high deductible health plan" means, for family coverage, a health plan that has an annual deductible that is not less than $4,800 and not more than $7,150, and under which the annual out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid (other than for premiums) for covered benefits do not exceed $8,750.
.30 Interest on Education Loans. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the $2,500 maximum deduction for interest paid on qualified education loans under § 221 begins to phase out under § 221(b)(2)(B) for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $70,000 ($140,000 for joint returns), and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $85,000 or more ($170,000 or more for joint returns).
.31 Limitation on Use of Cash Method of Accounting. For taxable years beginning in 2021, a corporation or partnership meets the gross receipts test of § 448(c) for any taxable year if the average annual gross receipts of such entity for the 3-taxable-year period ending with the taxable year which precedes such taxable year does not exceed $26,000,000.
.32 Threshold for Excess Business Loss. For taxable years beginning in 2021, in determining a taxpayer's excess business loss, the amount under § 461(l)(3)(A)(ii)(II) is $262,000 ($524,000 for joint returns).
.33 Treatment of Dues Paid to Agricultural or Horticultural Organizations. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the limitation under § 512(d)(1), regarding the exemption of annual dues required to be paid by a member to an agricultural or horticultural organization, is $173.
.34 Insubstantial Benefit Limitations for Contributions Associated with Charitable Fund-Raising Campaigns.
(1) Low cost article. For taxable years beginning in 2021, for purposes of defining the term "unrelated trade or business" for certain exempt organizations under § 513(h)(2), "low cost articles" are articles costing $11.30 or less.
(2) Other insubstantial benefits. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 170, the $5, $25, and $50 guidelines in section 3 of Rev. Proc. 90-12, 1990-1 C.B. 471 (as amplified by Rev. Proc. 92-49, 1992-1 C.B. 987, and modified by Rev. Proc. 92-102, 1992-2 C.B. 579), for the value of insubstantial benefits that may be received by a donor in return for a contribution, without causing the contribution to fail to be fully deductible, are $11.30, $56.50 and $113, respectively.
.35 Special Rules for Credits and Deductions. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amount of the deduction under § 642(b)(2)(C)(i) is $4,300.
.36 Tax on Insurance Companies Other than Life Insurance Companies. For taxable years beginning in 2021, under § 831(b)(2)(A)(i) the amount of the limit on net written premiums or direct written premiums (whichever is greater) is $2,400,000 to elect the alternative tax for certain small companies under § 831(b)(1) to be taxed only on taxable investment income.
.37 Expatriation to Avoid Tax. For calendar year 2021, under § 877A(g)(1)(A), unless an exception under § 877A(g)(1)(B) applies, an individual is a covered expatriate if the individual's "average annual net income tax" under § 877(a)(2)(A) for the five taxable years ending before the expatriation date is more than $172,000.
.38 Tax Responsibilities of Expatriation. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the amount that would be includible in the gross income of a covered expatriate by reason of § 877A(a)(1) is reduced (but not below zero) by $744,000 pursuant to § 877A(a)(3).
.39 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the foreign earned income exclusion amount under § 911(b)(2)(D)(i) is $108,700.
.40 Debt Instruments Arising Out of Sales or Exchanges. For calendar year 2021, a qualified debt instrument under § 1274A(b) has stated principal that does not exceed $6,099,500, and a cash method debt instrument under § 1274A(c)(2) has stated principal that does not exceed $4,356,800.
.41 Unified Credit Against Estate Tax. For an estate of any decedent dying in calendar year 2021, the basic exclusion amount is $11,700,000 for determining the amount of the unified credit against estate tax under § 2010.
.42 Valuation of Qualified Real Property in Decedent's Gross Estate. For an estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2021, if the executor elects to use the special use valuation method under § 2032A for qualified real property, the aggregate decrease in the value of qualified real property resulting from electing to use § 2032A for purposes of the estate tax cannot exceed $1,190,000.
.43 Annual Exclusion for Gifts.
(1) For calendar year 2021, the first $15,000 of gifts to any person (other than gifts of future interests in property) are not included in the total amount of taxable gifts under § 2503 made during that year.
(2) For calendar year 2021, the first $159,000 of gifts to a spouse who is not a citizen of the United States (other than gifts of future interests in property) are not included in the total amount of taxable gifts under §§ 2503 and 2523(i)(2) made during that year.
.44 Tax on Arrow Shafts. For calendar year 2021, the tax imposed under § 4161(b)(2)(A) on the first sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any shaft of a type used in the manufacture of certain arrows is $0.53 per shaft.
.45 Passenger Air Transportation Excise Tax. For calendar year 2021, the tax under § 4261(b)(1) on the amount paid for each domestic segment of taxable air transportation is $4.30. For calendar year 2021, the tax under § 4261(c)(1) on any amount paid (whether within or without the United States) for any international air transportation, if the transportation begins or ends in the United States, generally is $19.10. Under § 4261(c)(3), however, a lower rate of tax applies under § 4261(c)(1) to a domestic segment beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii, and the tax applies only to departures. For calendar year 2021, the rate of tax is $9.60.
.46 Reporting Exception for Certain Exempt Organizations with Nondeductible Lobbying Expenditures. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the annual per person, family, or entity dues limitation to qualify for the reporting exception under § 6033(e)(3) (and section 5.05 of Rev. Proc. 98-19, 1998-1 C.B. 547), regarding certain exempt organizations with nondeductible lobbying expenditures, is $120 or less.
.47 Notice of Large Gifts Received from Foreign Persons. For taxable years beginning in 2021, § 6039F authorizes the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service to require recipients of gifts from certain foreign persons to report these gifts if the aggregate value of gifts received in the taxable year exceeds $16,815.
.48 Persons Against Whom a Federal Tax Lien Is Not Valid. For calendar year 2021, a federal tax lien is not valid against (1) certain purchasers under § 6323(b)(4) who purchased personal property in a casual sale for less than $1,640, or (2) a mechanic's lien or under § 6323(b)(7) who repaired or improved certain residential property if the contract price with the owner is not more than $8,180.
.49 Property Exempt from Levy. For calendar year 2021, the value of property exempt from levy under § 6334(a)(2) (fuel, provisions, furniture, and other household personal effects, as well as arms for personal use, livestock, and poultry) cannot exceed $9,790. The value of property exempt from levy under § 6334(a)(3) (books and tools necessary for the trade, business, or profession of the taxpayer) cannot exceed $4,890.
.50 Exempt Amount of Wages, Salary, or Other Income. For taxable years beginning in 2021, the dollar amount used to calculate the amount determined under § 6334(d)(4)(B) is $4,300.
.51 Interest on a Certain Portion of the Estate Tax Payable in Installments. For an estate of a decedent dying in calendar year 2021, the dollar amount used to determine the "2-percent portion" (for purposes of calculating interest under § 6601(j)) of the estate tax extended as provided in § 6166 is $1,590,000.
.52 Failure to File Tax Return. In the case of any return required to be filed in 2022, the amount of the addition to tax under § 6651(a) for failure to file a tax return within 60 days of the due date of such return (determined with regard to any extensions of time for filing) shall not be less than the lesser of $435 or 100 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on such returns.
.53 Failure to File Certain Information Returns, Registration Statements, etc. For returns required to be filed in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6652(c) are:
(1) for failure to file a return required under § 6033(a)(1) (relating to returns by exempt organization) or § 6012(a)(6) (relating to returns by political organizations):
| Scenario | Daily Penalty | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Organization (§ 6652(c)(1)(A)) | $20 | Lessor of $10,500 or 5% of gross receipts of the organization for the year. |
| Organization with gross receipts exceeding $1,094,500 (§ 6652(c)(1)(A)) | $105 | $54,500 |
| Managers (§ 6652(c)(1)(B)) | $10 | $5,000 |
| Public inspection of annual returns and reports (§ 6652(c)(1)(C)) | $20 | $10,500 |
| Public inspection of applications for exemption and notice of status (§ 6652(c)(1)(D)) | $20 | No Limits |
(2) for failure to file a return required under § 6034 (relating to returns by certain trust) or § 6043(b) (relating to terminations, etc., of exempt organizations):
| Scenario | Daily Penalty | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Organization or trust (§ 6652(c)(2)(A)) | $10 | $5,000 |
| Managers (§ 6652(c)(2)(B)) | $10 | $5,000 |
| Split-Interest Trust (§ 6652(c)(2)(C)(ii)) | $20 | $10,500 |
| Any trust with gross income exceeding $273,500 (§ 6652(c)(2)(C)(ii)) | $105 | $54,500 |
(3) for failure to file a disclosure required under § 6033(a)(2):
| Scenario | Daily Penalty | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Tax–exempt entity (§ 6652(c)(3)(A)) | $105 | $54,500 |
| Failure to comply with written demand (§ 6652(c)(3)(B)(ii)) | $105 | $10,500 |
.54 Other Assessable Penalties With Respect to the Preparation of Tax Returns for Other Persons. In the case of any failure relating to a return or claim for refund filed in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6695 are:
| Scenario | Per Return or Claim for Refund | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to furnish copy to taxpayer (§ 6695(a)) | $50 | $27,000 |
| Failure to sign return (§ 6695(b)) | $50 | $27,000 |
| Failure to furnish identifying number (§ 6695(c)) | $50 | $27,000 |
| Failure to retain copy or list (§ 6695(d)) | $50 | $27,000 |
| Failure to file correct information returns (§ 6695(e)) | $50 per return and item in return | $27,000 |
| Negotiation of check (§ 6695(f)) | $545 per check | No limit |
Failure to be diligent in determining eligibility for head of household filing status, child tax credit, American opportunity tax credit, and earned income credit (§ 6695(g))
$545 per failure
No limit
.55 Failure to File Partnership Return. In the case of any return required to be filed in 2022, the dollar amount used to determine the amount of the penalty under § 6698(b)(1) is $210.
.56 Failure to File S Corporation Return. In the case of any return required to be filed in 2022, the dollar amount used to determine the amount of the penalty under § 6699(b)(1) is $210.
.57 Failure to File Correct Information Returns. In the case of any failure relating to a return required to be filed in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6721 are:
(1) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent three taxable years of more than $5,000,000, for failure to file correct information returns:
| Scenario | Penalty Per Return | Calendar Year Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| General Rule (§ 6721(a)(1)) | $280 | $3,426,000 |
| Corrected on or before 30 days after required filing date (§ 6721(b)(1)) | $50 | $571,000 |
| Corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2022 (§ 6721(b)(2)) | $110 | $1,713,000 |
(2) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent three taxable years of $5,000,000 or less, for failure to file correct information returns:
| Scenario | Penalty Per Return | Calendar Year Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| General Rule (§ 6721(d)(1)(A)) | $280 | $1,142,000 |
| Corrected on or before 30 days after required filing date (§ 6721(d)(1)(B)) | $50 | $199,500 |
| Corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2022 (§ 6721(d)(1)(C)) | $110 | $571,000 |
(3) for failure to file correct information returns due to intentional disregard of the filing requirement (or the correct information reporting requirement):
| Scenario | Penalty Per Return | Calendar Year Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Return other than a return required to be filed under §§ 6045(a), 6041A(b), 6050H, 6050I, 6050J, 6050K, or 6050L (§ 6721(e)(2)(A)) | Greater of (i) $570, or (ii) 10% of aggregate amount of items required to be reported correctly | No limit |
| Return required to be filed under §§ 6045(a), 6050K, or 6050L (§ 6721(e)(2)(B)) | Greater of (i) $570, or (ii) 5% of aggregate amount of items required to be reported correctly | No limit |
| Return required to be filed under § 6050I(a) (§ 6721(e)(2)(C)) | Greater of (i) $28,550, or (ii) amount of cash received up to $114,000 | No limit |
| Return required to be filed under § 6050V (§ 6721(e)(2)(D)) | Greater of (i) $570, or (ii) 10% of the value of the benefit of any contract with respect to which information is required to be included on the return | No limit |
.58 Failure to Furnish Correct Payee Statements. In the case of any failure relating to a statement required to be furnished in 2022, the penalty amounts under § 6722 are:
(1) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent three taxable years of more than $5,000,000, for failure to file correct information returns:
| Scenario | Penalty Per Return | Calendar Year Maximum |
| General Rule (§ 6722(a)(1)) | $280 | $3,426,000 |
| Corrected on or before 30 days after required filing date (§ 6722(b)(1)) | $50 | $571,000 |
| Corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2022 (§ 6722(b)(2)) | $110 | $1,713,000 |
(2) for persons with average annual gross receipts for the most recent 3 taxable years of $5,000,000 or less, for failure to file correct information returns:
| Scenario | Penalty Per Return | Calendar Year Maximum |
| General Rule (§ 6722(a)(1)) | $280 | $1,142,000 |
| Corrected on or before 30 days after required filing date (§ 6722(d)(1)(B)) | $50 | $199,500 |
| Corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2022 (§ 6722(d)(1)(C)) | $110 | $571,000 |
(3) for failure to file correct payee statements due to intentional disregard of the requirement to furnish a payee statement (or the correct information reporting requirement):
| Scenario | Penalty Per Return | Calendar Year Maximum |
| Statement other than a statement required under §§ 6045(b), 6041A(e) (in respect of a return required under § 6041A(b)), 6050H(d), 6050J(e), 6050K(b), or 6050L(c) (§ 6722(e)(2)(A)) | Greater of (i) $570, or (ii) 10% of aggregate amount of items required to be reported correctly | No limit |
| Payee statement required under §§ 6045(b), 6050K(b), or 6050L(c) (§ 6722(e)(2)(B)) | Greater of (i) $570, or (ii) 5% of aggregate amount of items required to be reported correctly | No limit |
.59 Revocation or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies. For calendar year 2021, the amount of a serious delinquent tax debt under § 7345 is $54,000.
.60 Attorney Fee Awards. For fees incurred in calendar year 2021, the attorney fee award limitation under § 7430(c)(1)(B)(iii) is $210 per hour.
.61 Periodic Payments Received Under Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts or Under Certain Life Insurance Contracts. For calendar year 2021, the stated dollar amount of the per diem limitation under § 7702B(d)(4), regarding periodic payments received under a qualified long-term care insurance contract or periodic payments received under a life insurance contract that are treated as paid by reason of the death of a chronically ill individual, is $400.
.62 Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement. For taxable years beginning in 2021, to qualify as a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement under § 9831(d), the arrangement must provide that the total amount of payments and reimbursements for any year cannot exceed $5,300 ($10,700 for family coverage).
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
.01 General Rule. Except as provided in section 4.02 of this revenue procedure, this revenue procedure applies to taxable years beginning in 2021.
.02 Calendar Year Rule. This revenue procedure applies to transactions or events occurring in calendar year 2021 for purposes of sections 3.09 (rehabilitation expenditures treated as separate new building), 3.10 (low-income housing credit), 3.15 (transportation mainline pipeline construction industry optional expense substantiation rules for payments to employees under accountable plans), 3.21 (private activity bonds volume cap), 3.22 (loan limits on agricultural bonds), 3.23 (general arbitrage rebate rules), 3.24 (safe harbor rules for broker commissions on guaranteed investment contracts or investments purchased for a yield restricted defeasance escrow), 3.37 (expatriation to avoid taxes), 3.40 (debt instruments arising out of sales or exchanges), 3.41 (unified credit against estate tax), 3.42 (valuation of qualified real property in decedent's gross estate), 3.43 (annual exclusion for gifts), 3.44 (tax on arrow shafts), 3.45 (passenger air transportation excise tax), 3.48 (persons against whom a federal tax lien is not valid), 3.49 (property exempt from levy), 3.51 (interest on a certain portion of the estate tax payable in installments), 3.59 (revocation or denial of passport in case of certain tax delinquencies), 3.60 (attorney fee awards), and 3.61 (periodic payments received under qualified long-term care insurance contracts or under certain life insurance contracts) of this revenue procedure.
SECTION 5. DRAFTING INFORMATION
The principal author of this revenue procedure is William Ruane of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Accounting). For further information regarding this revenue procedure, contact Mr. Ruane at (202) 317-4718 (not a toll-free call).
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