2013-14376. Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project

AGENCY:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general 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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning revised regulations concerning section 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity contracts.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before August 19, 2013 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Yvette B. Lawrence, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the regulations should be directed to Gerald J. Shields at Internal Revenue Service, Room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at [phone], or through the internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Revised Regulations Concerning Section 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contracts.

OMB Number: 1545-2068.

Regulation Project Number: TD 9340.

Abstract: The collection of information in the regulations is in final regulations under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and under related provisions of sections 402(b), 402(g), 402A, and 414(c). The regulations provide updated guidance on section 403(b) contracts of public schools and tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3). Such information exchange is necessary to ensure compliance with tax law requirements relating to loans and hardship distributions from section 403(b) plans and sponsors of section 403(b) contracts, administrators, participants, and beneficiaries.

Current Actions: There are no changes being made to this regulation.

Type of Review: Extension of a previously approved collection.

Affected Public: Individuals or households, state, local or tribal governments, and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 11,000.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 4.1 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 45,000.

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 as long as 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.

Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

Approved: May 22, 2013.

Allan M. Hopkins,

Tax Analyst.