How to avoid penalties with effective IRS TIN compliance

The recent shifts in the regulatory landscape, especially with the expansion of Section 6045 and 6045A, now encompass a broader spectrum of financial actors including digital asset trading platforms and payment processors.

According to Comply Exchange, this adjustment brings digital assets under the same stringent reporting requirements traditionally reserved for securities. The critical inclusion mandates that these entities adhere to the same standards, ensuring all transactions are transparent and above board.

Section 3406 outlines the necessity for backup withholding for entities that fail to provide accurate taxpayer information. Coupled with penalties for non-compliance under Section 6721, the importance of maintaining a robust system for collecting and verifying taxpayer information becomes evident. The introduction of Form 1099-DA highlights the need for a systematic approach to tax compliance, aiming to reduce IRS penalties through effective data handling.

Notice 2024-56 offers penalty relief for transactions involving digital assets, but it’s clear that this relief doesn’t extend to other activities like rewards or staking. Entities must demonstrate due diligence in their solicitation procedures and the rectification of any discrepancies.

This is where the IRS TIN Matching program plays a crucial role, ensuring that withholding agents are verifying and certifying the TINs of their account holders efficiently.

Collecting and validating TINs at the initial stages of account opening or client onboarding is recommended. Organizations must continually assess and possibly remediate their current procedures to integrate more streamlined processes for both existing and new account holders. Bulk TIN matching provides a proactive measure to address large volumes of existing data, ensuring compliance from the start.

The IRS provides two main methods for TIN Matching: Real Time and Bulk. Real-Time TIN Matching offers immediate results, ideal for on-the-spot verifications during transactions or onboarding. In contrast, Bulk TIN Matching is suited for handling larger datasets, offering results within 24 hours, perfect for periodic comprehensive checks to ensure ongoing compliance.

Gaining access to and utilizing the IRS TIN Matching Program can significantly reduce errors and enhance compliance. By validating information directly with the IRS, businesses can avoid costly penalties and B-Notices, enhance customer relationships by reducing follow-up requirements, and ensure preparedness for IRS audits.

This program not only supports compliance but also fosters a better overall customer experience and operational efficiency.

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