Here's what to know if you haven't filed your tax return yet
Early IRS data provides a peek at what to expect for the millions of Americans who have yet to file their taxes.
Tax Refund
How to avoid getting ripped off by your tax preparer
A government watchdog warns that tax pros might not do a better job than you can — and some are straight-up fraudsters.
How long will it take to get your tax refund?
Americans are filing their taxes earlier this year. Here's what to know about the IRS' turnaround time on your refund.
Here's how much people are getting for their tax refund
Tax experts and the IRS itself have warned about smaller refund checks this year due to expiring pandemic aid.
IRS tells taxpayers in more than 20 states to wait to file
Tax agency said it is trying to determine whether tax rebates, issued in many states last year, count as income.
Why some Americans may get a smaller tax refund this year
"A lot of people will get their refunds and they won't get as much as anticipated," one expert said as tax season kicks off.
Americans may get a tax refund shock this year
Many tax benefits instituted during the pandemic have lapsed, which means some people could see smaller refunds.
Taxpayers could see smaller refund checks this year
Tax preparers are warning that refunds could look a lot smaller this year. After recent adjustments, some American families could end up owing the IRS. CBS MoneyWatch associate managing editor Aimee Picchi joined "CBS News Mornings" to discuss.
Here's when you can start filing your taxes this year
Nation's tax collector says it has improved telephone service from last year, when just 1 in 10 calls were answered.
IRS says it sent 12 million refunds for jobless aid glitch
The tax agency said it just finished sending the refunds to workers who paid tax on unemployment benefits that they didn't owe.
Don't bank on getting your tax refund quickly, IRS cautions
Tax agency cautions Americans not to expect to receive refunds by specific date to pay bills or make big purchases.
BMW to invest $1.7 billion in S. Carolina as it shifts to EVs
Luxury car manufacturer will expand its Spartanburg factory and build a new electric-battery plant in the state.
Biden announces $900 million for electric vehicle chargers at Detroit auto show
The president showcased his administration's efforts to promote electric vehicles during a visit to the Detroit auto show.
States tap surpluses for tax cuts, rebates to offset inflation
Republicans and Democrats alike have joined the tax-cutting trend during a midterm election year.
Parliamentarian alters drug plan in Inflation Reduction Act before Senate vote
The Senate's nonpartisan rules arbiter has dealt a blow to Democrats' plan for curbing drug prices.
Californians set for up to $1,050 in "inflation relief" checks
Californians are grappling with the the highest fuel costs in the U.S., with an average price of $6.27 a gallon.
IRS reaches milestone in reducing backlog, but report shows hurdles remain
Officials warn millions of paper returns received in 2022 have not yet been processed, despite the agency's progress in reducing the backlog from last year.
Nearly half of Americans feel they pay too much in taxes
Most expect a refund this year, but few will be spending it on something fun or special.
Americans rush to file taxes ahead of deadline
As the deadline to file taxes approaches, the IRS continues to deal with a massive backlog and staffing shortages. Debra Alfarone reports.
IRS deals with major backlog ahead of Tax Day
The IRS is still working through a massive backlog of last year's tax returns, which could delay refunds for some this year. Paper returns have put a strain on processors. Scott MacFarlane takes a look.
IRS faces backlog of unprocessed tax returns, staffing shortages
The IRS estimates that more than 3 million tax returns are still being processed from 2021.
One final tax weekend
The IRS is feeling the effects of this weekend's final tax push. The agency is experiencing staff shortages and backlogs, which could hold up refund checks. Scott MacFarlane has the story.
IRS has $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds — here's how to file a claim
A three-year window to claim the money is about to close. After that, the refunds become the property of U.S. Treasury.
Some tax refunds may be delayed this year. Here's why.
The IRS is facing staff shortages and backlogs of returns — on top of recently changed tax laws that make processing returns harder.
These states are planning tax rebate checks to counter inflation
Georgia residents will soon receive up to $500 in a rebate check. Other states want to follow suit.
Russia warns of world war after Biden's decision on missiles for Ukraine
A Russian lawmaker calls President Biden's decision to let Ukraine fire U.S. missiles deep into Russia a "very big step toward the beginning" of a third world war.
How RFK Jr. could impact vaccines as Trump's HHS secretary
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
"Everything as it was": Explore the bedrooms of kids killed in school shootings
The families of eight school shooting victims opened their doors to Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp, allowing them to document their children's bedrooms.
What does and doesn't kill E. coli? What to know amid multiple outbreaks
E. coli outbreaks in food are making headlines, prompting questions about how to stay safe from the bacteria that can cause sickness.
Steve Bannon set for New York trial starting Feb. 25, judge rules
President-elect Donald Trum pardoned Steve Bannon in 2021 on federal charges related to the same scheme.
Family of U.S. activist killed in West Bank still demanding answers
The sister of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American activist killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, says her idealistic vision of the U.S. has been shattered.
Famed ballet dancer dies in fall from balcony in Russia
Ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov fell from a fifth-floor balcony after taking painkillers ahead of back surgery, Russian media reported.
Trump taps Musk-allied big tech critic Brendan Carr to head FCC
President-elect Donald Trump tapped Republican Brendan Carr, an Elon Musk-backed critic of big tech, to lead the FCC, calling Carr a "warrior for Free Speech."
Netflix says 60 million households watched Tyson-Paul match
The much-hyped fight pitting the 58-year-old Tyson against Paul, 27, shattered records but was marred by tech glitches.
U.S.
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A bomb cyclone and atmospheric river are developing in the Pacific
The Northwest is bracing for a strong storm system to move in this week, fueled by an atmospheric river and bomb cyclone. What do those terms mean?
How RFK Jr. could impact vaccines as Trump's HHS secretary
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
Bed maker waited to report defect that killed 1 and injured others
Canada's Bestar recalled wall beds only after learning of dozens of cases in which its beds detached from the walls, feds say.
Missing skydiver found dead miles from intended landing spot in Louisiana
A skydiver was found dead in northwestern Louisiana over the weekend after his parachute failed to deploy, authorities said.
Steve Bannon set for New York trial starting Feb. 25, judge rules
President-elect Donald Trum pardoned Steve Bannon in 2021 on federal charges related to the same scheme.
MoneyWatch
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Bed maker waited to report defect that killed 1 and injured others
Canada's Bestar recalled wall beds only after learning of dozens of cases in which its beds detached from the walls, feds say.
Netflix says 60 million households watched Tyson-Paul match
The much-hyped fight pitting the 58-year-old Tyson against Paul, 27, shattered records but was marred by tech glitches.
U.S. regulators initiate 2 probes into Ford recalls, including 113,000 Ford SUVs
NHTSA unveils two investigations into recalls that may not have worked, just days after announcing civil fine against Ford for moving too slowly.
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy
The budget carrier Spirit Airlines is trying to recover from the pandemic drop in travel and failed mergers.
Organic carrots recalled after E. coli outbreak. These are the brands impacted.
Grimmway Farms, which made and packaged the organic carrots, issued the recall on Saturday after nearly 40 cases were recorded in 18 states.
Politics
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How RFK Jr. could impact vaccines as Trump's HHS secretary
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
Steve Bannon set for New York trial starting Feb. 25, judge rules
President-elect Donald Trum pardoned Steve Bannon in 2021 on federal charges related to the same scheme.
Trump taps Musk-allied big tech critic Brendan Carr to head FCC
President-elect Donald Trump tapped Republican Brendan Carr, an Elon Musk-backed critic of big tech, to lead the FCC, calling Carr a "warrior for Free Speech."
Hegseth paid accuser but denies wrongdoing, attorney says
Trump has indicated that the revelations about the accuser and payment have not deterred him from Hegseth's selection as defense secretary.
Trump's controversial Cabinet and senior staff picks face uncertain future
President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet and senior staff picks are facing an uncertain future as his selections received mixed reviews in recent days — and a handful sent shockwaves through Washington.
HealthWatch
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How RFK Jr. could impact vaccines as Trump's HHS secretary
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
Bed maker waited to report defect that killed 1 and injured others
Canada's Bestar recalled wall beds only after learning of dozens of cases in which its beds detached from the walls, feds say.
What does and doesn't kill E. coli? What to know amid multiple outbreaks
E. coli outbreaks in food are making headlines, prompting questions about how to stay safe from the bacteria that can cause sickness.
Combating Parkinson's with rock climbing
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease. But some with Parkinson's are finding that an unusual therapy – rock climbing – is helping them improve their balance, mobility, strength and cognition.
Woman in Idaho abortion ban case shares her story
Kayla Smith, one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Idaho's restrictive abortion ban, tells Nicole Valdez about "the most traumatic experience" of her life. She and five other women are suing the state to clarify and expand abortion exceptions.
World
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Famed ballet dancer dies in fall from balcony in Russia
Ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov fell from a fifth-floor balcony after taking painkillers ahead of back surgery, Russian media reported.
India's "severe plus" air pollution forces more dramatic safety measures
Air pollution chokes New Delhi every winter, but this year's smog has already derailed everything from transport and road work to schools.
Family of U.S. activist killed in West Bank still demanding answers
The sister of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American activist killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, says her idealistic vision of the U.S. has been shattered.
Russia warns of world war after Biden's decision on missiles for Ukraine
A Russian lawmaker calls President Biden's decision to let Ukraine fire U.S. missiles deep into Russia a "very big step toward the beginning" of a third world war.
Hologram used in bid to solve sex worker's cold case murder
Bernadett "Betty" Szabo, 19, was stabbed multiple times just months after giving birth to a baby boy.
Entertainment
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The stars of "Gladiator II" discuss the film's legacy
The stars of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" discuss the film's legacy and stepping back into the world of ancient Rome.
Netflix says 60 million households watched Tyson-Paul match
The much-hyped fight pitting the 58-year-old Tyson against Paul, 27, shattered records but was marred by tech glitches.
"Gladiator II" cast on new film
Ridley Scott's latest masterpiece revisits the world of ancient Rome with new characters and intense drama. The cast of "Gladiator II" talks to Nate Burleson on working with Scott and carrying forward the spirit of the iconic original.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark is crowned Miss Universe
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, an animal protection advocate who works in the diamond selling business, beat out Miss Nigeria at the end of the competition.
Cher opens up about life with Sonny
With the release of part one of her new memoir, Cher talks about her relationship - on stage and off - with Sonny Bono, and why their TV partnership survived beyond their marriage.
Technology
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Technology
How this new car runs without gas or electricity
As climate change intensifies, the race for a more eco-friendly car has revved up. Itay Hod reports on the newest twist on travel.
"Human … Please die": Chatbot responds with threatening message
In an online conversation about aging adults, Google's Gemini AI chatbot responded with a threatening message, telling the user to "please die."
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Meta facing courtroom battle
On Wednesday, a judge allowed a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit to move forward that accuses Meta of creating an illegal monopoly with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains.
The Guardian to stop posting on X, calling it "a toxic media platform"
The Guardian says benefits of being on Elon Musk's social media platform X are outweighed by its "often disturbing content."
Science
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Science
How climate change impacts the economy
2024 is on pace to be the hottest year on record worldwide. CBS News Los Angeles meteorologist and climatologist Marina Jurica reports that extreme weather events cost the global economy over $2 trillion in the last 10 years.
Scientists say biggest coral in the world discovered in the Pacific
Scientists say they've discovered a "mega coral" three times bigger than the previous record holder - so huge they initially thought it was a shipwreck.
Surfboards with lights could deter shark attacks: "Invisibility cloak"
Seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks, researchers found.
Trump officials likely to reverse drilling waste "methane fee" EPA is imposing
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
Site of ancient, key battle in Iraq found using spy satellite images
1970s-era U.S. spy satellite imagery has led archeologists to what they believe is the site of a seventh-century battle that was decisive in the spread of Islam in the region.
Crime
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Crime
Shootings near New Orleans parade route
Officials say 13 people were shot during two incidents along a New Orleans "second line" parade route. CBS News' Kati Weis breaks down what's known.
More on Laken Riley murder trial defense
Jose Ibarra's trial for the murder of Laken Riley, a student at Georgia's Augusta University College of Nursing, continues as Ibarra's family members are expected to testify on his behalf. CBS News contributor Caroline Polisi breaks down the latest in the case.
New Orleans parade shootings: What we know
Two people were killed in two separate shootings along a New Orleans parade route Sunday night. No arrests have been made so far. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has more.
Testimony continues in Laken Riley trial
Jose Ibarra, the man accused in the brutal murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, is back in a Georgia courtroom. CBS News producer Jared Eggleston has the latest on the case.
Hologram used in bid to solve sex worker's cold case murder
Bernadett "Betty" Szabo, 19, was stabbed multiple times just months after giving birth to a baby boy.
Space
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Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Cargo ship brings science gear, holiday treats to space station crew
With an Election Day docking, the cargo ship delivered 3 tons of supplies and equipment, including an unusual wooden satellite.
The Taurid meteor showers will peak a week apart in November
Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skies — and will peak a week apart.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
House committee may meet on Gaetz report
There are reports of a potential gathering of the House Ethics Committee to discuss the investigation into former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more on the probe and its findings possibly being made public.
Latest news on Trump's team picks
President-elect Donald Trump is standing by his team picks as he prepares for a second term in the White House. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi breaks down how Trump is handling critiques over his choice for secretary of defense, and the latest on his choice to head the Energy Department.
Spirit Airlines bankruptcy and holidays
The Spirit Airlines bankruptcy news may not affect holiday travel but could limit some service options in the future due to cost-cutting measures. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more on the airline, and new details on the stock market rally after the 2024 elections.
Biden OK's U.S. long-range weapons in Russia
In a shift in policy, President Biden authorized Ukraine's use of American-made long-range weapons inside of Russia. Ukraine has been requesting the missiles since the start of the war, but the U.S. has refused until now. On Sunday, Russia launched one of its largest attacks in months on Ukrainian civilians as there are fears this could escalate the conflict.
Controversy over Trump's Cabinet picks
CBS News has learned President-elect Trump's choice to lead the Department of Defense, Fox News host Pete Hegseth, paid a settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Hegseth's attorney said the Army veteran paid to ward off a baseless lawsuit and that she initiated a consensual encounter while Hegseth was intoxicated. Meanwhile, Trump's pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, remains under scrutiny amid reports of his alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, which he denies. The former Florida representative was the subject of a House ethics investigation, which ended when Gaetz resigned his House seat last week.