In what situations can a taxpayer request a private ruling?

Taxpayers can request a private ruling from the tax authorities regarding the tax implications of specific transactions before they occur. This process allows individuals and businesses to seek clarity and assurance about how certain transactions will be taxed, which can help in making informed decisions and planning their financial activities accordingly.

By obtaining a private ruling before undertaking a transaction, taxpayers receive guidance tailored to their unique circumstances, ensuring they understand their tax obligations and minimizing the risk of unforeseen tax liabilities later. This proactive approach can be particularly beneficial in complex situations or when new tax laws are being applied.

The other options do not accurately represent the purpose of private rulings. For instance, waiting until transactions have occurred contradicts the preventive nature of private rulings, which aim to provide clarity before actions are taken. Additionally, while seeking guidance on general tax obligations is important, private rulings are specifically designed to address the nuances of particular transactions, rather than providing broad tax advice. Lastly, discrepancies in tax returns pertain to issues that have already occurred and would generally be handled through different protocols, such as audits or amendments, rather than private rulings.