How to avoid the ‘survivor’s penalty’ before a spouse passes

Jessie Casson | Digitalvision | Getty Images It’s hard to lose a spouse, and a costly surprise makes it even more difficult, especially for older women — higher taxes. But financial experts say there are several ways to prepare. In 2022, there was a 5.4-year life expectancy gap between U.S. sexes, according to data from … Read more

Here’s how to calculate crypto taxes amid the latest bitcoin rally

Whether you’re a longtime crypto investor or recently purchased digital assets, here are some key things to know from crypto tax experts.  How to answer Form 1040 ‘digital assets’ question Cryptocurrency has become a priority area for the IRS, and the agency shared guidance in January about reporting digital currency this tax season. Since tax … Read more

Here’s what Trump’s proposed tariffs could mean for your wallet

This combination of pictures created on February 17, 2024, shows U.S. President Joe Biden waving from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 1, 2023, and former President Donald Trump waving to the media outside the White House on Jan. 12, 2021. Jim Watson | Brendan Smialowski | AFP | … Read more

Tax pros brace for ‘tidal wave’ of crypto tax scrutiny from IRS

Shannonstent | E+ | Getty Images As the IRS bolsters its cryptocurrency expertise, tax professionals are bracing for increased scrutiny of digital currency.  Digital assets are one of the agency’s “priority areas,” according to a press release sent last week. The IRS announced it hired two former crypto executives to beef up its digital currency … Read more

IRS to crack down on corporate jets used for personal travel

Drazen_ | E+ | Getty Images The IRS on Wednesday unveiled plans for “dozens of new audits” of corporate jet usage as part of its increased scrutiny of large corporations, complex partnerships and top earners. More than 10,000 corporate jets operate in the U.S., and the agency believes some companies overstate deductions while using aircraft … Read more

Here’s what I learned about Roth IRAs and HYSAs as a Gen Z reporter

  Klaus Vedfelt | Digitalvision | Getty Images ‘The Roth IRA is an incredible savings vehicle’ Roth individual retirement accounts require investors to pay taxes on the contributions they make now, rather than when they take withdrawals in their retirement years. That trade-off means after-tax dollars grow tax-free for decades. A Roth can be a … Read more

IRS weighs ‘audit selection algorithm’ changes for low-income tax credit

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel speaks at a Senate Finance Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2023. Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images After vowing in September to “substantially” reduce audits on a low-income tax credit, the IRS confirmed it’s taking steps to address the inequity. “We’ve announced a significant and dramatic reduction … Read more

House lawmakers weigh relief for SALT ‘marriage penalty’

Violetastoimenova | E+ | Getty Images House lawmakers are weighing relief for a “marriage penalty” that impacts the federal deduction limit on state and local taxes, known as SALT. While the bill doesn’t have broad support, it could help shape future tax policy discussions, experts say. Enacted via the Republicans’ 2017 tax overhaul, there’s currently … Read more

Here are some of the top red flags for an IRS audit, tax pros say

Image Source | Image Source | Getty Images As Americans file returns this season, some worry about IRS audits amid agency efforts to ramp up service, technology and enforcement. Recent IRS enforcement has targeted high-income individuals, large corporations and complex partnerships. But everyday filers could still face an audit — and certain issues are more … Read more

The average tax refund is almost 29% lower this tax season, IRS reports

Artistgndphotography | E+ | Getty Images With tax season in full swing, the IRS has issued more than 2.6 million refunds worth about $3.65 billion, as of Feb. 2, the agency reported last week. So far, the average refund is $1,395, compared with $1,963 one year ago, which is roughly 29% smaller. However, since the … Read more