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The IRS pilots its free tax-filing program

The new program, called Direct File, has been rolled out in a dozen states. But how does it stack up to private tax-filing software?
“I give it a solid B,” says Dylan Matthews of Vox about the IRS' free filing software.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Vacant office buildings create a tax revenue problem for cities

Feb 16, 2024
Take Boston. Over the next five years, that city could face a tax revenue shortfall to the tune of $1.2 to $1.5 billion, according to a new study from the Boston Policy Institute.
Over the next five years, Boston could face a tax revenue shortfall of up to $1.5 billion.
Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

If your student loans were forgiven last year, what does that mean for your tax bill?

Feb 15, 2024
Due to a temporary change in the law, student loan forgiveness is not considered federally taxable income. State tax laws vary, though.
Anyone who received forgiveness in 2023 or gets it in the next two years doesn’t have to worry about federal taxes.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The 2024 tax bracket changes and what they mean

Jan 15, 2024
To keep up with inflation, tax brackets are adjusted every year using a measure calculated by the IRS. What adjustments were made this year?
Inflation adjustments on our tax brackets haven't always been calculated in the way they are today. "In 2017, Congress switched to the slower method of inflation adjustments," said Wall Street Journal reporter Ashlea Ebeling. "And that just means that the brackets aren't going up as much as they used to."
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The IRS is trying a free online tax-filing system that cuts out vendors

Jan 2, 2024
The Treasury Department found that that third-party vendors were directing users to paid products.
Advocates protest tax preparation companies that direct users to paid products instead of free tax-filing services. Now, 12 states will test the IRS' own free filing service.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project

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What should Ireland do with its budget surplus?

Oct 9, 2023
Ireland has a budget surplus of $10.9 billion, which has been driven by soaring corporate tax revenue from tech and pharmaceutical companies.
Above, a boarded-up property is pictured in Dublin. Some Irish residents see housing as a key area where a surplus in tax revenue could be put to use.
Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

As gas taxes dwindle, states seek ways to charge EVs

Sep 12, 2023
With electric vehicles becoming more common, some states, like Texas, are levying flat fees to make up the shortfall.
Some road maintenance is funded by gasoline tax revenue, so the increasing popularity of  electric vehicles may require new ways to bring in cash.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Why do some states still have a grocery tax?

Sep 6, 2023
The poorest Americans spend the largest share of their paychecks on food at home.
Across the U.S., state grocery taxes can range from less than 1% to 7% on non-prepared foods.
Elijah Nouvelage