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☆ IRS aims to more than double its audit rate for wealthiest taxpayers in strategic plan update
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Internal Revenue Commissioner Danny Werfel speaks during his swearing in ceremony at the IRS in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 2023. The agency also renewed its focus on "tax fairness" with plans to increase audits on the wealthiest taxpayers, large corporations and complex partnerships. The IRS aims to more than double the audit rate for the wealthiest taxpayers with total positive income of more than $10 million by tax year 2026. This would bring the audit rate for these individuals to 16.5% in 2026, compared to 11% in 2019. The agency also plans to "nearly triple audit rates" on large corporations with assets over $250 million and boost audit rates "by tenfold" for large, complex partnerships with assets over $10 million, Werfel said.

Persons: Danny Werfel, Werfel Organizations: Washington , D.C, IRS, Finance, Fed Locations: Washington ,

☆ Treasury Department announces new Series I bond rate of 4.28% for the next six months
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jitalia17 | E+ | Getty ImagesHow I bond rates workThere are two parts to I bond rates — a variable- and fixed-rate portion — which the Treasury adjusts every May and November. Based on inflation, the variable rate stays the same for six months after purchase, regardless of when the Treasury announces new rates. There are no state or local levies on interest and you can defer federal taxes until redemption. What's the interest rate from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2024? $10,000 per person every calendar year, plus an extra $5,000 in paper I bonds via your federal tax refund.

Persons: Jeremy Keil, Keil, there's, Will Organizations: Treasury, Keil Financial Partners Locations: Milwaukee

☆ IRS free tax filing pilot processed more than 140,000 returns, saved consumers $5.6 million in prep fees
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel testifies during the Senate Finance Committee hearing on the fiscal 2024 IRS budget and the IRS' 2023 filing season, in the Dirksen Building in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2023. This season, more than 140,000 taxpayers successfully filed returns using IRS Direct File, a free tax filing pilot from the IRS, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS. The program fully opened for certain taxpayers in 12 states in early March and saved filers an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees for federal returns, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on a press call. Direct File surveyed more than 15,000 users and some 90% rated their experience as "excellent," the agencies reported. The IRS plans to release a more detailed report about the Direct File pilot "in the coming days," he added.

Persons: Danny Werfel, Werfel Organizations: Senate, IRS, Washington , D.C, U.S . Department of, Treasury, Finance Locations: Washington ,

☆ Here's what to do if you missed the federal tax deadline
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The federal tax deadline was April 15 for most filers — and if you missed it, you should file your return and pay your balance as soon as possible, experts say. The late filing penalty is 5% of your unpaid balance per month or partial month, capped at 25% of your balance. Here's why it may work this timeHowever, that doesn't mean you should rush to file a return if you're still missing key information, like tax forms for your investments or other earnings. With missing information, the IRS could flag your tax return for audit, processing could be delayed or you could receive an agency notice. Of course, some filers in disaster areas automatically have more time to file federal returns and pay taxes owed.

Persons: Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitt, Biden, Steber Organizations: Finance, IRS

☆ Here's what to know before withdrawing funds from inherited individual retirement accounts
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you've inherited an individual retirement account since 2020, you could have a shorter timeline to withdraw the money, which can trigger tax consequences. But there are a few things to consider before emptying an inherited account, experts say. Under the Secure Act of 2019, so-called "non-eligible designated beneficiaries," have a 10-year window to deplete an inherited IRA. Non-eligible designated beneficiaries are heirs who aren't a spouse, minor child, disabled or chronically ill. Certain trusts may also fall into this category. They just want the money," said individual retirement account expert and certified public accountant Ed Slott.

Persons: you've, RMDs, Ed Slott Organizations: IRS, Finance

☆ Here's why it could be better to buy Series I bonds before May, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

While the annual rate for newly purchased Series I bonds could fall below 5% in May, the assets may still appeal to long-term investors, experts say. Some experts predict the new rate could drop to around 4.27% based on inflation and other factors. Based on the last six months of inflation data, the variable portion will fall from 3.94% to 2.96% in May. The fixed-rate portion is harder to predict, but experts say it could stay close to 1.3%. By contrast, the variable rate stays the same for six months after purchase, regardless of when the Treasury announces new rates.

Persons: there's, Ken Tumin Organizations: Investors, Finance, U.S . Department of, Treasury

☆ IRS waives mandatory withdrawals from certain inherited individual retirement accounts — again
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS has again waived required withdrawals for certain Americans who have inherited retirement accounts since 2020. Before the Secure Act of 2019, heirs could "stretch" retirement account withdrawals over their lifetime, which reduced year-to-year tax liability. Now, certain heirs have a shorter timeline due to changed rules for so-called required minimum distributions, or RMDs. Under the Secure Act, certain heirs must empty inherited accounts by the 10th year after the original account owner's death. The latest penalty relief only applies to certain heirs, known as "non-eligible designated beneficiaries," subject to the 10-year withdrawal rule under the Secure Act.

Persons: Biden, Ed Slott Organizations: IRS, Secure, Finance

☆ Series I bonds are ‘still a good deal’ despite an expected falling rate in May, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jetcityimage | Istock | Getty ImagesHow the I bond rate worksThe U.S. Department of the Treasury adjusts I bond rates every May and November. The variable rate portion resets every six months starting on the investor's I bond purchase date, not when the Treasury Department announces rate adjustments. The 1.3% fixed rate "makes it very attractive" for investors who want to preserve purchasing power long term, according to Tumin. How the fixed rate could changeSince the variable rate for I bonds is based on six months of inflation data, experts agree it will fall from 3.94% to 2.96% in May. Enna looks at a half-year average of real yields for 5- and 10-year TIPS to predict fixed rate changes.

Persons: David Enna Organizations: Istock, U.S . Department of, Treasury, Treasury Department Locations: Enna

☆ What everyday taxpayers can learn from the Biden, Harris 2023 tax returns
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris deliver remarks about healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 26, 2024. While both couples made extra tax payments, they each incurred a small estimated tax penalty, based on underpayments from each quarterly deadline and interest. Tax planning for self-employment incomeOver the years, the Bidens have reduced self-employment taxes by receiving some wages through their companies, which are structured as S corporations. After paying "reasonable compensation" to shareholders, S corporation owners can take distributions without paying 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare taxes. Work with a tax professionalTypically, filers get a tax refund when they overpay levies throughout the year.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Peter Zay, David, Harris, Catherine Valega, filers Organizations: Anadolu, Getty, Eisner Advisory, Social Security, Boston, Bee Advisory Locations: Raleigh , North Carolina, New York

☆ IRS expects ‘a million returns' every hour on Tax Day, commissioner says. What last-minute filers need to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

If you're missing tax forms, the tax deadline is your last chance to file an extension, which pushes the filing deadline to Oct. 15. Sean Lovison Founder of Purpose Built Financial ServicesAccording to the IRS, those who can't pay taxes by the deadline have options. Most Americans qualify for IRS Free File, which offers free guided tax prep software from several partners. "It's a product that we're very proud of," Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance previously told CNBC. This season, millions of taxpayers also qualify for IRS Direct File, a free tax filing pilot program from the IRS.

Persons: Sean Lovison, Werfel, Tim Hugo Organizations: IRS, Alliance, CNBC, Treasury Locations: filers, Maine, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Arizona , California, Florida , Massachusetts, Nevada , New Hampshire , New York, South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas, Washington and Wyoming

☆ IRS: You have 'options' if you can't pay your taxes by the April 15 deadline
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

urbazonFile your return by April 15 even if you can't payIf you can't cover your taxes in full, you should still file your return by April 15 and pay what you can, according to the IRS. By comparison, the late payment penalty, or the failure-to-pay penalty, is 0.5% per month or partial month, with a maximum fee of 25% of unpaid taxes. IRS online payment plans, or "installment agreements," include: Short-term payment plan: This may be available if you owe less than $100,000 including tax, penalties and interest. However, you can't have multiple payment plans from different tax years. You can learn more about the IRS plans, including setup fees and payment options, here.

Persons: Eric Bronnenkant, Bronnenkant Organizations: IRS

☆ There's another 'tricky' tax deadline on April 15. Here's how to avoid a penalty, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you are racing to file taxes, you could miss another key deadline: the April 15 due date for first-quarter estimated tax payments. Estimated tax payments typically apply to earnings from gig economy work, freelancing, small business, retirement or investing, which may have no tax withholdings. If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes, you must make your first-quarter estimated payment for 2024 by April 15. That can be "tricky" for certain tax filers with federal taxes due on the same day, according to certified public accountant Tom Wheelwright, CEO of WealthAbility. The 2024 payment due dates are April 15, June 17, Sept. 16 and Jan. 15, 2025.

Persons: Tom Wheelwright, — Organizations: WealthAbility, Finance, Federal, IRS

☆ This simple move 'takes minutes' to file a free federal tax extension, tax pro says — here’s what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you need more time for your taxes, there's a quick, free way to file a federal tax extension online, according to experts. Luckily, filing for a federal tax extension "takes minutes," according to Tommy Lucas, a certified financial planner and enrolled agent at Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo in Orlando, Florida. But you have through that due date to file an extension, which pushes the deadline by six months to Oct. 15. Some taxpayers already have a federal extension due to natural disaster declarations. Without the extension, your balance triggers the failure to file penalty, which is worth 5% of your unpaid taxes per month or partial month, capped at 25%.

Persons: there's, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo Organizations: Finance Locations: Orlando , Florida

☆ What Biden's new student loan forgiveness plan means for your taxes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

US President Joe Biden speaks about student loan relief at Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 8, 2024. Andrew Caballero-reynolds | AFP | Getty ImagesTax treatment of student loan forgivenessStudent loan forgiveness is federally tax-free through 2025 — thanks to a provision from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. But the future taxability of student loan forgiveness is unclear. Many states have conformed to federal rules on the taxability of student loan forgiveness. Depending on your situation, higher income from taxable student loan forgiveness could cause "a chain of [tax] consequences," such as phaseouts for other tax breaks, Lucas said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Andrew Caballero, reynolds, Biden, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Lucas, that's, Ethan Miller, isn't, Miller Organizations: Madison College, AFP, Getty, American, Planning, Progress, D.C Locations: Madison , Wisconsin, Orlando , Florida, Washington

☆ IRS adds ‘important update’ for free Direct File pilot as federal tax deadline approaches
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

With one week until the April 15 federal tax deadline, the IRS has released an "important update" for Direct File, the agency's free tax filing program. This key step has been the main issue preventing Direct File returns from being successfully filed, according to a Treasury official. But as of Monday, Direct File users can now import these verification details from the IRS, which could minimize the common error. More from Personal Finance:IRS free tax filing program launches in 12 pilot states19 million people may qualify for free tax prep through the IRSHow to pick the best free tax filing option this season"This important update will allow Direct File users to take advantage of information the IRS already has to simplify the filing process even further," said Bridget Roberts, who leads Direct File at the IRS. Direct File will remain open for rejected returns until April 20, a Treasury official said.

Persons: inputting, Bridget Roberts Organizations: IRS, Treasury, Finance

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and Tesla CEO Elon Musk talk during a meeting in Porto Feliz city in Sao Paulo state, Brazil May 20, 2022. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes initiated an investigation into tech magnate Elon Musk on Sunday, the billionaire owner and chief technology officer of social network X. A defiant Musk wrote on Saturday in response to earlier court orders: "We are lifting all restrictions. By Sunday, Musk was further provoking the Brazilian Supreme Court, calling for the resignation or impeachment of Moraes, the justice who decided on the orders. Moraes has long supported regulations to rein in harmful content and misinformation online in Brazil.

Persons: Jair Bolsonaro, Elon Musk, Alexandre de Moraes, Musk, Moraes Organizations: Tesla, Brazilian Locations: Porto Feliz, Sao Paulo state, Brazil

☆ Powerball hits $1.3 billion. Most people still buy tickets in person, but more lottery apps emerge
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Justin Sullivan | GettyThe growth of 'lottery couriers'U.S. lottery sales exceeded $113.3 billion in 2023, according to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. With varying state and provincial regulations, players have different purchase options, such as in-person or online sales, depending on where they live. One option is lottery-courier services, which accept orders and buy lottery tickets on a customer's behalf. Mike Silveira Chief of staff for Jackpot.comPlayers can use Jackpot.com to order state lottery tickets via mobile phone, tablet or computer. He said the state has roughly $5 billion of in-person lottery sales yearly across 10,000 retailers and about $1 billion in online sales.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Mike Silveira, Jackpot.com, Silveira, DraftKings, Drew Svitko, Svitko Organizations: North American Association of State, Provincial, Lottery, Jackpot.com, Pennsylvania Lottery, New Jersey, Mega Locations: Arkansas , Ohio , Massachusetts, New York, Texas, Jackpocket, Pennsylvania, New

☆ Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion. Here's how to pick between the lump sum or annuity if you win
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Powerball jackpot is officially $1 billion — the fifth-largest prize in the game's history — without a winner from Saturday night's drawing. If you win the grand prize by matching all six numbers, you'll have two payout options: a lump sum of $483.8 Million or annuitized payments worth $1 billion. Both are pretax estimates. While the lump sum offers an upfront payout, the annuity includes one immediate sum followed by 29 annual payments with a 5% increase per year. "Between Uncle Sam and the winner's home state, that headline number could be cut in half by the time it reaches their hands."

Persons: There's, Landon Buzzerd, Sam Organizations: Finance, Mega, Asset Management Locations: NJ, Pittsburgh

☆ Winning ticket for Mega Millions $1.128 billion jackpot sold in New Jersey — here’s how much the winner will owe in taxes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

There is officially one winner for the $1.128 billion Mega Millions jackpot — and the taxman will take a sizable share, experts say. A single ticket sold in New Jersey won the game's fifth-largest grand prize after matching all six numbers drawn Tuesday night, Mega Millions announced Wednesday. The final jackpot dropped from an estimated $1.13 billion to $1.128 billion based on actual ticket sales. The lucky winner will choose between two options: an annuitized prize worth $1.128 billion or a lump-sum payout of $536.6 million cash. New Jersey taxes prizes over $10,000 and the winner will owe millions to the state, including a mandatory withholding, on top of their federal tax bill, he said.

Persons: Albert Campo Organizations: Mega, Finance, AJC Accounting Services Locations: New Jersey, Manalapan , New Jersey . New Jersey, California, Florida , New Hampshire, South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas, Washington and Wyoming

☆ An 'often overlooked' retirement savings option can lower your tax bill, advisor says. Here's how it works
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

10'000 Hours | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesThere's still time to lower your 2023 tax bill or boost your refund with a lesser-known retirement savings strategy for married couples. One requirement for individual retirement account contributions is "earned income," such as wages or salary from a job or self-employment earnings. But there's an exception for single-income households: the spousal IRA. With income phaseouts for IRA deductibility and Roth IRA contributions, many wait until March or April for the previous year's IRA deposits. Even a $500 or $1,000 spousal IRA contribution could provide tax savings.

Persons: Roth, —, Judy Brown, Catherine Valega, Brown, deductibility Organizations: Getty, SC, H, D.C, Pew Research Center, Green Bee, Green Locations: Washington, Baltimore, Boston

☆ Mega Millions jackpot hits $1.1 billion — and the big winner could face these costly pitfalls
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

However, you must redeem the winning ticket in the state where you bought it, meaning an out-of-state purchase in a high-tax state could trigger a bigger bill. But the annuity payout could save on future state taxes, depending on where you choose to live, Stoltmann said. Otherwise, anyone who holds the winning ticket can file a claim to collect the proceeds. Avoid a 'legal catfight' on shared ticketsYou could also have winning ticket issues when pooling money with friends or co-workers, according to Stoltmann. "The nastiest legal catfights happen when a group of people buy a ticket together" and one person claims they bought the winning ticket alone, he said.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Uncle Sam, Andrew Stoltmann, Stoltmann, Michael Whitty, Smith, Gambrell, Russell, there's Organizations: Getty Locations: Chicago, California, Florida , New Hampshire, South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas, Washington, Wyoming

☆ The IRS has so far issued 43 million tax refunds, worth $135 billion
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The tax deadline is approaching, and the IRS has already issued more than 43 million refunds worth nearly $135.3 billion. As of March 8, the average refund was $3,145, up from $2,972 the same week in 2023, the agency reported. However, the average refund could change as the IRS receives tens of millions more returns. The latest filing statistics show the IRS had received less than half of the more than 146 million individual returns expected for the 2023 filing season. Here's what to know if you winTaxpayers can check their refund status with the "Where's My Refund?"

Persons: Biden Organizations: IRS, Finance, Fed

☆ Mega Millions jackpot hits $977 million. Here's what financial experts say to do if you score the winning ticket
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-20 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A person plays lottery at a 7-eleven store as Mega Millions jackpot reaches $ 1 billion 580 million, in Redwood City, California, United States on August 8, 2023. The Mega Millions jackpot jumped to an estimated $977 million — the game's sixth-largest prize — without a winner from Tuesday night's drawing. There have been 29 consecutive drawings without a grand prize, according to Mega Millions. ET, and the odds of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is roughly 1 in 302 million. Here are some top pieces of advice for the next winner, according to financial advisors.

Organizations: Mega, Finance Locations: Redwood City , California, United States

☆ This key issue has 1 in 3 expats 'seriously considering' or planning to renounce U.S. citizenship
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Nearly one-third of U.S. expats have plans to renounce their American citizenship or are "seriously considering it," according to a new survey from Greenback Expat Tax Services. Over the past year, there was a "big jump" in that number, noted Mike Wallace, CEO at Greenback Expat Tax Services. The latest figure is based on a poll of roughly 1,000 American expats in February. About 1 in 5 haven't felt comfortable filing taxes abroad, according to the survey. American expats must pay U.S. income taxes on worldwide earnings, which include wages, business profits, investment income and more.

Persons: Mike Wallace, Biden, haven't, expats Organizations: U.S, Expat Tax, Tax, Finance, Federal Locations: American

☆ How to avoid the 'survivor's penalty' before a spouse passes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Jessie Casson | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesIt's hard to lose a spouse, and a costly surprise makes it even more difficult, especially for older women — higher taxes. watch nowTypically, the surviving spouse inherits the deceased spouse's individual retirement accounts, and so-called required minimum distributions are about the same. But the surviving spouse now faces higher tax brackets, Gagliardi said. Spouses may consider partial Roth IRA conversions, which transfers part of pretax or nondeductible IRA funds to a Roth IRA for future tax-free growth, Jastrem said. Check investment accountsIt's always important to keep account ownership and beneficiaries updated, and failing to plan could be costly for the surviving spouse, Jastrem said.

Persons: Jessie Casson, Digitalvision, Edward Jastrem, —, Donald Trump's, George Gagliardi, Gagliardi, Roth, Jastrem Organizations: Getty, Centers for Disease Control, Heritage Financial Services, CNBC, Coromandel Wealth Management, Wealth Locations: Westwood , Massachusetts, Lexington , Massachusetts

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