President Biden has confirmed via executive order (EO) that 2023 General Schedule (GS) pay scales will rise by an average of 4.6%. This is the highest increase in nearly two decades. For the locality of " LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH, CA" (LA area) the latest GS pay scale table is shown below,…
Most GS employees' compensation is made up of base pay and locality pay, covering 55 geographic areas, which are based on surveys of pay levels for non-federal workers in a specific geographic area. This is to account for the different cost of living standards in different areas of the country.…
For the locality of "WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE-ARLINGTON - (DC, MD,VA, WV, PA)," (DMV area) the latest GS pay scale table is shown below, which incorporates the 4.7% GS base pay increase and locality payment adjustment of 16.82%. This brings the total 2024 pay increase for this geography to 4.99%. GradeStep 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Step 9Step 10125684265462739928251291022960130447312983133232128228880295673052431332316863261833551344833541536347331512325623361334663357133676337813388643991440964435373365523773138909400884126742445436244480345982539576408954221443533448524617147490488095012751446644117455884705948529500005147152942544125588357354749025506595229353928555625719658831604656209963733854292561025791159721615306334065149669596876870578959966619656396465962679616996071959739587595677955106603668237704387263974840770407924181442836438584411725537497277390798088222684644870628948191899943171286962898609275995657985551014531043521072501101481130471310340910685611030411375111719812064612409312754113098813443514122198126272130345134419138492142566146639150713154787158860151437361485271533181581091629001676901724811772721820631868542024 WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE-ARLINGTON -…
Summer EBT — also called SUN Bucks — is now a permanent federal program that puts grocery money on a card for kids during summer break, when school meals aren't available. It's in its third year in 2026, and the benefit amount and list of participating states have both changed…
For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026), H&R Block is the strongest mid-market alternative to TurboTax — meaningfully cheaper across every tier, with a comparable guided interview experience and one thing TurboTax cannot offer: the option to walk into a physical office if you want a human to take over.…
It’s always a good habit to do some tax-loss harvesting (TLH) before year end, especially in years when the stock market is down significantly. This is primarily because you can use investment (capital) losses to offset any capital gains of similar assets; and also use the $3,000 income offset provision…
TurboTax is still the most widely used tax software in the country. For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026), it has made some real changes worth knowing before you pay — or decide to go elsewhere. The product lineup has been simplified, there are new deductions under the One Big…
Here are some useful articles and videos around the 2023-2024 Tax Season Calendar and corresponding estimated IRS Refund schedule The 2024 tax calendar and when taxpayers can file their federal and state tax returns (or request an extension) IRS Refund Schedule - When you can expect your refund to be…
As you approach middle-age in your 30s and 40s, here are ten money tips to keep your financial house in order. Think of it like your financial checklist and if you are doing most of these, you should be in good shape as you head towards retirement Start saving for…
Like many other tax credits, the child and dependent care tax credit (CDCTC) saw a significant reduction after a pandemic induced legislative expansion. The CDCTC has now returned to a maximum credit amount of $2,100 instead of the pandemic expanded $8,000. Income thresholds and the percentage of child care expenses…
[2023 Tax Season Update] The IRS has announced that they will be delaying the introduction of the new $600 reporting threshold for 1099-K forms. This was to be introduced this tax season. This means the existing $20,000 and 200 transactions thresholds will remain in place through the current tax season…
With rising prices and variable weather conditions, many households continue to struggle when it comes to paying for home energy costs. Fortunately, for those on the lower end of the income scale, there are several federally-funded state assistance programs. Many may not be aware of these programs and so don't…
After submitting your tax return, you may see a message referencing code 1242 and Tax Topic 151 when you check your IRS refund status. Naturally, this can cause stress and worry about what happens next. Here's what it means, next steps, and the expected timeline. Get the latest money, tax…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally receives over 150 million individual returns over the tax season with more than 95% of those returns filed electronically and over 80% of those returns resulting in refunds. Over the last few years, thanks to plenty of pandemic related stimulus payments and funding for…
