How to spend your tax refund: Expert advice, plus crave-worthy tax refund splurges
Wondering what to do with your 2021 tax refund? Here's what experts recommend, plus a few fun tax-refund splurges.
Tax Refund
Millions of Americans could get tax refunds starting March 1
Taxpayers who claimed one of two tax credits are expected to get their refunds beginning this week, the IRS said.
Here's how long it will take to get your tax refund in 2022
The IRS already faces a huge backlog of unprocessed returns, creating challenges as the new tax season begins.
Americans are worried about smaller refunds — for good reason
The average refund so far in 2022 is about $2,300, down from last year's typical refund of $2,800.
Here's how to get your 2022 tax refund early
Here's a look at no-fee, 0% APR loan offers by leading commercial tax-prep services, including H&R Block.
Tight hiring market could affect tax season as IRS looks for help
The agency's Taxpayer Advocate said to avoid delays, people should triple-check for errors, file electronically and use direct deposit for refunds.
MoneyWatch: IRS faces tax season challenges
As this year's tax season begins, the IRS is still working to complete a sizable backlog of returns from 2021. The delays are just one of the results of severe staffing shortages at the IRS. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins Tanya Rivero and Jericka Duncan with more.
Backlog, understaffing at IRS portend delays this tax season
The agency is warning of "major challenges" for taxpayers due to a significant backlog of returns from last year and major staff shortages.
How to request an at-home COVID test
Americans will be able to order free at-home tests online starting next week, part of the Biden administration's strategy to make COVID-19 tests more accessible as high numbers of cases continue across the U.S.
Omicron surge still causing disruptions
Despite the Omicron variant showing signs of slowing down in early hotspots, it is still causing shifts and changes to daily life. Factories are back to making N-95 masks around the clock, schools are reconsidering remote learning and some businesses are requiring vaccine cards. Michael George reports.
Soaring COVID cases strain U.S. hospitals
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are soaring nationwide, especially among children. Demand for at-home rapid tests has never been higher. Manuel Bojorquez has the details.
Watchdog warns the IRS is in crisis
The agency's top watchdog called last year's tax filing season the most challenging ever experienced and warned this year could be worse.
Tips for taxpayers this filing season
The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing 2021 federal tax returns on Monday, January 24. That comes as about 36 million families stop getting child tax credit payments. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Aimee Picchi spoke with Jericka Duncan on CBSN to review tips for filing tax returns and getting any refund as efficiently as possible.
Fauci fires back at Rand Paul during exchange
Dr. Anthony Fauci got into a heated exchange with Senator Rand Paul, accusing him of raising political donations off personal attacks against him. Fauci said it has put his life in danger. Elise Preston has more.
COVID hospitalizations rise as pediatric cases surge
Pediatric hospitalizations are on the rise and hospitals are facing critical staffing shortages. Janet Shamlian shares more.
Some Americans may see smaller tax refunds
Some Americans may see smaller-than-expected tax refunds in 2022 due to the Child Tax Credit. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Aimee Picchi joins CBSN to explain what people need to know before filing their returns.
IRS issues 1.5 million tax refunds to people who collected jobless aid
As many as 13 million taxpayers who collected unemployment benefits last year may be eligible to get money back.
IRS sending 4 million refunds on overpaid unemployment taxes
The U.S. may owe money to as many as 13 million taxpayers who received unemployment benefits last year.
Tax refund delay: IRS backlog of returns grows to 35 million
The tax agency faced a "challenging" year, leading to a growing backlog of tax returns, the taxpayer advocate says.
Why millions of unemployed Americans just got their tax refund
Some 2.8 million people who filed taxes early got refunds this week, while millions more could qualify for a payment.
IRS sending refunds to those who overpaid tax on unemployment benefits
As many as 10 million people who filed taxes before the American Recovery Plan was passed could be receiving tax refunds.
Tax filing deadline in the United States
Tax Day was pushed back a month — to May 17 — because of the pandemic. Sheneya Wilson, founder and CEO of Fola Financial, explains the changes to filing this year and when taxpayers can expect to see their tax refunds.
Still filing taxes? Here's how to speed your refund
Average refund is almost $3,000, but more taxpayers are facing delays this year due to IRS staffing and tax changes.
Still waiting for a tax refund?
Monday, May 17 is the deadline to file 2020 income taxes, after the IRS pushed back the deadline due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many people who have already filed are still waiting for their refunds. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Aimee Picchi joins CBSN AM to discuss.
IRS is holding millions of tax returns, delaying refunds
People usually get their refunds within three weeks, but this year is proving complicated for nearly 30 million filers.
Two women told House ethics panel Gaetz sent Venmo payments "for sex," their attorney says
Two women testified before the House Ethics Committee that Matt Gaetz paid them "for sex," their lawyer told CBS News' Major Garrett.
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.
"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.
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?
"One Tree Hill" actor Paul Teal dies at 35 after cancer battle
Paul Teal's fiancée and fellow "One Tree Hill" actors shared tribute posts memorializing him.
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.
What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for you?
Spirit's bankruptcy filing will affect airfares across the board, whether you fly Spirit or not, experts say.
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.
U.S.
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"One Tree Hill" actor Paul Teal dies at 35 after cancer battle
Paul Teal's fiancée and fellow "One Tree Hill" actors shared tribute posts memorializing him.
What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for you?
Spirit's bankruptcy filing will affect airfares across the board, whether you fly Spirit or not, experts say.
Dental company stocks jump amid RFK Jr.'s health claims about fluoride
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
House Ethics Committee to meet Wednesday amid growing pressure to release Gaetz report
President-elect Donald Trump announced he selected former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as attorney general.
Two women told House ethics panel Gaetz sent Venmo payments "for sex," attorney says
Two women testified before the House Ethics Committee that Matt Gaetz paid them "for sex," their lawyer told CBS News' Major Garrett.
MoneyWatch
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TNT's "Inside the NBA" will air on ESPN, ABC, as part of NBA settlement
"Inside the NBA" will continue on other networks, even though will no longer be airing on TNT at the end of this season.
What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for you?
Spirit's bankruptcy filing will affect airfares across the board, whether you fly Spirit or not, experts say.
Dental company stocks jump amid RFK Jr.'s health claims about fluoride
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
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.
Politics
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Dental company stocks jump amid RFK Jr.'s health claims about fluoride
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
House Ethics Committee to meet Wednesday amid growing pressure to release Gaetz report
President-elect Donald Trump announced he selected former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as attorney general.
Two women told House ethics panel Gaetz sent Venmo payments "for sex," attorney says
Two women testified before the House Ethics Committee that Matt Gaetz paid them "for sex," their lawyer told CBS News' Major Garrett.
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.
HealthWatch
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Dental company stocks jump amid RFK Jr.'s health claims about fluoride
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
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.
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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"One Tree Hill" actor Paul Teal dies at 35 after cancer battle
Paul Teal's fiancée and fellow "One Tree Hill" actors shared tribute posts memorializing him.
TNT's "Inside the NBA" will air on ESPN, ABC, as part of NBA settlement
"Inside the NBA" will continue on other networks, even though will no longer be airing on TNT at the end of this season.
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.
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
Lawyer details clients' testimony about Gaetz
Attorney Joel Leppard, who's representing two women who testified before the House Ethics Committee about Matt Gaetz, said his clients allege the former Florida representative paid them for sex. He discussed their testimony in an interview with CBS News' Major Garrett. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing. His attorneys did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.
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.