The interest rate that individuals will pay on underpayments remains at 3% for the first quarter of 2012. The interest rate that the IRS will pay on overpayments (tax refunds) will also be 3%. Most ordinary tax refunds do not earn interest. The IRS does not have to pay interest on tax refunds made within 45 days of the return
When debts are cancelled in bankruptcy cases, the cancelled amount is excluded from gross income. Tax attributes are certain losses, credits, and property basis that must be reduced to the extent of the exclusion.