Comments Requested on Guidance on Build America Bonds

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 Notice 2009-26, Build America Bonds and Direct Payment Subsidy Implementation.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 26, 2012 to be assured of consideration.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this regulation should be directed to Allan Hopkins, (202) 622-6665, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6129, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224, or through the Internet at Allan.M.Hopkins@irs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Build America Bonds and Direct Payment Subsidy Implementation.

OMB Number: 1545-2143.

Notice Number: Notice 2009-26.

Abstract: This Notice provides guidance on the new tax incentives for Build America Bonds under § 54AA of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") and the implementation plans for the refundable credit payment procedures for these bonds. This Notice includes guidance on the modified Build America Bond program for Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds under § 1400U-2 of the Code. This Notice provides guidance on the initial refundable credit payment procedures, required elections, and information reporting. This Notice solicits public comments on the refundable credit payment procedures for these bonds. This Notice is intended to facilitate prompt implementation of the Build America Bond program and to enable state and local governments to begin issuing these bonds for authorized purposes to promote economic recovery and job creation.

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

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,000.

Estimated Average Time per Respondent: 15 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 15,000.

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: September 21, 2012.