Alvaro Gonzalez | Moment | Getty Images Why there’s an accounting shortage Accounting has a reputation of long work hours coupled with stressful deadlines, leading college students to opt for other lucrative roles in finance like investment banking, consulting or data analysis. The declining birth rate also plays a role into the low supply of … 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
Natasaadzic | Istock | Getty Images Artificial intelligence tools and sophisticated technology are making it harder for consumers to spot scams. Fraud cost U.S. consumers more than $7 billion during the first three quarters of 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Those figures are up 5% compared to the same period in 2022. “Fraud … Read more
Erin Collins, national taxpayer advocate at the Taxpayer Advocate Service, speaks at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., on May 19, 2021. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images After a few difficult years, the IRS has boosted taxpayer service and technology with an infusion of funding. But there’s still room for improvement — … 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
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
The Good Brigade | DigitalVision | Getty Images How IRS collection notices work Typically, CP14 is the first IRS notice for an unpaid tax balance, followed by three or four reminder letters, every five weeks, explained Darren Guillot, national director at Alliantgroup, who previously served as IRS deputy commissioner of the agency’s small business division. … Read more
Jgi/jamie Grill | Tetra Images | Getty Images The IRS is waiving roughly $1 billion in late-payment penalties for millions of taxpayers with balances under $100,000 from returns filed in 2020 and 2021. Some 4.7 million individual taxpayers, businesses, trusts, estates and nonprofit organizations are eligible for the relief, which amounts to about $206 per … Read more
