2021-10156. Proposed Extension of Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment; Comment Request on Burden Related to Information Reporting for Certain Life Insurance Contract Transactions

AGENCY:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Internal Revenue Service, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning the burden related to the information reporting for certain life insurance contract transactions.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before July 13, 2021 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Kinna Brewington, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6529, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224. Requests for additional information or copies of the regulations should be directed to R. Joseph Durbala, at Internal Revenue Service, Room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet, at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Information Reporting for Certain Life Insurance Contract Transactions.

OMB Number: 1545-2281.

Regulation Project/Form Number: Forms 1099-LS and 1099-SB.

Abstract: The collection covers the information reporting requirements for certain life insurance contracts under IRC 6050Y, which was added by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Form 1099-LS is used by the acquirer of any interest in a life insurance contract (also known as a life insurance policy) in a reportable policy sale to report the acquisition. Form 1099-SB is used by the issuer of a life insurance contract (also known as a life insurance policy) to report the seller's investment in the contract and surrender amount with respect to an interest in a life insurance contract transferred in a “reportable policy sale” or transferred to a foreign person.

Current Actions: There is no change to the burden previously approved.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profits.

Estimated Number of Responses: 6,000.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 7 min.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 720.

The following paragraph applies to all the collections of information covered by this notice:

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number.

Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained if their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.

Desired Focus of Comments: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility.
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., by permitting electronic submissions of responses.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the ICR for OMB approval of the extension of the information collection; they will also become a matter of public record.

Approved: May 10, 2021.

Ronald J. Durbala,

IRS Tax Analyst.