What do Revenue Rulings (Rev. Rul.) apply to?

Revenue Rulings (Rev. Rul.) are issued by the IRS to provide guidance on the application of tax laws to specific sets of facts. These rulings clarify how the IRS interprets certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or regulations, helping taxpayers understand how the law applies to their unique circumstances.

When the IRS releases a Revenue Ruling, it essentially addresses particular situations that taxpayers might encounter, thereby offering clarity and consistency in tax administration. This guidance aids taxpayers and tax professionals in ensuring compliance with the law by following the IRS's interpretation of how the tax code operates in those defined scenarios.

While a law applied to a general situation might refer to more broad applications, or a proposed change in tax law indicates future intentions rather than current applications, Revenue Rulings zero in on explicit facts, making them relevant for taxpayers facing particular tax-related decisions. Similarly, an IRS enforcement action pertains more to the enforcement of existing laws rather than providing clarificatory guidance on their application.