Category: Taxes and Retirement

As has been widely reported, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the broader agenda of President Trump’s administration, has introduced a buy-out package aimed at reducing the federal workforce. The scale and speed of this “deferred resignation” offer has sparked significant debate across impacted groups, the media and…

So, you’re fortunate enough to receive—or anticipate—a tax refund. That’s great news! However, before treating it like a year-end bonus or extra spending cash, it’s important to recognize that most of it is simply money you’ve already earned. While a portion of your refund may come from tax credits or…

If you've ever tried to call the IRS for help with your tax refund or processing status, you know how challenging it can be to get a live agent on the line. Unfortunately, that struggle is expected to intensify this year due to the federal hiring freeze mandated under the…

If you rely on federal benefit programs, student aid, or small business grants, you may have been caught off guard by the recent turmoil surrounding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum to freeze federal spending (see below). While the freeze has now been temporarily rescinded, the situation raises…

The Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 brings a 2.5% increase, averaging just $50 more per month for most retirees. While any increase is better than none, many recipients and experts argue that this modest adjustment is inadequate given today’s economic challenges. Let’s delve into why the 2025 COLA…

The chart below shows the expected or likely date for when you could see your federal refund payment from the IRS. Note: The estimated IRS refund payment dates in the chart below should not be construed as official IRS payment dates. To get the exact date of your refund payment check the…

Tax filers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) who file early in January or February may face unexpected delays or holds on their refunds due to the PATH Act 2025 PATH refunds now being processed The good news is that PATH held refunds…

The House Budget Committee recently unveiled a comprehensive proposal featuring 45 potential changes to the nation’s tax laws in line with President Trumps campaign proposals. These proposed reforms aim to address a wide range of fiscal priorities, from reducing the federal deficit to incentivizing economic growth and ensuring equitable tax…

Its a new year and new administration. So let’s talk taxes—everyone’s favorite topic, right? 😉 As we dive into 2025, there’s a lot of chatter about what Trump’s next term could mean for our wallets. Whether you’re all about maximizing your tax refund or just trying to figure out how…

The tax season heat is on, and good news! The IRS is releasing refunds sooner than expected for many filers. Want to know exactly when your money is arriving? Then see the table below and what is being reported online. While refunds held by the PATH freeze are now being…

Several tax filers are seeing a message on the WMR and IRS2Go refund status tracker tool that confirms their return was received, but a letter has been sent to them by the IRS requesting more information. An example of the message looks like this: Should I Worry if I Get…

With tax season well underway millions of Americans are filing their returns, with many expecting a juicy refund. Last year the average refund was over $3,100 but is expected to be lower this year with fewer tax credits and stimulus payments available to most. If you are waiting for your…

Tax season brings questions, anxieties, and a constant vigil over tax transcripts and the IRS' Where's My Refund (WMR) tool. However its important to realize that your tax transcript and the WMR or IRS2Go mobile app for checking you refund status are two different applications. But they are interlinked when…