Here's how to file your taxes for free this year
Americans shell out billions of dollars to prepare and file their tax returns. Here's how to do it without spending a dime.
Your Taxes
What happens if you don't file your taxes? "Huge" penalties.
Each year, millions of taxpayers don't file their taxes — putting them at risk of fines and other penalties from IRS.
Tax advantages of couples filing separately
Alicia Jegede, a CPA and founder of New Gen Financial Planning, discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of married couples filing their taxes separately and jointly.
When filing taxes separately could help married couples
A CPA weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of married couples filing their taxes separately and jointly.
IRS says time is running out to claim $1.5 billion in tax refunds
Some households could get a typical refund of almost $1,000 by filing their tax returns for 2019, tax collector says.
Americans facing shrinking tax refunds as inflation remains high
By one estimate, roughly 70% of Americans worry about tax refunds this year, mainly because of expiring pandemic relief programs.
Free tax-filing services available to millions of Americans
Millions of Americans qualify for free tax-filing services. Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez, host of Real Simple's "Money Confidential" podcast, walks through some of the free programs available this tax season.
Scammers ramp up activity as tax deadline approaches
Amy Nofiziger, a fraud expert for AARP, says that as the deadline approaches, scammers, "know that we're stressed and that it's going to be easy manipulating us."
5 money-saving tips for seniors this tax season
Taxes for older Americans can be complicated — here's what to keep in mind as the April 18 filing deadline nears.
How to file a tax extension
Running out of time to meet the April 18 tax filing deadline? Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez, host of Real Simple’s "Money Confidential" podcast, explains the pros and cons of filing for a tax extension.
Which U.S. cities have the lowest and highest property taxes?
Annual property taxes on single-family homes rose 3.6% last year, with the typical homeowner paying nearly $4,000 a year.
Is your state tax-friendly? Here are the most and least taxed.
Differences in local tax rates across the U.S. can add up for those who live in certain states.
Should you aim for a big tax refund—or nothing? The debate, explained
Refunds are met with glee each spring, but financial pros note that it represents money you've overpaid to the government.
Democratic senators call for crackdown on wealthy tax-dodgers
The richest Americans often use trusts and other legal tax dodges to pass their wealth to their heirs tax-free, lawmakers say.
These bogus "tax hacks" can lead to serious trouble with the IRS
The tax agency is warning not to fall for social media advice to file a fake W2 in the hope of getting a big refund.
How small business owners can save on taxes
Some small business owners could be in for a shock this tax season. Rebecca Walser, a tax attorney and president of Walser Wealth Management, joins CBS News's Elaine Quijano and Jericka Duncan with more.
Here's what to know if you haven't filed your tax return yet
Early IRS data provides a peek at what to expect for the millions of Americans who have yet to file their taxes.
Tax filing mistakes to avoid
Millions of Americans need to get ready to file their taxes as this year's deadline fast approaches. Karla Dennis, a tax expert and founder of Karla Dennis and Associates, joined CBS News to go over the biggest mistakes people make and some helpful tips when filing your returns.
How to avoid getting ripped off by your tax preparer
A government watchdog warns that tax pros might not do a better job than you can — and some are straight-up fraudsters.
How long will it take to get your tax refund?
Americans are filing their taxes earlier this year. Here's what to know about the IRS' turnaround time on your refund.
Who qualifies for the home office deduction on their taxes?
The answer depends on what type of an employee you were last year, according to Julia Glum, a news editor at Money.
2023 taxes: How to gain from capital losses
CPA Ryan Losi explains how 2022’s poor stock market performance could be helpful in lessening tax bills this season.
Americans may get a tax refund shock this year
Many tax benefits instituted during the pandemic have lapsed, which means some people could see smaller refunds.
Here's how much people are getting for their tax refund
Tax experts and the IRS itself have warned about smaller refund checks this year due to expiring pandemic aid.
Here are the new 2023 tax brackets — and how to determine yours
Taxpayers could save on taxes because of a higher standard deduction and more generous thresholds for each bracket.
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U.S.
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Protesters smash into FBI vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI is offering a reward after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
Mortgage rates fall to 3-year low, offering relief for homebuyers
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage dipped to 6.06%, the lowest level since September 2022, according to Freddie Mac.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Mortgage rates fall to 3-year low, offering relief for homebuyers
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage dipped to 6.06%, the lowest level since September 2022, according to Freddie Mac.
Bankruptcy filings surged last year. Here's what's behind the rise
The increase in bankruptcy filings comes as Americans face a slate of economic pressures, from sticky inflation to elevated borrowing costs.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new tax deduction for senior citizens is kicking in this tax season, potentially providing bigger refunds to millions, the AARP says.
Politics
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Protesters smash into FBI vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI is offering a reward after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
HealthWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Trump admin. reverses sudden cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration reversed cuts to grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
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Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
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Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
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World
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Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
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U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker
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FIFA says it's received more than 500 million World Cup ticket requests
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Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind Ron King's mission to protect donkeys
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Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
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Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
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Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
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Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
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Technology
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Technology
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
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How AI powered robots are helping small farms
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New parental controls on YouTube kid accounts
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Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
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The history and mystery of kissing
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
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Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
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Crime
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Protesters smash into FBI vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI is offering a reward after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
26 charged in college basketball gambling scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged 26 people, including many college basketball players, in an illegal gambling probe. Danny Funt, author of "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of Sports Gambling," joins to unpack the alleged scheme.
Busfield held without bond in child sex abuse case
Actor Timothy Busfield is being held without bond in his New Mexico child sex abuse case. Busfield denies the charges. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Man convicted of killing Uber driver who he thought was robbing him
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Space
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Space
Astronauts return after mission cut short
A NASA crew splashed down off the coast of California on Thursday weeks earlier than scheduled due to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station dealing with a medical issue. Mark Strassmann reports on the unprecedented mission home.
Astronauts back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
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.
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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
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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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
Feds allege college basketball games were fixed
Federal prosecutors charged 26 people in an alleged point-shaving scheme involving multiple current and former college basketball players, authorities announced. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Iran tightens grip, regional powers urge restraint
The Iranian regime has appeared to tamp down anti-government protests that have swept across the country in recent weeks. Thousands are estimated to have been killed in the crackdown. Elizabeth Palmer has the latest.
Machado gives Trump her Nobel Prize medallion
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she presented President Trump with her real Nobel Peace Prize medallion during her visit to the White House on Thursday. Weijia Jiang has more.
Tensions flare after second shooting involving ICE
Tensions are soaring in Minneapolis as protesters face off against federal agents. As Matt Gutman reports, it comes after a Venezuelan migrant was shot by an ICE agent after allegedly trying to flee federal officers.
Retired Navy vice admiral on Iran relations
It seems President Trump is lowering the temperature with Iran, while keeping all options on the table. Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.