The Biden administration aims to close the tax gap by increasing IRS enforcement efforts, particularly targeting the top 1% of income earners, large partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals. A National Bureau of Economic Research paper suggests that the top 1% underreport around 21% of their income, and increased enforcement could collect an additional $175 billion annually. The administration's budget requests additional funding for the IRS, including a $900 million increase for tax enforcement. The IRS plans to intensify examinations, leveraging bank information, foreign tax authority data, and artificial intelligence. Individuals and pass-through entities are advised to prepare for more rigorous IRS examinations.

The new ballpark complex in Monahans, Texas, is nearing completion, with expectations to be ready by late March or early April. Approved last summer by the Ward County commissioners court, the complex will feature four new fields and improved facilities, including better accessibility for disabled individuals. Eddie Nelms, Ward County commissioner precinct 4, has been a key figure in the development, emphasizing the complex's layout that allows parents to watch multiple games simultaneously and the economic benefits anticipated from hosting more baseball tournaments.

Lilly, a dog who suffered severe chemical burns at Midland Animal Services, is now ready for adoption after months of intense medical treatment by Fix West Texas. Despite the challenges, Lilly has mostly healed and is looking for a new home. Fix West Texas staff, including Beth Meeks and Brooke Parker, expressed relief and happiness at Lilly's recovery and readiness for a new beginning in 2024.

Midland and Odessa celebrated the holiday season with various community events. The Midland soup kitchen ministry hosted its 37th annual Christmas meal, serving a record number of attendees and distributing toys to children. Downtown Odessa introduced the starbright casitas, featuring over seventy local vendors, and aims to make it an annual tradition. Garibaldi’s Tacos saw a significant increase in tamale sales, producing sixty dozen daily. Music City Mall is preparing for post-holiday returns with extra staff, and the starbright village remains open until January 1st.

Odessa boxer Josh Franco secured his fourth national boxing championship in Louisiana, marking a significant milestone in his career. He aims to join the USA youth high performance team next summer, which competes internationally. His trainer, Ramon Franco, praises Josh's potential and hopes to see him on the Olympic team. Josh will compete again in the national tournament in March.

Twin sisters Sarahi and Anahi Orona have fulfilled their dream of playing volleyball together at Odessa College. Inspired by their mother, a former volleyball player in Mexico, the sisters have shared a lifelong passion for the sport, winning championships at various levels. Their coach, Dayana Acevedo, praises their teamwork and dedication. Post-college, they plan to establish a volleyball team for young girls in Odessa, aiming to inspire and train future generations.

The IRS is intensifying its audit efforts on complex partnerships and high net wealth individuals, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify potential tax discrepancies. New procedures allow the IRS to collect additional taxes directly from partnerships unless liabilities are pushed to investor-owners. The agency is also focusing on estate planning strategies and digital assets. Thousands of new hires will be deployed to expand these audits, supported by $60 billion in supplemental funding from Congress. The IRS aims to target returns with complex planning and significant wealth indicators, using AI to streamline the audit selection process.

The IRS has announced a new enforcement strategy targeting large partnerships and high-wealth individuals, leveraging AI and long-term funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The strategy includes audits of 75 large partnerships and compliance efforts focusing on digital assets, offshore accounts, and back taxes owed by wealthy individuals. The IRS aims to address criticisms of focusing more on low-income taxpayers and to secure continued funding from Congress. The new approach also involves using compliance letters to address discrepancies in partnership returns and expanding audit coverage of the wealthiest taxpayers.

The IRS, under Commissioner Danny Werfel, has announced a new enforcement strategy targeting large partnerships and high-wealth individuals, leveraging AI and long-term funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The strategy includes audits of 75 large partnerships and compliance efforts on digital assets and offshore accounts. The IRS aims to address criticisms of focusing more on low-income taxpayers by shifting resources to wealthier individuals and complex partnership structures. The agency's use of AI is expected to enhance its ability to identify compliance risks and linkages between partnerships and individual taxpayers.

Andrews ISD has commenced construction on its high school as part of a $150 million bond passed last May. The project includes comprehensive renovations and new buildings, with plans to enhance athletic facilities and the football stadium. Superintendent Bobby Azam emphasized that the upgrades will provide students with modernized facilities for decades. The first phase began with renovations to the girls' softball facility.

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have published proposed regulations under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aimed at enabling taxpayers and tax-exempt entities to monetize certain energy-related federal tax credits. Section 6417 allows tax-exempt and governmental entities to receive direct payments for energy-related tax credits, while Section 6418 permits taxpayers to transfer these credits to unrelated parties for cash. These provisions are expected to expand the market for energy project investments. The proposed regulations provide guidance on the scope, limitations, and mechanics of these provisions, including transferability, partnerships, brokered transfers, and direct pay. The regulations also address issues such as the allocation of risk for recapture, anti-abuse rules, and the pre-filing registration process.

The fourth edition of the Bariloche International Music Festival (FIMBA) showcased a diverse range of musical performances, from classical works by Shostakovich, Haydn, and Dvorak to folk and popular music by artists like Nahuel Pennisi, Fernando Cabrera, and Nano Stern. The festival, held over eight days with more than 30 free concerts, featured over 150 artists and was supported by the Rio Negro Philharmonic Orchestra, the Government of Rio Negro, and the City of Bariloche. Highlights included performances by the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra and a variety of regional chamber ensembles. The festival successfully combined different musical languages, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.

On-site power generation is presented as an enabler for energy transition and energy security. It can be implemented at various scales and either connected to the grid or isolated. On-site generation reduces emissions when replacing fossil-based large-scale generation but still requires a baseload. It transfers investment responsibility and risks to consumers, who in return gain environmental benefits and protection against fuel price volatility. Utilities must adapt by managing cleaner generation and maintaining a reduced baseload. On-site generation requires smarter, more precise networks and can improve network reliability with proper storage and codes. While on-site systems are becoming more affordable, large-scale infrastructure remains costly. Brazil has seen significant growth in on-site generation, whereas Mexico's growth is slower and faces regulatory challenges. The article advocates for exploring all avenues to decarbonize energy, including on-site generation, and hints at the potential for energy policy collaboration between Brazilian and Mexican leaders.

The IRS released Revenue Procedure 2022-39 on November 16, 2022, updating the procedure for large corporate taxpayers and large partnerships under continuous audit to obtain Qualified Amended Return (QAR) treatment for items disclosed at the beginning of an audit. This new procedure replaces Revenue Procedure 94-69 and extends the QAR treatment to large partnerships. The update was necessary due to the transition from the Coordinated Industry Case Program to the Large Corporate Compliance Program. The new procedure maintains the core approach of its predecessor but includes specific requirements for disclosures and eligibility. Key organizations like the American Bar Association Section of Taxation and the Tax Executives Institute influenced the IRS to reconsider discontinuing a pathway for continuous audit disclosures. Some questions remain about the application of the new procedure to certain penalties and types of audits.

The IRS released Revenue Procedure 2022-39 on November 16, 2022, updating the procedure for large corporate taxpayers and large partnerships under continuous audit to obtain Qualified Amended Return (QAR) treatment for disclosed items at the beginning of an audit. This procedure replaces Revenue Procedure 94-69, extending the same core approach and expanding it to include large partnerships. The new procedure is effective for examinations beginning on or after November 16, 2022, and applies to taxpayers notified of an LCC or LPC audit who have been subject to examination for four of the prior five years. Disclosures must be made on Form 15307 within 30 days of eligibility notification, and only for errors and omissions unknown at the time of filing. Proper disclosures will be treated as shown on a QAR, providing penalty protection, while inadequate disclosures will not receive automatic penalty protection.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the solar PV sector, including supply chain risks, regulatory changes, and outdated grids. It emphasizes the importance of grid maintenance, modernization, and expansion to support electrification and economic growth. The author highlights the situation in Mexico, where regulatory focus and insufficient investment by CFE in the grid are causing energy cuts and hindering economic development. The article suggests that private investment in transmission and distribution is necessary for development, citing Brazil and Chile as examples of countries adding solar PV capacity and aiming for high renewables penetration. The author argues for modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy share to combat climate change and meet net-zero commitments.

The article explores how Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate Christmas in 2021, highlighting cultural traditions and festivities in both countries.

Houston Castillo Vado, a journalist for the Spanish service of Voice of America and correspondent from Central America since September 2019, focuses on the political, economic, migratory, and social situation of Nicaragua and its diaspora. The article showcases how Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate Christmas in 2021 through a series of photographs.

On International Migrants Day, Nicaraguan exiles and organizations in Costa Rica, such as Colectivas Feministas Volcánicas, voiced the need to be seen as more than numbers by Costa Rican authorities. They highlighted issues of discrimination and the need for a humanized view of migration. The Costa Rican government reported on immigration requests processed in 2021, with Nicaraguans being among the top nationalities seeking residency. A survey by the UNDP and UCR revealed discrimination in Costa Rica based on various factors, with Nicaraguans facing significant challenges, often stereotyped and associated with crime.

On International Migrants Day, Nicaraguan exiles and organizations in Costa Rica, such as Colectivas Feministas Volcánicas, voiced the need to be seen as more than numbers by Costa Rican authorities. They highlighted issues of discrimination and the need for a humanized view of migration. The Costa Rican government reported on immigration requests processed in 2021, with Nicaraguans being among the top nationalities seeking residency. A survey by the UNDP and UCR revealed discrimination in Costa Rica based on various factors, with Nicaraguans facing significant challenges, often stereotyped and associated with crime.

Emily Mendrala, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, expressed concern over the state of democracy and corruption in Central America during a press conference in Costa Rica. She highlighted these issues as national security concerns and reiterated the U.S. commitment to combating corruption and supporting democratic actors. Mendrala's comments followed recent U.S. sanctions against Salvadoran officials and coincided with the U.S. hosting the Summit for Democracy. She also addressed the role of corruption in driving migration and the problematic situation in Nicaragua under the Ortega-Murillo regime. Mendrala, along with USAID's Mileidy Guilarte, discussed various topics with Costa Rican officials, including political dialogue, democracy, human rights, environmental sustainability, climate change, security, and economic opportunities.

Protests took place in various countries where the Cuban community and others raised their voices in the streets, calling for help from international entities and in support of the march called on the island on November 15.

Kitty Monterrey, president of the opposition party Ciudadanos por la Libertad, asserts that over 90% of Nicaraguans will vote against Daniel Ortega in the upcoming elections, which she describes as a fraudulent process where the opposition has been preemptively swept aside. Citing opinion polls, she claims the elections are not legitimate and occur in a context of overwhelming opposition to Ortega. The elections have been internationally criticized, with several opposition candidates detained and the press denied access.

Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica express a mix of optimism and skepticism about the future of their home country, especially in light of the upcoming general elections in November 2021. The exiles hope for liberation from what they describe as a dictatorship under President Daniel Ortega and the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional. Some exiles, like César Gutiérrez and Claudia López, are cautious but hopeful that they can influence the elections. Others, such as singer Ryssa Hope and entrepreneur Xaviera Molina, look forward to unity among the opposition and the growth of their business ventures. The Fundación Arias suggests that exiles should be included in the opposition Coalición Nacional, and the Dirección de Migración y Extranjería de Costa Rica reports that there are 2,342 Nicaraguan refugees in the country as of December.

Remittances in Costa Rica have recovered after a 10% drop in the second quarter of 2020, with experts predicting a year-end decrease of around 7%. Rigoberto Torres from the Central Bank attributes the improvement to the reopening of global economies. Mariela Barboza, a Costa Rican in Virginia, has been able to send more money home due to high demand for her cleaning services. Manuel Orozco of the International Organization of Creative Associates advises Costa Ricans to use digital transfers for better profitability and to invest remittances in development projects. Nicaraguan Nicolás Flores plans to resume sending remittances for family support and business ventures. Despite the economic downturn in Central America during 2020, remittances have played a crucial role.

A report by Fundación Arias revealed that 69% of Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica are willing to return to Nicaragua if there are changes, but opinions among exiles are divided. Exiled singer Ryssa Hope does not see a return in 2021 as viable, even if Daniel Ortega leaves power, citing the need for democracy and security. The report also indicated that 34% would return when freedom of expression and movement are restored. Xaviera Molina, an exile, echoes the sentiment of returning only after true change. Nicaragua's Ministry of the Interior reported that over 83,000 Nicaraguans have returned since March 11 this year. Some exiles see the general elections on November 7, 2021, as an ideal opportunity for change, with 56% of those surveyed by Fundación Arias expecting to return to live in a democracy. Hagamos Democracia's study suggests nearly all Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica wish to return for fair elections. César Gutiérrez, another exile, believes the Nicaraguan people are waiting for the exiles' return and will not tolerate much more repression. The Fundación Arias report concludes that exiles should be included in the National Coalition and that voting from abroad is key for resolving the crisis and upcoming elections.

Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica are using traditions such as crafting representations of Jesus' birth and preparing typical dishes to cope with nostalgia during Christmas. Despite the challenges of unemployment and being unable to practice their professions, Nicaraguans like Ruth Blass, who started a small business called Chereques Ruth, remain optimistic. The Fundación Arias report highlights the mismatch between the exiles' high academic levels and their current occupations. Initiatives like Mercadito Virtual Las Pinoleras provide opportunities for Nicaraguan women to contribute to the community. The exiles maintain hope for a civic solution to Nicaragua's political situation and the departure of Daniel Ortega from power.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of tropical storms, Guatemala and Costa Rica maintain the Christmas spirit, preparing for the holiday season by decorating their main streets and holding onto hope that 2021 will be a year of renewal.

Seidy Rivas, a Nicaraguan exile in Costa Rica, has faced significant challenges, including xenophobia and discrimination, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic which exacerbated economic hardships with over 526,000 job losses. Organizations such as CENDEROS, CEJIL, Nicaragua Nunca+ Human Rights Collective, and the Jesuit Service for Migrants in Costa Rica have urged President Carlos Alvarado's government to protect migrants' human rights and ensure equal access to healthcare and vaccination without discrimination.

Nicaraguans are stranded at the border between Panama and Costa Rica due to Costa Rica's suspension of border crossings for Nicaraguans traveling from Panama to Nicaragua. The decision follows an incident where Nicaraguan authorities temporarily blocked 120 citizens from crossing the Peñas Blancas border. Stranded individuals, like Marvin Amaya, have faced hardships such as sleeping on the ground and lacking funds for basic needs. Álvaro Leiva, president of the Nicaraguan Human Rights Association (ANPDH), criticized the Nicaraguan government for not facilitating the return of its citizens, violating their constitutional rights. Meanwhile, Panama's border police detained Nicaraguans who protested the closure, with Senafront subcommissioner Jorge Govea stating that they were taken before a judge for administrative offenses.

Costa Rica's immigration director, Raquel Vargas, announced that Nicaraguans returning from Panama will only be allowed to pass through Costa Rica in bus caravans with Nicaragua as their final destination. This procedure has been established in coordination with Panamanian authorities and has been used orderly with excellent results. As of June 26, 116 people have crossed Costa Rica to Nicaragua. Nicaraguans pay for their transport and are escorted in convoys to the northern border for regular immigration procedures with Nicaragua. The context includes closed Nicaraguan borders since mid-March and Nicaraguans in Panama facing hardships due to the pandemic. Rafael Rodríguez, president of the ARENA in Panama, has advised Nicaraguans against a walking caravan due to strict health measures. Costa Rican authorities require Nicaraguans to have proper documents before reaching the border and emphasize that these individuals do not intend to stay in Costa Rica. After Costa Rica rejected 26 extra-regional migrants from Panama, they clarified that only Nicaraguans aiming to return to their country are authorized to cross. ARENA reports that about 80,000 foreigners in Panama, including Venezuelans, Colombians, Salvadorans, and Nicaraguans, are waiting to leave once airports reopen.

Unemployment has become a stark reality for many Nicaraguan refugees in Costa Rica, with 87.1% of them jobless according to a survey by the NGO Fundación Arias para La Paz. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, leading to increased reliance on humanitarian aid such as food packages. Organizations like Corner of Love, founded by American Tania Amador, have been crucial in providing support. ACNUR and Fundación Mujer are set to launch TodaAcciónCuenta.org to assist refugees and locals with small businesses. Despite hardships, Nicaraguan refugee Francisca Ramírez exemplifies resilience and solidarity by farming to feed her community and other refugees, with some support from ACNUR.

The death of Nicaraguan ex-guerrilla fighter Edén Pastora, known as 'Comandante Cero', has stirred sensitive memories in Costa Rica, particularly among journalists who covered the Nicaraguan civil war and the Contra conflict. Pastora is linked to the 1984 La Penca bombing, which targeted Contra leaders and resulted in casualties among guerrillas and journalists. The perpetrator was identified as Roberto Vital Gaguine, but the mastermind remains uncertain, with some investigations pointing to the Sandinista government. Pastora's legacy is complex; he is remembered for his historical significance and military ventures, but also for his involvement in a controversial dredging operation on the San Juan River, which led to a military incursion into Costa Rican territory, causing diplomatic tensions. His death marks the end of an era in Nicaraguan and Costa Rican history, leaving a legacy viewed by some as problematic and by others as that of a historical leader.

Costa Rica and Nicaragua have reopened their border following a regional health agreement that normalizes truck and goods traffic. Costa Rican Trade Minister Dyalá Jiménez confirmed the entry of the first unit into Costa Rican territory from Nicaragua at the Peñas Blancas border crossing. The agreement allows Central American truck drivers to enter Costa Rica with minimal delay, subject to health and immigration orders. Costa Rican residents will be tested for COVID-19. Security Minister Michael Soto detailed the sanitary travel routes and GPS tracking or escort for truckers. Over 120 transport units entered Costa Rica and over 150 left after the reopening. A meeting is scheduled for June 5th to discuss transport issues and trade strengthening within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Treasury Department and the IRS have released proposed regulations for the carbon capture and sequestration tax credit under Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code. These regulations provide clarity on various aspects such as project construction timelines, carbon oxide sequestration contracts, storage standards, utilization demonstration, credit recapture, and credit transfer. The guidance aims to resolve uncertainties that have delayed carbon capture projects, although some issues remain unresolved. The regulations also address the qualification criteria for facilities, contractual obligations for sequestration, secure geological storage standards, utilization definitions, and recapture rules. The proposed regulations are expected to facilitate the financing and development of more carbon capture projects.

The IRS has issued Notice 2020-41, offering relief for renewable energy developers facing construction delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The notice extends the Continuity Safe Harbor by an additional year for projects that began in 2016 or 2017, allowing more time to meet the requirements for production tax credits (PTC) and investment tax credits (ITC). It also provides a safe harbor for the 3½ Month Rule, ensuring that costs incurred for services or property paid for after September 16, 2019, and received by October 15, 2020, are deemed incurred in 2019. This extension aims to mitigate the impact of pandemic-related disruptions on renewable energy projects.

Since the border closure in mid-March due to COVID-19, Costa Rica has rejected over 10,000 Nicaraguan migrants attempting to enter the country irregularly. Out of 10,206 foreigners denied entry, the majority were Nicaraguans, with the remainder from Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, India, the United States, Germany, and England. Costa Rica's borders have been closed to all foreigners since March 19, with returning citizens and residents subject to COVID-19 testing and a mandatory two-week home isolation. Costa Rican immigration officials have issued 8,443 health orders, with fines for non-compliance ranging from $1,000 to $4,500. A truck carrying irregular migrants at the border with Nicaragua led to 59 detentions; 54 were rejected irregular foreigners, three were residents who entered irregularly, and two were migration category applicants.

Costa Rica's Minister of Security, Michael Soto, announced the extension of the country's border closure until June 15 to curb the spread of coronavirus. The closure restricts entry to only Costa Rican citizens and residents, and foreigners leaving will not be allowed re-entry. Transporters entering and exiting must undergo COVID-19 testing at the border. Surveillance operations, including drone use and patrols, are ongoing, with the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) participating following a Supreme Court decision. Health Minister Daniel Salas reported a positive COVID-19 case among transporters, with nearly 230 tests conducted. As of May 7, Costa Rica has 765 confirmed cases, with 445 recoveries.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers from the organization Chepe Se Baña have been promoting handwashing among Costa Rica's homeless population. The initiative, which started about 20 days after the first confirmed case, aims to assist those on the streets of San José, including pregnant women and the elderly. Otoniel Saborío, a Nicaraguan nurse and volunteer, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the country's sanitation. The organization operates three units with handwashing facilities, complying with health measures. Individuals like Guido González, who became homeless after losing his job, appreciate the initiative but call for more support for the homeless beyond the pandemic.

Central American countries and the Dominican Republic, under the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA), approved a Regional Contingency Plan with over 1.9 billion dollars to address the effects of COVID-19. The plan, endorsed during a virtual meeting of SICA's Council of Foreign Ministers, includes measures for health, risk management, commerce, finance, security, justice, migration, strategic communication, and international cooperation. It also addresses food security, support for small and medium enterprises, and gender perspectives. The Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE) will manage the funds, which complement national measures to mitigate the pandemic's impact.

Mauricio Claver-Carone, an advisor to President Donald Trump, stated that the U.S. will only grant asylum to individuals fleeing due to political, ethnic, or religious persecution, in line with the Geneva Convention's requirements. Asylum should be sought in the first transit country, with Honduras as an example, where persecuted individuals would be granted asylum in Guatemala rather than the U.S. The World Bank survey indicated that over 85% of people heading to the U.S. do so for economic reasons. Claver-Carone highlighted the economic growth of countries and the importance of talent remaining in their home countries. The U.S. has reached cooperation agreements with Central America's Northern Triangle and Mexico, which do not require legislative approval. Finance Ministers from these countries are invited to the White House to meet with U.S. officials.

The Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU) in Costa Rica has launched a campaign to address myths about sexual and reproductive health among young people, particularly in rural areas. The campaign aims to reduce teenage pregnancies and increase the use of gynecological services provided by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). The initiative, supported by the University of Costa Rica (UCR), will disseminate information through social media and public spaces, emphasizing the importance of modern contraceptive methods and the risks associated with teenage pregnancies. Patricia Mora, the Minister of Women's Affairs, underscores the campaign's significance in preventing the adverse effects of teenage pregnancies.