IRS faces backlog of unprocessed tax returns, staffing shortages
The IRS estimates that more than 3 million tax returns are still being processed from 2021.
Tax Refund
One final tax weekend
The IRS is feeling the effects of this weekend's final tax push. The agency is experiencing staff shortages and backlogs, which could hold up refund checks. Scott MacFarlane has the story.
IRS has $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds — here's how to file a claim
A three-year window to claim the money is about to close. After that, the refunds become the property of U.S. Treasury.
Some tax refunds may be delayed this year. Here's why.
The IRS is facing staff shortages and backlogs of returns — on top of recently changed tax laws that make processing returns harder.
These states are planning tax rebate checks to counter inflation
Georgia residents will soon receive up to $500 in a rebate check. Other states want to follow suit.
How to spend your tax refund: Expert advice, plus crave-worthy tax refund splurges
Wondering what to do with your 2021 tax refund? Here's what experts recommend, plus a few fun tax-refund splurges.
Millions of Americans could get tax refunds starting March 1
Taxpayers who claimed one of two tax credits are expected to get their refunds beginning this week, the IRS said.
Here's how long it will take to get your tax refund in 2022
The IRS already faces a huge backlog of unprocessed returns, creating challenges as the new tax season begins.
Americans are worried about smaller refunds — for good reason
The average refund so far in 2022 is about $2,300, down from last year's typical refund of $2,800.
Here's how to get your 2022 tax refund early
Here's a look at no-fee, 0% APR loan offers by leading commercial tax-prep services, including H&R Block.
Tight hiring market could affect tax season as IRS looks for help
The agency's Taxpayer Advocate said to avoid delays, people should triple-check for errors, file electronically and use direct deposit for refunds.
MoneyWatch: IRS faces tax season challenges
As this year's tax season begins, the IRS is still working to complete a sizable backlog of returns from 2021. The delays are just one of the results of severe staffing shortages at the IRS. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins Tanya Rivero and Jericka Duncan with more.
Backlog, understaffing at IRS portend delays this tax season
The agency is warning of "major challenges" for taxpayers due to a significant backlog of returns from last year and major staff shortages.
How to request an at-home COVID test
Americans will be able to order free at-home tests online starting next week, part of the Biden administration's strategy to make COVID-19 tests more accessible as high numbers of cases continue across the U.S.
Omicron surge still causing disruptions
Despite the Omicron variant showing signs of slowing down in early hotspots, it is still causing shifts and changes to daily life. Factories are back to making N-95 masks around the clock, schools are reconsidering remote learning and some businesses are requiring vaccine cards. Michael George reports.
Soaring COVID cases strain U.S. hospitals
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are soaring nationwide, especially among children. Demand for at-home rapid tests has never been higher. Manuel Bojorquez has the details.
Watchdog warns the IRS is in crisis
The agency's top watchdog called last year's tax filing season the most challenging ever experienced and warned this year could be worse.
Tips for taxpayers this filing season
The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing 2021 federal tax returns on Monday, January 24. That comes as about 36 million families stop getting child tax credit payments. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Aimee Picchi spoke with Jericka Duncan on CBSN to review tips for filing tax returns and getting any refund as efficiently as possible.
Fauci fires back at Rand Paul during exchange
Dr. Anthony Fauci got into a heated exchange with Senator Rand Paul, accusing him of raising political donations off personal attacks against him. Fauci said it has put his life in danger. Elise Preston has more.
COVID hospitalizations rise as pediatric cases surge
Pediatric hospitalizations are on the rise and hospitals are facing critical staffing shortages. Janet Shamlian shares more.
Some Americans may see smaller tax refunds
Some Americans may see smaller-than-expected tax refunds in 2022 due to the Child Tax Credit. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Aimee Picchi joins CBSN to explain what people need to know before filing their returns.
IRS issues 1.5 million tax refunds to people who collected jobless aid
As many as 13 million taxpayers who collected unemployment benefits last year may be eligible to get money back.
IRS sending 4 million refunds on overpaid unemployment taxes
The U.S. may owe money to as many as 13 million taxpayers who received unemployment benefits last year.
Tax refund delay: IRS backlog of returns grows to 35 million
The tax agency faced a "challenging" year, leading to a growing backlog of tax returns, the taxpayer advocate says.
Why millions of unemployed Americans just got their tax refund
Some 2.8 million people who filed taxes early got refunds this week, while millions more could qualify for a payment.
Trump warns U.S. "will take very strong action" if Iran hangs protesters
"We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen," President Trump said in an exclusive interview that aired Tuesday on "CBS Evening News."
Despite Trump warning, Iran shopkeeper among many facing possible hanging
Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani is among thousands of people who could face death sentences despite Trump's warning to Iran's rulers.
Vance, Rubio meeting with Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers
The meeting comes one day after Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a news conference, "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark."
House takes up next funding package ahead of shutdown deadline
The bills, which contain funding for the State and Treasury Departments, could stall if the House GOP has attendance issues or defections.
6 Minnesota federal prosecutors resign amid Renee Good investigation pressures
At least six career prosecutors in the Minneapolis U.S. Attorney's office have resigned as the office continues to face pressure to treat the investigation of the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE officer as an assault on a federal officer case.
Trump on Iran, Renee Good, Jerome Powell and his own morality
Here are the major takeaways from President Trump's interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil on Iran, Renee Good, the Federal Reserve and more.
Trump says Renee Good likely a "solid, wonderful person" under "normal circumstances"
President Trump told CBS News he believes the woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, was likely a "very, solid wonderful person," but her actions before she was killed were "pretty tough."
Remains found on beach ID'd as former mayor who vanished in 2006
Forensic testing finally confirmed the identity of a former Oregon mayor whose remains were found on a beach near Seattle in 2006.
Saks Global, century-old high-end department store chain, files for bankruptcy
The venerable retailer is seeking protection from its creditors after $2.65 billion purchase of Nieman Marcus failed to spark growth.
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Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
Remains found on beach ID'd as former mayor who vanished in 2006
Forensic testing finally confirmed the identity of a former Oregon mayor whose remains were found on a beach near Seattle in 2006.
House takes up next funding package ahead of shutdown deadline
The bills, which contain funding for the State and Treasury Departments, could stall if the House GOP has attendance issues or defections.
Demand for high-achiever visas fuels pay-to-play market for credentials
Demand has risen for the EB-1A visa, creating a cottage industry of services for vanity awards, ghostwritten research papers and "profile building" services. USCIS is investigating potential fraud.
Saks Global, century-old high-end department store chain, files for bankruptcy
The venerable retailer is seeking protection from its creditors after its $2.65 billion purchase of Nieman Marcus failed to spark growth.
MoneyWatch
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Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Saks Global, century-old high-end department store chain, files for bankruptcy
The venerable retailer is seeking protection from its creditors after its $2.65 billion purchase of Nieman Marcus failed to spark growth.
GM CEO Mary Barra on electric vehicles, tariffs and competing with China
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the Trump administration's tariffs caused a "few-billion-dollar impact," but also praised them for "leveling the playing field."
Trump: Jerome Powell has "been a lousy Fed chairman"
President Trump brushed off a question about whether the Justice Department probe amounts to political retribution.
Politics
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House takes up next funding package ahead of shutdown deadline
The bills, which contain funding for the State and Treasury Departments, could stall if the House GOP has attendance issues or defections.
Vance, Rubio meeting with Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers
The meeting comes one day after Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a news conference, "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark."
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
Demand for high-achiever visas fuels pay-to-play market for credentials
Demand has risen for the EB-1A visa, creating a cottage industry of services for vanity awards, ghostwritten research papers and "profile building" services. USCIS is investigating potential fraud.
Lindsey Halligan argues she should still be U.S. attorney, accuses judge of abuse of power
Judge David Novak had given Lindsey Halligan a week to explain why she is using the title of U.S. attorney after another federal judge found her appointment to the position invalid.
HealthWatch
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Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses
"Make America Healthy Again" policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets.
"Enough": Oprah Winfrey on her weight-loss lessons
Oprah Winfrey is one of the best-known, most-admired and successful people on the planet. But for years she seemed powerless to conquer her fluctuating weight problem … until new medications, and a new attitude about her weight, gave her a breakthrough, which she describes in "Enough," a new book she has co-written with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. They talk with Jane Pauley about an individual's genetically-influenced weight range, and how to reset it. Winfrey also relates the long road she traveled since she began her TV career in Nashville, facing sexism, racism, and comments about her weight.
World
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Vance, Rubio meeting with Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers
The meeting comes one day after Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a news conference, "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia
The case has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians.
Despite Trump warning, Iran shopkeeper among many facing possible hanging
Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani is among thousands of people who could face death sentences despite Trump's warning to Iran's rulers.
Japanese and South Korean leaders bang out surprise K-pop drum duet
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says he always wanted to play the drums, so Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi surprised him after a summit, and they hit it off.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Scott Adams, "Dilbert" comic strip creator, dies at age 68
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at the age of 68, his first ex-wife revealed on Tuesday.
NAACP Image Awards nominations
The NAACP Image Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in arts and entertainment. Comedian and actor Deon Cole and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson exclusively reveal some of the nominees on CBS Mornings for this year's awards.
Technology
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"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Woman says AI chatbot Grok generated sexual deepfake images of her
Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk's children, alleges Grok generated and published sexual deepfake images of her without permission.
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.
Mother speaks out over AI chatbot Grok
Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is facing intense criticism, accused of allowing X users to generate sexually explicit images of real women and children. One of the alleged victims is Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Musk's children. She said she discovered people used Grok to generate and publish sexualized deepfake images without her permission and share them on X. Musk has not responded to a request for comment.
British regulators on Grok AI images
British regulators are investigating X for lewd AI images generated by Grok, the AI arm of Elon Musk's social platform. Michael Goodyear, an associate professor at New York Law School, joins CBS News with more.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Au pair testifies in man's murder trial
A trial is underway in northern Virginia for a man accused of plotting his wife's murder with help from his affair partner - the family's au pair. The former au pair was the first witness called to testify against Brendan Banfield. Jericka Duncan reports on the case.
Doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia
The case has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians.
Man plotted murder to "get rid of" his wife after affair, au pair testifies
Brendan Banfield is charged with murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfields' home in northern Virginia.
Uvalde teacher's emotional testimony in trial
Tuesday marked Day 5 in the trial of former Uvalde CISD police officer Adrian Gonzales over his response to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has the latest.
Kiefer Sutherland arrested over alleged altercation with LA rideshare driver
Los Angeles police said they arrested "24" actor Kiefer Sutherland after he allegedly assaulted and threatened a rideshare driver.
Space
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Space
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Astronaut says early return to Earth is "right call," but "bittersweet"
Mike Fincke thanked NASA for making crew health the agency's top priority.
NASA hopes to return Crew 11 to Earth next week over medical issue
NASA officials reported Thursday that an unidentified member of Crew 11 was dealing with "a medical situation" that would require the crew to return to Earth sooner than anticipated.
Latest Galleries
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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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Latest CBS News Videos
Arthur Brooks on New Year's resolutions
Author Arthur C. Brooks joined "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" with advice on how to tailor your New Year's resolutions so they serve your best interests in 2026.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Death toll skyrockets in Iran, sources say
Sources told CBS News that at least 12,000 people -- and possibly upwards of 20,000 -- are now feared dead as anti-government protests continue and the regime threatens to begin executions.
Tensions in Minnesota persist over ICE raids
Minnesota protesters are still clashing with federal officials carrying out Trump administration immigration crackdowns in the state. CBS News' Lana Zak reports.
World awaits Iran's response to protesters
Iran may act against protesters involved in anti-government manifestations, and President Trump is commenting on his potential response if executions by hanging occur. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Holly Williams have more.