Taxes

Today’s column addresses questions about how Social Security survivor’s benefits are calculated if the record holder dies before filing for their retirement benefit, eligibility for benefits on the record of a first spouse after remarriage and taking spousal benefits before full retirement age. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the
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Today’s column addresses questions about whether it’s possible to opt out of contributing to Social Security, Social Security benefits for veterans and filing options when an older spouse dies before the younger spouse reaches full retirement age (FRA). Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and president of Economic
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As the nation struggles with slowing vaccinations, confusing mask guidance, and the long-term economic implications of Covid-19, the future of cities’ central business districts (CBDs) remains unclear.  Will they return to normal, with office workers going back in larger numbers?  Or has there been a permanent change in office work that will require permanent changes in how
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Here we are again. Just a day away from another tax deadline. If you haven’t filed yet, you have until midnight Monday, May 17th, to file. Here are some last-minute tips. You can still reduce your tax bill If you’ve been waiting to file because you know you will owe money, you still have a chance
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In Illinois, under current law, hair dressers need a license but tax preparers do not. The Biden administration plans to change that and give the IRS authority to regulate all paid tax preparers. Tax preparers, which include Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), and unregistered tax preparers, have access to highly confidential information, including
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As the saying goes, “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”  That seems to be the case with section 602(c)(2)(A) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law by President Biden on March 11. The subsection prohibits states from using funds disbursed under the act to “directly or indirectly offset a reduction in
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New spending rules issued this week say that states and local governments can use their federal COVID-19 relief aid for hazard pay for essential workers. The allowance comes amid a brewing battle in California over grocery workers’ right to hazard pay. The inclusion is part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s sweeping guidance on how
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The Internal Revenue Service is conducting an “ongoing, extensive investigation involving substantial IRS resources” into cryptocurrency holders. As part of that investigation, the IRS is serving “John Doe” summons on various cryptocurrency companies, seeking court orders to require cryptocurrency exchanges to turn over account holder’s names and other key identifying information. On May 5, 2021,
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Why is it hard to stop inflation? Because it creates so many winners. Down in Washington they’re printing money like ink is going out of style. Possible consequence: People spend the money, bidding up the prices of cars, lumber and semiconductors. We might get high inflation, high being something more than the target rate of
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Today’s column addresses questions about whether Social Security spousal benefits might be available before their spouse takes their retirement benefits, why spousal benefits were terminated after filing for retirement benefits and how to determine when to file for maximum benefits. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and president
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Jonathan Curry of Tax Notes recaps the tax provisions of President Biden’s American Families Plan and discusses with Dean Zerbe of Alliantgroup LP the finer details and its likelihood of passing Congress.  This post has been edited for length and clarity. David Stewart: Welcome to the podcast. I’m David Stewart, editor in chief of Tax Notes Today International. This week:
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