By BARRY MARKOVSKY <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-is-13-considered-unlucky-explaining-the-power-of-its-bad-reputation-191477">The Conversation</a>

Would you think it weird if I refused to travel on Sundays that fall on the 22nd day of the month?

How about if I lobbied the homeowner association in my high-rise condo to skip the 22nd floor, jumping from the 21st to 23rd?

It’s highly unusual <a href="https://theconversation.com/happy-twosday-why-numbers-like-2-22-22-have-been-too-fascinating-for-over-2-000-years-176093">to fear 22</a>
 – so, yes, it would be appropriate to see me as a bit odd. But what if,
 in just my country alone, more than 40 million people shared the same 
baseless aversion?

That’s <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/26887/thirteen-percent-americans-bothered-stay-hotels-13th-floor.aspx">how many Americans</a> admit it would bother them to stay on one particular floor in high-rise hotels: the 13th.

According to the Otis Elevator Co., for every building with a floor numbered “13,” six other buildings <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130430013751/http:/realtytimes.com/rtpages/20020913_13thfloor.htm">pretend to not have one</a>, skipping right to 14.

<a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/kingstree/community-news/some-scared-others-amused-by-friday-the-13th/article_50e1a1d2-cd6b-11ec-9c50-3b6b3897ea36.html">Many Westerners</a> <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-friday-the-13th-affects-peoples-behaviour">alter their behaviors</a> on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1697765/pdf/bmj00052-0013.pdf">Friday the 13th</a>. Of course bad things <a href="https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/friday-the-13th-history/">do sometimes happen</a> on that date, but there’s no evidence they do so disproportionately.

As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZEQu09wAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">a sociologist</a>
 specializing in social psychology and group processes, I’m not so 
interested in individual fears and obsessions. What fascinates me is 
when millions of people share the same misconception to the extent that 
it affects behavior on a broad scale. Such is the power of 13.

The source of 13’s bad reputation – “triskaidekaphobia” – is murky 
and speculative. The historical explanation may be as simple as its 
chance juxtaposition with lucky 12. <a href="https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/authors/nickell-joe/">Joe Nickell</a>
 investigates paranormal claims for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry,
 a nonprofit that scientifically examines controversial and 
extraordinary claims. He points out that 12 often <a href="https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/freaking_out_over_friday_the_13th_skeptics_say_relax/">represents “completeness”</a>:
 the number of months in the year, gods on Olympus, signs of the zodiac 
and apostles of Jesus. Thirteen contrasts with this sense of goodness 
and perfection.

The number 13 may be associated with some <a href="https://www.livescience.com/46284-origins-unlucky-friday-the-13th.html">famous but undesirable dinner guests</a>.
 In Norse mythology, the god Loki was 13th to arrive at a feast in 
Valhalla, where he tricked another attendee into killing the god Baldur.
 In Christianity, Judas – the apostle who betrayed Jesus – was the 13th 
guest at the Last Supper.

But the truth is, sociocultural processes can associate bad luck with any number. When the conditions are favorable, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62585-9#:%7E:text=In%20addition%2C%20rumor%20spreading%20is,social%20environments%20in%20rumor%20spreading.">a rumor</a> or superstition generates its own social reality, snowballing like an urban legend as it rolls down the hill of time.

In Japan, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/130913-friday-luck-lucky-superstition-13">9 is unlucky</a>, probably because it sounds similar to the Japanese word for “suffering.” <a href="https://www.thelocal.it/20200717/thirteen-of-italys-strangest-superstitions-bad-luck-fate-belief-traditions/">In Italy</a>,
 it’s 17. In China, 4 sounds like “death” and is more actively avoided 
in everyday life than 13 is in Western culture – including a willingness
 to <a href="https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.2604">pay higher fees </a> to 
avoid it in cellphone numbers. And though 666 is considered lucky in 
China, many Christians around the world associate it with an evil beast 
described in the biblical Book of Revelation. There is even a word for 
an intense fear of 666: <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia-2671858">hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia</a>.

There are <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453">many kinds</a> of specific <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/">phobias</a>,
 and people hold them for a variety of psychological reasons. They can 
arise from direct negative experiences – fearing bees after being stung 
by one, for example. Other <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156#:%7E:text=Many%20phobias%20develop%20as%20a,to%20genetics%20or%20learned%20behavior.">risk factors</a>
 for developing a phobia include being very young, having relatives with
 phobias, having a more sensitive personality and being exposed to 
others with phobias.

Part of 13’s reputation may be connected to a feeling of unfamiliarity, or “<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247037#sec008">felt sense of anomaly</a>,”
 as it is called in the psychological literature. In everyday life, 13 
is less common than 12. There’s no 13th month, 13-inch ruler, or 13 
o'clock. By itself a sense of unfamiliarity won’t cause a phobia, but <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/1467-8721.00154">psychological research</a> shows that we favor what is familiar and disfavor what is not. This makes it easier to associate 13 with negative attributes.

People also may assign dark attributes to 13 for the same reason that many believe in “full moon effects.” Beliefs that the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051119">full moon</a>
 influences mental health, crime rates, accidents and other human 
calamities have been thoroughly debunked. Still, when people are looking
 to <a href="http://www.sakkyndig.com/psykologi/artvit/nickerson1998.pdf">confirm their beliefs</a>,
 they are prone to infer connections between unrelated factors. For 
example, having a car accident during a full moon, or on a Friday the 
13th, makes the event seem all the more memorable and significant. Once 
locked in, such beliefs are <a href="https://sk.sagepub.com/reference/socialpsychology/n62.xml#:%7E:text=Belief%20perseverance%20is%20the%20tendency,the%20basis%20of%20that%20belief.">very hard to shake</a>.

Then there are the potent effects of social influences. It takes a 
village – or Twitter – to make fears coalesce around a particular 
harmless number. The emergence of any superstition in a social group – 
fear of 13, walking under ladders, not stepping on a crack, knocking on 
wood, etc. – is not unlike the rise of a “<a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Selfish_Gene/ekonDAAAQBAJ?hl=en">meme</a>.” Although now the term most often refers to widely shared online images, it was <a href="https://www.wired.co.uk/article/richard-dawkins-memes">first introduced</a> by biologist <a href="https://richarddawkins.net/">Richard Dawkins</a>
 to help describe how an idea, innovation, fashion or other bit of 
information can diffuse through a population. A meme, in his definition,
 is similar to a piece of genetic code: It reproduces itself as it is 
communicated among people, with the potential to mutate into alternative
 versions of itself.

The 13 meme is a simple bit of information associated with bad luck. 
It resonates with people for reasons given above, and then spreads 
throughout the culture. Once acquired, this piece of pseudo-knowledge 
gives believers a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1027/1618-3169/a000225">sense of control</a> over the evils associated with it.

Groups concerned with public relations seem to feel the need to 
kowtow to popular superstitions. Perhaps owing to the near-tragic <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/missions/apollo13.html">Apollo 13 mission</a>, NASA stopped sequentially numbering space shuttle missions, dubbing <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/behind-the-space-shuttle-mission-numbering-system">the 13th shuttle flight</a> STS-41-G. In Belgium, complaints from superstitious passengers led Brussels Airlines to revamp <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/21/business/worldbusiness/21iht-logo.4676788.html">its logo</a>
 in 2006. It had been a “b”-like image made of 13 dots. The airline 
added a 14th. Like many other airlines, its planes’ row numbering <a href="https://simpleflying.com/row-13-on-planes/#:%7E:text=There%20is%20a%20long%2Dheld,based%20on%20a%20superstitious%20belief.">skips 13</a>.

Because superstitious beliefs are inherently false, they are as likely to do harm as good – consider <a href="https://quackwatch.org/">health frauds</a>,
 for example. I’d like to believe influential organizations – perhaps 
even elevator companies – would do better to warn the public about the 
dangers of clinging to false beliefs than to continue legitimizing them.

Barry Markovsky is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of South Carolina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673644874545.jpg" alt="Many elevators do not have a floor numbered 13 because of common superstitions about the number. Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Many elevators do not have a floor numbered 13 because of common superstitions about the number. Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BARRY MARKOVSKY <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-is-13-considered-unlucky-explaining-the-power-of-its-bad-reputation-191477">The Conversation</a>Would you think it weird if I refused to travel on Sundays that fall on the 22nd day of the month?How about if I lobbied the homeowner association in my high-rise condo to skip the 22nd floor, jumping from the 21st to 23rd?It’s highly unusual <a href="https://theconversation.com/happy-twosday-why-numbers-like-2-22-22-have-been-too-fascinating-for-over-2-000-years-176093">to fear 22</a>
 – so, yes, it would be appropriate to see me as a bit odd. But what if,
 in just my country alone, more than 40 million people shared the same 
baseless aversion?That’s <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/26887/thirteen-percent-americans-bothered-stay-hotels-13th-floor.aspx">how many Americans</a> admit it would bother them to stay on one particular floor in high-rise hotels: the 13th.According to the Otis Elevator Co., for every building with a floor numbered “13,” six other buildings <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130430013751/http:/realtytimes.com/rtpages/20020913_13thfloor.htm">pretend to not have one</a>, skipping right to 14.<a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/kingstree/community-news/some-scared-others-amused-by-friday-the-13th/article_50e1a1d2-cd6b-11ec-9c50-3b6b3897ea36.html">Many Westerners</a> <a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-friday-the-13th-affects-peoples-behaviour">alter their behaviors</a> on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1697765/pdf/bmj00052-0013.pdf">Friday the 13th</a>. Of course bad things <a href="https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/friday-the-13th-history/">do sometimes happen</a> on that date, but there’s no evidence they do so disproportionately.As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZEQu09wAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">a sociologist</a>
 specializing in social psychology and group processes, I’m not so 
interested in individual fears and obsessions. What fascinates me is 
when millions of people share the same misconception to the extent that 
it affects behavior on a broad scale. Such is the power of 13. <h2>Origins of the superstition</h2>The source of 13’s bad reputation – “triskaidekaphobia” – is murky 
and speculative. The historical explanation may be as simple as its 
chance juxtaposition with lucky 12. <a href="https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/authors/nickell-joe/">Joe Nickell</a>
 investigates paranormal claims for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry,
 a nonprofit that scientifically examines controversial and 
extraordinary claims. He points out that 12 often <a href="https://centerforinquiry.org/press_releases/freaking_out_over_friday_the_13th_skeptics_say_relax/">represents “completeness”</a>:
 the number of months in the year, gods on Olympus, signs of the zodiac 
and apostles of Jesus. Thirteen contrasts with this sense of goodness 
and perfection. The number 13 may be associated with some <a href="https://www.livescience.com/46284-origins-unlucky-friday-the-13th.html">famous but undesirable dinner guests</a>.
 In Norse mythology, the god Loki was 13th to arrive at a feast in 
Valhalla, where he tricked another attendee into killing the god Baldur.
 In Christianity, Judas – the apostle who betrayed Jesus – was the 13th 
guest at the Last Supper. But the truth is, sociocultural processes can associate bad luck with any number. When the conditions are favorable, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62585-9#:%7E:text=In%20addition%2C%20rumor%20spreading%20is,social%20environments%20in%20rumor%20spreading.">a rumor</a> or superstition generates its own social reality, snowballing like an urban legend as it rolls down the hill of time. In Japan, <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/130913-friday-luck-lucky-superstition-13">9 is unlucky</a>, probably because it sounds similar to the Japanese word for “suffering.” <a href="https://www.thelocal.it/20200717/thirteen-of-italys-strangest-superstitions-bad-luck-fate-belief-traditions/">In Italy</a>,
 it’s 17. In China, 4 sounds like “death” and is more actively avoided 
in everyday life than 13 is in Western culture – including a willingness
 to <a href="https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.2604">pay higher fees </a> to 
avoid it in cellphone numbers. And though 666 is considered lucky in 
China, many Christians around the world associate it with an evil beast 
described in the biblical Book of Revelation. There is even a word for 
an intense fear of 666: <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia-2671858">hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia</a>.<h2>Social and psychological explanations</h2>There are <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453">many kinds</a> of specific <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/">phobias</a>,
 and people hold them for a variety of psychological reasons. They can 
arise from direct negative experiences – fearing bees after being stung 
by one, for example. Other <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156#:%7E:text=Many%20phobias%20develop%20as%20a,to%20genetics%20or%20learned%20behavior.">risk factors</a>
 for developing a phobia include being very young, having relatives with
 phobias, having a more sensitive personality and being exposed to 
others with phobias.Part of 13’s reputation may be connected to a feeling of unfamiliarity, or “<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247037#sec008">felt sense of anomaly</a>,”
 as it is called in the psychological literature. In everyday life, 13 
is less common than 12. There’s no 13th month, 13-inch ruler, or 13 
o'clock. By itself a sense of unfamiliarity won’t cause a phobia, but <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/1467-8721.00154">psychological research</a> shows that we favor what is familiar and disfavor what is not. This makes it easier to associate 13 with negative attributes.People also may assign dark attributes to 13 for the same reason that many believe in “full moon effects.” Beliefs that the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051119">full moon</a>
 influences mental health, crime rates, accidents and other human 
calamities have been thoroughly debunked. Still, when people are looking
 to <a href="http://www.sakkyndig.com/psykologi/artvit/nickerson1998.pdf">confirm their beliefs</a>,
 they are prone to infer connections between unrelated factors. For 
example, having a car accident during a full moon, or on a Friday the 
13th, makes the event seem all the more memorable and significant. Once 
locked in, such beliefs are <a href="https://sk.sagepub.com/reference/socialpsychology/n62.xml#:%7E:text=Belief%20perseverance%20is%20the%20tendency,the%20basis%20of%20that%20belief.">very hard to shake</a>.Then there are the potent effects of social influences. It takes a 
village – or Twitter – to make fears coalesce around a particular 
harmless number. The emergence of any superstition in a social group – 
fear of 13, walking under ladders, not stepping on a crack, knocking on 
wood, etc. – is not unlike the rise of a “<a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Selfish_Gene/ekonDAAAQBAJ?hl=en">meme</a>.” Although now the term most often refers to widely shared online images, it was <a href="https://www.wired.co.uk/article/richard-dawkins-memes">first introduced</a> by biologist <a href="https://richarddawkins.net/">Richard Dawkins</a>
 to help describe how an idea, innovation, fashion or other bit of 
information can diffuse through a population. A meme, in his definition,
 is similar to a piece of genetic code: It reproduces itself as it is 
communicated among people, with the potential to mutate into alternative
 versions of itself. The 13 meme is a simple bit of information associated with bad luck. 
It resonates with people for reasons given above, and then spreads 
throughout the culture. Once acquired, this piece of pseudo-knowledge 
gives believers a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1027/1618-3169/a000225">sense of control</a> over the evils associated with it.<h2>False beliefs, true consequences</h2>Groups concerned with public relations seem to feel the need to 
kowtow to popular superstitions. Perhaps owing to the near-tragic <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/missions/apollo13.html">Apollo 13 mission</a>, NASA stopped sequentially numbering space shuttle missions, dubbing <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/behind-the-space-shuttle-mission-numbering-system">the 13th shuttle flight</a> STS-41-G. In Belgium, complaints from superstitious passengers led Brussels Airlines to revamp <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/21/business/worldbusiness/21iht-logo.4676788.html">its logo</a>
 in 2006. It had been a “b”-like image made of 13 dots. The airline 
added a 14th. Like many other airlines, its planes’ row numbering <a href="https://simpleflying.com/row-13-on-planes/#:%7E:text=There%20is%20a%20long%2Dheld,based%20on%20a%20superstitious%20belief.">skips 13</a>.Because superstitious beliefs are inherently false, they are as likely to do harm as good – consider <a href="https://quackwatch.org/">health frauds</a>,
 for example. I’d like to believe influential organizations – perhaps 
even elevator companies – would do better to warn the public about the 
dangers of clinging to false beliefs than to continue legitimizing them.Barry Markovsky is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of South Carolina.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/191477/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>

Why is 13 considered unlucky? Bad reputation explained

EMPORIA&nbsp;– King Lake on the Emporia State University campus received its first stocking of rainbow trout Jan. 12, thanks to an ongoing partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the university.

Approximately 1,000 trout were introduced to the lake, according to Ben Neely, KDWP Fisheries biologist.

King Lake, which opened to public fishing in April 2022, now joins other lakes across Kansas that offer winter angling opportunities through KDWP’s trout stocking program. The trout fishing season in Kansas runs from Nov. 1 to April 15. Permit restrictions apply.

“KDWP is very excited about this continued collaboration with Emporia State University to enhance local angling opportunities,” said Neely. “The addition of rainbow trout to this fishery will provide a close-to-home opportunity for anglers looking to get outside and wet a line on those nice winter days.”

The lake already contains good numbers of bluegill, largemouth bass and white crappie, according to fish sampling done by ESU students enrolled in Dr. Rachel Bowes’ Fish Ecology class. Bowes’ students will continue to sample fish populations in the lake and work with KDWP to develop a long-term management plan.

For Daphne Mayes, outreach and engagement coordinator for ESU’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC), both King Lake and PAROC are an excellent reason for the public to visit the campus.

“We are looking forward to seeing more anglers out at King Lake,” she said, “and invite visitors to stop by the Prophet Aquatic Research &amp; Outreach Center to check out our educational displays and learn more about the outreach and research activities taking place!”

For more on fishing in Kansas – including regulations, minimum lengths and creel limits – visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMTMuNjk3NDM3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcifQ.1Hs5By4joCuAE3yc13jYRAs1p73XOb2_plv_tylNYCI/s/1372079104/br/152527240226-l">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing</a>.

KDWPEMPORIA&nbsp;– King Lake on the Emporia State University campus received its first stocking of rainbow trout Jan. 12, thanks to an ongoing partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the university.Approximately 1,000 trout were introduced to the lake, according to Ben Neely, KDWP Fisheries biologist.King Lake, which opened to public fishing in April 2022, now joins other lakes across Kansas that offer winter angling opportunities through KDWP’s trout stocking program. The trout fishing season in Kansas runs from Nov. 1 to April 15. Permit restrictions apply.“KDWP is very excited about this continued collaboration with Emporia State University to enhance local angling opportunities,” said Neely. “The addition of rainbow trout to this fishery will provide a close-to-home opportunity for anglers looking to get outside and wet a line on those nice winter days.”The lake already contains good numbers of bluegill, largemouth bass and white crappie, according to fish sampling done by ESU students enrolled in Dr. Rachel Bowes’ Fish Ecology class. Bowes’ students will continue to sample fish populations in the lake and work with KDWP to develop a long-term management plan.For Daphne Mayes, outreach and engagement coordinator for ESU’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC), both King Lake and PAROC are an excellent reason for the public to visit the campus.“We are looking forward to seeing more anglers out at King Lake,” she said, “and invite visitors to stop by the Prophet Aquatic Research &amp; Outreach Center to check out our educational displays and learn more about the outreach and research activities taking place!”For more on fishing in Kansas – including regulations, minimum lengths and creel limits – visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMTMuNjk3NDM3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzb3V0ZG9vcnMuY29tL0Zpc2hpbmcifQ.1Hs5By4joCuAE3yc13jYRAs1p73XOb2_plv_tylNYCI/s/1372079104/br/152527240226-l">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing</a>.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Kansas lake stocked with rainbow trout

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced Monday, January 23, 2023,
 as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will 
begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.

More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax 
deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the 
calendar.

With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the 
pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service
 for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction
 Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and 
added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers.

"This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation's 
tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act," said
 Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "With these new additional 
resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many
 areas of the agency this year. We've trained thousands of new employees
 to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several
 difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax 
season. That's just the start as we work to add new long-term 
transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future 
years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and 
our employees know we could do with this funding."

These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for 
the 2023 tax season. The January 23 start date for individual tax return
 filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work
 that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the 
date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software 
providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they 
will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting 
tax returns on January 23.

The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before 
they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can 
avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the 
possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.

In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax 
situation to make sure they don't overlook important tax credits they 
may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS 
has set a special day on January 27 to encourage people to make sure 
they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can 
help low- and moderate-income workers and families.

The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;People can also get help from trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">tax professionals</a>, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.

The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By
 law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in 
the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's 
Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.

Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season

The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:

Have the right information before filing. The IRS 
encourages individuals to have all the information they need before 
filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax 
records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and 
this year's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a>&nbsp;valid for calendar year 2023.

Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or 
later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals
 have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is 
especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms
 1099 from banks or other payers reporting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a> distributions.

People should also remember that most income is taxable, including 
unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig 
economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the 
correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.

Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds 
people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on 
the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information 
that IRS phone assistors have.

The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service 
this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new 
phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS 
emphasizes it's important to note that call volumes remain at 
historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the 
information they need.

"Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O'Donnell said. "For 
faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From
 there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources 
available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night."

Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
 There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax 
return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
 To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns
 wherever possible.

To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with 
direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to 
file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid 
debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide 
routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an 
account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.

IRS Free File will open January 13 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.

The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 
or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using 
brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free 
File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income 
level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file 
themselves also at no cost.

Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 28

The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 
21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit 
and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.

While the IRS will begin accepting returns January 23, the IRS cannot
 issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional
 Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 
PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to 
help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18&nbsp;for 
most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related 
refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards 
by&nbsp;February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other 
issues with their tax return.

Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2022 returns

Currently, the IRS has processed all paper and electronic individual 
tax year 2021 returns received prior to November 2022 that didn't 
require error-correction or further review. The IRS continues to work on
 remaining tax returns in these categories. This work will not impact 
tax refund timing for people filing in 2023, but the IRS continues to 
urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax 
season to avoid delays. Check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue">IRS Operations</a> page for the latest information about the status of tax returns received in 2022.

IRS.gov, IRS Online Account provide free help

Taxpayers can find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools</a>
 at IRS.gov that are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, determine eligibility for tax credits and get answers to tax 
questions.

An IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 allows individuals to log in securely&nbsp;to access personal tax account 
information including balance, payments and tax records including 
adjusted gross income.

There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled 
agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and some who don't have a
 professional credential. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> offers information to help people select one. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find local preparers who currently hold professional 
credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season 
Program Record of Completion.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 provides answers to many tax law questions. For example, it can help 
people determine if a type of income is taxable, or if they can deduct 
certain expenses. It also helps people find out if life event changes 
make them eligible for credits they didn't qualify for in the past and 
provides answers for general questions, such as determining filing 
status, if someone can claim dependents or if they have to file a tax 
return.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;offers
 taxpayers the ability to check the status of their refund within 24 
hours after the IRS accepts their e-filed tax return. The Where's My 
Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>
 is a free tax resource available for the military community, offered 
through the Department of Defense. It includes tax preparation and 
electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants 
and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the
 realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training
 pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings.&nbsp;Eligible 
taxpayers&nbsp;can use MilTax to <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">electronically file</a> a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:

It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced Monday, January 23, 2023,
 as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will 
begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax 
deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the 
calendar.With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the 
pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service
 for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction
 Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and 
added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers."This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation's 
tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act," said
 Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "With these new additional 
resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many
 areas of the agency this year. We've trained thousands of new employees
 to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several
 difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax 
season. That's just the start as we work to add new long-term 
transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future 
years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and 
our employees know we could do with this funding."These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for 
the 2023 tax season. The January 23 start date for individual tax return
 filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work
 that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the 
date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software 
providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they 
will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting 
tax returns on January 23.The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before 
they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can 
avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the 
possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax 
situation to make sure they don't overlook important tax credits they 
may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS 
has set a special day on January 27 to encourage people to make sure 
they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can 
help low- and moderate-income workers and families.The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;People can also get help from trusted <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">tax professionals</a>, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.<h2>April 18 tax filing deadline in 2023</h2>The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By
 law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in 
the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia's 
Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.<h2>Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season</h2>The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:Have the right information before filing. The IRS 
encourages individuals to have all the information they need before 
filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax 
records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and 
this year's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a>&nbsp;valid for calendar year 2023.Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or 
later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals
 have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is 
especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms
 1099 from banks or other payers reporting <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418">unemployment compensation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc404">dividends</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410">pension, annuity or retirement plan</a> distributions.People should also remember that most income is taxable, including 
unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig 
economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the 
correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds 
people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on 
the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information 
that IRS phone assistors have.The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service 
this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new 
phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS 
emphasizes it's important to note that call volumes remain at 
historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the 
information they need."Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O'Donnell said. "For 
faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From
 there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources 
available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night."Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
 There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax 
return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to
 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file electronically</a> with <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
 To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns
 wherever possible.To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with 
direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to 
file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid 
debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide 
routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an 
account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/about/initiatives/getbanked/index.html">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.<h2>IRS Free File available January 13</h2>IRS Free File will open January 13 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.The IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>
 program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 
or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using 
brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free 
File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income 
level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file 
themselves also at no cost.<h2>Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting February 28</h2>The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 
21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit 
and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a> on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.While the IRS will begin accepting returns January 23, the IRS cannot
 issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional
 Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 
PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to 
help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18&nbsp;for 
most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related 
refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards 
by&nbsp;February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other 
issues with their tax return.<h2>Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2022 returns</h2>Currently, the IRS has processed all paper and electronic individual 
tax year 2021 returns received prior to November 2022 that didn't 
require error-correction or further review. The IRS continues to work on
 remaining tax returns in these categories. This work will not impact 
tax refund timing for people filing in 2023, but the IRS continues to 
urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax 
season to avoid delays. Check the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue">IRS Operations</a> page for the latest information about the status of tax returns received in 2022.<h2>IRS.gov, IRS Online Account provide free help</h2>Taxpayers can find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">online tools</a>
 at IRS.gov that are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of 
people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their
 accounts, determine eligibility for tax credits and get answers to tax 
questions.An IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 allows individuals to log in securely&nbsp;to access personal tax account 
information including balance, payments and tax records including 
adjusted gross income.There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled 
agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and some who don't have a
 professional credential. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc254">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> offers information to help people select one. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find local preparers who currently hold professional 
credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season 
Program Record of Completion.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>
 provides answers to many tax law questions. For example, it can help 
people determine if a type of income is taxable, or if they can deduct 
certain expenses. It also helps people find out if life event changes 
make them eligible for credits they didn't qualify for in the past and 
provides answers for general questions, such as determining filing 
status, if someone can claim dependents or if they have to file a tax 
return.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;offers
 taxpayers the ability to check the status of their refund within 24 
hours after the IRS accepts their e-filed tax return. The Where's My 
Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>
 is a free tax resource available for the military community, offered 
through the Department of Defense. It includes tax preparation and 
electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants 
and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the
 realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training
 pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings.&nbsp;Eligible 
taxpayers&nbsp;can use MilTax to <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/miltax-software/">electronically file</a> a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.<h2>Key filing season dates</h2>There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:<ul>
 <li>January 13: IRS Free File opens</li><li>January 17: Due date for tax year 2022 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.</li><li>January 23:&nbsp;IRS begins 2023 tax season and starts accepting and processing individual 2022 tax returns.</li><li>January 27:&nbsp;Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
 to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – 
including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.</li><li>April 18: National due date to file a 2022 tax 
return or request an extension and pay tax owed due to the Emancipation 
Day holiday in Washington, D.C.</li><li>October 16:&nbsp;Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2022 tax returns.</li>
 </ul><h2>Before filing: Plan ahead</h2>It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

IRS sets Jan. 23 as official start to 2023 tax filing season; key deadlines

WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins today released her <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2022-annual-report-to-congress/">2022 Annual Report to Congress</a>,
 saying taxpayers and tax professionals "experienced more misery in 
2022" due to paper processing delays and poor customer service. But the 
report also says the Internal Revenue Service made considerable progress
 in reducing the volume of unprocessed tax returns and correspondence 
and is poised to start the 2023 filing season in a stronger position.

The Advocate's report assesses taxpayer service during 2022, 
identifies the ten most serious problems taxpayers are experiencing in 
their dealings with the IRS, and makes administrative and legislative 
recommendations to address those problems. This year's report recommends
 specific initiatives that Collins is urging the IRS to include in its 
plan showing how the additional funding it received in the Inflation 
Reduction Act will be spent. It also contains two research studies – one
 on ways to restructure the Earned Income Tax Credit to increase 
participation among eligible taxpayers while reducing improper payments,
 and the other designed to help the IRS improve its online operations by
 studying the functionality of online operations offered by over 40 
states and several foreign countries.

Return processing and refund delays. For most 
taxpayers, the most important function the IRS performs each year is 
issuing timely tax refunds. In 2022, about two-thirds of individual 
taxpayers were entitled to refunds, and the average refund amount was 
nearly $3,200. The report says the IRS failed to meet its responsibility
 to pay timely refunds to millions of taxpayers for the third year in a 
row. About 13&nbsp;million individual taxpayers filed paper returns. Because 
of paper processing delays, refunds for these taxpayers were delayed, 
generally by six months or longer. Millions of e-filed individual 
returns were "suspended" because they tripped IRS processing filters and
 required manual review by IRS employees before refunds could be 
released. Hundreds of thousands of business returns claiming the 
Employee Retention Tax Credit were delayed.

However, the report says the IRS will be starting the 2023 filing 
season in much better shape than the last two years. The IRS began 2022 
with an unprocessed paper backlog of 4.7 million original individual 
returns (Forms 1040), 3.2 million original business returns, and 3.6 
million amended returns (individual and business combined). When the 
Advocate's report went to press in mid-December 2022, the IRS had 
reduced those backlogs to 1 million original individual returns, 1.5 
million original business returns, and 1.5 million amended returns. By 
Dec. 23, the IRS had further reduced its unprocessed paper backlog of 
original individual returns to about 400,000 and original business 
returns to about 1 million. This significant reduction in the paper 
return inventory will enable the IRS to begin processing paper-filed tax
 year 2022 returns during the upcoming filing season. That contrasts 
with the previous two years, when the IRS was not able to process 
current-year returns until months after the filing season had ended.

The number of returns suspended during processing is the only 
significant return category in which inventories increased. The IRS 
entered 2022 with an inventory of 4.2 million suspended returns. The 
inventory grew to 5.9 million suspended returns by mid-December.

Cases involving suspected identity theft account for about half the 
inventory of suspended returns. In mid-December, the IRS reported 2.9 
million identity theft cases in its inventory. While some will turn out 
to be fraudulent claims, the IRS website as of January 9 states: "[D]ue 
to extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic, our identity theft 
inventories have increased and on average it is taking about 360 days to
 resolve identity theft cases." The report calls a year-long delay 
"unacceptable" and urges the IRS to assign additional employees to 
process these cases.

Delays in processing taxpayer correspondence and other cases in the Accounts Management function.
 The IRS sent millions of notices to taxpayers during 2022. These 
included 17 million math error notices, Automated Underreporter notices 
(where an amount reported on a tax return did not match the 
corresponding amount reported to the IRS on a Form 1099 or other 
information reporting document), notices requesting a taxpayer 
authenticate identity where IRS filters flagged a return as potentially 
fraudulent, correspondence examination notices, and some collection 
notices. Notices often require written taxpayer responses. If the IRS 
did not process a taxpayer response, it may have taken adverse action 
against the taxpayer or not released the refund claimed on the tax 
return. During fiscal year (FY)&nbsp;2022, it took the IRS an average of 193 
days to process taxpayer responses to proposed tax adjustments&nbsp;– about 
six months. That compares with 89 days in FY 2019, the most recent 
pre-pandemic year. The report also calls the delays in resolving these 
cases unacceptable.

Difficulty reaching the IRS on its toll-free telephone lines.
 The IRS received 173 million calls during FY 2022. Only 22 million 
(13%, or roughly one out of eight calls) got through to an IRS employee.
 As a result, most callers could not get answers to their tax-law 
questions, receive help with their account problems, or speak with an 
employee about compliance notices. Those who got through waited an 
average of 29 minutes on hold before the call began.

Telephone service for tax professionals was worse than the prior year
 and hit an all-time low. Because tax professionals prepare the majority
 of tax returns and often call with complex account-specific questions, 
the IRS has established a Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) telephone 
line to handle their calls. In FY 2022, IRS employees answered only 16% 
of PPS calls (fewer than one out of six), and the average hold time for 
those who got through was 25 minutes. Telephone delays place tax 
professionals in the difficult position of billing clients for the time 
spent trying to reach the IRS or writing off that time. "Tax 
professionals are key to a successful tax administration," Collins 
wrote. "The challenges of the past three filing seasons have pushed tax 
professionals to their limits, raising client doubts in their abilities 
and creating a loss of trust in the system."

In the report's preface, Collins predicted that taxpayer service will
 improve in 2023. "We have begun to see the light at the end of the 
tunnel," she wrote. "I am just not sure how much further we have to 
travel before we see sunlight."

The report cites three reasons for optimism:

But Collins warned the improvements will not be immediate. 
"Staff increases come with growing pains," she wrote. "As new employees 
are added, they must be trained. For most jobs, the IRS does not 
maintain a separate cadre of instructors. Instead, experienced employees
 must be pulled off their regular caseloads to provide the initial 
training and act as on-the-job instructors. In the short run, that may 
mean that fewer employees are assisting taxpayers, particularly 
experienced employees who are likely to be the most effective trainers."

She also pointed out that until additional fully-trained employees 
are on board, taxpayer service will continue to be a zero-sum game. For 
example, customer service representatives in the Accounts Management 
function split their time between answering the phones and processing 
taxpayer correspondence. If the IRS assigns more employees to answer the
 phones, correspondence processing will be slower. If the IRS assigns 
more employees to process correspondence, phone service will decline.

"The IRS will have to perform a difficult balancing act with its 
current resources and will need to ensure it does not create a new paper
 backlog in 2023 by reassigning too many Accounts Management employees 
from processing case inventories to answering the phones," Collins 
wrote. "The IRS needs to end the vicious cycle of paper backlogs. As 
employees are trained and report for duty, I expect we will start to see
 improvements in service, probably by the middle of 2023."

Taxpayer Advocate Service administrative recommendations to the IRS

In August 2022, Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), 
which provided the IRS with funding of nearly $80 billion over the next 
ten years to supplement its annual appropriations. While the funding 
earmarked for tax law enforcement has been controversial, the 
legislation included supplemental funding of $3.2 billion for taxpayer 
services, including pre-filing assistance and education, filing and 
account services, and taxpayer advocacy services; $4.8 billion to enable
 the IRS to continue modernizing its information technology (IT) 
systems, including advancement of customer callback and other technology
 to provide a more personalized customer experience; and $25.3 billion 
to support taxpayer services and other operations. The report said that 
this additional funding could be a gamechanger for taxpayers and tax 
professionals.

"If spent wisely, this funding will give IRS management the tools it 
needs to bring U.S. tax administration into the 21st&nbsp;century by enabling
 it to hire and train the workforce of the future, replace antiquated IT
 systems, and generally revamp the taxpayer experience based on 
principles of fair and equitable tax administration," Collins wrote.

In an August 17, 2022&nbsp;memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury 
directed the IRS Commissioner to produce an operational plan within six 
months that details how the additional IRA funding will be spent. In the
 report's preface and in discussing the 10 most serious taxpayer 
problems, Collins recommends numerous initiatives for inclusion in the 
plan, including the following:

There are steps the IRS can take to address all three of these 
limitations. It can modernize its e-filing platform to accept all IRS 
forms and schedules and taxpayer attachments. It can accept and review 
returns that violate some IRS systems' programming rules; otherwise, the
 taxpayer whose return is rejected must file it on paper, requiring the 
IRS to transcribe it. And if some software packages allow taxpayers to 
submit attachments and others do not, the IRS can post a list of 
software packages that allow attachments online. That way, taxpayers 
with attachments will know which packages they can use to e-file their 
returns. "If the IRS makes it possible for all taxpayers to e-file their
 returns," the report says, "the number of paper-filed returns is likely
 to drop dramatically."

National Taxpayer Advocate "Purple Book": Legislative 
recommendations to strengthen taxpayer rights and improve tax 
administration

The National Taxpayer Advocate's 2023 Purple Book proposes 65 
legislative recommendations for consideration by Congress. Among them 
are the following:

The report contains a taxpayer rights assessment that presents 
performance measures and other relevant data, a description of TAS's 
case advocacy operations during FY 2022, a summary of key TAS systemic 
advocacy accomplishments, and a discussion of the 10 federal tax issues 
most frequently litigated during the preceding year. For the second 
year, the section on most litigated tax issues contains an analysis of 
substantially all cases petitioned in the Tax Court rather than simply 
decided cases, providing a much broader view of issues taxpayers bring 
to court. Also, for the second time, the report includes a section 
titled "At a Glance," which provides concise summaries of the 10 "most 
serious problems." It is intended to give readers a quick overview of 
each issue so they can decide which ones they want to read about in 
depth.

Please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2022-annual-report-to-congress/">2022 National Taxpayer Advocate Annual Report to Congress</a> page for more information.

The National Taxpayer Advocate blogs about key issues in tax administration. Visit the <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/subscribe-to-tas/">TAS Subscriptions</a> page to subscribe. Past blogs from the National Taxpayer Advocate can be found at <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/taxnews-information/blogs-nta/">Most Recent NTA Blogs</a>. For media inquiries, please contact TAS Media Relations at <a href="mailto:TAS.media@irs.gov">TAS.media@irs.gov</a> or call the media line at <a href="tel:202-317-6802">202-317-6802</a>.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization
 within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. The 
local taxpayer advocate's number is in local directories and at <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/">Contact Us</a> page. Taxpayers can also call TAS toll-free at <a href="tel:877-777-4778">877-777-4778</a>.
 TAS can help those who need assistance in resolving an IRS problem, if 
the problem is causing financial difficulty, or those who believe an IRS
 system or procedure isn't working as it should. This service is free. 
For more information about TAS and taxpayer rights under the Taxpayer 
Bill of Rights, visit the <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/">Contact Us</a> page. Get updates on tax topics at social media platforms <a href="https://www.twitter.com/YourVoiceAtIRS">Facebook: Your voice at the IRS</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/YourVoiceAtIRS">Twitter: Your voice at the IRS</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/TASNTA">YouTube: TASNTA</a>.

2023 IRS report to Congress focuses on service, refund delays

By JEROD MACDONALD-EVOY <a href="https://www.azmirror.com/2023/01/11/water-leaders-to-lawmakers-no-silver-bullet-in-arizonas-water-crisis/">Arizona Mirror</a>

The day after Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her first State of the State, <a target="_blank" href="https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2023/01/governor-hobbs-announces-actions-modernize-arizonas-groundwater">outlining plans</a> to address the state’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kold.com/2022/12/05/historic-water-cuts-set-hit-arizona-jan-1/">growing water crisis</a>,
 the heads of the state’s water agencies stood before lawmakers to 
deliver an at times grim reality of the state’s water future.&nbsp;

“I do not believe that any of the 
(Active Management Areas) are at a safe-yield,” Tom Buschatzke, director
 of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, told the House Natural 
Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Jan. 10.&nbsp;

Active Management Areas, generally referred to as AMAs, were <a target="_blank" href="https://infoshare.azwater.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-11348/Groundwater_Code_Overview.pdf">created in 1980</a>
 in an effort to help the state manage its groundwater resources as the 
state continued to grow. Only the AMA in Tucson is near a safe-yield, 
meaning the amount of water withdrawn is balanced with the amount 
recharging it, but Buschatzke said that Tucson has reached that by 
storing large amounts of Colorado River water delivered by Central 
Arizona Project.&nbsp;

Approximately <a target="_blank" href="https://new.azwater.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMAFACTSHEET2016%20%281%29_0.pdf">82% of Arizona’s population</a> resides within the state’s five AMAs.&nbsp;

But Buschatzke did not see it as a 
failure, and instead focused on telling the committee that solutions 
will need to be explored and that, in the future, more and more 
groundwater will begin to be pumped by municipalities across the state.&nbsp;

“It is not a failure in my mind in 
any way shape or form,” Buschatzke said, adding that the state needs to 
find more renewable water supplies, look to find ways to move water from
 one state to another or even from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2022/12/21/arizona-piping-mexico-water-desalination-colorado-river-dwindles/69745907007/">other sources outside the state</a>.&nbsp;

“There is no silver bullet,” Buschatzke said. “But I think we have to embrace the success we have.”&nbsp;

The hearing also comes after Hobbs released an ADWR report showing areas in the West Valley <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/hobbs-reveals-west-valley-current-water-supply-cannot-support-planned-development">cannot support planned development</a>. Hobbs has accused former Gov. Doug Ducey of directing the agency to keep the report secret.&nbsp;

Lawmakers didn’t directly reference 
or ask about the report, but questions about development and its impact 
on water became a hot-button issue during the hearing.&nbsp;

Rep. Barbara Parker, R-Mesa, asked 
Buschatzke if he would be willing to help the legislature “educate” the 
public that agriculture uses more water than development. ADWR estimates
 from 2019 provided to the committee showed that agriculture made up for
 approximately 72% of water use, municipal 22% and industrial around 
6%.&nbsp;

“They always want to be down on a 
builder,” Parker said, additionally asking Buschatzke if he thought 
Hobbs’ speech unfairly targeted homebuilders.&nbsp;

Buschatzke said that mandatory 
conservation requirements on farmers in AMAs have been efficient and 
have given them an advantage over California farmers. Both state’s 
farmers have been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/23310631/colorado-river-drought-arizona-california-farms">hit dramatically by the drought and recent cuts in Colorado River water</a>. Arizona is facing a 21% cut in Colorado River allocation this year because of the drought and an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/2022/04/25/states-feds-weigh-next-steps-amid-profound-concerns-over-lake-powell-levels/">alarming decrease of water in Lake Powell</a>.

“We have done great things in this 
state — and there is more we can do and there is more we will have to 
do,” he said, adding that Hobbs’ new <a target="_blank" href="https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2023/01/governor-hobbs-announces-actions-modernize-arizonas-groundwater">Water Policy Council</a> will hopefully address some of these issues.&nbsp;

Rep. Stacey Travers, D-Phoenix, asked
 Buschatzke if the state should close a loophole that allows developers 
to get around a state law that says that every new home must have a 
100-year supply of water by declaring the homes are being built as 
rental properties. Buschatzke deflected, and said such a policy change 
would be up to the governor.&nbsp;

“Perhaps that is an issue to be further discussed by Governor Hobbs’ water council,” he said.&nbsp;

Lawmakers also heard from Central 
Arizona Project’s newly appointed general manager, Brenda Burman, who 
spoke to lawmakers on her third full day on the job.&nbsp;

CAP oversees the 336-mile aqueduct 
that runs from Lake Havasu to Tucson, delivering Colorado River water to
 Maricopa and Pima counties.&nbsp;

Burman reiterated what Buschatzke 
said, telling lawmakers that new solutions are needed to get water to 
more people and in a renewable way. She also mentioned the impacts of 
climate change on the state’s water supply, pointing out that water that
 in the past would have made its way into the Colorado River is now 
being absorbed into drier soil due to the prolonged drought.&nbsp;

Both Buschatzke and Burman were asked
 by Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, D-Laveen, if they believed that climate 
change had impacted Arizona’s water supply and if they believed human 
activity had created climate change. Both agreed that climate change was
 impacting our water, but neither answered if they believed that human 
beings were the cause.&nbsp;

Studies have <a target="_blank" href="https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/">definitively shown</a> that climate change is occurring and human beings are contributing to it.&nbsp;

“I’m no climatologist and I’m no 
expert in this,” Parker said shortly after De Los Santos had asked 
Burman about climate change. “I want to channel my inner Hohokam Indian.
 I’m an Arizona native, and I wish we could have that crystal ball and 
predict that everything was, you know, climate change. I don’t know if 
the Hohokam didn’t have fossil fuel problems in the past, but they went 
through a serious drought in the past, as we know, and they disappeared 
as an agricultural community.”

Parker then asked what CAP was doing to prepare for another “curveball” from “Mother Nature.”&nbsp;

Burman explained that CAP has been 
storing water from times when the state experiences excessive rains, and
 noted that the Hohokam lived during a time of very dry years followed 
by very wet years. The state is currently in its <a target="_blank" href="https://azluminaria.org/2022/04/01/arizonas-27-year-drought-a-guide/">27th consecutive year of drought</a>.

The hearing marked the beginning of 
what will likely be a long session for one of the two committees that 
will hear a slew of bills related to a key part of Hobbs’ agenda in the 
coming months. Lawmakers were amicable to the Hobbs appointees, stating 
they looked forward to working with them in the future.&nbsp;

“We need to work together, and I 
think we have come a long way,” Republican Chairwoman Gail Griffin said 
at the end of the hearing. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673461344054.png" alt="Water levels at Lake Mead, Nevada, photographed from the Hoover Dam on Oct. 26, 2022, are at 26% of the reservoir’s capacity, which is visible from the change in color of the lake’s walls. Photo by Jacob Fischler | States Newsroom/Arizona Mirror" />
 <figcaption>Water levels at Lake Mead, Nevada, photographed from the Hoover Dam on Oct. 26, 2022, are at 26% of the reservoir’s capacity, which is visible from the change in color of the lake’s walls. Photo by Jacob Fischler | States Newsroom/Arizona Mirror</figcaption>
 </figure>By JEROD MACDONALD-EVOY <a href="https://www.azmirror.com/2023/01/11/water-leaders-to-lawmakers-no-silver-bullet-in-arizonas-water-crisis/">Arizona Mirror</a>The day after Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her first State of the State, <a target="_blank" href="https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2023/01/governor-hobbs-announces-actions-modernize-arizonas-groundwater">outlining plans</a> to address the state’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kold.com/2022/12/05/historic-water-cuts-set-hit-arizona-jan-1/">growing water crisis</a>,
 the heads of the state’s water agencies stood before lawmakers to 
deliver an at times grim reality of the state’s water future.&nbsp;“I do not believe that any of the 
(Active Management Areas) are at a safe-yield,” Tom Buschatzke, director
 of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, told the House Natural 
Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Jan. 10.&nbsp;Active Management Areas, generally referred to as AMAs, were <a target="_blank" href="https://infoshare.azwater.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-11348/Groundwater_Code_Overview.pdf">created in 1980</a>
 in an effort to help the state manage its groundwater resources as the 
state continued to grow. Only the AMA in Tucson is near a safe-yield, 
meaning the amount of water withdrawn is balanced with the amount 
recharging it, but Buschatzke said that Tucson has reached that by 
storing large amounts of Colorado River water delivered by Central 
Arizona Project.&nbsp;Approximately <a target="_blank" href="https://new.azwater.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMAFACTSHEET2016%20%281%29_0.pdf">82% of Arizona’s population</a> resides within the state’s five AMAs.&nbsp;But Buschatzke did not see it as a 
failure, and instead focused on telling the committee that solutions 
will need to be explored and that, in the future, more and more 
groundwater will begin to be pumped by municipalities across the state.&nbsp;“It is not a failure in my mind in 
any way shape or form,” Buschatzke said, adding that the state needs to 
find more renewable water supplies, look to find ways to move water from
 one state to another or even from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2022/12/21/arizona-piping-mexico-water-desalination-colorado-river-dwindles/69745907007/">other sources outside the state</a>.&nbsp;“There is no silver bullet,” Buschatzke said. “But I think we have to embrace the success we have.”&nbsp;The hearing also comes after Hobbs released an ADWR report showing areas in the West Valley <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/hobbs-reveals-west-valley-current-water-supply-cannot-support-planned-development">cannot support planned development</a>. Hobbs has accused former Gov. Doug Ducey of directing the agency to keep the report secret.&nbsp;Lawmakers didn’t directly reference 
or ask about the report, but questions about development and its impact 
on water became a hot-button issue during the hearing.&nbsp;Rep. Barbara Parker, R-Mesa, asked 
Buschatzke if he would be willing to help the legislature “educate” the 
public that agriculture uses more water than development. ADWR estimates
 from 2019 provided to the committee showed that agriculture made up for
 approximately 72% of water use, municipal 22% and industrial around 
6%.&nbsp;“They always want to be down on a 
builder,” Parker said, additionally asking Buschatzke if he thought 
Hobbs’ speech unfairly targeted homebuilders.&nbsp;Buschatzke said that mandatory 
conservation requirements on farmers in AMAs have been efficient and 
have given them an advantage over California farmers. Both state’s 
farmers have been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/23310631/colorado-river-drought-arizona-california-farms">hit dramatically by the drought and recent cuts in Colorado River water</a>. Arizona is facing a 21% cut in Colorado River allocation this year because of the drought and an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.azmirror.com/2022/04/25/states-feds-weigh-next-steps-amid-profound-concerns-over-lake-powell-levels/">alarming decrease of water in Lake Powell</a>.“We have done great things in this 
state — and there is more we can do and there is more we will have to 
do,” he said, adding that Hobbs’ new <a target="_blank" href="https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2023/01/governor-hobbs-announces-actions-modernize-arizonas-groundwater">Water Policy Council</a> will hopefully address some of these issues.&nbsp;Rep. Stacey Travers, D-Phoenix, asked
 Buschatzke if the state should close a loophole that allows developers 
to get around a state law that says that every new home must have a 
100-year supply of water by declaring the homes are being built as 
rental properties. Buschatzke deflected, and said such a policy change 
would be up to the governor.&nbsp;“Perhaps that is an issue to be further discussed by Governor Hobbs’ water council,” he said.&nbsp;Lawmakers also heard from Central 
Arizona Project’s newly appointed general manager, Brenda Burman, who 
spoke to lawmakers on her third full day on the job.&nbsp;CAP oversees the 336-mile aqueduct 
that runs from Lake Havasu to Tucson, delivering Colorado River water to
 Maricopa and Pima counties.&nbsp;Burman reiterated what Buschatzke 
said, telling lawmakers that new solutions are needed to get water to 
more people and in a renewable way. She also mentioned the impacts of 
climate change on the state’s water supply, pointing out that water that
 in the past would have made its way into the Colorado River is now 
being absorbed into drier soil due to the prolonged drought.&nbsp;Both Buschatzke and Burman were asked
 by Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, D-Laveen, if they believed that climate 
change had impacted Arizona’s water supply and if they believed human 
activity had created climate change. Both agreed that climate change was
 impacting our water, but neither answered if they believed that human 
beings were the cause.&nbsp;Studies have <a target="_blank" href="https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/">definitively shown</a> that climate change is occurring and human beings are contributing to it.&nbsp;“I’m no climatologist and I’m no 
expert in this,” Parker said shortly after De Los Santos had asked 
Burman about climate change. “I want to channel my inner Hohokam Indian.
 I’m an Arizona native, and I wish we could have that crystal ball and 
predict that everything was, you know, climate change. I don’t know if 
the Hohokam didn’t have fossil fuel problems in the past, but they went 
through a serious drought in the past, as we know, and they disappeared 
as an agricultural community.”Parker then asked what CAP was doing to prepare for another “curveball” from “Mother Nature.”&nbsp;Burman explained that CAP has been 
storing water from times when the state experiences excessive rains, and
 noted that the Hohokam lived during a time of very dry years followed 
by very wet years. The state is currently in its <a target="_blank" href="https://azluminaria.org/2022/04/01/arizonas-27-year-drought-a-guide/">27th consecutive year of drought</a>.The hearing marked the beginning of 
what will likely be a long session for one of the two committees that 
will hear a slew of bills related to a key part of Hobbs’ agenda in the 
coming months. Lawmakers were amicable to the Hobbs appointees, stating 
they looked forward to working with them in the future.&nbsp;“We need to work together, and I 
think we have come a long way,” Republican Chairwoman Gail Griffin said 
at the end of the hearing.

Water leaders: No ‘silver bullet’ in Arizona’s water crisis

The Federal Trade Commission is 
sending payments totaling more than $2.9 million to 20,402 people who 
paid thousands of dollars for Warrior Trading’s investment programs. The
 company made misleading and unrealistic claims to sell a day trading 
“system” that failed to pay off for most customers.

The FTC will begin sending 
payments today by check and PayPal. Consumers who get a check should 
cash it within 90 days. Consumers who get a PayPal payment should accept
 it within 30 days. Recipients who have questions about 
their payment should call the refund administrator, JND Legal 
Administration, at 844-633-0694. The Commission never requires people to
 pay money or provide account information to get a payment.

The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/04/federal-trade-commission-cracks-down-warrior-trading-misleading-consumers-false-investment-promises">FTC sued Warrior Trading and its CEO and founder, Ross Cameron, in April 2022</a>,
 alleging that the company made deceptive earnings claims throughout its
 sales pitch. Warrior Trading claimed to sell a day trading strategy 
that would show consumers “how to make a profit in the markets.” In its 
advertisements, Warrior Trading showcased the trading results of Ross 
Cameron, claiming that his strategies were both “profitable” and 
“scalable.” According to the FTC’s complaint, the vast majority of 
customers actually lost money trading—in some cases thousands of 
dollars—on top of the thousands they paid Warrior Trading.

<a>The Commission’s&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2023%2F01%2Fftc-returns-more-29-million-consumers-harmed-warrior-trading">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>

&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved before 
the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks authority
 under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court. Because 
of that ruling, the Commission no longer has its strongest tool to 
return money to consumers, and it will become harder to provide refunds 
to consumers harmed by deceptive and unfair conduct. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore its ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission is 
sending payments totaling more than $2.9 million to 20,402 people who 
paid thousands of dollars for Warrior Trading’s investment programs. The
 company made misleading and unrealistic claims to sell a day trading 
“system” that failed to pay off for most customers.The FTC will begin sending 
payments today by check and PayPal. Consumers who get a check should 
cash it within 90 days. Consumers who get a PayPal payment should accept
 it within 30 days. Recipients who have questions about 
their payment should call the refund administrator, JND Legal 
Administration, at 844-633-0694. The Commission never requires people to
 pay money or provide account information to get a payment.The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/04/federal-trade-commission-cracks-down-warrior-trading-misleading-consumers-false-investment-promises">FTC sued Warrior Trading and its CEO and founder, Ross Cameron, in April 2022</a>,
 alleging that the company made deceptive earnings claims throughout its
 sales pitch. Warrior Trading claimed to sell a day trading strategy 
that would show consumers “how to make a profit in the markets.” In its 
advertisements, Warrior Trading showcased the trading results of Ross 
Cameron, claiming that his strategies were both “profitable” and 
“scalable.” According to the FTC’s complaint, the vast majority of 
customers actually lost money trading—in some cases thousands of 
dollars—on top of the thousands they paid Warrior Trading.<a>The Commission’s&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2Fprofile%2Ffederal.trade.commission%23!%2Fvizhome%2FRefunds_15797958402020%2FRefundsbyCase&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fnews-events%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2023%2F01%2Fftc-returns-more-29-million-consumers-harmed-warrior-trading">interactive dashboards for refund data</a>&nbsp;provide
 a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2021, Commission
 actions led to more than $472 million in refunds to consumers across 
the country, but these refunds were the result of cases resolved before 
the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Commission lacks authority
 under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal court. Because 
of that ruling, the Commission no longer has its strongest tool to 
return money to consumers, and it will become harder to provide refunds 
to consumers harmed by deceptive and unfair conduct. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore its ability to get money back for consumers.

FTC returns more than $2.9M to consumers harmed by Warrior Trading

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service recently completed the 
final corrections of tax year 2020 accounts for taxpayers who overpaid 
their taxes on unemployment compensation they received in 2020.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which became law in March 2021, excluded up to $10,200 in 2020 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-treatment-of-2020-unemployment-compensation">unemployment compensation</a>
 from taxable income calculations (up to $10,200 for each spouse if 
married filing joint). The exclusion applied to individuals and married 
couples whose modified adjusted gross income was less than $150,000.

To ease the burden on taxpayers, the IRS took steps to review the 
Forms 1040 and 1040-SR that were filed prior to the law's enactment to 
identify taxpayers who had already reported unemployment compensation as
 income and were eligible for the correction. The IRS determined the 
correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and tax.

Some taxpayers received refunds, while others had the overpayment 
applied to taxes due or other debts. In some cases, the exclusion only 
resulted in a reduction in their adjusted gross income. The IRS mailed a
 letter to these taxpayers to inform them of the corrections. Taxpayers 
should keep that letter with their tax records.

The IRS corrected approximately 14 million returns. This resulted in 
nearly 12 million refunds totaling $14.8 billion, with an average refund
 of $1,232.

Many of the adjustments included corrections to the:

If a taxpayer is eligible for the unemployment compensation 
exclusion and their account was not corrected by the IRS, they may need 
to file an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-d-amended-return-form-1040-x">amended 2020 tax return</a> to claim the exclusion and any applicable non-refundable or refundable credits impacted by the exclusion.

Taxpayers should not file an amended return if they previously filed 
one claiming the exclusion. For more information about this, including 
eligibility requirements, taxpayers should read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs">2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion FAQs</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

If they do need to amend tax year 2020 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR, taxpayers can file&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>,&nbsp;electronically with tax filing software.

Taxpayers can view their 2020 tax records in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> or request that a 2020 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">tax account transcript</a> be mailed to them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service recently completed the 
final corrections of tax year 2020 accounts for taxpayers who overpaid 
their taxes on unemployment compensation they received in 2020.The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which became law in March 2021, excluded up to $10,200 in 2020 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-treatment-of-2020-unemployment-compensation">unemployment compensation</a>
 from taxable income calculations (up to $10,200 for each spouse if 
married filing joint). The exclusion applied to individuals and married 
couples whose modified adjusted gross income was less than $150,000.To ease the burden on taxpayers, the IRS took steps to review the 
Forms 1040 and 1040-SR that were filed prior to the law's enactment to 
identify taxpayers who had already reported unemployment compensation as
 income and were eligible for the correction. The IRS determined the 
correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation and tax.Some taxpayers received refunds, while others had the overpayment 
applied to taxes due or other debts. In some cases, the exclusion only 
resulted in a reduction in their adjusted gross income. The IRS mailed a
 letter to these taxpayers to inform them of the corrections. Taxpayers 
should keep that letter with their tax records.The IRS corrected approximately 14 million returns. This resulted in 
nearly 12 million refunds totaling $14.8 billion, with an average refund
 of $1,232.Many of the adjustments included corrections to the:<ul>
 <li>Earned Income Tax Credit</li><li>Recovery Rebate Credit</li><li>Additional Child Tax Credit</li><li>American Opportunity Tax Credit</li><li>Premium Tax Credit</li><li>Advance Premium Tax Credit</li>
 </ul>If a taxpayer is eligible for the unemployment compensation 
exclusion and their account was not corrected by the IRS, they may need 
to file an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-d-amended-return-form-1040-x">amended 2020 tax return</a> to claim the exclusion and any applicable non-refundable or refundable credits impacted by the exclusion.Taxpayers should not file an amended return if they previously filed 
one claiming the exclusion. For more information about this, including 
eligibility requirements, taxpayers should read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs">2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion FAQs</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.If they do need to amend tax year 2020 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR, taxpayers can file&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x">Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>,&nbsp;electronically with tax filing software.Taxpayers can view their 2020 tax records in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a> or request that a 2020 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">tax account transcript</a> be mailed to them.

IRS issues 12M refunds for unemployment compensation

DES
 MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot increased to an estimated
 $940 million after another drawing resulted in plenty of losers but not
 a single grand prize winner.

The numbers drawn late Tuesday were: 25, 29, 33, 41, 44 and gold Mega Ball 18.

The next drawing is scheduled to be held Friday night.

The
 new $940 million jackpot is for a winner who chooses to be paid through
 an annuity over 29 years. Nearly all winners opt for a cash payout, 
which for Friday night’s drawing would be an estimated $483.5 million.

In
 Tuesday’s drawing, there were more than 2.9 million winning tickets of 
various amounts including three $4 million tickets sold in Arizona, 
Mississippi and South Dakota, Mega Millions said in a statement.

The
 lack of a winner of an estimated $785 million jackpot Tuesday means 
there have been 23 straight drawings without anyone taking the top 
prize.

The new jackpot will remain <a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-lotteries-490f479fa200c10ceb97547b648f9483">the sixth-largest jackpot in U.S. history</a>.

The jackpot-winning drought isn’t surprising given the daunting odds of one in 302.6 million of winning the top prize.

The jackpot is the largest since someone in California <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">won a record $2.04 billion Powerball prize on Nov. 8</a>. There still has not been an announced winner of that prize.

There
 have been only three larger Mega Millions jackpots than Friday’s 
estimated prize in the game's 20 years, including $1.53 billion in 2018,
 $1.05 billion in 2021 and $1.33 billion in July, Mega Millions said.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

DES
 MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot increased to an estimated
 $940 million after another drawing resulted in plenty of losers but not
 a single grand prize winner.The numbers drawn late Tuesday were: 25, 29, 33, 41, 44 and gold Mega Ball 18.The next drawing is scheduled to be held Friday night.The
 new $940 million jackpot is for a winner who chooses to be paid through
 an annuity over 29 years. Nearly all winners opt for a cash payout, 
which for Friday night’s drawing would be an estimated $483.5 million.In
 Tuesday’s drawing, there were more than 2.9 million winning tickets of 
various amounts including three $4 million tickets sold in Arizona, 
Mississippi and South Dakota, Mega Millions said in a statement.The
 lack of a winner of an estimated $785 million jackpot Tuesday means 
there have been 23 straight drawings without anyone taking the top 
prize.The new jackpot will remain <a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-lotteries-490f479fa200c10ceb97547b648f9483">the sixth-largest jackpot in U.S. history</a>.The jackpot-winning drought isn’t surprising given the daunting odds of one in 302.6 million of winning the top prize.The jackpot is the largest since someone in California <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lotteries-iowa-36ef3aefbbc37a15e1c5f172129fa6a6">won a record $2.04 billion Powerball prize on Nov. 8</a>. There still has not been an announced winner of that prize.There
 have been only three larger Mega Millions jackpots than Friday’s 
estimated prize in the game's 20 years, including $1.53 billion in 2018,
 $1.05 billion in 2021 and $1.33 billion in July, Mega Millions said.Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $940M after no winner

The Kansas Lottery has announced the winning number in the 
2022 Holiday Millionaire Raffle. The $1 million winning Raffle ticket, 
which was sold in the Northeast region of Kansas, was announced today in
 the 14th annual Holiday Millionaire Raffle! The $1 million winning Raffle number is 054327.

Besides the $1 million top prize, there are more than 5,600 other 
winners, including one $100,000 winner, one $25,000 winner, and two 
$10,000 winners! Below are the prizes and number of winners that were 
drawn.

The $100,000 winning number is 096378; the $25,000 winning number is 000389; and the $10,000 winning numbers are 046474 and 025926!&nbsp;

For a complete list of winning Raffle numbers, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslottery.com/games/raffle">www.kslottery.com/games/raffle</a>. Raffle tickets may also be checked at any Kansas Lottery retail location, on the PlayOn app using the Ticket Checker function, or by calling 785-296-5700.&nbsp;

Players must present their original tickets to claim a Raffle prize. 
Players with $50 and $100 winning tickets can claim their prizes at most
 Kansas Lottery retail locations. All other prizes must be claimed at 
the Kansas Lottery in Topeka, either in person or by mail. Players have 
365 days from the date of the Raffle drawing to claim their winning 
tickets.&nbsp;

Kansas LotteryThe Kansas Lottery has announced the winning number in the 
2022 Holiday Millionaire Raffle. The $1 million winning Raffle ticket, 
which was sold in the Northeast region of Kansas, was announced today in
 the 14th annual Holiday Millionaire Raffle! The $1 million winning Raffle number is 054327.Besides the $1 million top prize, there are more than 5,600 other 
winners, including one $100,000 winner, one $25,000 winner, and two 
$10,000 winners! Below are the prizes and number of winners that were 
drawn.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672866112765.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The $100,000 winning number is 096378; the $25,000 winning number is 000389; and the $10,000 winning numbers are 046474 and 025926!&nbsp;For a complete list of winning Raffle numbers, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslottery.com/games/raffle">www.kslottery.com/games/raffle</a>. Raffle tickets may also be checked at any Kansas Lottery retail location, on the PlayOn app using the Ticket Checker function, or by calling 785-296-5700.&nbsp;Players must present their original tickets to claim a Raffle prize. 
Players with $50 and $100 winning tickets can claim their prizes at most
 Kansas Lottery retail locations. All other prizes must be claimed at 
the Kansas Lottery in Topeka, either in person or by mail. Players have 
365 days from the date of the Raffle drawing to claim their winning 
tickets.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574716446103.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas Lottery: $1M Holiday Millionaire Raffle winning number drawn

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today announced it is committing over $34 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country.  Today’s funding commitments support applications from the third application window, benefiting approximately 80,000 students across the country, including students in Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington.

“As we start the new year, we continue our work to make sure kids have the digital tools they need for after-school homework and connecting with teachers,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “Today’s funding announcement brings us closer to the goal of closing the Homework Gap.” 

To date, the Commission has committed approximately $6.5 billion to schools and libraries across the country as part of the Emergency Connectivity Program, which launched last year.  The program has provided schools and libraries three different “application windows” for schools and libraries to apply for support.  Today’s announcement will fund applications from the third application window that will support over 250 schools, 15 libraries, and 2 consortia.

The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure

students across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education.  To date, the program has provided support to approximately 10,000 schools, 1,000 libraries, and 100 consortia, and providing over 12 million connected devices and over 8 million broadband connections.  Of the approximately $6.5 billion in funding commitments approved to date, approximately $4.14 billion is supporting applications from Window 1; $833 million from Window 2; and $1.53 billion from Window 3.  

More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today announced it is committing over $34 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. Today’s funding commitments support applications from the third application window, benefiting approximately 80,000 students across the country, including students in Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington.“As we start the new year, we continue our work to make sure kids have the digital tools they need for after-school homework and connecting with teachers,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Today’s funding announcement brings us closer to the goal of closing the Homework Gap.” To date, the Commission has committed approximately $6.5 billion to schools and libraries across the country as part of the Emergency Connectivity Program, which launched last year. The program has provided schools and libraries three different “application windows” for schools and libraries to apply for support. Today’s announcement will fund applications from the third application window that will support over 250 schools, 15 libraries, and 2 consortia.The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensurestudents across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education. To date, the program has provided support to approximately 10,000 schools, 1,000 libraries, and 100 consortia, and providing over 12 million connected devices and over 8 million broadband connections. Of the approximately $6.5 billion in funding commitments approved to date, approximately $4.14 billion is supporting applications from Window 1; $833 million from Window 2; and $1.53 billion from Window 3. More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund">HERE</a>.

FCC commits another $34M to emergency broadband connectivity

WASHINGTON — Many taxpayers make quarterly <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payments</a>
 during the year to stay current on their taxes, but many who should 
overlook this step. The Internal Revenue Service today urged those who 
paid too little tax in 2022 to make a fourth quarter payment on or 
before January 17 to avoid an unexpected potential tax bill or penalty 
when they file in 2023.

Taxes are normally paid throughout the year by withholding tax from 
paychecks or by making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or by
 a combination of both. Individuals do this because income taxes are <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">pay-as-you-go</a>, meaning taxpayers need to pay most of their tax during the year as income is earned or received.

Taxpayers who earn or receive income that is not subject to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">tax withholding</a> such as self-employed people or independent contractors should pay their taxes quarterly to the IRS.

In addition, people who owed tax when they filed their current year 
tax return often find themselves in the same situation again when they 
file the next year. Taxpayers in this situation normally include:

The IRS reminds people that most income is taxable. This includes unemployment income, refund interest and income from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets">digital assets</a>.
 When estimating quarterly tax payments, taxpayers should include all 
forms of earned income, including from part-time work, side jobs or the 
sale of goods.

Also, various financial transactions, especially late in the year, 
can often have an unexpected tax impact. Examples include year-end and 
holiday bonuses, stock dividends, capital gain distributions from mutual
 funds, and stocks, bonds, virtual currency, real estate or other 
property sold at a profit.

On December 23, 2022, the IRS announced that calendar year 2022 will 
be treated as a transition year for the reduced reporting threshold of 
$600. For calendar year 2022, third-party settlement organizations who 
issue <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-delay-for-implementation-of-600-reporting-threshold-for-third-party-payment-platforms-forms-1099-k">Forms 1099-K</a>
 are only required to report transactions where gross payments exceed 
$20,000 and there are more than 200 transactions. Last week, the IRS 
also issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/form-1099-k-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> to help people who may receive Forms 1099-K.

Reporting does not impact a taxpayer's responsibility to accurately 
report all income, whether or not they receive a Form 1099-K or other 
information return (such as Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information; 
Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation; etc.).

The fastest and easiest way to make an estimated tax payment is to do so electronically using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>. Taxpayers can schedule a payment in advance of the January deadline.

Taxpayers can now also make a payment through their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. There they can see their payment history, any pending or recent payments and other useful tax information. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Filing Tax Payment System</a>, or EFTPS, is an excellent choice as well.

The IRS does not charge a fee for these services. Plus, using these 
or other electronic payment options ensures that a payment gets credited
 promptly. More information on other payment options is available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">Pay Online</a>.

Either payment method—withholding or estimated tax payments—or a 
combination of the two, can help avoid a surprise tax bill at tax time 
and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">accompanying penalty</a> that often applies.

If a taxpayer failed to make required quarterly estimated tax 
payments earlier in the year, making a payment soon to cover these 
missed payments will usually lessen and may even eliminate any possible 
penalty.

Stay current using the Withholding Estimator

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>,
 available on IRS.gov, can often help people determine if they need to 
make an estimated tax payment. It also helps people calculate the 
correct amount of tax to withhold throughout the year based on their 
complete set of tax facts and circumstances.

Alternatively, taxpayers can use the worksheet included with estimated tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/form-1040-es-estimated-tax-for-individuals">Form 1040-ES</a>, or read through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>, available on IRS.gov. Both are excellent resources.

It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a> page on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Many taxpayers make quarterly <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">estimated tax payments</a>
 during the year to stay current on their taxes, but many who should 
overlook this step. The Internal Revenue Service today urged those who 
paid too little tax in 2022 to make a fourth quarter payment on or 
before January 17 to avoid an unexpected potential tax bill or penalty 
when they file in 2023.Taxes are normally paid throughout the year by withholding tax from 
paychecks or by making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS or by
 a combination of both. Individuals do this because income taxes are <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">pay-as-you-go</a>, meaning taxpayers need to pay most of their tax during the year as income is earned or received.<h2>Who needs to make a payment?</h2>Taxpayers who earn or receive income that is not subject to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">tax withholding</a> such as self-employed people or independent contractors should pay their taxes quarterly to the IRS.In addition, people who owed tax when they filed their current year 
tax return often find themselves in the same situation again when they 
file the next year. Taxpayers in this situation normally include:<ul>
 <li>Those who itemized in the past but are now taking the standard deduction,</li><li>Two wage-earner households,</li><li>Employees with non-wage sources of income such as dividends,</li><li>Those with complex tax situations and/or</li><li>Those who failed to increase their tax withholding.</li>
 </ul><h2>What's taxable?</h2>The IRS reminds people that most income is taxable. This includes unemployment income, refund interest and income from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">gig economy</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets">digital assets</a>.
 When estimating quarterly tax payments, taxpayers should include all 
forms of earned income, including from part-time work, side jobs or the 
sale of goods.Also, various financial transactions, especially late in the year, 
can often have an unexpected tax impact. Examples include year-end and 
holiday bonuses, stock dividends, capital gain distributions from mutual
 funds, and stocks, bonds, virtual currency, real estate or other 
property sold at a profit.<h2>Delay in requirement for Forms 1099-K</h2>On December 23, 2022, the IRS announced that calendar year 2022 will 
be treated as a transition year for the reduced reporting threshold of 
$600. For calendar year 2022, third-party settlement organizations who 
issue <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-delay-for-implementation-of-600-reporting-threshold-for-third-party-payment-platforms-forms-1099-k">Forms 1099-K</a>
 are only required to report transactions where gross payments exceed 
$20,000 and there are more than 200 transactions. Last week, the IRS 
also issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/form-1099-k-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a> to help people who may receive Forms 1099-K.Reporting does not impact a taxpayer's responsibility to accurately 
report all income, whether or not they receive a Form 1099-K or other 
information return (such as Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information; 
Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation; etc.).<h2>How to make an estimated tax payment</h2>The fastest and easiest way to make an estimated tax payment is to do so electronically using IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>. Taxpayers can schedule a payment in advance of the January deadline.Taxpayers can now also make a payment through their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. There they can see their payment history, any pending or recent payments and other useful tax information. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Filing Tax Payment System</a>, or EFTPS, is an excellent choice as well.The IRS does not charge a fee for these services. Plus, using these 
or other electronic payment options ensures that a payment gets credited
 promptly. More information on other payment options is available at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">Pay Online</a>.<h2>Act now to avoid a penalty</h2>Either payment method—withholding or estimated tax payments—or a 
combination of the two, can help avoid a surprise tax bill at tax time 
and the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">accompanying penalty</a> that often applies.If a taxpayer failed to make required quarterly estimated tax 
payments earlier in the year, making a payment soon to cover these 
missed payments will usually lessen and may even eliminate any possible 
penalty.<h2>Stay current using the Withholding Estimator</h2>The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>,
 available on IRS.gov, can often help people determine if they need to 
make an estimated tax payment. It also helps people calculate the 
correct amount of tax to withhold throughout the year based on their 
complete set of tax facts and circumstances.Alternatively, taxpayers can use the worksheet included with estimated tax <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/form-1040-es-estimated-tax-for-individuals">Form 1040-ES</a>, or read through <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-505">Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax</a>, available on IRS.gov. Both are excellent resources.<h2>Planning ahead</h2>It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season. For more tips and resources, check out the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a> page on IRS.gov.

Final 2022 quarterly estimated tax payment deadline looms

The four founding members of LADA Paws Rescue: Amber Obermann, Arica Obermann, Lindsey Reif, and Desirae Brandenburg.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

When four Hoisington Veterinarian Hospital employees began LADA Paws Rescue in 2021, they might have had an idea the organization would live up to its name helping a "lotta" furry friends. Just before Christmas, with extreme cold weather moving in, LADA went on another rescue mission for two dogs that had been dumped near Lyons. Short on space, LADA Founder Amber Obermann still made the decision to rescue the dogs.

"After we got the picture of what they looked like, we knew they probably were not going to make it through the cold snap because they were literally living in a culvert," Obermann said. "They had no protection besides the culvert around them. They were skin and bones."

With no facilities available in Rice County, Obermann teamed up with Coach K9 Training Academy's Brooke Steinert to capture one dog and live trap the other. The dogs were fully vetted and will be heading to foster homes. In a nutshell, the case defines exactly what LADA does.

Amber and Arica Obermann, LADA President and Vice President, Hoisington Veterinarian Lindsey Reif, and Treasurer Desirae Brandenburg founded LADA Paws Rescue to help rehome dogs that came to the facility as part of Hoisington's stray dog policy.

Brooke Steinert with one of the two dogs rescued near Lyons just before Christmas.

"Then it just kind of snowballed," Arica said. "There are a lot of dogs that needed help from all over. We bring in dogs from Missouri, Oklahoma, and more rural areas that just don't have the resources to find animals homes. Instead of euthanizing and going that route, we're able to vet them fully and find them homes."

LADA adopted out nearly 300 dogs and cats this year, and usually kennels between 70 and 80 animals at the Hoisington Veterinary Hospital at any given time. The 501(c)(3) non-profit operates within the walls of the hospital but is its own entity, working entirely off of donations. LADA is limited by space, but has seen an uptick in guests in recent years.

"We really saw a huge increase after people started going back to work from COVID," said Arica. "There were a lot of people adopting during COVID. They were home, they had the time, and then they went back to work and didn't have the time anymore. This is nationwide. There was a huge influx of animals that needed homes."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672599487703.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The four founding members of LADA Paws Rescue: Amber Obermann, Arica Obermann, Lindsey Reif, and Desirae Brandenburg.By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWhen four Hoisington Veterinarian Hospital employees began LADA Paws Rescue in 2021, they might have had an idea the organization would live up to its name helping a "lotta" furry friends. Just before Christmas, with extreme cold weather moving in, LADA went on another rescue mission for two dogs that had been dumped near Lyons. Short on space, LADA Founder Amber Obermann still made the decision to rescue the dogs."After we got the picture of what they looked like, we knew they probably were not going to make it through the cold snap because they were literally living in a culvert," Obermann said. "They had no protection besides the culvert around them. They were skin and bones."With no facilities available in Rice County, Obermann teamed up with Coach K9 Training Academy's Brooke Steinert to capture one dog and live trap the other. The dogs were fully vetted and will be heading to foster homes. In a nutshell, the case defines exactly what LADA does.Amber and Arica Obermann, LADA President and Vice President, Hoisington Veterinarian Lindsey Reif, and Treasurer Desirae Brandenburg founded LADA Paws Rescue to help rehome dogs that came to the facility as part of Hoisington's stray dog policy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672327329550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Brooke Steinert with one of the two dogs rescued near Lyons just before Christmas."Then it just kind of snowballed," Arica said. "There are a lot of dogs that needed help from all over. We bring in dogs from Missouri, Oklahoma, and more rural areas that just don't have the resources to find animals homes. Instead of euthanizing and going that route, we're able to vet them fully and find them homes."LADA adopted out nearly 300 dogs and cats this year, and usually kennels between 70 and 80 animals at the Hoisington Veterinary Hospital at any given time. The 501(c)(3) non-profit operates within the walls of the hospital but is its own entity, working entirely off of donations. LADA is limited by space, but has seen an uptick in guests in recent years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672599677044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We really saw a huge increase after people started going back to work from COVID," said Arica. "There were a lot of people adopting during COVID. They were home, they had the time, and then they went back to work and didn't have the time anymore. This is nationwide. There was a huge influx of animals that needed homes."LADA differs from organizations like Golden Belt Humane Society in that it is funded entirely by donations, and it is not bound by contracts with city and county agencies to take in all strays or owner surrenders. Space is often the deciding factor."When we make a commitment to another facility in southeast or southwestern Kansas, we have to hold to that commitment," Amber said. "If we have five dogs coming from that, if we don't the kennel space, we can't take in three more dogs from an owner surrender from somebody who doesn't want their pets anymore."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672600254774.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LADA is also different in that some animals become long-term visitors. While finding foster homes is the preferred method, LADA will not euthanize an animal just to make space for another."We only euthanize in extreme medical or behavioral situations," said Amber. "We do not euthanize for space, or if a dog has sat here for two months, where a lot of other places do. That's essentially why we take dogs from other places around Kansas, because they have a time limit whereas our animals do not."All animals coming into the facility are fully vetted, which includes spaying or neutering, vaccination, and microchipping. Preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworm are also administered. While LADA takes in mostly dogs and cats, staff has also rescued smaller furry pets."If we had more funding and supplies, we could take more, but we have done in the past many guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and things like that," Amber said. "We don't do anything exotic, like reptiles, because we don't have a place for them to go."Because LADA operates by donation, gifts and supplies are always welcome. Send checks or make cash donations at 3 NW 90 Road just south of Hoisington. Send money digitally with PayPal by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LadaPawsRescue?fbclid=IwAR2kpSgtygKRIV_ifm8iFMGW7Kyo8zV05GUp9ZRp42UQEyxrHwBujpT0zfo">CLICKING HERE</a>&nbsp;or with Venmo by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.venmo.com/u/ladapawsrescue">CLICKING HERE.</a>&nbsp;LADA's adoptable animals can be found on their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LADAPawsRescue">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>&nbsp;or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petfinder.com/">PETFINDER.COM</a>.&nbsp;