26 USC 7426 - Civil actions by persons other than taxpayers

Collapse to view only § 7426. Civil actions by persons other than taxpayers

§ 7421. Prohibition of suits to restrain assessment or collection
§ 7422. Civil actions for refund
§ 7423. Repayments to officers or employees
§ 7424. Intervention
§ 7425. Discharge of liens
§ 7426. Civil actions by persons other than taxpayers
§ 7427. Tax return preparers
§ 7428. Declaratory judgments relating to status and classification of organizations under section 501(c)(3), etc.
§ 7429. Review of jeopardy levy or assessment procedures
§ 7430. Awarding of costs and certain fees
§ 7431. Civil damages for unauthorized inspection or disclosure of returns and return information
§ 7432. Civil damages for failure to release lien
§ 7433. Civil damages for certain unauthorized collection actions
§ 7433A. Civil damages for certain unauthorized collection actions by persons performing services under qualified tax collection contracts
§ 7434. Civil damages for fraudulent filing of information returns
§ 7435. Civil damages for unauthorized enticement of information disclosure
§ 7436. Proceedings for determination of employment status
§ 7437. Cross references

§ 7421. Prohibition of suits to restrain assessment or collection

(a) Tax

(b) Liability of transferee or fiduciary

No suit shall be maintained in any court for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection (pursuant to the provisions of chapter 71) of—

(1) the amount of the liability, at law or in equity, of a transferee of property of a taxpayer in respect of any internal revenue tax, or

(2) the amount of the liability of a fiduciary under section 3713(b) of title 31, United States Code, in respect of any such tax.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 876; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 110(c), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1204(c)(11), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1699; Pub. L. 95–628, § 9(b)(1), Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3633; Pub. L. 97–258, § 3(f)(13), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1065; Pub. L. 105–34, title XII, §§ 1222(b)(1), 1239(e)(3), title XIV, § 1454(b)(2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1019, 1028, 1057; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3201(e)(3), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 740; Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title IV, § 4002(c)(1), (f), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–906, 2681–907; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title III, §§ 313(b)(2)(B), 319(24)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–642, 2763A–647; Pub. L. 114–74, title XI, § 1101(f)(10), Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 638; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(324), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1199.)

§ 7422. Civil actions for refund

(a) No suit prior to filing claim for refund

(b) Protest or duress

(d) Credit treated as payment

(e) Stay of proceedings

(f) Limitation on right of action for refund

(1) General rule

(2) Misjoinder and change of venue

(g) Special rules for certain excise taxes imposed by chapter 42 or 43

(1) Right to bring actions

(A) In general

(B) Definitions

(2) Limitation on suit for refund

(3) Final determination of issues

[(h) Repealed. Pub. L. 114–74, title XI, § 1101(f)(11), Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 638]

(i) Special rule for actions with respect to tax shelter promoter and understatement penalties

(j) Special rule for actions with respect to estates for which an election under section 6166 is made

(1) In general

(2) Estates to which subsection applies

This subsection shall apply to any estate if, as of the date the action is filed—

(A) no portion of the installments payable under section 6166 have been accelerated;

(B) all such installments the due date for which is on or before the date the action is filed have been paid;

(C) there is no case pending in the Tax Court with respect to the tax imposed by section 2001 on the estate and, if a notice of deficiency under section 6212 with respect to such tax has been issued, the time for filing a petition with the Tax Court with respect to such notice has expired; and

(D) no proceeding for declaratory judgment under section 7479 is pending.

(3) Prohibition on collection of disallowed liability

(k) Cross references

(1) For provisions relating generally to claims for refund or credit, see chapter 65 (relating to abatements, credit, and refund) and chapter 66 (relating to limitations).

(2) For duty of United States attorneys to defend suits, see section 507 of Title 28 of the United States Code.

(3) For jurisdiction of United States district courts, see section 1346 of Title 28 of the United States Code.

(4) For payment by the Treasury of judgments against internal revenue officers or employees, upon certificate of probable cause, see section 2006 of Title 28 of the United States Code.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 876; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, § 78, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1662; Pub. L. 89–713, § 3(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1108; Pub. L. 91–172, title I, § 101(i), (j)(56), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 525, 532; Pub. L. 92–178, title III, § 309(a), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 525; Pub. L. 93–406, title II, § 1016(a)(26), Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 931; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIII, § 1307(d)(2)(F)(viii), title XVI, § 1605(b)(11), title XIX, § 1906(a)(44), (b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1728, 1755, 1830, 1834; Pub. L. 96–222, title I, § 108(b)(1)(D)–(F), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 226; Pub. L. 96–223, title I, § 101(f)(1)(J), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 252; Pub. L. 96–596, § 2(c)(2), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3474; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, § 151, Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 46; Pub. L. 97–248, title IV, § 402(c)(11), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 714(g)(1), (p)(2)(H), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 961, 965; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1899A(58), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2961; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, § 10712(c)(5), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–467; Pub. L. 100–418, title I, § 1941(b)(2)(B)(x), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1323; Pub. L. 104–168, title XIII, § 1311(c)(4), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1478; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3104(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 731; Pub. L. 114–74, title XI, § 1101(f)(11), Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 638; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(325)(A), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1199.)

§ 7423. Repayments to officers or employees

The Secretary, subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, is authorized to repay—

(1) Collections recovered

(2) Damages and costs

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 877; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

§ 7424. Intervention

If the United States is not a party to a civil action or suit, the United States may intervene in such action or suit to assert any lien arising under this title on the property which is the subject of such action or suit. The provisions of section 2410 of title 28 of the United States Code (except subsection (b)) and of section 1444 of title 28 of the United States Code shall apply in any case in which the United States intervenes as if the United States had originally been named a defendant in such action or suit. In any case in which the application of the United States to intervene is denied, the adjudication in such civil action or suit shall have no effect upon such lien.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 877; Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 108, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1140.)

§ 7425. Discharge of liens

(a) Judicial proceedingsIf the United States is not joined as a party, a judgment in any civil action or suit described in subsection (a) of section 2410 of title 28 of the United States Code, or a judicial sale pursuant to such a judgment, with respect to property on which the United States has or claims a lien under the provisions of this title—

(1) shall be made subject to and without disturbing the lien of the United States, if notice of such lien has been filed in the place provided by law for such filing at the time such action or suit is commenced, or

(2) shall have the same effect with respect to the discharge or divestment of such lien of the United States as may be provided with respect to such matters by the local law of the place where such property is situated, if no notice of such lien has been filed in the place provided by law for such filing at the time such action or suit is commenced or if the law makes no provision for such filing.

If a judicial sale of property pursuant to a judgment in any civil action or suit to which the United States is not a party discharges a lien of the United States arising under the provisions of this title, the United States may claim, with the same priority as its lien had against the property sold, the proceeds (exclusive of costs) of such sale at any time before the distribution of such proceeds is ordered.

(b) Other salesNotwithstanding subsection (a) a sale of property on which the United States has or claims a lien, or a title derived from enforcement of a lien, under the provisions of this title, made pursuant to an instrument creating a lien on such property, pursuant to a confession of judgment on the obligation secured by such an instrument, or pursuant to a nonjudicial sale under a statutory lien on such property—

(1) shall, except as otherwise provided, be made subject to and without disturbing such lien or title, if notice of such lien was filed or such title recorded in the place provided by law for such filing or recording more than 30 days before such sale and the United States is not given notice of such sale in the manner prescribed in subsection (c)(1); or

(2) shall have the same effect with respect to the discharge or divestment of such lien or such title of the United States, as may be provided with respect to such matters by the local law of the place where such property is situated, if—

(A) notice of such lien or such title was not filed or recorded in the place provided by law for such filing more than 30 days before such sale,

(B) the law makes no provision for such filing, or

(1) Notice of sale

(2) Consent to sale

(3) Sale of perishable goods

(4) Forfeitures of land sales contracts

(d) Redemption by United States

(1) Right to redeem

(2) Amount to be paid

(3) Certificate of redemption

(A) In general

(B) Filing

(Added Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 109, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1141; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1572(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2765.)

§ 7426. Civil actions by persons other than taxpayers

(a) Actions permitted

(1) Wrongful levy

(2) Surplus proceeds

(3) Substituted sale proceeds

(4) Substitution of value

(b) AdjudicationThe district court shall have jurisdiction to grant only such of the following forms of relief as may be appropriate in the circumstances:

(1) Injunction

(2) Recovery of propertyIf the court determines that such property has been wrongfully levied upon, the court may—

(A) order the return of specific property if the United States is in possession of such property;

(B) grant a judgment for the amount of money levied upon; or

(i) the amount received by the United States from the sale of such property, or

(ii) the fair market value of such property immediately before the levy.

For the purposes of subparagraph (C), if the property was declared purchased by the United States at a sale pursuant to section 6335(e) (relating to manner and conditions of sale), the United States shall be treated as having received an amount equal to the minimum price determined pursuant to such section or (if larger) the amount received by the United States from the resale of such property.

(3) Surplus proceeds

(4) Substituted sale proceeds

(5) Substitution of value

(d) Limitation on rights of action

(e) Substitution of United States as party

(f) Provision inapplicable

(g) InterestInterest shall be allowed at the overpayment rate established under section 6621—

(1) in the case of a judgment pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B), from the date the Secretary receives the money wrongfully levied upon to the date of payment of such judgment;

(2) in the case of a judgment pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(C), from the date of the sale of the property wrongfully levied upon to the date of payment of such judgment; and

(3) in the case of a judgment pursuant to subsection (b)(5) which orders a refund of any amount, from the date the Secretary received such amount to the date of payment of such judgment.

(h) Recovery of damages permitted in certain cases

(1) In generalNotwithstanding subsection (b), if, in any action brought under this section, there is a finding that any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service recklessly or intentionally, or by reason of negligence, disregarded any provision of this title the defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the lesser of $1,000,000 ($100,000 in the case of negligence) or the sum of—

(A) actual, direct economic damages sustained by the plaintiff as a proximate result of the reckless or intentional or negligent disregard of any provision of this title by the officer or employee (reduced by any amount of such damages awarded under subsection (b)); and

(B) the costs of the action.

(2) Requirement that administrative remedies be exhausted; mitigation; period

(3) Payment authority

(i) Cross reference

(Added Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 110(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1142; amended Pub. L. 93–625, § 7(a)(2)(E), Jan. 3, 1975, 88 Stat. 2115; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 350(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 639; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1511(c)(16), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2745; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §§ 3102(b), 3106(b)(1), (2), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 730, 733.)

§ 7427. Tax return preparers

In any proceeding involving the issue of whether or not a tax return preparer has willfully attempted in any manner to understate the liability for tax (within the meaning of section 6694(b)), the burden of proof in respect to such issue shall be upon the Secretary.

(Added Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1203(b)(2)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1690; amended Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8246(a)(2)(J)(i), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 202.)

§ 7428. Declaratory judgments relating to status and classification of organizations under section 501(c)(3), etc.

(a) Creation of remedyIn a case of actual controversy involving—

(1) a determination by the Secretary—

(A) with respect to the initial qualification or continuing qualification of an organization as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) or as an organization described in section 170(c)(2),

(B) with respect to the initial classification or continuing classification of an organization as a private foundation (as defined in section 509(a)),

(C) with respect to the initial classification or continuing classification of an organization as a private operating foundation (as defined in section 4942(j)(3)),

(D) with respect to the initial classification or continuing classification of a cooperative as an organization described in section 521(b) which is exempt from tax under section 521(a), or

(E) with respect to the initial qualification or continuing qualification of an organization as an organization described in section 501(c) (other than paragraph (3)) or 501(d) and exempt from tax under section 501(a), or

(2) a failure by the Secretary to make a determination with respect to an issue referred to in paragraph (1),

upon the filing of an appropriate pleading, the United States Tax Court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or the district court of the United States for the District of Columbia may make a declaration with respect to such initial qualification or continuing qualification or with respect to such initial classification or continuing classification. Any such declaration shall have the force and effect of a decision of the Tax Court or a final judgment or decree of the district court or the Court of Federal Claims, as the case may be, and shall be reviewable as such. For purposes of this section, a determination with respect to a continuing qualification or continuing classification includes any revocation of or other change in a qualification or classification.

(b) Limitations

(1) Petitioner

(2) Exhaustion of administrative remedies

(3) Time for bringing action

(4) Nonapplication for certain revocations

(1) In generalIf—

(A) the issue referred to in subsection (a)(1) involves the revocation of a determination that the organization is described in section 170(c)(2),

(B) a proceeding under this section is initiated within the time provided by subsection (b)(3), and

(i) a decision of the Tax Court has become final (within the meaning of section 7481), or

(ii) a judgment of the district court of the United States for the District of Columbia has been entered, or

(iii) a judgment of the Court of Federal Claims has been entered,

and such decision or judgment, as the case may be, determines that the organization was not described in section 170(c)(2),

then, notwithstanding such decision or judgment, such organization shall be treated as having been described in section 170(c)(2) for purposes of section 170 for the period beginning on the date on which the notice of the revocation was published and ending on the date on which the court first determined in such proceeding that the organization was not described in section 170(c)(2).

(2) LimitationParagraph (1) shall apply only—

(A) with respect to individuals, and only to the extent that the aggregate of the contributions made by any individual to or for the use of the organization during the period specified in paragraph (1) does not exceed $1,000 (for this purpose treating a husband and wife as one contributor), and

(B) with respect to organizations described in section 170(c)(2) which are exempt from tax under section 501(a) (for this purpose excluding any such organization with respect to which there is pending a proceeding to revoke the determination under section 170(c)(2)).

(3) Exception

(d) Subpoena power for district court for District of Columbia

(Added Pub. L. 94–455, title XIII, § 1306(a), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1717; amended Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, § 701(dd)(2), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2924; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, § 152, Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 46; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, § 1033(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1039; Pub. L. 108–357, title III, § 317(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1470; Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, § 1223(c), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title IV, § 406(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3120; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(325)(A), (B), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1199, 1200.)

§ 7429. Review of jeopardy levy or assessment procedures

(a) Administrative review

(1) Administrative review

(A) Prior approval required

(B) Information to taxpayer

(2) Request for review

(3) Redetermination by SecretaryAfter a request for review is made under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall determine—

(A) whether or not—

(i) the making of the assessment under section 6851, 6861, or 6862, as the case may be, is reasonable under the circumstances, and

(ii) the amount so assessed or demanded as a result of the action taken under section 6851, 6861, or 6862 is appropriate under the circumstances, or

(B) whether or not the levy described in subsection (a)(1) is reasonable under the circumstances.

(b) Judicial review

(1) Proceedings permittedWithin 90 days after the earlier of—

(A) the day the Secretary notifies the taxpayer of the Secretary’s determination described in subsection (a)(3), or

(B) the 16th day after the request described in subsection (a)(2) was made,

the taxpayer may bring a civil action against the United States for a determination under this subsection in the court with jurisdiction determined under paragraph (2).

(2) Jurisdiction for determination

(A) In general

(B) Tax Court

(3) Determination by courtWithin 20 days after a proceeding is commenced under paragraph (1), the court shall determine—

(A) whether or not—

(i) the making of the assessment under section 6851, 6861, or 6862, as the case may be, is reasonable under the circumstances, and

(ii) the amount so assessed or demanded as a result of the action taken under section 6851, 6861, or 6862 is appropriate under the circumstances, or

(B) whether or not the levy described in subsection (a)(1) is reasonable under the circumstances.

If the court determines that proper service was not made on the United States or on the Secretary, as may be appropriate, within 5 days after the date of the commencement of the proceeding, then the running of the 20-day period set forth in the preceding sentence shall not begin before the day on which proper service was made on the United States or on the Secretary, as may be appropriate.

(4) Order of court

(d) Computation of days

(e) Venue

(1) District court

(2) Transfer of actions

(f) Finality of determination

(g) Burden of proof

(1) Reasonableness of levy, termination, or jeopardy assessment

(2) Reasonableness of amount of assessment

(Added Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1204(a), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1695; amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, § 446(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 817; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, § 10713(b)(2)(F), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–470; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6237(a)–(e)(3), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3741–3743; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3434(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 760.)

§ 7430. Awarding of costs and certain fees

(a) In generalIn any administrative or court proceeding which is brought by or against the United States in connection with the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, interest, or penalty under this title, the prevailing party may be awarded a judgment or a settlement for—

(1) reasonable administrative costs incurred in connection with such administrative proceeding within the Internal Revenue Service, and

(2) reasonable litigation costs incurred in connection with such court proceeding.

(b) Limitations

(1) Requirement that administrative remedies be exhausted

(2) Only costs allocable to the United States

(3) Costs denied where party prevailing protracts proceedings

(4) Period for applying to IRS for administrative costs

(1) Reasonable litigation costsThe term “reasonable litigation costs” includes—

(A) reasonable court costs, and

(B) based upon prevailing market rates for the kind or quality of services furnished—

(i) the reasonable expenses of expert witnesses in connection with a court proceeding, except that no expert witness shall be compensated at a rate in excess of the highest rate of compensation for expert witnesses paid by the United States,

(ii) the reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, or project which is found by the court to be necessary for the preparation of the party’s case, and

(iii) reasonable fees paid or incurred for the services of attorneys in connection with the court proceeding, except that such fees shall not be in excess of $125 per hour unless the court determines that a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for such proceeding, the difficulty of the issues presented in the case, or the local availability of tax expertise, justifies a higher rate.

In the case of any calendar year beginning after 1996, the dollar amount referred to in clause (iii) shall be increased by an amount equal to such dollar amount multiplied by the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year, by substituting “calendar year 1995” for “calendar year 2016” in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof. If any dollar amount after being increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.

(2) Reasonable administrative costsThe term “reasonable administrative costs” means—

(A) any administrative fees or similar charges imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, and

(B) expenses, costs, and fees described in paragraph (1)(B), except that any determination made by the court under clause (ii) or (iii) thereof shall be made by the Internal Revenue Service in cases where the determination under paragraph (4)(C) of the awarding of reasonable administrative costs is made by the Internal Revenue Service.

Such term shall only include costs incurred on or after whichever of the following is the earliest: (i) the date of the receipt by the taxpayer of the notice of the decision of the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals; (ii) the date of the notice of deficiency; or (iii) the date on which the first letter of proposed deficiency which allows the taxpayer an opportunity for administrative review in the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals is sent.

(3) Attorneys’ fees

(A) In general

(B) Pro bono services

(4) Prevailing party

(A) In generalThe term “prevailing party” means any party in any proceeding to which subsection (a) applies (other than the United States or any creditor of the taxpayer involved)—

(i) which—(I) has substantially prevailed with respect to the amount in controversy, or(II) has substantially prevailed with respect to the most significant issue or set of issues presented, and

(ii) which meets the requirements of the 1st sentence of section 2412(d)(1)(B) of title 28, United States Code (as in effect on October 22, 1986) except to the extent differing procedures are established by rule of court and meets the requirements of section 2412(d)(2)(B) of such title 28 (as so in effect).

(B) Exception if United States establishes that its position was substantially justified

(i) General rule

(ii) Presumption of no justification if Internal Revenue Service did not follow certain published guidance

(iii) Effect of losing on substantially similar issues

(iv) Applicable published guidanceFor purposes of clause (ii), the term “applicable published guidance” means—(I) regulations, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, information releases, notices, and announcements, and(II) any of the following which are issued to the taxpayer: private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda, and determination letters.

(C) Determination as to prevailing partyAny determination under this paragraph as to whether a party is a prevailing party shall be made by agreement of the parties or—

(i) in the case where the final determination with respect to the tax, interest, or penalty is made at the administrative level, by the Internal Revenue Service, or

(ii) in the case where such final determination is made by a court, the court.

(D) Special rules for applying net worth requirementIn applying the requirements of section 2412(d)(2)(B) of title 28, United States Code, for purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph—

(i) the net worth limitation in clause (i) of such section shall apply to—(I) an estate but shall be determined as of the date of the decedent’s death, and(II) a trust but shall be determined as of the last day of the taxable year involved in the proceeding, and

(ii) individuals filing a joint return shall be treated as separate individuals for purposes of clause (i) of such section.

(E) Special rules where judgment less than taxpayer’s offer

(i) In general

(ii) ExceptionsThis subparagraph shall not apply to—(I) any judgment issued pursuant to a settlement; or(II) any proceeding in which the amount of tax liability is not in issue, including any declaratory judgment proceeding, any proceeding to enforce or quash any summons issued pursuant to this title, and any action to restrain disclosure under section 6110(f).

(iii) Special rulesIf this subparagraph applies to any court proceeding—(I) the determination under clause (i) shall be made by reference to the last qualified offer made with respect to the tax liability at issue in the proceeding; and(II) reasonable administrative and litigation costs shall only include costs incurred on and after the date of such offer.

(iv) Coordination

(5) Administrative proceedings

(6) Court proceedings

(7) Position of United StatesThe term “position of the United States” means—

(A) the position taken by the United States in a judicial proceeding to which subsection (a) applies, and

(B) the position taken in an administrative proceeding to which subsection (a) applies as of the earlier of—

(i) the date of the receipt by the taxpayer of the notice of the decision of the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals, or

(ii) the date of the notice of deficiency.

(d) Special rules for payment of costs

(1) Reasonable administrative costs

(2) Reasonable litigation costs

(e) Multiple actionsFor purposes of this section, in the case of—

(1) multiple actions which could have been joined or consolidated, or

(2) a case or cases involving a return or returns of the same taxpayer (including joint returns of married individuals) which could have been joined in a single court proceeding in the same court,

such actions or cases shall be treated as 1 court proceeding regardless of whether such joinder or consolidation actually occurs, unless the court in which such action is brought determines, in its discretion, that it would be inappropriate to treat such actions or cases as joined or consolidated.

(f) Right of appeal

(1) Court proceedings

(2) Administrative proceedings

(3) Appeal of Tax Court decision

(g) Qualified offerFor purposes of subsection (c)(4)—

(1) In generalThe term “qualified offer” means a written offer which—

(A) is made by the taxpayer to the United States during the qualified offer period;

(B) specifies the offered amount of the taxpayer’s liability (determined without regard to interest);

(D) remains open during the period beginning on the date it is made and ending on the earliest of the date the offer is rejected, the date the trial begins, or the 90th day after the date the offer is made.

(2) Qualified offer periodFor purposes of this subsection, the term “qualified offer period” means the period—

(A) beginning on the date on which the first letter of proposed deficiency which allows the taxpayer an opportunity for administrative review in the Internal Revenue Service Independent Office of Appeals is sent, and

(B) ending on the date which is 30 days before the date the case is first set for trial.

(Added Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 292(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 572; amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 714(c), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 961; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1551(a)–(g), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2752, 2753; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1015(i), title VI, § 6239(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3571, 3743; Pub. L. 104–168, title VII, §§ 701(a)–(c)(2), 702(a), 703(a), 704(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1463, 1464; Pub. L. 105–34, title XII, § 1285(a)–(c), title XIV, § 1453(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1038, 1055; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3101(a)–(e), title VI, §§ 6012(h), 6014(e), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 727, 728, 819, 820; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title III, § 319(25)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–647; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 11002(d)(1)(SS), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2061; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(325)(A), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1199; Pub. L. 116–25, title I, § 1001(b)(1)(H), (2), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 985.)

§ 7431. Civil damages for unauthorized inspection or disclosure of returns and return information

(a) In general

(1) Inspection or disclosure by employee of United States

(2) Inspection or disclosure by a person who is not an employee of United States

(b) ExceptionsNo liability shall arise under this section with respect to any inspection or disclosure—

(1) which results from a good faith, but erroneous, interpretation of section 6103, or

(2) which is requested by the taxpayer.

(c) DamagesIn any action brought under subsection (a), upon a finding of liability on the part of the defendant, the defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the sum of—

(1) the greater of—

(A) $1,000 for each act of unauthorized inspection or disclosure of a return or return information with respect to which such defendant is found liable, or

(B) the sum of—

(i) the actual damages sustained by the plaintiff as a result of such unauthorized inspection or disclosure, plus

(ii) in the case of a willful inspection or disclosure or an inspection or disclosure which is the result of gross negligence, punitive damages, plus

(2) the costs of the action, plus

(3) in the case of a plaintiff which is described in section 7430(c)(4)(A)(ii), reasonable attorneys fees, except that if the defendant is the United States, reasonable attorneys fees may be awarded only if the plaintiff is the prevailing party (as determined under section 7430(c)(4)).

(d) Period for bringing action

(e) Notification of unlawful inspection and disclosureIf any person is criminally charged by indictment or information with inspection or disclosure of a taxpayer’s return or return information in violation of—

(1) paragraph (1) or (2) of section 7213(a),

(2) section 7213A(a), or

(3) subparagraph (B) of section 1030(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code,

the Secretary shall notify such taxpayer as soon as practicable of such inspection or disclosure. The Secretary shall also notify such taxpayer if the Internal Revenue Service or a Federal or State agency (upon notice to the Secretary by such Federal or State agency) proposes an administrative determination as to disciplinary or adverse action against an employee arising from the employee’s unauthorized inspection or disclosure of the taxpayer’s return or return information. The notice described in this subsection shall include the date of the unauthorized inspection or disclosure and the rights of the taxpayer under such administrative determination.

(f) Definitions

(g) Extension to information obtained under section 3406For purposes of this section—

(1) any information obtained under section 3406 (including information with respect to any payee certification failure under subsection (d) thereof) shall be treated as return information, and

(2) any inspection or use of such information other than for purposes of meeting any requirement under section 3406 or (subject to the safeguards set forth in section 6103) for purposes permitted under section 6103 shall be treated as a violation of section 6103.

For purposes of subsection (b), the reference to section 6103 shall be treated as including a reference to section 3406.

(h) Special rule for information obtained under section 6103(k)(9)

(Added Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 357(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 645; amended Pub. L. 98–67, title I, § 104(b)

§ 7432. Civil damages for failure to release lien

(a) In general

(b) Damages

In any action brought under subsection (a), upon a finding of liability on the part of the defendant, the defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the sum of—

(1) actual, direct economic damages sustained by the plaintiff which, but for the actions of the defendant, would not have been sustained, plus

(2) the costs of the action.

(d) Limitations

(1) Requirement that administrative remedies be exhausted

(2) Mitigation of damages

(3) Period for bringing action

(e) Notice of failure to release lien

(Added Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6240(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3746.)

§ 7433. Civil damages for certain unauthorized collection actions

(a) In general

(b) Damages

In any action brought under subsection (a) or petition filed under subsection (e), upon a finding of liability on the part of the defendant, the defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the lesser of $1,000,000 ($100,000, in the case of negligence) or the sum of—

(1) actual, direct economic damages sustained by the plaintiff as a proximate result of the reckless or intentional or negligent actions of the officer or employee, and

(2) the costs of the action.

(d) Limitations

(1) Requirement that administrative remedies be exhausted

(2) Mitigation of damages

(3) Period for bringing action

(e) Actions for violations of certain bankruptcy procedures

(1) In general

(2) Remedy to be exclusive

(A) In general

(B) Certain other actions permitted

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an action under section 362(h) of such title 11 for a violation of a stay provided by section 362 of such title; except that—

(i) administrative and litigation costs in connection with such an action may only be awarded under section 7430; and

(ii) administrative costs may be awarded only if incurred on or after the date that the bankruptcy petition is filed.

(Added Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6241(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3747; amended Pub. L. 104–168, title VIII, §§ 801(a), 802(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1465; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3102(a), (c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 730.)

§ 7433A. Civil damages for certain unauthorized collection actions by persons performing services under qualified tax collection contracts

(a) In general

(b) Modifications

For purposes of subsection (a):

(1) Any civil action brought under section 7433 by reason of this section shall be brought against the person who entered into the qualified tax collection contract with the Secretary and shall not be brought against the United States.

(2) Such person and not the United States shall be liable for any damages and costs determined in such civil action.

(3) Such civil action shall not be an exclusive remedy with respect to such person.

(4) Subsections (c), (d)(1), and (e) of section 7433 shall not apply.

(Added Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 881(b)(1), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1626.)

§ 7434. Civil damages for fraudulent filing of information returns

(a) In general

(b) Damages

In any action brought under subsection (a), upon a finding of liability on the part of the defendant, the defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the greater of $5,000 or the sum of—

(1) any actual damages sustained by the plaintiff as a proximate result of the filing of the fraudulent information return (including any costs attributable to resolving deficiencies asserted as a result of such filing),

(2) the costs of the action, and

(3) in the court’s discretion, reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an action to enforce the liability created under this section may be brought without regard to the amount in controversy and may be brought only within the later of—

(1) 6 years after the date of the filing of the fraudulent information return, or

(2) 1 year after the date such fraudulent information return would have been discovered by exercise of reasonable care.

(d) Copy of complaint filed with IRS

(e) Finding of court to include correct amount of payment

(f) Information return

(Added Pub. L. 104–168, title VI, § 601(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1462; amended Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, § 6023(29), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 826.)

§ 7435. Civil damages for unauthorized enticement of information disclosure

(a) In general

(b) Damages

In any action brought under subsection (a), upon a finding of liability on the part of the defendant, the defendant shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the lesser of $500,000 or the sum of—

(1) actual, direct economic damages sustained by the plaintiff as a proximate result of the information disclosure, and

(2) the costs of the action.

Damages shall not include the taxpayer’s liability for any civil or criminal penalties, or other losses attributable to incarceration or the imposition of other criminal sanctions.

(d) Period for bringing action

(e) Mandatory stay

(f) Crime-fraud exception

(Added Pub. L. 104–168, title XII, § 1203(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1470.)

§ 7436. Proceedings for determination of employment status

(a) Creation of remedy

If, in connection with an audit of any person, there is an actual controversy involving a determination by the Secretary as part of an examination that—

(1) one or more individuals performing services for such person are employees of such person for purposes of subtitle C, or

(2) such person is not entitled to the treatment under subsection (a) of section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978 with respect to such an individual,

upon the filing of an appropriate pleading, the Tax Court may determine whether such a determination by the Secretary is correct and the proper amount of employment tax under such determination. Any such redetermination by the Tax Court shall have the force and effect of a decision of the Tax Court and shall be reviewable as such.

(b) Limitations

(1) Petitioner

(2) Time for filing action

(3) No adverse inference from treatment while action is pending

(1) In general

(2) Finality of decisions

(3) Certain rules to apply

(d) Special rules

(1) Restrictions on assessment and collection pending action, etc.

(2) Awarding of costs and certain fees

(e) Employment tax

(Added Pub. L. 105–34, title XIV, § 1454(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1055; amended Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3103(b)(1), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 731; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(7) [title III, § 314(f)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–643.)

§ 7437. Cross references

(1) For determination of amount of any tax, additions to tax, etc., in title 11 cases, see section 505 of title 11 of the United States Code.

(2) For exclusion of tax liability from discharge in cases under title 11 of the United States Code, see section 523 of such title 11.

(3) For recognition of tax liens in cases under title 11 of the United States Code, see sections 545 and 724 of such title 11.

(4) For collection of taxes in connection with plans for individuals with regular income in cases under title 11 of the United States Code, see section 1328 of such title 11.

(5) For provisions permitting the United States to be made party defendant in a proceeding in a State court for the foreclosure of a lien upon real estate where the United States may have claim upon the premises involved, see section 2410 of Title 28 of the United States Code.

(6) For priority of lien of the United States in case of insolvency, see section 3713(a) of title 31, United States Code.

(7) For interest on judgments for overpayments, see section 2411(a) of Title 28 of the United States Code.

(8) For review of a Tax Court decision, see section 7482.

(9) For statute prohibiting suits to replevy property taken under revenue laws, see section 2463 of Title 28 of the United States Code.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 878, § 7425; renumbered § 7427, Pub. L. 89–719, title I, § 109, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1141; renumbered § 7428, and amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, § 1203(b)(2)(A), title XIX, § 1906(a)(45), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1690, 1830; renumbered § 7430, Pub. L. 94–455, title XIII, § 1306(a), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1717; Pub. L. 96–589, § 6(d)(1), (i)(13), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3408, 3411; renumbered § 7431, Pub. L. 97–248, title II, § 292(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 572; renumbered § 7432, Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 357(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 645; Pub. L. 97–258, § 3(f)(14), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1065; renumbered § 7434, Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §§ 6240(a), 6241(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3746, 3747; renumbered § 7435, Pub. L. 104–168, title VI, § 601(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1462; renumbered § 7436, Pub. L. 104–168, title XII, § 1203(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1470; renumbered § 7437, Pub. L. 105–34, title XIV, § 1454(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1055.)