Federal Tax Filing Season Starts Soon

The IRS announced its starting date for accepting and processing 2023 tax-year returns is Monday, January 29, 2024. Tips for making filing easier To speed a potential tax refund and help with tax filing, the IRS suggests the following: Key filing dates Here are several important dates to keep in mind: Tax refunds The IRS […]

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IRS Releases Standard Mileage Rates for 2024

Due to recent increases in the price of fuel, the IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business purposes for 2024. However, the standard mileage rates for medical and moving expense purposes are reduced for 2024. The standard mileage rate for computing the deductible […]

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SECURE 2.0 Provides New Retirement Savings Options in 2024

The SECURE 2.0 Act, passed in December 2022, made wide-ranging changes to U.S. tax laws related to retirement savings. While some provisions were effective in 2023, others did not take effect until 2024. Here is an overview of some important changes for this year. Matching student loan payments Employees who make student loan repayments may […]

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Retirement Plan Limits for 2024

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Several of these key numbers have increased once again for 2024. How much can you save in an IRA? The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA in 2024 will be $7,000 (or 100% of your earned […]

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Transfer of Clean Vehicle Tax Credit to Dealer as Payment for the Vehicle

Federal tax credits may be available to help offset your cost to purchase certain clean vehicles (including electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles). Starting in 2024, you may be able to elect to transfer the new and previously-owned clean vehicle tax credits to dealers who are eligible to receive advance payments of either credit. […]

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After a Surprising 2023, a Cautiously Optimistic Economic Outlook for 2024

Despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict, the U.S. economy outperformed the expectations of most economists in 2023.1 Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (Real GDP) accelerated to an annualized rate of 5.2% in the third quarter, after growing 2.1% in Q2 and 2.2% in Q1. Inflation, as measured by the 12-month change in the price index […]

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Year-End Charitable Giving

With the holiday season upon us and the end of the year approaching, we pause to give thanks for our blessings and the people in our lives. It is also a time when charitable giving often comes to mind. The tax benefits associated with charitable giving could potentially enhance your ability to give and should […]

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College Cost Data Released for 2023-2024

Every year, the College Board releases new college cost data and trends in its annual report. The figures published are average cost figures based on a survey of approximately 4,000 colleges across the country. Over the past 20 years, the average price for tuition, fees, and room and board has increased 38% at public colleges […]

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Most Medicare Costs Are Increasing in 2024

Premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Original Medicare generally change every year. Here’s a look at some of the costs that will apply in 2024. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs for 2024 Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) costs for 2024 Monthly standard premium: Most people with Medicare who receive Social Security benefits will pay the […]

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With Holidays Ahead, Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy?

Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), so it plays an outsized role in driving economic growth or slowing it down.1 For the last 18 months, U.S. consumers have kept the economy strong despite high inflation and rising interest rates. The question now is whether consumers can maintain this momentum through […]

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