Bulletin No. 2006-15 April 10, 2006

Rev. Rul. 2006–20, page 746. Frivolous tax returns; “Native American Treaty.” This ruling emphasizes to taxpayers, promoters, and return preparers that there is no right to exemption from federal income tax for Native Americans under an unspecified “Native American Treaty.” Any return position based on an unspecified “Native American Treaty” has no merit and is frivolous. As a general rule, Native Americans are subject to federal income tax just like every other American.

Rev. Rul. 2006–21, page 745. Frivolous tax returns; reliance on Paperwork Reduction Act. This ruling emphasizes to taxpayers, promoters, and return preparers that taxpayers are required to file a federal income tax return under section 6012 of the Code, and the regulations thereunder, and that the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (PRA) does not relieve taxpayers of the duty to file. Any argument that the PRA relieves the taxpayer of the duty to file an income tax return has no merit and is frivolous.

T.D. 9255, page 741. REG–164247–05, page 758. Final, temporary, and proposed regulations under section 1502 of the Code provide the IRS with the authority to designate a domestic member of a consolidated group as a substitute agent to act as the sole agent for the group where the common parent is a foreign entity that is treated as a domestic corporation pursuant to section 7874(b) or as the result of a section 953(d) election.

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Notice 2006–31, page 751. This notice sets out some of the most common frivolous arguments and schemes that taxpayers use to avoid their tax obligations. It also identifies civil and criminal penalties that the Service may impose against taxpayers who engage in abusive tax-avoidance schemes. Notice 2005–30 modified and superseded.

Notice 2006–33, page 754. This notice provides transition guidance on the application of section 409A(b) of the Code to outstanding offshore trusts associated with nonqualified deferred compensation, as well as nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements providing that assets will become restricted to the payment of benefits under the plan in connection with a change in the employer’s financial health.