U.S. Government News

Free Continuing Education for Small Businesses

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:27 PST

Network with other local small business owners and tell hundreds what you do. Establish a profile and bring greater exposure to your business.

Credit and Gift Cards in 2010: Changes Take Effect Feb 22

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:11:18 PST

The Credit CARD Act is intended to help protect consumers from abusive fees, penalties, interest rate increases and other unwarranted changes in account terms. Companies will be required to make more disclosures and they face new limits on certain credit card practices.

Tax-Refund Loans:Brown Urges Taxpayers to Avoid High-Cost Tax-Refund Loans

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:04:14 PST

As tax season begins, hardworking Californians should avoid tax-refund-anticipation loans and any tax preparer who advertises these loans as early tax refunds," Brown said. "These loans carry steep interest rates and push taxpayers to borrow their own money instead of collecting their full refunds

Disabled? Seven Tax Tips for Disabled Taxpayers

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:32:56 PST

Taxpayers with disabilities may qualify for a number of IRS tax credits and benefits. Parents of children with disabilities may also qualify. Listed below are seven tax credits and other benefits that are available if you or someone else listed on your federal tax return is disabled.

Is this Income Taxable?

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:19:53 PST

While most income you receive is generally considered taxable, there are some situations when certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all.

IRS: Five Tax Changes for 2009

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:16:55 PST

As you get ready to prepare your 2009 tax return, the Internal Revenue Service wants to make sure you have all the details about tax law changes that may impact your tax return.

With Love from a Post Office Near You

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:20:50 PST

Now, just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Postal Service has expanded a test of greeting card sales from the 500 offices that initially offered greeting cards to about 900.

Super Bowl XLIV: Designating a Driver Should Be At the Top of Everyone’s Super Bowl Party List

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:05:24 PST

According to the most recent figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminsitration (NHTSA), in 2008, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of total motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (February 3 to 5:59 a.m. February 4), 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. Overall, more than 13,000 Americans died that year in crashes involving an impaired driver.

IRS: Free Tax Help Available Nationwide

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:29:18 PST

Nearly 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year as the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations performing vital tax preparation services for low-income and elderly taxpayers.

Toyota Recalls Certain Model Year Vehicles due to Pedal Accelerator Problems

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:46:57 PST

Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation.

Substance Use Treatment Need and Receipt among People Living in Poverty

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:09:01 PST

Combined 2006 to 2008 data indicate that 3.7 million persons aged 12 or older living in poverty were in need of substance use treatment in the past year. Of these, 17.9 percent received treatment at a specialty facility during this time period.

Substance Abuse Grants for Drug Free Community Coalitions

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:13:22 PST

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced the availability of new Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program funding. ONDCP expects to award approximately $18.75 million for 150 new competing grants to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth.

Healthy Travel This Winter

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:59:49 PST

Thinking of taking a winter getaway? Whether you are planning a retreat to warmer weather or a snow-filled adventure, now is a great time for travel, but make sure the flu is not your travel companion. It is important to take time before your trip to reduce your risk of catching or spreading the flu as you travel.

California DMV extends advance Appointment Calendar to 45 Days

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:53:38 PST

Due to increased demand, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced today that field office appointments can now be made 45 days in advance

Childcare Tax Credit: IRS Tax Tip

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:38:42 PST

Many working parents must arrange for care of their children under 13 years of age during the school vacation period. A solution-- with a federal tax benefit-- is a day camp program. According to the IRS, the cost of day camp can count as an expense toward the child and dependent care credit. Expenses for overnight camps do not qualify.

Eight Ways to Find Tax Help en Espanol

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:36:11 PST

Tax information can be tough to understand in any language, but it can be even more difficult if it is not in your first language. To assist Spanish speaking taxpayers, the IRS provides a wide range of free products and services.

Honda Recalls Certain MY Acura 2010 MDX Vehicles

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:48:02 PST

A bolt used to attach an interior trim piece to either the driver's or passenger's side A- pillar may not have been installed during manufacturing.

IRS and Telemundo Will Host Tax Information Program for Spanish-Speaking Taxpayers

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:39:13 PST

The Internal Revenue Service is joining national TV network Telemundo in a special one-hour tax program for Spanish-speaking taxpayers on Sunday, Jan. 24.

New Homebuyer Credit Form Released; Taxpayers Reminded to Attach Settlement Statement and Other Key Documents

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:35:48 PST

The Internal Revenue Service today released the new form that eligible homebuyers need to claim the first-time homebuyer credit this tax season and announced processing of those tax returns will begin in mid-February.

IRS: Tax Credit Helps Pay for Higher Education Expenses

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:31:25 PST

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed in early 2009 and created the American Opportunity Credit. This educational tax credit – which expanded the existing Hope credit – helps parents and students pay for college and college-related expenses.