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☆ US IRS to allow full digital document submissions for 2024 tax season
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( David Lawder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Aug 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. Internal Revenue Service plans to allow taxpayers to submit all documents and correspondence to the agency digitally for the 2024 tax filing season and will convert all paper tax returns to digital documents by the 2025 season, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday. The initiative, part of a decade-long, $60 billion program to modernize systems and improve tax enforcement, will allow taxpayers to digitally submit all correspondence, non-tax forms and responses to IRS notices, the Treasury said. Most U.S. tax returns are already filed digitally, which results in faster refunds. But the COVID-19 pandemic and associated filing delays and staffing shortages saddled the IRS with a massive backlog of 22.5 million unprocessed paper tax returns by February 2022 that needed some form of manual processing. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in excerpts of remarks at an IRS facility in McLean, Virginia, that taxpayers will always have the choice to submit documents by paper.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Yellen, David Lawder, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: Internal Revenue Service, Treasury, U.S, IRS, Congress, Thomson Locations: McLean , Virginia

☆ New IRS paperless system will help reduce deficit significantly over 10 years, Yellen says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Chelsey Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen praised a new initiative by the IRS that she said will help reduce the federal deficit by $2.6 trillion over the next 10 years — an extension of the Biden administration's pledged $1 trillion in deficit reduction from the Inflation Reduction Act. The initiative is a "key" to unlocking other system improvements, said Yellen, including error reductions in tax processing and secure data access for taxpayers. "I urge Congress to provide stable and sufficient annual appropriations for the IRS in order to sustain and build on this progress," Yellen said. The agency has already recovered roughly $38 million from about 175 delinquent tax cases for millionaires, said Yellen. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to say that the IRS paperless system will help with the Biden administration's effort to cut into the federal deficit by $2.6 trillion over the next 10 years.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Johns, Biden administration's, Yellen, Biden Organizations: Johns Hopkins University’s School, International, WASHINGTON —, IRS, Biden Locations: Washington , DC

☆ IRS unveils 'paperless processing initiative' for taxpayers. Here’s what to expect
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS has unveiled plans to offer digital correspondence for the 2024 tax season, building on the agency's decade-long overhaul of improved service, technology and compliance. By 2025, the agency aims to achieve "paperless processing" for tax returns and so-called information returns, used by employers and financial institutions. The IRS expects to eliminate up to 200 million pieces of paper every year, slash processing times by half and speed up refunds by several weeks, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Wednesday. "This paperless processing initiative is the key that unlocks other customer service improvements," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a speech on Wednesday. "It will enable taxpayers to see their documents, securely access their data and save time and money."

Persons: A.I, Janet Yellen Organizations: IRS, U.S . Department of, Treasury, Finance, Ivy League, Social

☆ IRS says it will deliver faster refunds to millions of taxpayers in coming years. Here’s how.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The two-pronged effort, dubbed the “Paperless Processing Initiative,” aims to cut down on the millions of paper documents the IRS receives annually. Although the vast majority of taxpayers file their returns electronically, millions still send in paper returns. By next year’s filing season, taxpayers will be able to digitally file all correspondence, non-tax forms and responses to notices. This will enable up to 125 million paper documents to be sent in online every year, the agency said. Those who prefer to mail in paper returns and correspondence will continue to be able to do so.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Daniel Werfel, ” Werfel Organizations: New, New York CNN, Internal Revenue Service, IRS, Service, House Republicans Locations: New York

☆ Little more than 1/4 of Republican voters have high confidence votes will be counted accurately in 2024: poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Only 22% of Republican voters have high confidence that votes will be counted accurately in 2024. In comparison, 71% of Democrats have high confidence. An AP/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found just barely over 1 out of 4 Republican voters (22%) have high confidence that votes in the 2024 election will be counted accurately. In comparison, 32% of Republicans were highly confident votes would be counted accurately ahead of the 2016 election. The poll further found that less than half of Americans (44%) have "a great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence that votes will be counted accurately in 2024.

Persons: Trump, Donald Trump Organizations: Republican, Service, NORC, for Public Affairs Research, Associated Press, Brennan Center for Justice Locations: Wall, Silicon

LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) - As Thames Water's financial troubles raise questions about such investments, Britain will next week try to persuade pension schemes to plough billions of pounds into infrastructure and start-ups in its next leg of post-Brexit reforms. British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt will on Monday set out the government's latest thinking on getting cash locked up in pension pots to work in the economy. The Conservative government's long-trailed policy focuses on persuading pension schemes to invest a portion of their money in infrastructure, start-ups and 'green' technology. But the problems at Thames Water, which is battling for survival under 14 billion pounds ($18 billion) of debt, would leave some pension schemes that had made large investments in it embarrassed, said independent pensions consultant John Ralfe. The finance ministry had no immediate comment on Hunt's speech, but the pensions industry has already said it opposes mandatory investment quotas.

Persons: Jeremy Hunt, Hunt, John Ralfe, Ralfe, Nobody, Huw Jones, Alexander Smith Organizations: Thames, British, Conservative, Amsterdam, London, EU, Thomson Locations: Britain, London's, New York, London

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students Review: Is It the Best Card for You? If your credit falls short, consider other options like a secured credit card or a starter credit card that gives you a better shot at approval. Bank of America Unlimited Cash for Students RewardsMany student and no-annual-fee credit cards don't come with a sign-up bonus and don't earn rewards for ongoing spending, but the Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students offers both. Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students Benefits and FeaturesLike most student credit cards, the Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students doesn't come with high-value benefits like travel insurance or airport lounge access. Methodology: How We Reviewed the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards for StudentsWe compared the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students to similar student and 0% APR credit cards from Bank of America and other card issuers, and evaluated several factors, including:Rewards earning potential — Does the card earn rewards at competitive rates?

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The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students' introductory 0% APR period is excellent for a card that also earns rewards. Bank of America Travel Credit Card for Students RewardsYou won't always earn a welcome bonus or rewards for ongoing spending on student and no-annual-fee credit cards, but the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students offers both. How to earn rewardsThe Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has a simple, consistent rewards structure. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightBank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students Annual Fee and Other CostsWith no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is suitable for budget travelers. Methodology: How We Reviewed the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for StudentsWe compared the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students to similar student and 0% APR credit cards from Bank of America and other card issuers, and evaluated several factors, including:Rewards earning potential — Does the card earn rewards at competitive rates?

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Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students Review: Is It the Best Credit Card for You? If your credit falls short, consider other options like a secured credit card or a starter credit card that gives you a better shot at approval. Bank of America Customized Cash for Students RewardsStudent and no-fee credit cards don't always come with welcome bonuses or earn rewards for ongoing spending, but the Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students offers both. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for Students Benefits and FeaturesThe Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students doesn't come with luxury benefits like airline and hotel status or expedited airport security. Methodology: How We Reviewed the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards for StudentsWe compared the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students to similar student and 0% APR credit cards from Bank of America and other card issuers, and evaluated several factors, including:Rewards earning potential — Does the card earn rewards at competitive rates?

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☆ Strikes, Delays and Lost Luggage: How to Survive Air Travel This Summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Elaine Glusac | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +27 min

Illustration by Yukai Du Strikes, Delays and Lost Luggage: How to Survive Air Travel This Summer With the travel season in full swing, we compiled a guide to help you navigate the year’s most hectic time in the skies. If you don’t care which beach, shop around.” If you haven’t booked summer flights, do it now. For one, avoiding the airports with the highest levels of delays and cancellations last summer may be a good idea. They’re also getting longer inside airport lounges, longtime havens from the masses clogging the terminals at peak times. Standard membership in Priority Pass, a network of 1,300 airport lounges, starts at $99 a year, with each visit costing $35 at that level.

Persons: Yukai Du, we’ve, haven’t, Hopper, What’s, ”, Laura Lindsay, Ted Rossman, Priceline, Mr, Rossman, Charlotte Douglas, Toronto Pearson, it’s, “, Carter Langston, Rhonda Lawson, C.B.P, you’ve, you’re, You’ll, Lawson, Emmanuel Macron, Tomasz Pawliszyn, Jamie Larounis, Larounis, they’re, SITA —, They’re, Eric Goldmann of Atlanta Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Google, Miami, JetBlue, Heathrow Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, Gatwick, Air Canada, Labor, Newark Liberty International, La Guardia Airport, Kennedy Airport, Reagan, Miami International, Orlando International, Boston Logan International, Charlotte Douglas International, Toronto Pearson, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington , D.C, Customs, Western, Gulf, Phoenix, Transportation Security Administration, Global, Border Protection, Clear, PreCheck, Heathrow, Air, SNCF, U.S . State Department, Smart, Union, Travelers, New Tech, Airlines, Lufthansa, Siemens, Alaska Airlines, KLM, U.S . Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Apple, The Department of Transportation, American, Venture, Dallas Fort Worth International, JPMorgan Chase, Club, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Americas Locations: Europe, United States, Asia, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Fla, Miami, London, Amsterdam, U.S, La, New York, Washington, Charlotte, N.C, Newark, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, Jakarta, Frankfurt, Munich, Heathrow, Washington ,, States, Denver, Seattle, Reno, Nev, Gulf Coast, Atlantic, Houston , New Orleans, Atlanta, Luton, T.S.A, ’, noncitizens, France, Britain, Italy, Germany, Berlin, Dutch, Swiss, Delta, United, Hong Kong, Dallas, Boston, North, Central, South America, Dallas , Newark

☆ New data shows car thefts are on the rise — here's how auto insurance can help
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The NICB recommends drivers check to make sure their car insurance policy is up to date, but don't assume that your policy will cover your stolen car. You'll need comprehensive coverage to cover theftWith the exception of New Hampshire and Virginia, every state requires you to have a car insurance policy to drive. One of CNBC Select's top picks, Farmers Insurance, makes coverage cheaper with 22 discounts on car insurance. Take steps to prevent auto theftEven if you do have comprehensive coverage, having your car stolen isn't ideal. While you can take steps to prevent car theft, you'll need to have comprehensive coverage if you want theft to be covered.

Life insurance is more diverse than ever, with some companies offering a full range of life insurance products. Haven Life focuses on term life insurance policies for buyers who want quick approval. Life Insurance Plans from Haven LifeHaven Life's website offers a library on the benefits of term life insurance. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightHaven Life focuses on quick and easy term life insurance policies. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightMutual of Omaha and Haven Life offer affordable term life insurance policies with high limits for qualified buyers.

In this article LUV Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTGenaro Molina | Los Angeles Times | Getty ImagesWill the majority of travelers forgive Southwest Airlines and start buying tickets on the major U.S. air carrier again? Southwest Airlines accepted the blame for its technological meltdown during the holidays, and it has committed over $1 billion to fixing it. He pointed to $29 fare sales, "something I haven't seen Southwest offer in a long time," he said. The Southwest spokeswoman said the airline has a long history of innovation and pioneering technology in the airline industry. BALTIMORE, MD - DEC 27: Hundreds of passengers wait in line to handle their baggage claim issues with Southwest Airlines at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Baltimore, Maryland on December 27, 2022.

Review: Is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card the Best Credit Card for You? You'll also want to compare the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card to other secured credit cards, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card and Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Insider's Featured Secured Credit Cards Discover it® Secured Credit CardCapital One Platinum Secured Credit CardCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Compare Bank of America Customized Cash Secured vs Other Bank of America Secured Credit CardsBank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card Annual fee $0 $0 $0 Minimum security deposit $200 $200 $200 Rewards rate 3% cash back* in one category you choose each calendar month*** 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs* 1% cash back on all other purchases 1.5% cash back on all purchases N/A Card benefits Refundable security deposit Refundable security deposit Refundable security deposit*On the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, earn 3% and 2% cash back on up to the first $2,500 spent in these categories combined each quarter, then 1% cash back***Eligible Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card 3% categories are gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishingsBank of America Customized Cash Secured vs Secured Credit Cards From Other BanksBank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Discover it® Secured Credit Card Annual fee $0 $0 $0 Minimum security deposit $200 $200 $200 Rewards rate 3% cash back* in one category you choose each calendar month*** 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs* 1% cash back on all other purchases 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%) 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit Card benefits Refundable security deposit No foreign transaction fees Automatic consideration for credit line increases Refundable security deposit No foreign transaction fees Automatic consideration for credit line increases Refundable security deposit Review Capital One Quicksilver Secured card review Discover it Secured card reviewBank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What credit score do I need to be approved for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured card? You don't need a good credit score to qualify for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card.

Add to that mix the classic 60/40 portfolio model — a standard investing benchmark — that helps investors achieve that last point. Below, CNBC Select spoke to two financial professionals about how novices can put a 60/40 portfolio strategy in action. Once you're ready to invest, here are four simple ways to start putting money into a 60/40 portfolio. Vanguard Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Wealthfront Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.

To combat the issue of employees forgetting their old 401(k) accounts, Capitalize finds your old account(s) and coordinates the IRA rollover for you. If you indicate that you don't already have an IRA, Capitalize will walk you through opening one. While Capitalize can help you roll your old 401(k)s into a new IRA or an existing IRA, the platform can't help you roll your old account into your current employer's 401(k) account. Bottom lineOverall, Capitalize provides an accessible way for finding old 401(k) accounts and rolling them into an IRA. The platform's features account for some common hang-ups when it comes to 401(k) management, such as not knowing who holds their old 401(k) account or not having an IRA account to serve as a destination for the old 401(k) account's funds.

☆ Breakingviews: FTX sins don’t absolve its big-money enablers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Lauren Silva Laughlin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

NEW YORK, Dec 13 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission wants everyone to know that Sam Bankman-Fried was a bad actor. The financial watchdog and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on Tuesday alleged that the founder of bankrupt currency exchange FTX committed fraud, while federal prosecutors made a criminal case. The U.S. government, meanwhile, has accused Bankman-Fried of eight criminal violations, ranging from wire fraud to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Follow @thereallsl on TwitterloadingCONTEXT NEWSU.S. federal prosecutors filed a criminal lawsuit against Sam Bankman-Fried, alleging he committed fraud and violated campaign finance laws. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission also alleged Bankman-Fried committed fraud in complaints filed on Dec. 13.

☆ FTX sins don’t absolve its big-money enablers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Lauren Silva Laughlin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

NEW YORK, Dec 13 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission wants everyone to know that Sam Bankman-Fried was a bad actor. The financial watchdog and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on Tuesday alleged that the founder of bankrupt currency exchange FTX committed fraud, while federal prosecutors made a criminal case. The CFTC focused on customers, whose money it says FTX sent to Bankman-Fried’s hedge fund Alameda Research, which allegedly used it for venture investments and loans to FTX executives. loadingCONTEXT NEWSU.S. federal prosecutors filed a criminal lawsuit against Sam Bankman-Fried, alleging he committed fraud and violated campaign finance laws. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission also alleged Bankman-Fried committed fraud in complaints filed on Dec. 13.

Below, Select shares insight on what you should consider to stay on track with your retirement savings as we close out 2022. So it's important to consider this carefully so you can avoid outliving your retirement savings — or even over-sacrificing when you're younger. Or perhaps you actually don't need to be as aggressive in your retirement savings next year. Wealthfront Learn More On Wealthfront's secure site Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Betterment Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.

We're here to clear up common misconceptions and help consumers find the best no medical exam life insurance options. Accelerated underwriting life insuranceAccelerated underwriting may seem like a given with no medical exam life insurance. Because of public records information, the pricing on this type of no medical exam life insurance is most likely comparable to standard life policies. Whether due to age, prescription history, or other medical history, buyers should have life insurance alternatives involving a medical exam. How to pick the best life insurance policy for youParticularly when choosing life insurance, customization is critical.

We're here to clear up common misconceptions and help consumers find the best no medical exam life insurance options. May offer coverage to military members other companies won't cover Check mark icon A check mark. Because of public records information, the pricing on this type of no medical exam life insurance is most likely comparable to standard life policies. Whether due to age, prescription history, or other medical history, buyers should have life insurance alternatives involving a medical exam. How to pick the best life insurance policy for youParticularly when choosing life insurance, customization is critical.

☆ Scoop: Andreessen Horowitz beats out Benchmark and NEA to lead Series A funding round for Partiful, the 'Eventbrite for Gen Z'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Ben Bergman | Melia Russell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Andreessen Horowitz beat out other firms to lead Partiful's series A round, according to sources. Neither the cofounders of Partiful nor Andreessen Horowitz responded to a request for comment. After an intense bidding war, Andreessen Horowitz beat out rival VC firms, including Benchmark and New Enterprise Associates, to lead Partiful's series A funding round, according to three people with knowledge of the financing who were not authorized to speak publicly. Andreessen Horowitz also did not respond to a request for comment. Venture investors, eager to find the next buzzy consumer app, have marveled at Partiful's growth.

☆ Explainer: U.S. midterm elections: How America casts and counts its votes
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Matt Zdun | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

For the next decade, about a third of all votes were cast on direct recording electronic machines. These electronic voting machines store the votes in their memory. This shift reflected election officials’ growing concerns about foreign interference in elections and the need to have some way to audit tallies. To be sure, machines are still integral to the election process even when votes are cast on paper ballots. Because there were paper ballots, however, election officials in Georgia were able to hand-count the votes and confirm Biden had indeed won the state.

How you can start buying stocks today401(k) or IRA A common method for everyday investors to put aside their money is by using either a 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA). Fidelity Investments Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Vanguard Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. For example, Betterment doesn't require clients to maintain a minimum investment account balance, but there is a ACH deposit minimum of $10. Wealthfront Learn More On Wealthfront's secure site Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.

Compared to actively managed funds, target-date funds also have lower management costs, better known as expense ratios. Cons of target-date fundsOn the flip side, target-date funds come with some cons as well, one being that they are modeled assuming a one-size-fits-all approach. Vanguard Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Betterment Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Wealthfront Learn More On Wealthfront's secure site Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.

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