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☆ New rules may make it easier to knock up to $7,500 off the price off an EV—here's how to qualify
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-14 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is making it easier to claim an electric vehicle tax credit worth up to $7,500 starting in 2024, based on new guidance announced last week. The other significant change is that all eligible buyers get the full tax break, even if they don't owe federal taxes. Currently, tax filers receive only as much of the credit as they owe in taxes. The Treasury Department and the IRS are considering public feedback before they finalize the rules later this year. The changes would be effective as of Jan. 1, 2024, for both electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles.

Organizations: U.S . Department of, Treasury Department

☆ Tesla whistleblowers filed a complaint to the SEC in 2021, but the agency never interviewed them. Here's what the complaint said
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +22 min

With a "goodwill" repair, Tesla essentially foots the bill for labor, parts or accessories given to keep a customer happy. "Were Tesla to accurately categorize its 'goodwill' repairs as warranty repairs, it would likely need to restate earnings for every quarter since at least 2017," the tipsters wrote in their submission. In one example, the tipsters said screenshots showed other Tesla employees changed the status of material used in manufacturing from "scrap" to "work in progress." In another example, the complaint said screenshots showed Tesla employees had manually changed the status of "used" cars to "new" in a program that tracked vehicle deliveries data. In correspondence to the agency expanding on their complaint, the whistleblowers alleged this raises questions about the firm's independence and objectivity in judging Tesla's financials.

Persons: Brandon Bell, Elon, Tesla's, Tesla, Musk, Ann Lipton, Lipton, Karen Nelson, Nelson, Nicholas Parks, it's, Oxley, restate financials Organizations: Getty, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, SEC, PricewaterhouseCoopers, CNBC . Agency staff, CNBC, Twitter, Tulane Law School, University of Chicago Law School, Securities, Sarbanes, Oxley, Texas Christian University, Public Company, Tesla, Parks, Nelson, Business, Exchange, Board, SpaceX, The Boring, California Alternative Energy, Transportation Financing Authority Locations: Austin , Texas, Tesla, California, U.S, Delaware

However, as a financial professional and homeowner myself, I still see renting as a more conducive and efficient option to invest and build wealth. In this situation, the renter would have a higher return on investment, with $1.8 million compared to the homeowner with just $617,000. Even though the homeowner's payment stops once the mortgage is paid, the return on investment from just the down payment and maintenance expense favors the renter. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Also, the homeowner still pays property taxes, which may increase over time, and still has to contend with annual maintenance.

Persons: it's, —, Joel Ohman, Jeffrey Zhou, doesn't, Get, Steven Gilbert, Gilbert, Says Ohman Organizations: Service, Gilbert Wealth, & $

Birkenstock, the longtime German shoe brand known for its comfy and durable styles, is expected to price its IPO at $46 per share on Tuesday, giving it a tentative valuation of about $8.64 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. Combined with the 21.51 million in shares its selling stockholders were looking to offload, the offering could bring in around $1.48 billion. Birkenstock's offering comes as the IPO market remains choppy after a number of recent filers began trading in muted debuts. But after an initial 40% pop, it closed at $33.70 on its first day on the Nasdaq and is now trading below its opening share price. It posted a net income of about 187 million euros ($198 million) in fiscal 2022.

Persons: Birkenstock's, hasn't, Birkenstock, Johnson, Catterton Organizations: Swiss, New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, Tech Locations: New York, German

☆ The tax-extension deadline is Oct. 16. Here are 3 things to know if you still haven't filed
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

DjelicS | GettyIf you filed a tax extension for more time on your 2022 return, the deadline is fast approaching. The federal tax-extension deadline on Oct. 16 is the last chance to avoid a late filing penalty, according to the IRS. Here are three things to know if you still haven't filed your 2022 return, according to financial experts. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of unpaid taxes for each month or part of month until filing, capped at 25%, she said. You may be eligible for IRS Free FileRoughly 70% of taxpayers qualify for IRS Free File but only 2% used it during the 2022 filing season, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

Persons: Chris Cybulski, Kassi, Judy Brown Organizations: Financial, Artica Financial Services, IRS, National Taxpayer, SC, H, Washington and, CNBC, Scott Bishop, Presidio Wealth Partners Locations: Austin , Texas, manila, Anchorage , Alaska, Washington, Washington and Baltimore, Houston

☆ Do I Get Taxed on a High-Yield Savings Account?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Aly J. Yale | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

Today, you can even find some banks offering high-yield savings accounts with 5% APYs or higher, up from just 0.50% to 1% a few years ago. Has your high-yield savings account been racking up interest this year? How high-yield savings accounts are taxedThe interest you earn on a high-yield savings account—or any other savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit, for that matter—is subject to state and federal income taxes. What’s more, savings account and CD interest contrast with investment income, which is often taxed at lower rates. Some IRAs offer access to high-yield savings accounts.

Persons: Aly J, Uncle Sam, you’d, ”, Rob Burnette, that’s, They’re, Jan, You’ll, you’ll, Banks, you’ve, ” Burnette, you’re, Roth, won’t, Burnette, “ Organizations: Yale, Federal Reserve, Outlook Financial, IRS Locations: Texas, Illinois , Indiana , Michigan, Pennsylvania, Troy , Ohio

☆ Lawsuit alleges undisclosed relationship involving federal judge that could cloud Corizon bankruptcy deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Dakin Campbell | Nicole Einbinder | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A civil complaint alleges that federal bankruptcy judge David Jones, who mediated the Tehum bankruptcy, is in a romantic relationship with Elizabeth Freeman, who represented YesCare in the bankruptcy. Van Deelen's case was ultimately "removed" to Jones' bankruptcy court, according to Van Deelen's complaint. The document alleges that, while working the McDermott case, Freeman was Jones' "live-in girlfriend" in a home worth more than a million dollars. According to the complaint, the letter detailed the "corruption involving Judge David R. Jones" and his romantic relationship with Freeman. Judge Marvin Isgur, another bankruptcy judge in the court, later denied it.

Persons: Tehum, —, Corizon, David Jones, Elizabeth Freeman, Isaac Lefkowitz, Freeman, Jones, Michael Van Deelen, Christopher Lopez, Van Deelen's, Michael Van Deelen Frank Ozment, Tracy Grissom, Ozment, YesCare, Deelen's, McDermott, Van Deelen, Jackson Walker, Liz Freeman, Defendant Jones, Matt Cavenaugh, didn't, David R, Marvin Isgur Organizations: Service, Southern, Southern District of, YesCare Corp, US, McDermott International Locations: Texas, YesCare, Tehum, Southern District, Southern District of Texas, Alabama, Houston, Coldspring

Check in on your retirement, credit, and healthcare and make any necessary adjustments. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Prepare for tax seasonMany people would prefer to avoid thinking about tax season until the deadline on April 15. These include mortgage interest, out-of-pocket medical expenses, state and local taxes, property taxes, and charitable donations to tax-exempt charities.

Persons: —, transpire, it's Organizations: Service

☆ IRS to target 'unscrupulous' tax preparers amid crackdown of small business tax credit
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chip Somodevilla | Getty ImagesIRS scrutiny of the employee retention creditThe plan is part of the agency's elevated focus on employee retention credit claims, according to April Walker, lead manager for tax practice and ethics with the American Institute of CPAs. A pandemic-era tax break, the employee retention credit, or ERC, was designed to support small businesses that kept employees on payroll during shutdowns or revenue declines in 2020 and 2021. He included the earned income tax credit, a tax break claimed by low- to moderate-income filers, which has been prone to mistakes due to complex eligibility requirements. While IRS audit rates have dropped overall, the rates have declined more slowly for filers claiming the earned income tax credit than higher earners. "The IRS audits a higher percentage of taxpayers with the earned income tax credit than any other taxpayers, except those with at least $5 million of total positive income," National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins wrote in her 2022 report.

Persons: Daniel Werfel, Chip Somodevilla, April Walker, Werfel, Chuck Marr, Erin Collins Organizations: Senate, Getty, American Institute of CPAs, ERC, IRS, Budget, National Taxpayer, filers Locations: Worth

Credit counseling: You're required to complete two credit counseling courses if you file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Often referred to as "liquidation" bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves the sale of a debtor's non-exempt assets by a trustee. Often referred to as "liquidation" bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves the sale of a debtor's non-exempt assets by a trustee. Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows corporations, partnerships, and certain individuals to restructure their debts while maintaining operations. Bankruptcy filing cost frequently asked questionsWill it hurt your credit to file for bankruptcy?

Persons: Adrienne Hines, You've, Hines, Will, you've Organizations: United, Courts, National Foundation, Credit Counseling, American Bar Association Locations: Ohio, Chevron

☆ IRS will 'substantially' reduce audits on low-income tax credit, commissioner says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS is shifting how it examines tax returns of lower earners as part of its broader effort to address inequity in enforcement. Starting in fiscal year 2024, the agency will "substantially" reduce the number of so-called correspondence audits — which happen by mail — for certain tax credits. This includes the earned income tax credit, claimed by low- to moderate-income filers, according to a letter sent on Monday by IRS Commissioner to Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore. The letter comes roughly one week after the IRS unveiled plans to use boosted technology and artificial intelligence to collect unpaid taxes from higher earners, partnerships and large corporations. More from Personal Finance:IRS halts processing of a small business tax breakThe IRS plan to use AI may affect wealthy taxpayersBlack taxpayers more likely to face audits, IRS confirms"It's part of this whole rebalancing," said Chuck Marr, vice president for federal tax policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Persons: Ron Wyden, Chuck Marr Organizations: IRS, Finance, Budget

☆ Here's what tax pros recommend after the IRS halts processing for small business tax credit
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Kevin Lamarque | ReutersAs the IRS pauses on processing new claims for a pandemic-era small business tax break, some filers are in limbo as the agency works on further guidance. The IRS on Thursday temporarily halted processing for amended payroll tax returns claiming the so-called employee retention tax credit, or ERC, which was enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic. More from Personal Finance:IRS halts processing of a small business tax breakDoes your business qualify for the employee retention credit? If you claimed the credit and are worried about eligibility, it's an excellent time to review your filing with a qualified tax professional, she said. My blanket advice is always to talk to a qualified tax professional who has filed [ERC claims] before.

Persons: Daniel Werfel, Kevin Lamarque, Danny Werfel, Jennifer Rohen, Craig Hausz, Hausz, There's Organizations: Reuters, IRS, ERC, Finance, CMH, CMH Advisors Locations: Worth, Dallas

☆ IRS halts processing of a small business tax break amid 'surge of questionable claims'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel on Thursday ordered the agency to immediately stop processing new claims for a pandemic-era small business tax break to protect filers from a "surge of questionable claims." The employee retention credit, or ERC, was created to support small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. "This great program to help small businesses has been overtaken by aggressive promoters," Werfel told reporters on a press call. More from Personal Finance:IRS weighs guidance for employee retention tax creditHow to know if your business qualifies for employee retention creditHouse lawmakers scrutinize pandemic-era small business tax breakThe processing pause on new ERC claims will be in effect through at least the end of 2023. Normal processing times for existing claims could stretch from the standard goal of 90 days to 180 days or longer.

Persons: Danny Werfel, Werfel Organizations: ERC, Finance

☆ IRS: Meet this Sept. 15 deadline to 'avoid a surprise at tax time'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Sept. 15 is fast approaching — and if you're not withholding taxes from your income, it's time to send a payment to the IRS. Many employers withhold taxes from every paycheck, but freelancers, self-employed workers, small business owners, investors and others pay on their own via quarterly estimated tax payments. Typically, you must make quarterly estimated payments if you're expecting an annual tax liability of $1,000 or more. Last week, the IRS reminded filers that these payments can help "avoid a surprise at tax time." It's important to calculate tax payments accurately, pay on time and to consider meeting the "safe harbor" rule to avoid underpayment penalties, Lovison said.

Persons: filers, homebuyers, Sean Lovison, Lovison Organizations: IRS, Finance, WJL Financial Locations: Philadelphia

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS announced on Friday it is launching an effort to aggressively pursue 1,600 millionaires and 75 large business partnerships that owe hundreds of millions of dollars in past due taxes. “If you pay your taxes on time it should be particularly frustrating when you see that wealthy filers are not,” Werfel told reporters in a call previewing the announcement. He said 1,600 millionaires who owe at least $250,000 each in back taxes and 75 large business partnerships that have assets of roughly $10 billion on average are targeted for the new “compliance efforts." Werfel said a massive hiring effort and AI research tools developed by IRS employees and contractors are playing a big role in identifying wealthy tax dodgers. House Republicans built a $1.4 billion reduction to the IRS into the debt ceiling and budget cuts package passed by Congress this summer.

Persons: Daniel Werfel, ” Werfel, Werfel, Joe Biden's, “, “ It’s, Biden Organizations: WASHINGTON, IRS, dodgers, Joe Biden's Democratic, Congress, House Republicans

☆ The IRS is going after 1,600 millionaires who owe hundreds of millions in overdue taxes, and it's using AI to catch them
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Fatima Hussein | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The IRS said it's going after 1,600 millionaires who owe hundreds of millions in overdue taxes. The agency said it will also be targeting 75 large business partnerships in the same situation. He said 1,600 millionaires who owe at least $250,000 each in back taxes and 75 large business partnerships that have assets of roughly $10 billion on average are targeted for the new "compliance efforts." AdvertisementAdvertisementIRS commissioner: 'We have more hiring to do'The newly announced tax collection effort will begin as soon as October. House Republicans built a $1.4 billion reduction to the IRS into the debt ceiling and budget cuts package passed by Congress this summer.

Persons: it's, Daniel Werfel, Werfel, Joe Biden's, Biden Organizations: IRS, Service, Wall, dodgers, Joe Biden's Democratic, Congress, House Republicans Locations: Wall, Silicon

The length of the waiting period between bankruptcy filings depends on what type of bankruptcy you previously filed and what type you intend to file now. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 10 years, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will fall off after seven years. Frequently asked questions — How often can you file for bankruptcyIs it bad to file for bankruptcy twice? What happens if you file for bankruptcy multiple times? If you file for bankruptcy multiple times successfully, you may have trouble getting a loan or credit card in the future.

Persons: Filers, you've, Adrienne Hines, Hines, Scott Glatstian, Rosenblum, it's, Lamine Zarrad, — Organizations: refiling, Wright Co, Rosenblum Law, United, Federal Trade Commission Locations: Kademenos, Chevron

B REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies BlackRock Inc FollowAug 23 (Reuters) - Top asset manager BlackRock on Wednesday reported a further decline in its support for shareholder resolutions on environmental and social themes, citing corporate progress on the areas and poor crafting of the measures by filers. In an annual stewardship report being released with the end of the 12-month corporate annual meeting cycle on June 30, New York-based BlackRock said it supported 7% of 399 shareholder proposals on environmental and social issues. In the newest report BlackRock said many of the measures called for changes that would not be helpful to companies in its funds. Data has previously shown investor support slipping for many resolutions, and as companies strike compromises with activists. BlackRock has been under fire from conservative U.S. politicians who say it has over-emphasized sustainability issues, citing past proxy votes.

Persons: Shannon Stapleton, BlackRock, Ross Kerber, Isla Binie, Simon Jessop, Sonali Paul Organizations: REUTERS, BlackRock, filers, Thomson Locations: BlackRock, New York, U.S, Boston, London

☆ Even millionaires are feeling financially insecure, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Earning a good salary is one thing, feeling "rich" is another. Some even said they feel poor, according to a recent survey conducted by Bloomberg. Of those making more than $175,000 a year, or roughly the top 10% of tax filers, one-quarter said they were either "very poor," "poor" or "getting by but things are tight." Despite their high net worth, less than half of all millionaires, or 44%, felt "very comfortable," a separate report by Edelman Financial Engines also found. In fact, only 12% of Americans — and just 29% of millionaires — consider themselves wealthy, the report said.

Persons: — Organizations: Bloomberg, Finance, Edelman Financial

☆ What Is a Roth IRA and How Does It Work?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Tanza Loudenback | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +13 min

How does a Roth IRA work? “A Roth IRA offers investors a lot of flexibility which, in my opinion, is its biggest benefit,” says Eric Presogna, a financial planner in Erie, Pa.How is a Roth IRA different from a traditional IRA and from a 401(k)? The annual limits apply to traditional and Roth IRAs, in aggregate—meaning you can’t add more than the allowed amount to your traditional and Roth IRAs combined. High-income workers can use the “backdoor Roth” strategy to get money into a Roth IRA. How to fund a Roth IRAA Roth IRA typically needs to be funded before you can start choosing investments.

Persons: Roth, “ Roth, ”, David Edmisten, Internal Revenue Service doesn’t, you’re, Roth IRAs, we’ll, “, Eric Presogna, Nick Cantrell, don’t, posttax Roth, Cantrell, Zach Teutsch, brokerages, IRA —, ” Teutsch Organizations: IRA, Internal Revenue Service, Roth IRA, Washington , D.C, Fidelity, Vanguard, IRS, Financial Locations: Prescott, Ariz, Erie, Pa, Massachusetts, Washington ,

dowell | Moment | Getty ImagesIf you're sitting on profitable assets, there's a lesser-known tax-gain harvesting strategy, which can help rebalance your portfolio or trim future taxes. While tax-loss harvesting can be popular during a stock market downturn, tax-gain harvesting — or strategically selling appreciated brokerage account assets — can also be beneficial, depending on your financial goals, experts say. One of the key opportunities for tax-gain harvesting is for investors who fall into the 0% capital gains bracket, which applies to long-term capital gains, or assets owned for more than one year. The 0% bracket allows you to sell a certain amount of profitable assets without triggering capital gains taxes, which provides a chance to take the proceeds or rebalance your portfolio, according to Brown. While the so-called wash sale rule blocks investors from claiming a tax benefit after selling a losing asset and repurchasing within 30 days, the law doesn't apply when harvesting gains, Collado said.

Persons: dowell, Judy Brown, Brown, Marianela Collado, Collado Organizations: SC, H, D.C, Financial, CPA Locations: Washington, Baltimore, Plantation , Florida

☆ Democrats are increasingly optimistic about the IRS' plan to offer free tax prep software and break TurboTax and H&R Block's stranglehold
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A small part of the Inflation Reduction Act instructed the IRS to look into developing a free tax filing program. According to a Bloomberg Second Measure report, TurboTax is by far the most popular tax filing service with a 73 percent market share in May 2021. "The Free File program, which was created in partnership with tax preparation companies, clearly has not been successful in over two decades." Intuit, which makes TurboTax, and H&R Block both pulled out of the Free File Alliance during the pandemic. "Americans will be powerless when the IRS completely controls the tax filing process from start to finish."

Persons: It's, Joe Biden, Don Beyer, Beyer, Katie Porter, it's, Porter, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Jason Smith Organizations: IRS, Service, Privacy, Democratic, Internal, Bloomberg, Coalition For Free, Rep, Alliance, Intuit, Office, Republican, Biden Administration Locations: Wall, Silicon, California

☆ 40% of millennials and Gen Zers think marriage is outdated—but 'it's important to be realistic' about the financial benefits, says CFP
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

After all, 85% of respondents in the same survey say you don't need marriage to have a fulfilled and committed relationship. "Marriage brings about 1,200 rules, tweaks and changes to how people are treated compared to unmarried people," he says. Getting married comes with tax benefits that unmarried couples don't enjoy. In the case of death or incapacitation, unmarried couples (especially those in the LGBTQ community) could have the legitimacy of their relationship questioned by family members. CHECK OUT: The ‘most successful’ relationships follow these 8 rules, say psychology experts who studied couples for 50 years

Persons: Frank Summers, Gen Zers, Summers, you'll, Couples, Kendall Meade, haven't, you've, you'd, Warren Buffett Organizations: Cetera Advisors, Psychology, SoFi, Social Security

☆ Mega Millions jackpot hits $1.05 billion. Here's the possible tax bill for the winner
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Mega Millions jackpot soared to $1.05 billion on July 31, 2023. Shannon Stapleton | ReutersThe Mega Millions jackpot has soared to more than $1 billion for the fifth time in the game's history. Currently, the 30-year annuitized payout is worth $1.05 billion, Mega Millions' fourth-largest prize to date. The chance of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is roughly 1 in 302 million. watch nowHow federal tax brackets workThe Mega Millions jackpot easily pushes the winner into the top federal income tax bracket, which is currently 37%.

Persons: Shannon Stapleton, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Lucas, that's Organizations: Mega Locations: Orlando , Florida

☆ Mega Millions jackpot hits $940 million. If you win, here's the tax bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Mega Millions jackpot grew to $940 million on July 27, 2023. OLIVIER DOULIERY | GettyThe Mega Millions jackpot has ballooned to an estimated $940 million ahead of Friday's high-stakes drawing at 11:00 p.m. The chance of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is roughly 1 in 302 million. About $113.4 million immediately goes to the IRSBefore collecting a dollar of the Mega Millions jackpot, there's a 24% federal withholding. watch nowHow to calculate federal taxesThe multimillion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot bumps the winner into the top federal income tax bracket, which is currently 37%.

Persons: OLIVIER DOULIERY, John Loyd, Loyd Organizations: IRS, Mega Locations: Fort Worth , Texas

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