Taxes, Social Security & retirement
Lawrence Strauss covers taxes, Social Security, and retirement for The Money Front. He follows the deadlines, benefit rules, and IRS changes most likely to affect what older Americans keep, and explains each one in plain, sourced language.
Latest from this writer
The 2027 COLA Countdown: Three Months That Decide It
Social Security’s 2027 COLA will be set by July, August and September CPI-W data. Where the math stands after June’s report, and…
The $500 Credit for Dependents Who Are Not Kids
The Child Tax Credit ends at 17, but a $500 credit for other dependents covers older kids, college students, and parents you…
Selling an Old Phone? Wipe It Like You Mean It
Before you sell or trade in an old phone, back it up, unlink your accounts, pull the SIM, and factory reset. The…
Your Pension Statement: Five Numbers Worth Checking
Pension statements are easy to file unread. Five numbers worth checking, from your accrued benefit and vesting status to the plan’s funded…
Filing a Final Tax Return for Someone Who Died
A final Form 1040 still must be filed for someone who died. Who signs it, when it is due, and how Form…
Canceled Flight? When Airlines Owe You Cash, Not Credit
Federal rules require airlines to refund canceled or significantly changed flights in cash, automatically. What triggers a refund and when the money…
Your Best 35 Years: How Social Security Does the Math
Social Security averages your 35 highest earning years, wage-indexed, then runs a three-bracket formula. How the math works and why zeros hurt.
First-Time Penalty Abatement: The Break Many Never Claim
A clean three-year record can erase IRS late-filing and late-payment penalties on request. How First Time Abate works and the automatic relief…
Recalled Food in Your Fridge: Toss, Return or Refund
A recall notice names your groceries. How to match lot codes, when to return food for a refund, when to throw it…
Spousal Social Security: How the 50 Percent Works
A spouse can receive up to half of a worker’s full benefit. How the 50 percent is computed, what early claiming costs,…
When Disaster Strikes, the IRS Moves Your Deadlines
After a federally declared disaster, the IRS automatically postpones filing and payment deadlines for affected areas. How the relief works and who…
No Warranty Card? You Still Have Warranty Rights
Even without a written warranty, implied warranties in every state say products must work. What those unspoken promises cover and how to…