When it comes to understanding the legal side of things, one concept to be aware of is “revenue ruling.” Generally, the IRS releases revenue rulings to interpret or clarify the meaning of U.S. tax law, most commonly the Internal Revenue Code. Revenue rulings are official IRS pronouncements; they explain how the law is applied in specific circumstances. They also provide guidance on a variety of topics and provide a basis for accurately predicting taxpayer obligations.
When the IRS issues a revenue ruling, it applies prospectively from the date of its release. Such rulings may be a helpful reference when taxpayers are planning their affairs or considering tax strategies. Because revenue rulings are binding, taxpayers may rely upon them when filing their taxes.
In addition to being ruled on by the IRS, revenue rulings can also be litigated in court. When a court does rule on a revenue matter, it is customary for the IRS to update the existing revenue ruling with the court ruling. This is done in order to provide clarity and guidance for future reference.
Examples of Revenue Rulings
To give you a better understanding of what comprises a revenue ruling, let’s look at some examples. Revenue Rulings 2001-1 and 2001-2, for instance, say that dividends declared by homeowners’ associations are to be treated as income for federal income tax purposes. Another example is Revenue Ruling 2003-17, which clarified the deductibility of certain fees and expenses associated with self-directed 401k plans.
Generally, revenue rulings provide helpful information on how the IRS interprets a given law, as well as any potential consequences or penalties if an individual or business fails to comply. If you’re ever in doubt about a tax law or regulation, it’s a good idea to check a revenue ruling on the IRS website to get clarification and certainty.