U.S. Government News

Free Tax Help:New IRS Online Tool Helps Low- and Moderate-Income Taxpayers Find Locations for Help

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:19:25 PST

As part of a continuing effort to improve service to taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service announced today the availability of a new online tool to help people easily find a location for volunteer tax preparation assistance.

USCIS: How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Interview

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:09:46 PST

The citizenship interview is an important step toward becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, but it can also be one of the most stressful ones. That’s because it involves a meeting with a federal agent, not to mention taking and passing an English language comprehension and a Civics test.

The best way to avoid stress is to be well prepared for the interview. Below you will learn how the interview is structured as well as tips and resources to help you prepare for this important meeting.

OSHA Publishes New Safety Materials for Laboratory Managers and Workers

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:09:41 PST

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published new educational materials for laboratory managers on protecting their workers from exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards

Recently Married? IRS Offers Seven Tax Tips for Taxpayers

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:35:17 PST

With the summer wedding season in full swing, the Internal Revenue Service advises the soon-to-be married and the just married to review their changing tax status. If you recently got married or are planning a wedding, the last thing on your mind is taxes. However, there are some important steps you need to take to avoid stress at tax time. Here are seven tips for newlyweds.

Hurricane Irene 2011: FEMA Get Prepared Video

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:32:00 PST

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate encourages provides an update on hurricane Irene. The storm moved through Puerto Rico on August 21 and may threaten the Southeast U.S. coast over the next several days.

U.S. Federal Rating: Standard & Poor Lowers Rating of the U.S. Government from AAA to AA+

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:35:24 PST

Earlier today, Standard & Poor’s rating agency lowered the long-term rating of the U.S. government and federal agencies from AAA to AA+. With regard to this action, the federal banking agencies are providing the following guidance to banks, savings associations, credit unions, and bank and savings and loan holding companies (collectively, banking organizations.

Bank Closure: Columbia State Bank, Tacoma, Washington, Assumes All of the Deposits of Bank of Whitman, Colfax, Washington

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:31:02 PST

Bank of Whitman, Colfax, Washington, was closed today by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Columbia State Bank, Tacoma, Washington, to assume all of the deposits of Bank of Whitman.

How to Make a Complaint Against a Tax Return Preparer

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 11:08:02 PST

Need to file a complaint against your Tax Return Preparer or CPA? Here is what the IRS says you must do.......

Video Update: CAN-SPAM Act Requirements

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:07:42 PST

If you use email to promote your business services, there are seven ways to know you are promoting it right. Please watch the video below for more details.

Kuwait, a leading oil exporter, relies on imports of liquefied natural gas

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:24:02 PST

IRS Tax Scams: IRS Urges Taxpayers to Avoid Becoming Victims of Tax Scams

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:50:05 PST

The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to guard against being misled by unscrupulous individuals trying to persuade them to file false claims for tax credits or rebates

U.S.Postal Service Stamps: Postal Service Offers Sneak Peek at 2012 Stamps

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:27:59 PST

WASHINGTON -- In a move to raise awareness of its stamp program and to reach diverse audiences and people of all ages, the Postal Service is offering a sneak peek at some of the stamps that will be issued in 2012, beginning today through social media sites.

IRS Tax Credit: Summer Day Camp Expenses May Qualify for a Tax Credit

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:55:27 PST

Along with the lazy, hazy days of summer come some extra expenses, including summer day camp. But, the IRS has some good news for parents: those added expenses may help you qualify for a tax credit.

IRS Mileage Rate: IRS Increases Mileage Rate to 55.5 Cents per Mile

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 05:10:03 PST

The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes.

IRS Identifies Organizations that Have Lost Tax-Exempt Status

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:47:39 PST

The Internal Revenue Service today announced that approximately 275,000 organizations under the law have automatically lost their tax-exempt status because they did not file legally required annual reports for three consecutive years.

75,000 Jewelry Kits Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:51:59 PST

The surface coating on the some of the beads contains excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited under federal law.

Home Equity Loans: Great Benefits, Serious Risks

Fri, 27 May 2011 05:53:14 PST

"If a home equity product is not repaid, a creditor likely can foreclose on the home — to sell the property to pay off what is owed," explained C. Lee Page, an FDIC Consumer Affairs Specialist. "And if the home cannot be sold for enough to pay the debt, the borrower will be responsible for making up the difference.

Credit Cards: Read the Fine Print Before You Sign Up

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:19:10 PST

Not all credit cards are alike. That's why it's important to carefully review a card's terms and costs before you sign up for it.

Dog Attacks: Postal Service Announces Top Dog Attack Cities

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:04:51 PST

The Postal Service released statistics highlighting the cities where the most dog attacks occur nationwide. Houston tops the list with 62 letter carriers attacked in 2010. Nationwide last year, 5,669 postal employees were attacked in more than 1,400 cities, yet that pales in comparison to the 4.7 million Americans bitten annually — the majority of whom are children.

IRS Amended Returns: Nine Facts on filing an Amended Return

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:55:00 PST

An amended tax return generally allows you to file again to correct your filing status, your income or to add deductions or credits you may have missed.