How to file taxes for free
More than two-thirds of Americans qualify to file their tax returns for free, but less than 2% did so last year. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Irina Ivanova breaks down how to file your taxes without paying a cent.
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Breaking down tax brackets
How much income tax you pay depends on what tax bracket you fall into, but not all you income is taxed at the same rate. Timothy Schuster of EisnerAmper breaks down the brackets.
How long should a tax refund take?
Once you file your tax return, it can take days or weeks for your refund to arrive. But there are steps you can take to get it faster. NerdWallet personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer explains.
Older Puerto Rico residents won't get stimulus checks until June
Residents of U.S. territories who collect Social Security are among some of the last groups to receive their checks.
How should married couples file taxes?
Married couples often save money by filing taxes jointly. But filing separately is sometimes advised -- even if it costs you more. Two tax professionals break down the costs and benefits of this approach.
Tax rules for claiming dependents
At tax time, claiming a child or dependent can save you a lot of money - but it's not always straightforward. CBSN spoke with New Gen Financial's Alicia Jegede to break down the do's and don'ts.
Tackling student loans on your taxes
If you're one of the 48 million Americans paying off debt from education, tax time could mean some relief. The IRS allows you to deduct student-loan interest from your taxes. CBSN spoke with two tax professionals to get the details.
How to avoid an IRS audit
Only a small portion of tax returns are flagged for an audit every year — and you can reduce your chances of being one of them by taking some common-sense steps when you file your tax return. Former National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson tells CBSN the details.
20 million Americans still waiting for their stimulus checks
IRS says it has sent about 130 million payments. Here's why you may still be waiting for your money.
What the Tax Day extension means for you
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the IRS and Treasury Department extended the tax filing and payment deadline from April 15 to July 15. Tax attorney Sahang-Hee Hahn joins CBSN to discuss the implications of the delay and how it could also impact the anticipated stimulus check.
Why your stimulus check might be less than you expect
Millions of Americans are counting on the coronavirus relief payments, but a range of factors can lower the payout.
Stimulus checks for dead taxpayers must be returned, IRS says
Some deceased Americans received the emergency relief payments — now the agency wants the money back.
Mnuchin sued for denying "citizen children" a stimulus check
Blocking $500 payments to children because one or both parents are immigrants is discriminatory, lawsuit claims.
Trump sued over stimulus check ban for immigrant spouses
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a U.S. citizen, argues that denying the $1,200 payments is a form of discrimination.
Why you might not be able to track your stimulus check
A new IRS tool that was supposed to make it easy to find out when you'll get your money isn't working for some people.
H&R Block, Turbo Tax glitch may stall some stimulus checks
The IRS may not have direct deposit info for taxpayers who used tax prep services and got a tax refund anticipation loan.
People left frustrated by IRS "Get My Payment" site
A new service intended to help people track their federal stimulus check is leaving some users in the dark.
Stimulus check tracking site goes live
But some people who tried using the new IRS.gov service report trouble in retrieving information.
Trump's name will appear on printed stimulus checks
The president's name will appear in the memo line, but Treasury Department says the addition won't delay checks.
First wave of coronavirus stimulus payment deposited
You can now check your balance — the first batch of deposits began Saturday.
Don't file taxes? Here's how to get your stimulus check fast
Need your stimulus check fast? A new government portal is geared to people who haven't filed taxes in 2018 or 2019.
Federal stimulus checks expected to start within days
Some Americans may receive their stimulus checks as early as next week, but it depends on your income and IRS info.
Stimulus check: How much money will you get, and when?
$2 trillion stimulus bill includes payments for most Americans. Here's how to figure out how much you'll receive.
When will you get your federal stimulus check?
Treasury Dept says up to 70 million Americans will receive their checks in mid-April, but others could wait months.
Here's what could affect how big a stimulus check you get
Owing child support could shrink your check, but being behind on taxes or student loans aren't a factor.
HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations.
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of late President John F. Kennedy, has died after announcing a terminal cancer diagnosis in late November.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
Court order suggests officials pushed to prosecute Abrego Garcia after deportation
A court order suggests the Trump administration pushed to prosecute Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after he challenged his deportation, with one top DOJ official calling it a "top priority."
1 killed, dozens injured in head-on train collision near Peru's Machu Picchu
The head-on collision occurred between two trains on the line that services the historic Peruvian site Machu Picchu.
Body found amid search for missing Texas teen Camila Mendoza Olmos
The body has not yet been identified, Texas officials said at a Tuesday news conference.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former senator and Northern Cheyenne tribe member, dies at 92
Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne tribal chief who became a prominent American politician, has died.
Trump issues his first vetoes of this term
President Trump used his veto power this week for the first time since returning to the White House, rejecting a pair of bills linked to a Colorado water pipeline and a tribal village in the Everglades.
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault and battery
Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month.
U.S.
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Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
Body found amid search for missing Texas teen Camila Mendoza Olmos
The body has not yet been identified, Texas officials said at a Tuesday news conference.
Black bear living underneath Altadena house shows no sign of budging
The 550-pound black bear has taken up residence in the crawlspace underneath Ken Johnson's home in California for a month.
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of late President John F. Kennedy, has died after announcing a terminal cancer diagnosis in late November.
MoneyWatch
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Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Silver is rebounding after its worst trading day in four years
Silver prices have more than doubled in 2025, outpacing this year's surge in gold prices, as investors seek safe haven investments.
Judge blocks White House from defunding CFPB as its funds were about to run out
A federal judge has ruled that the White House cannot stop funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Ground beef recalled in 6 states over possible E. coli contamination
The recalled ground beef was sold to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Politics
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Trump issues his first vetoes of this term
President Trump used his veto power this week for the first time since returning to the White House, rejecting a pair of bills linked to a Colorado water pipeline and a tribal village in the Everglades.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former U.S. senator and Native American, dies at 92
Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne tribal chief who became a prominent American politician, has died.
HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations.
Court order suggests officials pushed to prosecute Abrego Garcia after deportation
A court order suggests the Trump administration pushed to prosecute Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after he challenged his deportation, with one top DOJ official calling it a "top priority."
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
HealthWatch
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Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
World
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1 killed, dozens injured in head-on train collision near Peru's Machu Picchu
The head-on collision occurred between two trains on the line that services the historic Peruvian site Machu Picchu.
Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez's botched restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago.
Cable car accident leaves 4 hurt, 100 stranded on mountain for hours
Four people were injured and around 100 stranded visitors had to be rescued by helicopter after a cable car accident in northern Italy, officials said.
No sign of "broader terrorist cell" behind Bondi Beach attack, police say
Australian police say there's no evidence the Sydney father and son suspects in the attack on a Jewish holiday event got training or instruction in the Philippines.
Police compare Germany bank vault robbery to an "Ocean's Eleven" heist
Thieves apparently spent much of the weekend plundering deposit boxes inside a German bank vault after tunneling through from a parking garage.
Entertainment
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Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Actor accusing Tyler Perry exchanged texts with him years after alleged assault
Actor Mario Rodriguez alleged in the lawsuit filed last week in California that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted him during encounters between 2014 and 2019.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Crime
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Crime
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
DHS probes fraud at MN day care centers
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating after conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video that has gone viral, alleging potential fraud at a dozen day care centers in Minnesota. Jonah Kaplan reports.
Latest on proceedings against Tyler Robinson
A Utah judge ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in the case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of murdering Republican political influencer Charlie Kirk. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault and battery
Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month.
Police compare Germany bank vault robbery to an "Ocean's Eleven" heist
Thieves apparently spent much of the weekend plundering deposit boxes inside a German bank vault after tunneling through from a parking garage.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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We asked people to reflect on 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, Jericka Duncan asks people to reflect on the past year and look toward the next.
550-pound bear refuses to leave man's crawl space
A massive black bear has been living beneath a home in Altadena, California, for the past month. As Carter Evans reports, the problem has become unbearable.
HHS freezes all child care funding to Minnesota
The Department of Health and Human Services said it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations. Jonah Kaplan has the latest.
Search for missing Malaysia Airlines plane resumes
Almost 12 years after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished over the Indian Ocean with 239 people on board, the search for the Boeing 777's wreckage was scheduled to resume in the Indian Ocean -- supported by the latest advancements in deep-sea, self-guided drone technology. Elizabeth Palmer has more.
Many states reporting higher than usual flu cases
There has been a recent surge in flu cases over the holidays. Previously, 14 states were reporting high or very high levels of flu. Now that number has more than doubled to 29 states across the country. Dr. Jon LaPook explains.