03-20667. 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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing notice of proposed rulemaking, REG-106511-00, Estate Tax Returns; Form 706, Extension to File (20.6081-1(b)).

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before October 14, 2003 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6411, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the regulations should be directed to Carol Savage at Internal Revenue Service, room 6407, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224, or at [phone], or through the Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Estate Tax Returns; Form 706, Extension to File.

OMB Number: 1545-1707.

Regulation Project Number: REG-106511-00.

Abstract: Section 6075(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) requires the executor of a decedent's estate to file the Federal estate tax return (Form 706, “United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return”) within 9 months after the date of the decedent's death. Section 6081(a) provides that the Secretary may grant a reasonable extension of time for filing any return; however, except in the case of executors who are abroad, no such extension may be for more than 6 months. Executors currently request an extension of time to file Form 706 by filing Form 4768, “Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes.” The regulation grants executors of decedents' estates an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the Form 706 and requires that executors continue to file Form 4768 to receive the automatic extension.

Current Actions: There is no change to this existing regulation.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Individual.

The reporting burden contained in section 20.6081-1(b) is reflected in the burden of Form 4768, “Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U. S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes.”

The following paragraph applies to all of 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 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: August 5, 2003.

Glenn P. Kirkland,

IRS Reports Clearance Officer.