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

Jeff Bezos’ move to Miami will save him over $600 million in taxes

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez walk in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 06, 2023 in Miami, Florida.  Clive Mason | Formula 1 | Getty Images Jeff Bezos’ $2 billion stock sale last week came with an added perk: no state … Read more

gold: Hold 10% of assets in gold, SGBs a good bet: Analysts

Mumbai: Investors can use the fourth and final tranche of sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) this financial year to diversify the overall portfolios in line with their long-term asset allocation strategy. Buying of gold by central banks and geopolitical risks will draw investors to risk-free assets and, given this, wealth managers say investors could allocate 10% … Read more

How to know if you’re withholding enough taxes from your paycheck

Witthaya Prasongsin | Moment | Getty Images If your tax refund or bill is bigger than expected, it could be time to adjust your paycheck withholding — and a simple calculation could help, experts say.      Typically, you get a refund when you overpay taxes throughout the year, and you owe money when you don’t pay … Read more

Record number of travelers visit city this winter

For many Chinese, Harbin conjures images of ice and steel, a city both cold and tough. But this winter, the heavily industrialized city morphed into a warmly welcoming host, drawing in a record-breaking number of visitors, mainly from China’s south. During the three-day New Year period from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, Harbin received more … 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

LVMH luxury watches at Watch Week in Miami

Luxury giant LVMH is making a push to gain share of the global luxury watch business, with a newly formed watch division and an array of new, higher-priced models. Sales of luxury watches worldwide are estimated at about $30 billion this year, according to market research firm IMARC Group. They’re expected to grow to more … Read more

Here’s how to qualify for the earned income tax credit this season

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