Taxes

getty “I drunk his liquor,” said one potential juror. “And honestly, I really like moonshine,” said another. The jury selection in a 2018 trial in western North Carolina was proving to be complicated. On paper, the matter appeared straightforward. A woman called 9-1-1 when her husband attempted to kill himself. Responders to the scene found

MOUNT KISCO, NY – SEPTEMBER 30 2020: President Trump’s Seven Springs estate in Mount Kisco, New … [+] York, seen here Sept. 30, 2020. (Johnny Milano for The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post via Getty Images It was only a matter of time before the scandal over conservation easements finally landed on

Airline industry workers hold signs during a protest in Federal Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, on … [+] September 9, 2020, urging the US Congress to pass a Covid-19 relief package. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP) (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images As we stagger into the seventh month of

Economic Security Planning, Inc. Today’s column addresses questions about how the earnings test is applied when a spouse has filed early, whether payments based on an ex’s non-covered pension will invoke the WEP, child benefits for children not in the record holder’s custody and exchange rates and foreign pensions. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of

getty If you, like me, joined millions of other taxpayers in filing for an extension this year, be sure to check your calendar: October 15 is the due date to file your 2019 tax return. To avoid late filing penalties, you need to file on or before the October 15 deadline. If you owe taxes,

Close up man hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair on paper pink background. Business … [+] concept growth success process, copy space. getty During the 2020 Presidential campaign Democratic candidates have made many proposals for changes to the tax code, ranging from changes to the tax rates to the imposition of new 5%

getty I often write about people who are having difficulty getting the benefits they are due from the Social Security Administration and today, I bring you the story of Sarah Bliner from Livingston NJ. Sarah lives at 17 Stonewall Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039. Her home phone is 973-5330635. Her cell is 973-477-5948. Her email is

Check out your employer’s rules carefully before you stash money in a dependent care FSA. getty If you were one of the millions of workers laid off in the coronavirus pandemic and you stashed money in a workplace dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) for 2020, you might not have to lose the money you

If you had told me at the end of last year’s filing season that this year’s would have been worse, I would not have believed you. No one would. Implementing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that was passed in a whirlwind at the very end of 2018 required a herculean effort from CPAs,

Economic Security Planning, Inc. Today’s column addresses questions about whether losing benefits to the earnings test will increase the family maximum at full retirement age, verifying past wages along with what wages are counted for Social Security and the family maximum’s potential effects on children’s benefits. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, a $2.3 trillion relief package designed to help individuals and businesses weather the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 1: SBA administrator Jovita Carranza, left, meets with Jamaica Mi Hungry … [+]

When employees make divisive or disruptive statements on political issues, employers can take … [+] careful steps to address inappropriate speech. getty Whether in conversation, social media, or sloganed political attire, divisive political expression has become conspicuous among employees. This can be disruptive to work operations or team spirit. Political acrimony can lead to legal

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 30: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), speaks during a hearing on Wednesday, … [+] September 30, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The committee is exploring the FBI’s investigation of the 2016 Trump campaign and Russian election interference. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Senators Grassley, Daines and Roberts have

             In the election season there seems to be little that we can find common agreement across the political divide. However, there is one issue that finds Americans united – support for whistleblowers and protecting whistleblowers.              A recent Marist poll conducted on behalf of the Whistleblower News Network shows overwhelming support for whistleblowers – and legislation to

LAX AIRPORT, CA – AUGUST 20: Passengers connect with drivers at the Rideshare Lot at LAX as … [+] Uber and Lyft drivers held a moving rally as part of a statewide day of action to demand that both ride-hailing companies follow California law and grant drivers basic employee rights and to denounce the corporations

ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: An employee walks through the entrance to Disneyland Park and California … [+] Adventure Park, which have been closed since March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 in Anaheim, CA. After suffering losses for months due to Gov. Newsoms mandatory coronavirus shut-down, Disney says it will

Colorful tech figure and sometimes taunter of the IRS John David McAfee has been indicted for federal income tax evasion. Given his profile, particularly such antics as proclaiming that he isn’t filing tax returns but the IRS can come find him, it may not seem a surprise that McAfee is in some serious hot water.

November 21: Last day to claim CARES Act stimulus payment. getty The Internal Revenue Service today announced that it’s extending the deadline to claim an Economic Impact Payment by five weeks to help individuals who haven’t yet received a stimulus payment and don’t normally file a tax return. The new deadline is November 21, pushed

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 30: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on his way to Marine … [+] One on the South Lawn of the White House on September 30, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Trump is traveling to Minnesota for a fundraising event and a campaign rally. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Getty

Economic Security Planning, Inc. Today’s column addresses questions about whether the Covid-19 pandemic’s affect on the economy will reduce future Social Security benefits, taking spousal benefits before retirement benefits at 70, how spousal benefits are calculated and filing options after two marriages. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder