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By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. Related Articles An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. For the 2025 tax season: To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Key details to know about the arrest of a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO
Tennessee is the new No. 1 in men’s college basketball after a massive shakeup in the AP Top 25 . The Vols received 58 first-place votes from a 62-person media panel Monday to reach No. 1 for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Tennessee climbed two spots from last week after Kansas lost twice and Auburn fell to No. 4 Duke. The Tigers remained No. 2 and received three first-place votes. No. 3 Iowa State had one first-place vote and climbed three places from last week for its highest ranking since 1956-57. Kentucky rounded out the top five. In all, 14 ranked teams lost last week, including six teams in the top 10; Kansas and then-No. 11 Wisconsin lost twice. Only two teams — Auburn and No. 12 Oregon — remained in the same poll spots they were a week ago, and the volatility saw five teams jump into the rankings. Tennessee (8-0) is off to its best start since opening the 2000-01 season 9-0 and is No. 1 in the NET rankings. The Vols also are second in the KenPom ratings, ranking second in defensive efficiency and ninth in offensive efficiency despite losing four starters from last year’s SEC championship team. Tennessee beat Syracuse 96-70 in its only game last week. Kansas had been No. 1 since the preseason poll before losing to 76-63 to Creighton and 76-67 to rival Missouri . The losses dropped the Jayhawks to No. 10. Auburn was poised to move into the No. 1 spot for the first time since 2021-22 but lost 84-78 at Duke before beating Richmond. Iowa State had its highest preseason ranking at No. 5 after reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 a year ago. The Cyclones lost by two to Auburn in the Maui Invitational but have reeled off four straight wins since. Iowa State blew out Jackson State 100-58 in its only game last week before facing rival Iowa this week. Two-time reigning national champion UConn nearly dropped out of the poll last week following a 0-for-3 run in Maui. The Huskies bounced back nicely last week, picking up impressive wins over Baylor and Texas to move up seven spots in this week’s poll to No. 18. “Maybe the people with the shovels and the dirt, maybe they were too quick to grab the shovel and throw the dirt on us,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. Oklahoma had the biggest jump within this week’s poll, climbing eight spots to No. 13 after beating Georgia Tech and Alcorn State . Duke and No. 17 Texas A&M each moved up five spots. Kansas had the biggest drop, followed by No. 20 Wisconsin, which fell nine spots. No. 22 Cincinnati dropped eight places. Multiple teams moved in and out of this week’s poll. No. 14 Michigan is ranked for the first time in nearly three years after tight wins over Wisconsin and Iowa . The Wolverines have won seven straight under first-year coach Dusty May. No. 16 Clemson is ranked for the first time this season following wins over Kentucky and Miami . No. 21 Michigan State also is ranked for the first time after wins over Nebraska and Minnesota . No. 24 UCLA is ranked for the first time since the preseason poll following wins over Washington and Oregon. No. 25 Mississippi State is back in the poll after blowing out Pittsburgh 90-57 and beating Prairie View A&M . Baylor, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Illinois and North Carolina all dropped out of the rankings. The SEC led all conferences with nine ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with six and the Big 12 with four. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East each had two ranked teams, while the West Coast and Mountain West conferences each had one.Andy Kotelnicki hints at staying with Penn State despite head-coaching interviews
This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Markets rally U.S. stocks saw a broad rally on Monday, with major indexes hitting record highs. In contrast to Wall Street, Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell on Tuesday. Japan's Nikkei 225 slid 1.38%, while mainland Chinese and Hong Kong markets hovered around the flatline. Wall Street likes Bessent Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Treasury secretary, has got a big thumbs up from the stock as well as bond markets . Wall Street strategists heaped praise on Bessent; global analysts also think Trump's pick is favorable for markets . More tariffs on more countries Trump vowed on Tuesday to raise tariffs on Chinese imports into the U.S. by an additional 10% , according to a post on Truth Social. In another post , Trump said he would implement a 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico and Canada. If that happens, Trump will end a trade deal between all three countries. Safe haven appeal tarnished Gold prices fell around 3% to $2,616.80 per ounce on Tuesday amid rising sentiment for stocks. Investors are in a risk-on mood because of Bessent's perceived friendliness to Wall Street and reports of Israel and Hezbollah moving closer to a cease-fire . [PRO] Global stocks ripe for buybacks Companies buy back stocks when they want to return excess capital to investors. Even though European equity markets have been "gloomy," focusing on stocks that have buyback potential has delivered "solid outperformance" over recent months, noted Barclays. For its buyback basket, the British bank listed 10 stocks that have significant upside potential. Money Report Europe markets head for lower open as global rally stutters; investors digest Trump tariff implications Tim Cook and other U.S. executives attend China expo, meet officials as Trump tariff threat looms The Trump rally appears to be shifting into high gear. This time, it's revved up by Trump's Treasury secretary pick — Scott Bessent. Investors like Bessent because, as the founder of hedge fund Key Square Group, he brings to the job an understanding of Wall Street and is presumably supportive of markets. Moreover, Bessent has expressed that he prioritizes controlling inflation even amid policies designed to support domestic growth. "I would recommend that tariffs be layered in gradually," Bessent told CNBC earlier this month before his nomination. Unlike earlier Trump rallies, in which particular assets linked to Trump's policies — bank stocks, small-cap stocks and bitcoin — reaped disproportionate gains, yesterday's rise in markets was broad. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, in a move that saw more than 3 of 4 stocks in the index trading higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.99%, extending its string of record highs, and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.27%. It wasn't just large-caps that were lifted by Bessent's nomination. Small-cap stocks performed even better, probably because Bessent has expressed support for Trump's economic agenda, which would benefit smaller, domestically oriented companies. The Russell 2000 index of small- and mid-caps gained 1.47%, its sixth positive session in a row. It closed at a new high, exceeding its record set in 2021. The bond market also reacted positively to the news. Yield on the 10-year Treasury fell more than 14 basis points. "You can't ask for a better reception from the market," said Quincy Krosby, chief global strategist at LPL Financial. "This is the market applauding." U.S. markets will be closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving. Bessent might be one of the things for which investors will be grateful. — CNBC's Alex Harring and Hakyung Kim contributed to this report. Also on CNBC Investors really like Trump’s Treasury secretary pick Small- and mid-caps outperformed last week Small- and mid-caps stole the limelight last weekWest Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga in overtimeChange to the date of Innofactor Plc's Annual General Meeting in 2025
ITV I'm A Celebrity fans 'prove' Dean McCullough 'faked his tears' in telling moment
Daily Post Nigeria EPL: Man City confirm new Guardiola contract Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL: Man City confirm new Guardiola contract Published on November 21, 2024 By Ifreke Inyang Manchester City on Thursday night, confirmed that manager Pep Guardiola has signed a contract extension with the Premier League. The champions revealed this in an official statement on their website. This means Guardiola would have spent more than one decade as City manager by the end of this new deal. Guardiola has so far won 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League. City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said: “Like every City fan, I am delighted that Pep’s journey with Manchester City will continue; allowing his dedication, passion and innovative thinking to continue to shape the landscape of the game. “His hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of that will continue to be our players and coaching staff, the culture of our Club, and the English game at large. “This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to re-write the managerial record books.” Related Topics: EPL guardiola Don't Miss NPFL postpones Enyimba vs Sunshine Stars You may like EPL: Jason Cundy advises Maresca not to start Chelsea star against Leicester EPL: ‘He makes a difference’ – Hislop picks Chelsea star as season’s signing EPL: Maresca confirms injury blow ahead of Leicester vs Chelsea game EPL: Emmanuel Petit names Arsenal star as biggest disappointments of the season EPL: He has real quality – Petit wants Arsenal to sign 33-year-old ex-Chelsea star EPL: Man Utd identify one signing to make for Amorim Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdOlivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time. Decades later Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film. They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late. Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," he wrote. Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth," as well as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile" and horror movies “Black Christmas” and “Psycho IV: The Beginning.” She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby
Is the CFP bracket fair? Here are some tweaks that would have changed thingsThe Philadelphia Phillies signed two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano to a one-year contract on Monday. Financial terms were not disclosed, but ESPN and The Athletic reported the deal was worth $7.75 million. The 31-year-old right-hander was non-tendered by Toronto earlier this offseason. The Phillies bolstered their bullpen after Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez hit free agency. Romano went 1-2 with a 6.59 ERA in 15 relief appearances with the Blue Jays in 2024. Romano battled injuries last season and underwent season-ending right elbow surgery in July. He saved 36 games in 2022 and 2023, earning All-Star nods in each season. Overall, Romano is 20-17 in 231 career relief appearances with 105 saves and a 2.90 ERA. --Field Level Media
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks wins reelection to U.S. House in Iowa's 1st Congressional District.
NEW YORK -- New York City is taking action against the contractor who was doing construction work on a building in the Bronx that partially collapsed. After a side of the building on West Burnside Avenue and Phelan Place in the Morris Heights section came crashing down in December 2023, the city initially blamed an engineer . The Department of Buildings now says Arsh Landmark General Construction, the contractor, is also to blame. "This was an avoidable, preventable tragedy," DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said as the city's investigation came to a close Monday. DOB blamed the engineer for wrongly labeling a crucial load-bearing column as purely decorative . Minutes after workers started chipping into the bricks, the entire corner of the building fell like a Jenga tower. "There has to be a series of mistakes that is made in order for a building to collapse," DOB Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement Yegal Shamash said. Shamash says the contractor should have flagged the engineer's mistake "right from the beginning." "The general contractor should've taken a look at the drawings and said, 'Hold on a second. This pier looks like it's supporting the whole building. Should I really just be taking the bricks out of this pier?'" Shamash said. Arsh Landmark General Construction was issued two violations, amounting to up to $50,000 in fines. The contractor's registration expired after the collapse, meaning the company will have to reapply through the DOB to continue working on properties in the five boroughs. After the collapse, the city suspended the engineer's license, preventing him from inspecting buildings for two years. With over 1 million buildings in New York City and 40,000 construction sites, DOB relies on property owners to do their own inspections. "It seems that there's some crappy property owners, who tend to find crappy engineers, who tend to find crappy contractors," Oddo said. Miraculously, no one was hurt in the collapse, but dozens of families were suddenly homeless. The building's owners were later accused by residents of harassment and allowing horrible living conditions . After the collapse, the New York City Council passed a law changing the DOB inspection process. Last week, the city allocated $4.7 million to create a new task force that Oddo says will use DOB data and predictive analytics to be proactive about bad construction work instead of reactive. "So that we can try to intercede on problematic jobs or bad actors that we've identified prior to having a side of a building collapse," he said. We reached out to the contractor, engineer and property owner for comment, but none answered our questions. Ali Bauman joined CBS News New York as a general assignment reporter in 2016. Ali is a proud millennial who embraces social media for storytelling to bring news to a new generation of viewers.
Daily Post Nigeria Why I signed new Man City contract – Guardiola Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport Why I signed new Man City contract – Guardiola Published on November 21, 2024 By Ifreke Inyang Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has spoken for the first time since he signed a contract extension with the Premier League club. Guardiola’s deal was set to expire in the summer of June 2025, but he has now agreed fresh terms with the champions. The new contract runs until 2026, with the option for a further year. The Spaniard has now admitted he now has “a special feeling” for City. “I have a really special feeling for Man City. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons,” Guardiola said. “Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me. “Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won.” Guardiola has so far won 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League. Related Topics: guardiola Don't Miss EPL: Man City confirm new Guardiola contract You may like EPL: Man City confirm new Guardiola contract EPL: I’m not proud of my behaviour in Man City dressing room – Guardiola EPL: New Man City contract blocks Guardiola from leaving if club is relegated EPL: Guardiola agrees one-year contract with Man City EPL: Why Man City will not replace Guardiola with Arteta, Maresca – Murphy EPL: People want Man City’s era to be over – Guardiola Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdTargeted operation to be launched in Balochistan: CM Bugti Government is making all out efforts to recover Musavir Kakar, says Sarfaraz Bugti QUETTA: In order to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the province, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Monday said the authorities would launch a targeted operation in the territory. Last week, the Apex Committee — a civil-military body —formally approved a comprehensive military operation against terrorist organisations operating in the province. The top civil-military body gave its nod to a military operation in Balochistan against terrorist groups including the Majeed Brigade, BLA, BLF and BRAS who are targeting innocent civilians and foreign nationals to scuttle Pakistan’s economic progress by creating insecurity at the behest of hostile external powers, read a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office. During an interaction with journalists in Quetta, CM Bugti announced that the targeted operations would be conducted in the areas where there were "Ferrari camps" of the militant organisation. Responding to a question, the chief minister said that the government was making all out efforts to recover Musavir Kakar. Setting aside the criticism, he said the political parties opposing the military operation in the province should tell if there is any other solution to the rising incident of terrorism in the province. The development came amid surge in terror attacks on security forces and civilians, with the latest deadly suicide explosion claiming at least 27 lives and left over 60 others injured at Quetta's railway station earlier this month. It is pertinent to mention here that the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan was held with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair and the agenda of the meeting was focused on the “Reinvigorating Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism (CT) Campaign”. All provincial chief ministers, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, cabinet members and senior government officials were among the attendees of the important huddle. The top civil-military body highlighted the necessity of a “unified political voice and a cohesive national narrative” to effectively address these multifaceted challenges. It was emphasised that political support across party lines and complete national consensus are critical to reinvigorating the national counter-terrorism campaign under the framework of Vision Azm-e-Istehkam. The meeting also agreed upon revitalisation of National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) and the establishment of National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre. The statement said civil-military leadership adopted a whole-of-system approach, incorporating diplomatic, political, informational, intelligence, socio-economic, and military efforts to address these issues comprehensively. “Specific emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration between federal and provincial governments and between relevant institutions and ministries to ensure seamless execution of the CT [counter-terrorism] campaign. It was decided to establish District Coordination Committees under the provincial apex committees to ensure implementation of directions received from federal and provincial governments.” In addition to this, the forum demonstrated political resolve to dismantle the ecosystem of illegal spectrum and crime-terror nexus. Speaking on the occasion, COAS General Munir reiterated the Pakistan Army’s unwavering resolve to eliminate all threats to national security and provide robust support to the government’s initiatives aimed at ensuring peace and stability. All those who create obstruction in Pakistan’s security or try to stop them from performing their duty would face the music, he added. The army chief also called for putting up a collective fight against the menace of terrorism. “Every Pakistani is a soldier in the war against terrorism, whether in uniform or not.” He further said that the Constitution mandated them to ensure the internal and external security of Pakistan. The COAS maintained that the personnel of armed forces and other law enforcement agencies were compensating for shortcomings in governance on a daily basis through the sacrifices of their martyrs. At the conclusion, PM Shehbaz directed all the stakeholders to pursue the outlined initiatives with vigor, ensuring their timely implementation. Belarusian minister admires Pakistani handcrafted rickshaw Punjab announces relaxing smog restrictions as air quality improves Islamabad, Pindi admins extend closure of educational institutions Bokhari terms PTI protest 'May 9 Part-II' after cop killed in clashesStock market today: Wall Street rises near records as Treasury yields ease
Nick Kern came off the bench for 20 points and 13 rebounds as Penn State remained unbeaten with an 85-66 thumping of Fordham in a semifinal of the Sunshine Slam on Monday in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Nittany Lions (6-0), who will play either San Francisco or Clemson for the tournament title on Tuesday, put four other players in double figures. Zach Hicks scored 16 points, while Puff Johnson added 15. Ace Baldwin and Yanic Konan Niederhauser each chipped in 12 points. Penn State sank nearly 53 percent of its field goal attempts and earned a 38-30 advantage on the boards, more than enough to offset missing 12 of its 32 foul shots. Four players reached double figures for the Rams (3-4), led by 15 points apiece from Jackie Johnson III and reserve Joshua Rivera. Romad Dean and Jahmere Tripp each added 13. Fordham was as close as 56-49 after Tripp made a layup with 14:25 left in the game. But the Nittany Lions responded with a 16-1 run, capped with a layup by Kern for a 22-point lead at the 9:33 mark, and they never looked back. The main storyline prior to tipoff was whether Penn State could continue its torrid early start that saw it come into the day leading Division I in steals and ranked second in scoring at 98.2 points per game. The Nittany Lions certainly played to their billing for most of the first half, establishing a 21-8 lead at the 10:08 mark via Hicks' three-point play. Fordham predictably struggled early with the pressure defense, committing four turnovers in the first four minutes. But the Rams got their bearings over the last 10 minutes and made some shots. They got as close as four on two occasions late in the half before Penn State pushed the lead to 42-34 at the half. The officials were busy in the half, calling 23 fouls and administering 27 free throws. --Field Level Media
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