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☆ Three ways investors can minimize their tax payments
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

It’s particularly difficult for investors, he said, who have to report their earnings and losses from the market to the IRS. As an alternative, Harris, who currently heads financial services firm Evergreen Money and recently authored a book about reducing tax burdens, shared his three biggest tax tips for investors with Before the Bell. So for tax purposes, selling securities that have lost value can offset the taxes due on gains from successful investments. If your losses exceed your gains, you can carry the net loss (total losses minus total gains) into the next tax year, potentially reducing future tax burdens. If you have three children and two parents, that’s $108,000 in tax free money a year, Harris said.

Persons: They’ll, ”, Bill Harris, It’s, Harris, “, Roth, hasn’t, “ you’re, Laura, Anna Cooban, Brent, Germany’s DAX, Read, Tempore Mike McGuire Organizations: New, New York CNN, National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Paypal, CNN, Evergreen Money, Bell, Investments, Brent, Traders, CAC, FTSE, Nikkei, International Energy Agency, ANZ, Google, California Journalism, Meta, California, Pro, Tempore, ” Locations: New York, United States, Israel, Iran, Tehran, Syria, Shanghai, Paris, California, America

☆ The Rich Don’t Have to Take Every Tax Deduction, and They Shouldn’t - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Matthew Desmond | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

And when it comes to paying taxes, he forgoes many deductions afforded him. For much of Mr. Narváez’s life, money was tight. But today, Mr. Narváez and his wife, a retired elementary school principal, live comfortably. Upon seeing those figures, Mr. Narváez’s financial adviser told his client he was overpaying and introduced him to an accountant. “I see it as my responsibility to pay my fair share of taxes,” Mr. Narváez, who is 70, told me.

Persons: Alejandro Narváez, he’s, Narváez, “, Mr, Mark Twain Organizations: ” Locations: Seattle

I canceled my appointment with an accountant to file my taxes using the IRS's Direct File tool. Screenshot of the IRS Direct File websiteOnce my eligibility was confirmed, I was prompted to create an IRS account. Direct File explained where to locate my wages and employee ID number on my W-2 form, which streamlined the data entry. Overall, the IRS Direct File was a useful tool that made filing my federal taxes a breeze. AdvertisementThat way, filing taxes could be less of a headache for all workers.

Persons: —, Janet Yellen, Dan Grover, ChatGPT Organizations: Service, Apple Vision, Netflix

☆ The FTC is going to war with tax services that bill themselves as free
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The FTC filed a lawsuit against H&R Block over what the commission called deceptive advertising. AdvertisementSo-called "free" online tax filing services like Intuit's TurboTax and H&R Block's Online Filing option have, for a long time, not actually been free for many Americans. The consumer protection agency filed a complaint against H&R Block last week, accusing the company of deceptive advertising and unfairly deleting users' tax data. A 2019 ProPublica investigation found Intuit and H&R Block's practices — including hiding their free filing options from Google search — are part of a decadeslong lobbying effort by the companies to keep tax filing services complicated. It was partially because of those lobbying efforts that the IRS did not roll out its own online free tax filing pilot until last year.

Persons: —, Samuel Levine, Levine, Dara Redler, Derrick L, Plummer Organizations: FTC, H, Intuit, Service, Consumer, Business, NPR, Google, IRS Locations: FTC's

☆ H&R Block used deceptive marketing and unfairly deleted tax filer data, FTC complaint alleges
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

An H & R Block tax preparation office is seen on Flatbush Avenue on February 06, 2024 in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn borough in New York City. H&R Block marketed free products to many consumers who didn't qualify and made it difficult to downgrade, according to the complaint. "H&R Block allows consumers to downgrade to a less expensive DIY product via multiple mechanisms while ensuring the preparation of accurate tax returns." FTC banned 'deceptive advertising' from IntuitThis is the second FTC action against tax filing software providers in recent history. Other free tax filing optionsMeanwhile, consumers have several free tax filing options this season, including a Direct File pilot via the IRS, which will offer limited free filing for certain taxpayers in 12 states by mid-March.

Persons: Michael M, Samuel Levine, Dara Redler, Ed Mierzwinski, PIRG Organizations: Santiago, Getty, Intuit, Federal Trade Commission, Block, Consumer Protection, U.S . Public Interest Research, FTC, IRS Locations: Flatbush, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York City, FTC's

If you've filed your 2023 tax return and want to know when you'll get your refund, the IRS has several tools available to help you track its status. When will I get my tax refund? FAQs How do I check my income tax refund status? You can get updates on the status of your refund on the IRS2Go app or the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool. You can check the status of your return and any refund 24 hours after e-filing by visiting the IRS website or IRS2GO app.

Persons: you've, you'll, TurboTax, Jackson Hewitt, filers, it's Organizations: IRS, Block, Jackson, Apple, IRS Taxpayer Assistance, CNBC, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter, & $ Locations: Mobile

☆ Quinta Brunson hopes Vince Staples was able to take 'good energy' to his own show after his role on 'Abbott Elementary'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Vince Staples' Netflix limited series "The Vince Staples Show" premiered Thursday. Quinta Brunson told Business Insider that she hopes Staples took "good energy" from her set to his own. After a season two role on "Abbott Elementary," Vince Staples' own show has premiered — and "Abbott" star and creator Quinta Brunson hopes he was able to pick up good vibes from her set to bring to his. "The Vince Staples Show" is a Netflix limited series in which Staples plays a fictionalized version of himself, straddling the line between fame and obscurity. "Abbott Elementary" season three is streaming on Hulu.

Persons: Vince Staples, Abbott, Quinta Brunson, Staples, Maurice, Tyler James Williams, Janine, Brunson, " Brunson, Vince Organizations: Netflix, Business, TBS, Hulu

☆ All the Super Bowl Ads So Far, Ranked
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Mike Hale | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

In the spirit of “Who actually watches the game?,” here is our ranking of all the Super Bowl commercials we have been able to track down so far, from best to worst. Ground rules: Only ads being shown on the national CBS broadcast during the game are eligible. Certain spots, including several advocating a boycott of Tesla and a number of CBS promos for its own primetime series, were omitted from this ranking. Commercials not available beforehand or with a live component — including spots from FanDuel, TurboTax, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism and the controversial Chinese e-commerce company Temu — will be added after the game. (If Travis Kelce proposes to Taylor Swift in a surprise ad for The Knot, we will probably have our winner.)

Persons: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift Organizations: Super, CBS, Tesla, Foundation, Combat, Temu Locations: FanDuel

☆ Why Quinta Brunson actually loved having fewer episodes for 'Abbott Elementary' season 3
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The "Abbott Elementary" creator is also busy with the show's third season, which premiered Wednesday. After winning the Emmy Award for best actress in a comedy series in January, she’s now in the thick of “Abbott Elementary” season three. Many broadcast series saw reduced episode counts in the post-strike television season, and "Abbott Elementary" season three clocks in at 14 episodes — eight less than season two. Brunson in "Abbott Elementary" season three. "Abbott Elementary" season three airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

Persons: Quinta, Taika Waititi, Abbott, Brunson, —, Quinta Brunson, she’s, Waititi, Mel Brooks, ”, “ Abbott, Gilles Mingasson, Jalen, Jason Kelce, Brandon Graham, Josh Segarra, Kimia, Benjamin Norris, “, castmates, I’ll Organizations: Quinta Brunson, Service, ABC, Philadelphia Eagles Locations: Philadelphia

☆ For Super Bowl advertisers, $7 million for a 30-second spot is just the beginning of an even bigger investment
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Ryan Joe | Lara O'Reilly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

TurboTax is set to run a 45-second ad during the Super Bowl, plus 30-second spots both before and after the game. Investment needs to continue even after the initial airing for the Super Bowl ad to maximize its potential. The company's Super Bowl strategy greatly evolved between those two years. After its 2023 Super Bowl spot that paid homage to the '90s hit movie "Clueless," Rakuten continued to position itself as a fashion marketplace by partnering with New York Fashion Week. Regardless of the risks, Super Bowl advertisers have the opportunity to jolt their business to new heights.

Persons: There's, Todd Allen, Bud Light's, Bud Light, Nick Soukas, TurboTax, Melissa Tifrere, there's, Joe Staples, Ana Dominguez, Grey, Rakuten, Vicki McRae, Rakuten's, McRae, Sofia Colucci, Molson Coors Organizations: Nielsen, Business, Anheuser, Busch InBev, Havas, Lindt, BI, Investment, Super, New York, Super Bowl, EDO, NFL Locations: York, Lindt USA

☆ Thanks to Taylor Swift, ads aimed at women are taking the Super Bowl by storm
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | Alexandra Peers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Women watch the Super Bowl, too, right? In a bigger shift, several longtime Super Bowl advertisers, like M&M’S, have spots featuring women who, for a change, aren’t just sipping soda in tight pants. So Cardi B plugs Duck Plump lip gloss for L’Oreal NYX Professional Makeup, the first time the brand has advertised on the Super Bowl. cosmetics, also a first-time Super Bowl advertiser, reunites (some of) the cast of “Suits” in its spot as the lawyers haul various celebrities into court. As for at least one of the potential stars of the show, despite performing in Japan the previous day, Swift will likely attend the Super Bowl.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, “ Taylor, Paul Hardart, New York University’s, “ Swift, Kelce, ”, it’s, Bud Light, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Kate McKinnon, “, Jenna Ortega, Swift Organizations: New, New York CNN, Super Bowl, Kansas City, New York, New York University’s Stern School of Business, CNN, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Super, CBS, Anheuser, Budweiser, “ Mayo, Embassy of Locations: New York, Kansas, Las Vegas, Hellman's, Japan, Embassy, Embassy of Japan

☆ A boomer Uber driver made over $100,000 but lost $80,000 to expenses and commissions. He shares why he plans to keep driving.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But after Uber took its cut and his driving expenses were accounted for, his profits fell to about $20,000. How commissions and driving expenses reduce drivers' profitsOf Ceran's roughly $83,000 in total business expenses, $38,000 consisted of Uber's booking and service fees — effectively the commission the company takes from drivers' earnings. After accounting for Uber's commission — and before expenses — Ceran saw as much as $65,000 in Uber income enter his bank account in 2023. The $44,000 deduction was an estimate for tax purposes, so it's possible his true vehicle expenses weren't quite that high. His first year driving Uber, 2016, was more eventful than anticipated: He got caught in Hurricane Matthew while driving in Norfolk, Virginia.

Persons: —, Ceran, Kia Forte, Uber, he's, they're, Lisa Greene, Lewis, Greene, — Ceran, he'd Organizations: Service, Business, BI Locations: Virginia, Hurricane, Norfolk , Virginia

☆ A boomer Uber driver made over $100,000 but lost $80,000 to expenses and fees. He shares why he plans to keep driving.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A boomer Uber driver's business had over $100,000 in earnings but only $20,000 in profits. But after Uber took its cut and his driving expenses were accounted for, his profits fell to about $20,000. The $44,000 deduction was an estimate for tax purposes, so it's possible his true vehicle expenses weren't quite that high. AdvertisementThat said, commissions and driving expenses took a significant cut out of his business's profitability. His first year driving Uber, 2016, was more eventful than he anticipated: He got caught in Hurricane Matthew while driving in Norfolk, Virginia.

Persons: boomer, —, Dean Ceran, Kia Forte, Uber, he's, Ceran, it's, haven't, they're, Lisa Greene, Lewis, Greene, — Ceran Organizations: Uber, Service, BI Locations: Virginia, Hurricane, Norfolk , Virginia

PayPal will cut 9% of its global workforce, or about 2,500 jobs, CEO Alex Chriss wrote Tuesday in an internal letter to employees, which was viewed by CNBC. The cuts will affect both existing roles and job listings that PayPal had planned to hire for, and will take place over the course of the year, Chriss wrote. If your role is included in this workforce reduction, you will be notified between today and the end of the week. PayPal has significant potential to create substantial value for our employees, our customers, and shareholders. I am confident that our PayPal community will come through this period even stronger, and I am optimistic about the future we will create together.

Persons: Alex Chriss, Chriss, Alex Don't Organizations: PayPal, CNBC, Intuit, CNBC PRO

The Direct File pilot program is rolling out in stages. The agency estimates that several hundred thousand taxpayers are eligible for the initial rollout in the 2024 tax season. Four other states that have a state income tax also are part of the pilot program — Arizona, Massachusetts, California and New York. In those four, state tax agencies will help people directly file their state taxes as well. “Direct File is one step toward getting the IRS in line with 21st century tax administration,” Olson said.

Persons: “, Danny Werfel, Nina Olson, ” Olson, Werfel, Tania Mercado, ” Robert Nassau, preparers, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, IRS, Center for Taxpayer Rights, Organization for Economic Cooperation, Development, Republicans, Intuit, Low, Clinic, Syracuse University College of Law Locations: Florida , New Hampshire , Nevada , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona , Massachusetts, California, New York, Germany, Japan

—Tax credits, such as child tax credit, retirement savings contributions credit, etc. Earlier this month, Congress announced a bipartisan agreement to enhance the current child tax credit. The bill would incrementally increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns. If you can’t see what your tax preparer is working on, get a copy of the tax return and ask questions about each of the entries. If you are due for a refund, you will not receive a penalty and you will receive your tax return payment.

Persons: Courtney Alev, ” Alev, Tom O’Saben, O'Saben, O’Saben, “, ” O’Saben, —, Alev, You’re, you’ve, It’s, ___, Charles Schwab, ” Organizations: —, Credit Karma, Savings, IRS, National Association of Tax, Elderly, People, Social Security, Social, Center, Budget, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: United States

☆ TurboTax Can No Longer Advertise Products as Free, F.T.C. Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Rebecca Carballo | More About Rebecca Carballo | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Federal regulators have ruled that Intuit, the maker of the tax-filing software TurboTax, must stop marketing its services as free, unless they are free to everyone or exceptions are clearly disclosed. TurboTax had for years claimed customers could file their taxes online for free. The Federal Trade Commission said in an opinion and final order issued on Monday that its advertising was deceptive because two-thirds of taxpayers were not eligible to file with the free product. The commission also found that the company’s attempts to disclose that not everybody qualified for free services were “ineffective and often inconspicuous.”Examples of ineligible taxpayers include those claiming mortgage and property deductions, charitable donations over $300, unemployment income, investment income, rental property income and certain education expenses. Gig workers who reported income as independent contractors, including many delivery drivers, were also ineligible.

Persons: TurboTax Organizations: Intuit, Federal Trade Commission

☆ TurboTax can't keep advertising itself as 'free' when many people have to pay, FTC rules
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The FTC targeted Intuit ads that claimed consumers can file taxes for free using TurboTax. The FTC ruled that Intuit can't advertise free services unless all customers qualify or it clearly says who does. Intuit has previously faced hefty charges over the marketing of "free" services. AdvertisementU.S. regulators have barred TurboTax maker Intuit Inc. from advertising its services as "free" unless they are free for all customers, or if eligibility is clearly disclosed. In a 2022 settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Intuit agreed to suspend TurboTax's "free, free, free" ad campaign and pay $141 million in restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers nationwide.

Persons: Michael Chappell, Letitia James Organizations: FTC, Intuit, Intuit Inc, Federal Trade Commission, Associated Press, New York Locations: U.S, California

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators have barred TurboTax maker Intuit Inc. from advertising its services as “free” unless they are free for all customers, or if eligibility is clearly disclosed. The order also bars Intuit from “misrepresenting any material facts about its products or services,” including refund policies and price points. There was no financial penalty in the FTC's order, but Intuit has previously faced hefty charges over the marketing of “free” services. In a 2022 settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Intuit agreed to suspend TurboTax’s “free, free, free” ad campaign and pay $141 million in restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers nationwide. Those impacted were low-income consumers eligible for free, federally-supported tax services — but paid TurboTax to file their federal returns due to “predatory and deceptive marketing,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.

Persons: Michael Chappell, TurboTax’s, Letitia James Organizations: —, Intuit Inc, Federal Trade Commission, Intuit, Associated Press, ” New York Locations: — U.S, California

☆ Federal Trade Commission bans 'deceptive advertising' for free filing from TurboTax maker Intuit
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As the opening of tax season approaches, the Federal Trade Commission has cracked down on "deceptive advertising" from Intuit , maker of tax filing software TurboTax. The FTC on Monday upheld a September ruling that found Intuit violated federal law by marketing free TurboTax software to filers who were not eligible, and were upgraded to deluxe and premium products, according to the opinion. The Commission's final order bans Intuit from advertising "free" services unless all filers can use the free software or the company "clearly and conspicuously" discloses eligibility. In May 2022, Intuit entered a multistate agreement to pay $141 million to lower-income Americans who wrongly paid for using the "TurboTax Free Edition" of its software. The agreement affected 4.4 million customers and the settlement began in May 2023.

Persons: Ed Mierzwinski Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Intuit, Finance, FTC, U.S . Public Interest Research Locations: America

☆ Direct File is the most important tech product of 2024, helping you to finally file your taxes for free
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Alistair Barr | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I'll go further and say this offering is the most important tech product of 2024. Direct FileI'm talking about Direct File , a new way for many Americans to file their taxes for free. She also questioned the value of the new Direct File service in various ways. Give Direct File a tryWhich brings us back to the new Direct File service. When I searched for "free file taxes" this weekend, the top of Google's results page was full of ads.

Persons: —, Dan Grover, ChatGPT, It's, ProPublica, Tania Mercado, Mercado, Janet Yellen, Guess Organizations: Service, Business, Apple, Forbes, IRS, Intuit, Google, Internal Revenue Service, Revenue Locations: Silicon, Arizona , California, Florida , New York, Texas, ProPublica

☆ FTC bans TurboTax from advertising ‘free’ services, calls it deceptive advertising
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —The Federal Trade Commission ruled in a final order and opinion Monday that TurboTax, the popular tax filing software, engaged in deceptive advertising and banned the company from advertising its services for free unless it is free for all customers. By running ads for “free” tax services that many customers were not qualified for, the tax filing software violated the FTC Act and deceived consumers, the agency said. The FTC had first sued Intuit, TurboTax’s owner, for its deceptive advertising in 2022. Intuit cannot advertise or market any goods or services as free unless it’s free for all customers, the FTC ordered. The FTC added if the service isn’t actually free for the majority of consumers, TurboTax could state that as well.

Persons: D, Michael Chappell, “, ”, —, Letitia James, ” CNN’s Jordan Valinsky Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Intuit Locations: New York

☆ Intuit's CMO has a plan to help the company seize a new $30 billion revenue opportunity
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Ryan Joe | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

And providing that financial assistance, Goodarzi said during an investors conference in December, represents a $30 billion opportunity that Intuit has not claimed. But TurboTax competitor H&R Block is also reaching for this opportunity, and has gone on the offensive with its own AI-powered tax assistant, released in December. A bevy of new H&R Block ads tout the assistant, and takes a shot at TurboTax: "So long, TurboTax!" "Comparative marketing is a common practice and we've used it for many years to help consumers easily see the benefits of working with H&R Block," an H&R Block spokesperson said. "People just aren't aware, because of how strongly we grew the do-it-yourself perception within TurboTax," Balazs said.

Persons: TurboTax, Lara Balazs, there's, Sasan Goodarzi, Goodarzi, Balazs, DJ Stout, we've Organizations: Intuit, Business, Karma ., Intuit Assist Locations: TurboTax

I get my tax documents in early. I've since found a reliable accountant who specializes in working with small business owners and I've leveled up my tax preparation to make tax season even smoother for me and my accountant. I've aligned my processes with my accountant'sMy first tax season working with Danny involved a learning curve and some unavoidable back-and-forth. This year, when I send him my tax documents for his next steps they'll basically be turnkey for him — plug and play. Aligning with Danny's systems makes my review and approval of the completed tax documents he shares with me that much easier as well.

Persons: —, I'd, That's, Danny, He's, I've, Danny's, they'll, I'm Organizations: Service

☆ A boomer shares how Lyft driving has been a retirement hack — supplementing his income while allowing him to draw on his Social Security without penalty
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

For entertainment expenses like travel and eating out, however, he planned to use income from a part-time job and draw on his Social Security benefits. But there was one challenge with this plan: If Americans draw on Social Security before their full retirement age, then there's a limit to how high their taxable income can be before their Social Security benefits take a hit. The Social Security Administration says it will deduce $1 from benefit payments for every $2 one earns above the annual limit, which is $22,320 in 2024. "Because the driver can deduct his mileage from his side gig income and make below the earnings limit, his Social Security income will not be reduced," she said. "Many retirees often begin working side gigs, do freelance work, or receive other retirement income without knowing how other streams of income can impact how their Social Security income is taxed," she said.

Persons: —, Mark McCann, wouldn't, McCann, it's, Uber, — McCann, Lisa Greene, Lewis Organizations: Service, Business, Social Security, Social Security Administration Locations: Dallas, Lyft

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