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☆ IRS free tax filing program will open to all eligible filers in pilot states on March 12
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The IRS has unveiled final testing for Direct File, the agency's free tax filing program, with plans to fully open in 12 pilot states on March 12. Starting March 4, Direct File will expand final testing for eligible new users to begin federal returns, with availability 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, an IRS official said Friday. Space will remain limited during final testing and Direct File may close briefly if users exceed the day's allotment. However, if you already started a return, you can use the software without interruption, the IRS said. After testing concludes, the IRS plans to fully open Direct File on March 12 to all eligible users in 12 pilot states, an IRS official said.

Organizations: IRS

☆ You can now file your taxes directly to the IRS for free — if you live in 1 of these 12 states
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The IRS' much-anticipated free tax filing software is now online. Direct File is in a pilot phase and available for "simple" tax returns for 2023. For now, the tool is limited to taxpayers who lived in one of 12 states last year. The much-anticipated Internal Revenue Service software — aptly named Direct File — opened as of Wednesday in a pilot phase ahead of its wider public launch in mid-March. While it's free to sign up, there is a catch: to file using the tool, taxpayers must have been a resident of one of 12 states for all of 2023 and not have income from any other state.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, aren't Organizations: IRS, Service, Revenue Service, Arizona California Florida Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire New, Account Locations: Arizona California Florida Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire, Arizona California Florida Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire New York South Dakota Tennessee Texas Washington Wyoming, Arizona , California , Massachusetts, New York

The best way to avoid identity theft is to be aware of common scams and their tell-tale signs. Online account tax scamsThe Internal Revenue Service has come out with guidance on this particular scam. It involves scammers who try to sell or offer help with setting up an online account with irs.gov , and it can subject your personal and tax information to identity theft. Make sure that any online tax account that you open begins at irs.gov. The most common one involves the supposed employer sending you a fake money order or fake company check to deposit into your bank account.

Persons: —, scammers Organizations: Service, Federal Trade Commission, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Revenue Service, IRS, Valentine's Locations: irs.gov

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled its annual inflation adjustments for the 2024 tax year, featuring a slight uptick in income thresholds for each bracket compared to 2023. Your taxable income and filing status determine both the tax rate and bracket that apply to you, outlining the amount you'll owe on different portions of your income. For both 2023 and 2024, the seven federal income tax rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Below, CNBC Select breaks down the updated tax brackets of 2024 and what you need to know. What we'll cover2024 tax brackets (for taxes filed in 2025)The tax inflation adjustments for 2024 rose by 5.4% from 2023 (which is slightly lower than the 7.1% increase the 2023 tax year had over the 2022 rates).

Organizations: Internal Revenue Service, CNBC, Better, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Mobile

The IRS has unveiled its annual inflation adjustments for the 2024 tax year, featuring a slight uptick in income thresholds for each bracket compared to 2023. Your taxable income and filing status determine both the tax rate and bracket that apply to you, outlining the amount you'll owe on different portions of your income. For 2024, the seven federal income tax rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Below, CNBC Select breaks down the updated tax brackets for 2024 and what you need to know about them. What we'll cover2024 tax brackets (for taxes filed in 2025)The tax inflation adjustments for 2024 rose by 5.4% from 2023 (which is slightly lower than the 7.1% increase the 2023 tax year had over the 2022 rates).

Organizations: IRS, CNBC, Better, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Mobile

☆ What to know as IRS kicks off withdrawal option for pandemic-era small business tax credit
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Good Brigade | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesThe IRS has announced a special withdrawal process for small businesses that wrongly claimed a pandemic-era tax break — and experts have tips for those who may be affected. Worth thousands per eligible employee, the ERC attracted a cottage industry of companies pressuring small businesses to amend payroll tax returns and wrongly claim the credit. The IRS on Thursday unveiled a withdrawal option for small businesses with pending ERC claims before facing repayment, interest and penalties. "This is a game-changer," said Eric Hylton, national director of compliance for Alliantgroup, a firm that has been reviewing ERC claims for other tax professionals. As of Oct. 11, the agency estimated a backlog of 849,000 Forms 941-X, which includes ERC claims.

Persons: Eric Hylton, I'm, Hylton, you've, there's, It's, Dean Zerbe, Zerbe Organizations: Brigade, IRS, ERC, Alliantgroup Locations: Worth, It's

☆ IRS unveils 'special withdrawal process' for small businesses that claimed pandemic-era tax credit
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The IRS on Thursday announced a "special withdrawal process" for small businesses that may have wrongly claimed the so-called employee retention tax credit, or ERC. Enacted to support small businesses during the pandemic, the ERC, worth thousands per eligible employee, has been a magnet for fraudulent or "questionable claims," according to the IRS. Many small businesses were misled by ERC promoters, prompting the agency to temporarily stop processing for new claims in September. Small businesses can use the ERC claim withdrawal process if they meet the following criteria:They claimed the ERC on an adjusted employment return (Forms 941-X, 943-X, 944-X, CT-1X). Small businesses can learn more about the ERC withdrawal process by visiting IRS.gov/withdrawmyERC.

Persons: Daniel Werfel, Danny Werfel, Here's, Werfel, haven't, IRS.gov Organizations: Revenue, Senate, IRS, ERC, Finance

You also may find more time to review your financial goals and decide whether you need a reboot. Here are three key actions financial experts suggest you take midyear. Oscar Wong | Moment | Getty Images"Make practice payments to yourself," said Corbin Blackwell, a CFP and senior financial planner at Betterment. Check your tax withholdingTo avoid having too little tax withheld from your pay and facing an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time next April, check your tax withholding. Adjusting your tax withheld now can also help with your cash flow and ensure you receive a bigger paycheck and smaller refund at tax time.

Persons: Stacy Francis, —, Jordan Awoye, Oscar Wong, Corbin Blackwell, Tim Maurer, Blackwell Organizations: Francis Financial, Awoye, CNBC, IRS Locations: New York, Bay Shore , New York, Atlanta, Charlotte

☆ Expecting a tax refund? This IRS tool will tell you when it's coming
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The IRS has a simple online tool, available at IRS.gov/refunds , that allows you to track the status of your refund payment. With the average tax refund over $2,800 as of April 7, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you might be wondering when that check will hit your account or mailbox. Tax season 2022 is officially over — your tax return or extension request was due on April 18. You can access the IRS refund tracker by visiting the IRS website on your desktop computer or by using the IRS2Go mobile app on your phone. Check out: Do you need to file a federal tax return?

☆ Tax Day: Here's what you need to know if you haven't filed your return yet — and even if you have
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

New York CNN —It’s April 18, the official deadline to file your federal and state income tax returns for 2022. Whether you have already filed your tax return or still need to, the good news is this tax filing season has gone much more smoothly than the past three, which were hurt by the pandemic. But you may want to anyway if you think you are eligible for a refund thanks to, for instance, refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. If you’ve already filed your return, you’re probably glad to have it in the rear view mirror. But one thing is common for the vast majority of US tax filers: Audit rates are exceedingly low.

☆ Last-minute tax-filing tips
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —So far this tax season, the IRS has received more than 90 million income tax returns for 2022. If yours is among them, here are some last-minute tax-filing tips to keep in mind as the Tuesday, April 18 deadline approaches. But you may want to anyway if you think you are eligible for a refund thanks to, for instance, refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Proofread your return before submitting it: Do this whether you’re using tax software or working with a professional tax preparer. Note, however, that an extension to file is not an extension to pay.

Here are the five biggest myths around tax refunds that tax experts say are important to know this tax season. Editor's Rating 4.6/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 3.7/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 4.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Learn more On Tax Slayer's website Learn more On Liberty Tax's website Learn more On H&R Block's websiteMyth No. 1: Calling the IRS or visiting their office can speed up your refundAfter you file your taxes, you might find yourself eager for your tax refund check. 3: Getting a large tax refund is the goalWhile it might be a nice feeling to receive a hefty tax refund, CPA Keeyon Upkins says it shouldn't be your ultimate goal as a taxpayer. 5: Tax refunds receive interestIf your tax refund is sent to you in a timely manner, you might think you're owed interest on that payment.

☆ Where to Get Your Taxes Done for Free
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +8 min

Some don’t offer free filing if you have to record retirement income or self-employment income, for example, and other specific deductions and credits are sometimes excluded from free tax filing. What’s included:Wage and salary incomeLimited interest and dividend incomeEITCChild creditStudent loan interest deductionState returnFree File through the IRSIf you are a middle-income earner, even if you have relatively complicated taxes, you should qualify to file your taxes for free through the IRS’s Free File program. Eligibility for free state tax filing through Free File depends on your state and the Free File provider you choose. However, Free File is a separate program and distinct from these company’s free online offerings, such as the ones detailed above. You have to access Free File through the IRS.gov Free File portal and create an account through the program.

Paying taxes with a credit card to earn a big sign-up bonus or reward points only makes sense if the value exceeds the credit card fee you will be charged. Paying TurboTax convenience fee with a credit cardYou can also pay taxes with a credit card using tax-preparation tools like TurboTax Tax Software. In that case, you won't have the option to pay by credit card through TurboTax; just select "pay by check" and proceed to your preferred IRS-approved payment processor to pay your taxes by credit card. Quick tip: When you pay taxes with a credit card, the transaction is processed as a purchase, not a cash advance — so you'll still earn credit card rewards. How to pay taxes with a credit cardPaying your taxes with a credit card is easy and only takes a few minutes.

☆ IRS ‘fully committed’ to better customer service as agency hires 4,000 new workers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The IRS said it has passed a milestone of hiring 4,000 new customer service workers as the agency prepares for the 2023 tax filing season. "The IRS is fully committed to providing the best service possible, and we are moving quickly to use new funding to help taxpayers during the busy tax season," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. The IRS plans to hire another 1,000 customer service workers by the end of the year. However, phone wait times remain high in the meantime, and the IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov for answers to questions. "IRS employees look forward to providing better service in the near future," Rettig added.

☆ U.S. student debt relief: What you need to know now
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

But the Biden administration’s new U.S. student debt relief program is not just an academic subject for her. That is because McKay is still dealing with student debt from her days getting a graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University. So she is not just studying the student debt relief application that went live the other day (https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application) – she is filling it out herself. When and if the debt relief goes through, your loan servicer will let you know. BEWARE OF SCAMSThe student debt relief program has already brought scammers out of the woodwork, warns the Federal Trade Commission (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/now-student-loan-debt-relief-application-open-spot-scams).

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