Category: Government Rebates and Payments

[December 2022 update] Despite attempts by Democrats to restore the CTC to expanded pandemic levels, it is unlikely a funding bill will be passed before the end of the year. As a result the CTC will return to pre-pandemic levels and can only be claimed via your tax return filing.…

Many of the states that ended federally funded unemployment benefits early (see full list) are now facing several legal challenges (lawsuits) that has meant a reconsideration of the early termination and in some cases a continuation of benefits past the state Governor's prescribed early end date. The general argument's being…

Despite a lowering of child and dependent care tax credits, many families will continue to get these valuable payments when filing a tax return in 2022 and 2023. But if you don't need the money or bonus refund payment to meet the most basic of needs like food and clothing,…

Following the wide spread availability of vaccines and rapid rollback of COVID related restrictions and regulations around travel, millions of Americans are breaking their virtual shackles and overcoming a major case of cabin fever by going on much needed vacations. With pandemic related fears in the rear view mirror (domestically…

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was put in place primarily for those out-of-work Americans who are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits and are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes independent contractors,…

As I update this article, it seems most major Cryptocurrencies are oscillating on a seemingly daily basis by several percentage amounts following news of regulatory crackdowns, exchange collapses (FTX anyone?), broad market corrections or due to everchanging sentiments on social media. Further with more digital "coins" and decentralized finance platforms…

According to the IRS calling them won’t expedite your tax refund payment delays. This is apparently because the information available to IRS call center representatives is the same as that available on their WMR (Where’s My Refund) tool. But l beg to differ. There is always value in talking to…

This article was inspired by a few of my older family members who have had a discussion that generally goes like this: "Andy, I am hearing that Bitcoin and Dogecoin [or insert any Crypto currently in vogue] are the place to invest and have been doubling almost weekly. Is this…

With a slowing economy, persistent inflation, higher than expected tax revenue and massive inflows ($350 billion) from the Biden ARPA stimulus bill, many states are forging ahead with implementing additional COVID relief and economic assistance programs for lower-to-middle income and unemployed workers. Various state funded assistance ranges from direct stimulus…

This is a scary outcome for unemployed workers currently getting the extra $300 weekly unemployment payment (FPUC program) in addition to the federally funded unemployment benefits under the PUA, PEUC or EB programs. At this stage a majority of states are ending benefits early, with more to follow in the…

President Biden has released his next major spending plan, dubbed the American Jobs Plan (AJP), which includes trillions of additional dollars in spending on infrastructure, job creation initiatives and support for middle class families and lower income earners. However to pay for the massive spending proposals the administration has proposed…

Despite the end of enhanced unemployment extension programs (PUA, PEUC, $100 MEUC and $300 FPUC), many people are reporting issues with getting their past or overdue claims processed, and as a result facing long delays in receiving their payments. See the sections below for the main reasons why and where…

With no further federal funding, several popular family and dependent tax credits that were expanded during the pandemic (see details in earlier updated below) have returned to pre-pandemic levels. This means many families and individuals will see a smaller refund, all else being equal, in the year ahead when filing…