So, is this a promise being kept or a follow-up to a threat?

The IRS now plans- in 2024, to offer a “Direct File” program that really is a direct file.  With a test base of 13 states, the IRS will invite taxpayers to file their taxes using software provided by the IRS.  The software will be in English and Spanish, working on computers and mobile phones.

The software will be selective- not every taxpayer can use it.  Those the IRS think are prime candidates will receive invitations in February to participate. There are no income limits that will preclude one to file using this program, assuming they have been selected to participate.  However, the ability to itemize deductions is not going to be included  in this offering.  Moreover, only some tax credits and forms of income will be handled by this new program.

Iƒyour taxes involve child care credits or interest gains above $ 1500 means you won’t be able to participate in this program.  Moreover, it seems that self-employment income will obviate inclusion in the program. But, the EIC (earned income credit), CTC (Child tax credit), and COD (credit for other dependents) will be accepted by this new program.

Should this experiment pan out, then the IRS will roll out availability to other taxpayers.  But, those taxpayers will have to be within the 13 state study program.

Because state and federal taxes process returns differently, the first year’s participants will be among those in the nine that states that do not have an annual income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming)- plus an additional fourstates that have agreed to integrate the IRS software with their state web sites.  (Those states are California, Massachusetts, New York, and Arizona.)

In future years, the IRS will extend invitations to citizens of other states that will coordinate the tax returns with the IRS system.

Note that this new program doesn’t derail the prior systems the IRS offered taxpayers.   Those whose income is below $ 73000 can still access free software via the FreeFile program and m (70% oof Americans are eligible to use this, but only 3% do), and elderly folks with income below $ 60K can get volunteers to process their taxes for free (in person or virtually at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance [VITA]) programs that operate nationwide.

We’ll see how this pans out.

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I recommend you obtain a copy of “One Bold Move a Day”, written by Shanna Hocking.  The book shares hard-won advice and insights gleaned from 20 years as a successful manager of large teams.  Shanna helps you choose concepts and methods to reach your goals every day of your personal life.  And, the key point- the time to start is now!

Among suggestions in the book is seeking out a mentor, even a personal board of advisors,   as well as these other recommendations- stop relying on external validation, stop trying to prove yourself, there is no such thing as perfect or a perfect time, celebrate the progress you make each and every day, and practicing gratitude.

I am asking you- my loyal readers- to provide me a short blurb of what you are doing to make yourself better each day, how you are helping to remove the bias against women and minorities in STEM and management, and the like.  (Use this form, please.) I will choose among those items submitted between today and the 1rst of November and provide you a copy of Shanna’s book, One Bold Move a Day.

Good luck!