Latest news with #TaxSlayer
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
EverBank Stadium to host the Annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl this December
TaxSlayer and ESPN announced that the annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will be on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 7:30 pm. This year, the Gator Bowl will be played on Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, and it will be televised on ABC. Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'We're excited to celebrate the 81st annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl—one of college football's most storied traditions. This year is especially meaningful, as it marks our 15th year as the title sponsor. It's always a joy to be part of this iconic event and to share in the energy and enthusiasm it brings to fans across the country,' said Jamie Saxe, CEO of TaxSlayer. The game will feature teams from both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Teams participating in this year's Gator Bowl will be announced on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Advertisement [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'The opportunity to play the 81st TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday night in primetime is sure to provide an electric atmosphere for both student-athletes and fans alike,' said TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Chairperson, Sara Pomposo. 'On behalf of our entire green jacket membership, we look forward to hosting a representative from both the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference in Jacksonville for the holidays in our beautiful city.' Tickets are currently available through a limited pre-sale offer, running through Sunday, June 8th. Public tickets will be available on September 4th via Ticketmaster. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] People who purchase tickets from a 'Green Jacket Member' before December 1st will receive preferred pricing. Advertisement For more information, click here. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
New York Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Americans received higher tax refunds than expected — here's what people are spending the extra cash on
Are 'responsible tax refunds' on the rise? A new survey shows taxpayers are more likely to spend their refunds on rent, groceries and other necessities, rather than luxuries. The poll of 2,000 US taxpayers found nearly two in three (64%) have either already spent their tax refund money or are planning to soon. And all agree their refunds will be spent on necessary purchases. Commissioned by TaxSlayer and conducted by Talker Research, the two-part study compared Americans' initial tax refund ambitions pre-Tax Day to their post-Tax Day realities. Four in five who have already spent their refunds spent it on essentials; top spends include bills like rent (58%), groceries (48%), paying down credit card debt (29%) and home repairs (13%). According to a survey, a majority of Americans are planning on spending their tax refunds on necessities. Christopher Sadowski Likewise, 72% who haven't already spent their refunds are planning to invest it all in necessities. The study revealed that participants received more than $2,300 on average in their refunds this year — higher than the average $1,700 that was predicted when the first study on this topic was conducted in December 2024. Six in 10 (61%) said their refunds are an important part of their budgeting plans for 2025; an increase from 52% who felt the same about the role refunds played in their 2024 budgeting. When asked in December, only 22% of Americans believed they would receive more this year than last, and 26% believed they would receive less. When asked how much they actually received, one-third (32%) said they received more this year than last year, while 28% reportedly received less. The primary reasons people believe they received more this year were: working more (37%), adjustment of deductions or withholdings (31%), and getting a pay raise or promotion (16%). Meanwhile, participants who received a smaller refund amount believe it was likely due to losing work (29%), moving to a higher tax bracket (21%) and having dependents age out of eligibility (11%). Sixty-two percent felt happy and surprised by the amount they received; another major increase from last year, when a mere 40% recalled feeling happy with their 2024 tax refund. 'This study confirms that people are strategic about how they use their tax refunds in general,' said Seth Babb, Head of Consumer Product at TaxSlayer. 'By planning ahead, you can focus on what's essential and be intentional about your spending decisions.' The study also revealed the filing habits of taxpayers. In December, 43% of respondents said they were planning to file their taxes early and 54% were planning to file on time. Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters In reality, 41% filed early and 57% filed on time. Only 2% said they asked for an extension. Respondents from the previous survey shared they were motivated to file early because it meant receiving their refund earlier, not needing to deal with Tax Day stress and having filed early in 2024. The pattern is largely set to continue for the year ahead. Respondents said they'll likely file early in 2026 because it means getting their refund earlier (47%), they want to avoid stress (29%), they filed early this year (18%) and they'll be able to spend their refund sooner (18%). A large majority of respondents (89%) said they filed their taxes the same way this year as they did last year. As an indicator, the December study found people were most likely to use DIY tax software (37%) or file manually using paper forms (19%). However, 10% said they'll be doing something different next year. In 2026, they said they'll try filing online (40%), seek out a CPA (27%) or use a different tax preparation software (16%). 'It's always a good idea to file early,' Babb emphasized. 'Getting your taxes done early means you have more time to plan, more options, and a clearer financial picture for the year ahead.' WHAT WERE THE ACTUAL TOP NECESSITIES PEOPLE SPENT THEIR REFUNDS ON? Respondents were asked to choose all the necessities they spent their refunds on. Here's what they said: NECESSITIES Bills, like rent and utilities – 58% Groceries and essential goods – 48% Credit card debt – 29% Home repair/improvement – 13% Miscellaneous spending – 10% Savings accounts – 7% Childcare costs – 4% Paying down student debt – 3%
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
IRS tax refund schedule: Will your deposit arrive this week? Find out
Several taxpayers all across the U.S. now want to know the dates and amounts of refunds they will receive from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as the tax season progresses. Tax Day was on April 15, when every taxpayer in the country – be it individuals or businesses – had to file their federal tax repayments. Few of the states and regions on the East Coast were given an extension till May 1 to file their tax returns as they're still dealing with Hurricane Helene's wrath during September last year. As per the IRS, most refunds are issued within 10 to 21 days of filing. However, this time may vary depending on factors such as filing methods, the date the return was filed, and the tax credits claimed. Tax Slayer, the tax preparation and software company's website explains that the IRS works on a proper schedule to send taxpayers their refunds. Returns filed online are processed much faster than those sent via mail. Choosing direct deposit instead of check in the mail can also significantly speed up the arrival of the tax refunds, while some tax credits – like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) – may delay the issuance of the refunds by the taxpayers. Several citizens are waiting for their tax returns, as the revenue acts as a significant economic relief for a lot of people. - Electronic filing and direct deposit: 1 to 3 weeks - Electronic filing and cheque: 1 month - Statement by mail and direct deposit: 3 weeks - Statement by mail and check: 2 months Those who have filed their tax return online through the IRS website between March 31 and April 6 will be able to receive their refund from April 21 to 27. Those who have paid by check and filed in the second week of March, they will receive the payment on Easter Monday, April 21.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
77% of Americans Plan To Use Tax Refunds for Essential Expenses: 5 Tips for Using Yours
For Americans who usually receive a tax refund, that spring windfall sometimes helps cover a treat, like a family vacation, a pool or new patio furniture. But for a majority of people this year, their tax refund is going toward necessities, according to a study from Talker Research, commissioned by TaxSlayer. The study found that 77% of Americans will spend their tax refund on necessities this year. What's on the top of their list? More than half (52%) of those polled said the money will go toward rent or utility bills. Meanwhile, 44% will put the money toward groceries and essential goods. Thirty-seven percent are using the cash to pay down credit card debt, with 56% of that group still paying off holiday bills. This is common — and nothing to be ashamed of — in today's financial environment. Check Out: Learn More: 'If your refund is going straight to keeping the lights on and food in the fridge, that probably says more about the cost of living than your decision-making,' said Taylor Kovar, CFP, founder and CEO of 11 Financial. 'That kind of pressure is real.' However, there are ways to plan ahead to remove some of that financial sting throughout the rest of 2025. Try spending what you can of your tax refund strategically to try to get ahead. If you're consistently running behind on fixed expenses, like your car loan, rent or utility bills, you should 'zoom out and look at the patterns,' Kovar advised. 'It's worth seeing if there's a monthly expense that's quietly draining your budget.' See if you can change due dates on bills so everything doesn't hit your bank account at the same time too. If you have good credit, consider consolidating some of your credit card debt to a 0% interest credit card that you can aim to pay off within 12 to 18 months. Sometimes, small tweaks like changing due dates and reducing interest payments can provide the breathing room you need. Be Aware: If you can, deposit part of your refund into a high-yield savings account to provide a buffer for months when emergency expenses crop up or cash gets tight. 'The goal isn't perfection,' Kovar said. 'It's just trying to make the months ahead feel a little less like a juggling act.' If you're still paying off last year's holiday celebrations, take heart. 'You're not the only one,' Kovar said. 'A lot of people spend January through April trying to clean up December.' But it's still early enough to avoid the situation this holiday season. 'Start thinking now about what you want to spend and what kind of holiday feels good for your budget and your sanity,' Kovar advised. 'A little planning goes a long way, so you're not scrambling at the last minute.' Many online and traditional banks offer special holiday savings accounts or savings buckets that allow you to set aside money for specific goals. If you can tuck away $100 a month at a 4% monthly interest rate from April to November, you'll have more than $900 in the bank to take advantage of holiday deals come Black Friday. Once you've paid off last year's holiday debt, you can even use your tax refund to jump-start your holiday savings fund. If your emergency savings is in decent shape, consider a Roth IRA to help build your retirement fund. With the stock market in a downswing, it might be tempting to invest in some of your favorite brands. But keep finance expert Suze Orman's advice in mind: 'Money you have in the market should have been money you did not need for at least five years,' she wrote in a recent Facebook post. Investments don't always have to be related to building your portfolio, either. An investment might pay for itself through tangible improvements to your life, such as greater productivity or opportunities for passive income down the line. Kovar recommended investing any extra tax refund money in something that matters, such as a business, a side gig, or even a much-needed vacation that can help you avoid burnout and leave you feeling more refreshed and creative when you return.'It's … about putting the money somewhere that helps you sleep better at night. If it's doing something useful for your future or reducing stress, it's probably a solid call,' he said. A hefty tax refund doesn't always indicate smart financial choices. You're essentially giving the IRS an interest-free loan of your hard-earned money. If you're getting a large refund in April but scrambling to make ends meet throughout the year, 'look at adjusting your withholdings to keep more of that money in your paycheck,' Kovar for people who aren't disciplined savers, that tax refund can help you get ahead, splurge on something fun or bolster your savings account. Make sure to keep good records of your expenses and potential deductions, especially if you run a business or have a side gig, Kovar advised. 'The smoother your records, the less of a headache tax time becomes,' he said. More From GoBankingRates6 Reasons Your Tax Refund Will Be Higher in 2025 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 This article originally appeared on 77% of Americans Plan To Use Tax Refunds for Essential Expenses: 5 Tips for Using Yours Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The April 15 tax deadline is approaching fast. Here is what you need to know
Tax day is two weeks away. For those who haven't filed yet, now is the time to get started. Despite recent turmoil within the IRS and the federal government more broadly, tax experts say the filing season seems to be going smoothly. About 140 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed this year. "People are concerned about how the tax process is going to work this year, for sure," says Eric Bronnenkant, head of tax at Edelman Financial Engines. But "there really haven't been any major tax changes that would have impacted this tax filing season." Here are some basics to know this tax filing season, according to tax and financial experts. Your federal return is April 15, although there are some exceptions detailed below. And many states with income taxes also follow the federal deadlines, but there are some exceptions to those as well. "First, don't panic. While April 15th is the official tax filing deadline, you can always file for an extension if you need more time," says Tyler Horn, head of tax planning at Origin, a personal finance app. "Rest assured, the IRS isn't going to come knocking at your door or freeze your assets." To that end, Horn advises avoiding rushing through the process, as that can lead to costly mistakes. Instead, know that the deadline after requesting an extension, which can be done on the IRS's website, is October 15. That said, if you owe the IRS money, the April 15 deadline is a firm one. There is one exception: taxpayers in disaster areas, including some of those affected by the California wildfires and Southeastern floods, have additional time to file. Horn and the IRS encourage taxpayers to file electronically if possible. Not only is this safer—paper returns can get lost or stolen, as can refund checks—but it usually means receiving any eligible refund more quickly. "There are many online services available to quickly and easily file your taxes," says Horn. "E-filing through tax software not only speeds up the process but also significantly reduces the chances of errors or audits." It's also a good time to ensure your e-deposit ducks are in a row since President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling on the federal government to eliminate the use of paper checks by September 30. On that note, there are plenty of services available that enable many taxpayers to file for free. Many of the biggest commercial tax software providers, including H&R Block, TurboTax, and TaxSlayer, offer free versions for simple tax situations. More complex returns—for those taking many deductions or credits, for examples—typically require paid versions. The app called Origin also offers free tax filing, though it does have a subscription fee. Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less are eligible to use the IRS's Free File service. This is a public-private partnership between the IRS and tax companies including TaxAct, TaxSlayer, 1040Now, and Each partner has differing requirements for its free filing services, including age, income, and military status. These are great options for individuals and families with straight-forward returns. The IRS also offers a Direct File option in 25 states. This free program doesn't require taxpayers to use third party software to file their return. It is in its second year, and has received positive reviews from Americans who have used it. For most taxpayers, the standard deduction is the way to go. It was significantly increased in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which make it more likely to save the average taxpayer money than itemizing deductions will. There are some exceptions. "Unless you have significant expenses like a high mortgage interest or unusually large medical bills, it's simpler and more efficient to skip the hassle of itemizing and claim the standard deduction instead," Horn says. Though Trump has floated a variety of tax changes—such as eliminating taxes on Social Security, tips, and overtime—many are not actually law yet. So filers need to be aware of what they owe, experts says. For tax year 2024—the taxes currently being filed—all cash and non-cash tips are subject to federal taxes, and Social Security is still being taxed. "Taxpayers should be mindful that a proposal by the president does not mean legislation will be passed accordingly, and to plan according to what is known, not what may happen," says Tipiwa Walker, a certified financial planner (CFP) at Lucre Advisory. One of the biggest tax changes this year is that the 1099-K reporting threshold has changed. Now, payment apps and online marketplaces are required to report transactions of at least $5,000 per individual. It's part of the IRS's incremental lowering of the threshold from $20,000 to just $600. This change applies to those who sell products on StubHub, Etsy, eBay, etc., or sell services on sites like Airbnb. Taxes are owed on profits made. There is still a little time to lower your tax bill. For example, if you qualify, you can still make tax-deductible contributions to an individual retirement account or health savings account by April 15. Just be sure to qualify that they apply to tax year 2024, and not 2025. You can only do this if you haven't already surpassed the maximum contribution amount for 2024. For IRAs, that limit is $7,000 (and $8,000 if you're 50 or older). For HSAs, the limit for individuals is $4,150 (or $5,150 if you're 55 or older) and $8,300 for family coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan. If you've filed and expect a refund, you can easily track its status on the IRS's website, on its dedicated Where's My Refund page. If you file electronically, you will be able to start seeing the status around 24 hours later, although it may take longer in some cases. If you file a paper return, it could take four weeks to be able to see the status. Refunds are typically deposited within 21 days of filing. But again, the process is quicker for those who e-file than those who send paper returns or request a paper check. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
