Filing taxes is more expensive this year as the industry raises prices to combat a growing accountant shortage. The cost of tax preparation and accounting fees grew 8.3% in November 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Taxpayers typically spend an average of $140 to file taxes every … Read more
Laylabird | E+ | Getty Images Tens of millions of Americans file tax returns every year — and many are missing a “valuable credit,” according to the IRS. In 2022, roughly 23 million filers received $57 billion from the earned income tax credit, or EITC, a tax break for low- to moderate-income workers. But nearly … Read more
D3sign | Moment | Getty Images Tax season has kicked off and the IRS has started to process 2023 returns. If you’re expecting a refund, there are a few ways to get the money faster, experts say. Often, “self-inflicted mistakes” cause refund delays, according to Mark Steber, chief tax information officer at Jackson Hewitt. The … Read more
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 357 union hall in Las Vegas on Aug. 14, 2023. Ronda Churchill | Bloomberg | Getty Images With the opening of tax season only days away, the IRS has unveiled a plan to simplify the millions of complicated notices sent to taxpayers … Read more
Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., speaks during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee impeachment inquiry hearing into U.S. President Joe Biden on Sept. 28, 2023. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters House Republicans this week reintroduced legislation to permanently repeal what they’re calling the “death tax” — or federal estate tax, which is levied on inherited property above … Read more
Maskot | Maskot | Getty Images The cost to raise a child has become expensive for parents in the U.S. As tax season approaches, it’s smart to pay attention to tax breaks related to children and care expenses. Costs for child care have increased significantly due to inflation. Many child care centers also bumped their … Read more
Boy_anupong | Moment | Getty Images After higher yields in 2023, investors are bracing for interest rate cuts that could put a damper on shorter-term savings. Federal Reserve officials expect three quarter-percentage-point cuts in 2024, according to December meeting minutes released Wednesday. But there’s lingering uncertainty over when, or if, those changes may occur. More … Read more
The year-end is quickly approaching, but there’s still a chance to reduce your 2023 tax bill or boost your refund with some last-minute moves, experts say. Dec. 31 is the deadline for many tax-saving opportunities, which leaves limited time to take action. “It’s a little late to be super strategic,” but there’s still some “low-hanging … Read more
Jgi/tom Grill | Tetra Images | Getty Images Does your year-end bonus look smaller than expected? Tax withholding is a likely culprit, but Uncle Sam may pay some back when you file an annual tax return, experts said. Bonuses are treated as taxable income, like wages in a typical paycheck. However, unlike wages, the IRS … Read more
Artistgndphotography | E+ | Getty Images 1. Tax brackets got wider When comparing tax year 2022 to 2023, there was a big adjustment to the federal income tax brackets, according to experts. While the rates didn’t change, there was roughly a 7% increase in the brackets, which expanded the amount of taxable income you can have … Read more
