Limiting retirement plan tax perks may help Social Security, experts say

Wand_prapan | Istock | Getty Images There’s no debate that Social Security’s funds — which are projected to become insolvent in the next decade — need fixing. But a new research proposal published by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College by experts at the opposite ends of the political spectrum has sparked considerable … Read more

Here’s how to qualify for IRS Free File for federal tax returns

Valentinrussanov | E+ | Getty Images If you’re eager to save money filing your taxes this season, there’s a free option that’s used by only a fraction of eligible taxpayers. Established in 2002, the program, known as IRS Free File, is a public-private partnership between the agency and the Free File Alliance, a nonprofit coalition … Read more

How to file your taxes for free this season

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

House Passes Tax Bill Benefiting Parents And Corporations

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a bipartisan bill expanding the child tax credit, as well as business deductions long sought by corporate America. If the bill passes the Senate, millions of American families could get more money back from the IRS in the coming months. The House approved the bill with … Read more

Far-Right Republicans Tie Themselves In Knots Over Child Tax Credit

WASHINGTON — Far-right Republicans in the House of Representatives are speaking out against a bipartisan bill expanding the child tax credit because it could benefit undocumented immigrants. House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-Va.) said Tuesday that he opposes the tax bill and even claimed the proposed policy would encourage migrants to come to the … Read more

Here’s how to get a faster tax refund, expert says

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

IRS unveils plan to redesign and simplify taxpayer notices

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

FTC: TurboTax maker deceived customers with ‘free’ services

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled on Monday that the maker of TurboTax is deceiving customers when it claims a version its online tax filing software is free, when most customers would have to pay for it. The FTC’s opinion states that Intuit’s TurboTax Free Edition, marketed as a stripped-down version of its paid software … Read more

House Republicans reintroduce bill to repeal ‘death tax’

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

How parents can gain from two child credits this tax season

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