Back to research

Compliance

Compliance Checklist for U.S. Businesses: New Remittance Transfer Tax and Depreciation Rules

Businesses need to be aware of two new regulatory developments: a 1% remittance transfer tax starting in 2026 and permanent changes to first-year bonus depreciation under Section 168(k).

By NomadicTax Research Team · 5-8 min read

Remittance Transfer Tax: What Businesses Should Know

What Is It?

Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, as of January 1, 2026, a 1% excise tax on remittance transfers applies when a sender uses cash, money order, cashier’s check, or similar physical instruments to send money overseas. The sender is liable; remittance transfer providers are tasked with collecting the tax, making semimonthly deposits, and filing quarterly returns on Form 720.(irs.gov)

Regulatory Guidance & Compliance

The IRS/Treasury issued proposed regulations clarifying definitions, thresholds, and examples around the remittance transfer tax. Key areas under consideration include what counts as a “physical instrument” and which transfers are exempt. Comments were due by June 12, 2026.(irs.gov)

Action Steps for Businesses

  • Review your remittance products and contracting to determine if you're a provider or sender.
  • Update system software to track, collect, and remit the correct amount.
  • Understand reporting requirements under Form 720.
  • Monitor final regulation publication to adjust compliance practices accordingly.

Permanent 100% Bonus Depreciation under Section 168(k)

What Changed?

The OBBB made the 100% additional first-year depreciation deduction under IRC § 168(k) permanent for qualified property and specified plants acquired after January 19, 2025. It removes the previous phase-out deadlines.(irs.gov)

What Businesses Should Do Now

  • If you're acquiring or is constructing property after that date, evaluate whether those assets qualify for 168(k).
  • For sound recording productions, amended definitions now treat their placement in service as the date of initial broadcast or release.(irs.gov)
  • Structuring capital expenditures: acquiring earlier or later than certain dates no longer changes 168(k) eligibility, simplifying planning.

Examples

A manufacturing business placing new machinery in service in 2026 can immediately deduct 100% of the cost. A small audio recording label releasing new sound recordings after July 4, 2025, may claim bonus depreciation starting upon release—something that was previously unavailable."

Compliance Calendar & Internal Audit

  • Update accounting and tax calendars so the remittance tax starts being collected as required, and depreciation rules accounted for.
  • Perform internal compliance reviews or consult CPA to confirm tax treatment.
  • Keep full documentation of asset acquisition dates and usage, and contracts for remittance services.

Summary

These two businesses changes⁠—the remittance transfer tax and permanent bonus depreciation⁠—are significant shifts. They simplify depreciation planning but also add a new compliance burden. Ensuring readiness now can avoid penalties, audits, and missed tax savings.

Sources

Structured source metadata was not recorded; see citations in the article body.