Category: Taxes and Retirement

This article provides updates on past, current and proposed stimulus check programs. While multiple rounds of payments have been made over the last few years, including those claimed via tax returns, many are asking if the Trump administration will make another round of federal payments to help folks cope with…

The higher average refund amount in 2023 is driven by those expecting a refund filing as soon as they could. While those who owed taxes or were not expecting a refund will wait right up to the tax deadline this year to file their return and pay any taxes owed.…

Under the now approved $1.9 Trillion Biden Stimulus Package, or American Rescue Plan (ARP), there are provisions included for another round of stimulus checks. The amount being paid for this third round of stimulus “checks” is $1400 for each adult and qualifying dependent, Non-filers, or those who have not filed a recent tax…

Many self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers who had been made eligible for unemployment insurance benefits under Enhanced Unemployment provisions within the CARES act are still unable to successfully file claims several weeks after the law was passed due to delays in states processing unemployment claims and completing income verification…

There has been a lot of debate over the last few months on if another stimulus check payment will be made in 2022 or even in 2023 as the economy worsens and inflation takes a heavy toll on household budgets. You can see this article for a more detailed discussion, funding for…

Update July 2021 - The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims changed trend and increased for first time in several months, but layoffs are easing amid a reopening economy and a shortage of people willing to work. With unemployment benefits ending early in many states it is expected that…

This article and sections below provide information on ongoing IRS refund processing, payments for past stimulus checks/tax credits and other tax related information. The 2024 tax season is now underway (see key dates) with the IRS expected to start processing 2023 returns from January 29th. With the increased investment (via…

With ongoing political debates and budget decisions, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the latest developments that could affect you or your family. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s updates, the risks of cuts, and how to apply. Will SNAP Benefits Be Cut…

Under the recently enacted CARES act that is providing $2 trillion in federal bailout funding financial institutions like mortgage companies, banks and online lenders now have to allow people who have lost their job or seen a significant reduction in income to make reduced payments or to skip payments (for…

Under President Biden’s $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, enacted as the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), enhanced unemployment benefits have been extended until September 6th, 2021. This includes further extensions to the PUA program, PEUC program, $300 weekly payment under the FPUC program and $100 Mixed Earners (MEUC) program. The ARPA also contained provisions for Unemployment tax…

[2023 Update] The SECURE 2.0 Act is a new law that aims to strengthen the nation's retirement system. Some of the key changes brought about by the Act include increasing the age at which required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken from retirement accounts to 73 starting in 2023 and…

Many unemployed Americans are now seeing unemployment stimulus checks coming through on a more regular basis, despite the widespread claim processing and payment issues. Large states like California, Texas, Florida and New York are leading the way with payments being caught up for past weeks where recipients were eligible. Further,…

The title of this post reflects some of the main questions I see across various traditional and social media channels with the Coronavirus Pandemic in full flight. Here are some answers to these including support programs in place Is unemployment expanding? The short answer is Yes. Federal and state governments…