IRS Shifts Tactics on ‘Dirty Dozen’ Suspected Tax Dodges

The IRS is taking steps to target transactions it thinks could be abusive—with a new twist.

In recent months, the agency has issued a series of proposed rules to identify schemes it considers suspect as listed transactions. More could be coming on the horizon.

The proposed rules take aim at certain syndicated conservation easements, micro-captive insurance transactions, and transactions in Maltese retirement plans. The Biden administration’s unified agenda last month included new items on proposed rules identifying certain charitable remainder annuity trusts and monetized installment sales as listed transactions.

Historically, the IRS often has announced transactions as ...