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Criminals who file fraudulent tax returns by stealing people's identities could rake in an estimated $26 billion over the next five years because the IRS cannot keep up with the amount of the fraud, Treasury Inspector General J. Russell George said Tuesday.

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CNNMoney: IRS has $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds for 2008updated: Thu Feb 23 2012 13:04:00

If you still haven't filed your 2008 tax return, you could be missing out on some serious cash.

CNNMoney: Average tax refund slips to $2,913 in 2011updated: Tue Jan 10 2012 12:27:00

The IRS not only doled out fewer tax refunds last year, but it also cut smaller checks with the average refund slipping by nearly $100.

CNNMoney: IRS: $153 million in tax refunds still undeliveredupdated: Wed Nov 30 2011 14:25:00

The Internal Revenue Service is holding onto tens of millions of dollars in tax refunds that it hasn't been able to deliver to consumers.

CNNMoney: N.J. governor wants workers to pay more for benefitsupdated: Tue Feb 22 2011 17:49:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie introduced a $29.4 billion budget Tuesday that demands many concessions from state workers, as well as cuts spending and taxes.

CNNMoney: Tax refunds on prepaid cards comingupdated: Thu Jan 13 2011 11:48:00

Thousands of Americans will get tax refunds on a prepaid card instead of a paper check as the government looks to cut costs and give people without bank accounts an easier way to get their money.

CNNMoney: White House pushes to extend college tuition creditupdated: Wed Oct 13 2010 06:09:00

The American Opportunity Tax Credit helped soften the blow of college tuition for more than 12 million students last year, but it's due to expire at the end of this year unless President Obama gets his way.

Money Magazine: 3 ways to use your tax refundupdated: Thu Mar 18 2010 10:45:00

Question: I'm trying to figure out what to do with my $500 tax refund. I'm looking to save for the long-term rather than waste it on a TV. Any suggestions? -- Chez, Colorado Springs

CNNMoney: Record monthly deficit for U.S.: $221 billionupdated: Wed Mar 10 2010 16:19:00

The United States dropped a record $220.9 billion further into the red in February, the Treasury Department reported Wednesday.

CNNMoney: Avoiding scam artistsupdated: Thu Mar 12 2009 10:09:00

The federal government's plan to revive the ailing economy is stimulating business already - for con artists at least.

Obama tells GOP no compromise on tax rebatesupdated: Tue Jan 27 2009 22:01:00

President Obama told Republican House leaders Tuesday he plans to stand firm on the part of his $825 billion economic recovery plan that calls for tax rebates for nearly all working Americans -- including those who make too little to owe income taxes.

CNNMoney: Stimulus, take 2: The right wayupdated: Thu Oct 30 2008 18:05:00

It's official. The economy shrunk in the third quarter. In terms of earth-shattering surprises, that should rank up there with the news that Madonna and Guy Ritchie were getting a divorce.

CNNMoney: Week 5 of rebates: $4 billion sent outupdated: Fri May 30 2008 17:58:00

The Treasury Department said Friday it sent out 5.7 million economic stimulus payments this week, totaling more than $4 billion, as part of the government's plan to reinvigorate the nation's sluggish economy.

CNNMoney: Rebate checks won't get spentupdated: Mon Mar 24 2008 12:22:00

Tax rebates are the centerpiece of the government's plan to stimulate the economy, but many Americans are planning to put the money in the bank or use it to pay off debt, according to a survey released Monday.

CNNMoney: Special tax rebates will begin May 2: IRSupdated: Mon Mar 17 2008 16:59:00

The IRS on Monday said it would begin sending out 130 million tax rebate payments aimed at boosting the economy on May 2.

CNNMoney: Wanted in stores: Your tax rebate moneyupdated: Mon Mar 17 2008 11:38:00

The government's tax rebate stimulus is weeks away from your mailbox. But retailers worried about a consumer slowdown are already planning several ways for you to spend that windfall in their stores.

Treasury chief: Tax rebate checks to go out in Mayupdated: Sat Feb 09 2008 20:16:00

Tax rebate checks will begin going out in May, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said after the House's passage of a Senate-approved $167 billion economic stimulus package Thursday.

CNNMoney: Study: Rebates to be applied to debtsupdated: Tue Feb 05 2008 08:40:00

Americans who would receive a tax rebate under Washington's proposed economic stimulus legislation are most likely to use their rebate money to pay down debt, according to a consumer survey.

CNNMoney: Food stamps offer best stimulus - studyupdated: Tue Jan 29 2008 13:57:00

As Congress and the White House consider a $150 billion stimulus package that includes tax rebates and tax incentives for business, a report released Tuesday suggests that other methods would do a better job of infusing money into the flagging economy and doing it fast.

CNNMoney: The problem with 'Wal-Mart stimulus'updated: Tue Jan 29 2008 12:31:00

Politicians in Washington deserve praise for quickly cobbling together a stimulus package to try and rejuvenate the foundering economy.

Beijing tries to curb inflationupdated: Fri Jan 25 2008 00:13:00

A potential U.S. recession is giving Chinese policymakers a headache. CNN's Eunice Yoon reports.

CNNMoney: Tax rebates: Where's your check?updated: Sat Jan 19 2008 13:18:00

Consumers fuel the economy and if they're strapped, the thinking goes, better get them some cash to spend.

Glenn Beck: Warning signs missed on economyupdated: Fri Jan 18 2008 12:37:00

Longtime viewers of my television program know that I've been banging the recession drum for a while now, but the truth is that an economy as large and complex as ours doesn't just collapse overnight. It happens slowly and methodically, with plenty of warning signs along the way.

CNNMoney: China trade surplus hits recordupdated: Tue Jul 10 2007 05:54:00

China posted a record trade surplus of $26.9 billion in June as exporters rushed shipments ahead of tax rebate cuts, handing more ammunition to critics who say Beijing's weak currency gives it an unfair trade advantage.

Money Magazine: Money Makeover: Adopt and adaptupdated: Mon May 21 2007 09:08:00

As a teenager, Lori Smith decided she would someday adopt children. "I promised myself that I would help kids who needed homes," says Lori, now 41 and a mom to three little Smiths - two of whom she and husband Steve, 40, adopted from China. "What I didn't know was that I should have started saving back then."

CNNMoney: Tax Day promotions and protestsupdated: Tue Apr 17 2007 07:42:00

It's that annual ritual that Americans love to grouse about, but this year's tax filing season is finally coming to a close.

CNNMoney: Expensive tax traps to avoidupdated: Mon Apr 02 2007 09:38:00

Tax time can be confusing and tedious. But with only two weeks to go until Tax Day, you should be extra cautious to avoid these tax blunders that can cost you.

CNNMoney: 10 tax blunders that can cost youupdated: Thu Mar 29 2007 10:46:00

It's virtually guaranteed to happen every year - the IRS gets a slew of tax returns loaded with errors.

CNNMoney: Big tax refund - save it or pay down debt?updated: Fri Mar 09 2007 16:42:00

Time for Gerri's Mail Bag. Viewers and readers write in.

CNNMoney: Americans don't know jack about taxesupdated: Fri Mar 09 2007 14:47:00

Here's some tax trivia for you: What is this year's deadline for filing your taxes?

CNNMoney: Maximize your tax deductionsupdated: Thu Feb 22 2007 14:51:00

Almost 70 percent of filers expect to receive a tax refund this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Of that group, one-third plan to use their tax refunds to pay off debts. More than one-third will put their tax refunds into savings.

Your e-mails: How are you spending your tax refund?updated: Fri Feb 09 2007 12:21:00

With W-2s arriving, many Americans begin thinking about how to spend their tax refund. Nearly half of those polled during last year's tax season -- 47 percent -- said they would spend their refund checks on paying down debt, according to a 2006 survey by the National Retail Federation.

CNNMoney: IRS: $92.2 million in tax refunds unclaimedupdated: Wed Nov 22 2006 10:13:00

The Internal Revenue Service confirmed Wednesday it is waiting for taxpayers to claim undeliverable refund checks as soon as they update their addresses.

Money Magazine: Effortless Finances in Four Easy Stepsupdated: Sun Oct 01 2006 00:01:00

Wouldn't it be nice to have a personal assistant to pay your bills, file your records and remember to fund your IRA every now and then? Well, if you make more of your financial life electronic, you...

CNNMoney: At long last, tax day is hereupdated: Mon Apr 17 2006 09:56:00

Papa John's is offering pizzas for $10.40. Staples has copy machines located on street corners. Activists are picketing at the post office.

CNNMoney: Tax tips for newlywedsupdated: Mon Mar 27 2006 11:05:00

The first test for newlyweds is often not where to store the china, but rather facing Uncle Sam as husband and wife.

CNNMoney: Managing your refundupdated: Fri Mar 24 2006 15:52:00

If you're like most Americans, your tax refund will amount to about $2,400 this year. Need some ideas on how to spend it? Some retailers are hoping to give you some hints.

CNNMoney: Best ways to spend your tax refundupdated: Tue Mar 21 2006 09:52:00

More than two-thirds of consumers expect to receive a tax refund this year and they are eager to put those dollars to work, according to the National Retail Federation.

CNNMoney: Sneaky accountant tricksupdated: Fri Mar 17 2006 11:46:00

Just about anyone can set up a shingle and call themselves an accountant. And when tax time approaches, having the right person handling your financial accounts is more important than ever.

Money Magazine: The real tax nightmareupdated: Thu Feb 16 2006 11:43:00

Bob Reilly is just a middle-class schoolteacher trying to get by.

CNNMoney: Want more 'free' money with your tax refund?updated: Fri Jan 27 2006 11:33:00

It sounds too good to be true but the folks at Intuit, maker of the TurboTax tax preparation software, are promising customers "extra" free money this spring on top of their refund checks.

CNNMoney: Resolution 5: Spring for a splurgeupdated: Mon Dec 12 2005 11:57:00

Everyone deserves an occasional indulgence. What's more, says April Benson, a psychologist who specializes in compulsive shoppers, "if you deprive yourself too much, you're set up for future binges."

Phishers trying to reel in taxpayersupdated: Wed Nov 30 2005 19:14:00

A British Internet-security firm is warning people to not get hooked by an e-mail scam promising tax refunds from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

CNNMoney: IRS has $73M in undelivered refundsupdated: Tue Oct 25 2005 10:18:00

Does the IRS owe you money? The IRS said it has refund checks for 84,290 taxpayers who did not receive them for the 2004 tax year.

Money Magazine: What Money Type Are You?updated: Mon Aug 01 2005 00:01:00

Prepare to meet your unconscious mind. It could be the best acquaintance you make this summer.

Money Magazine: Tax Refunds Are Bad Newsupdated: Wed Jun 01 2005 00:01:00

When you get your tax refund, the instinctive reaction is, "Hey, free money!" But you know better: A refund means the federal government got to hang on to your dough for a whole year and is now pay...

CNNMoney: Tax procrastination on the riseupdated: Fri Apr 15 2005 10:49:00

If you're reading this, you may be a tax-day procrastinator. If so, you're not alone. More and more Americans' tax filings are coming down to the wire.

CNNMoney: In case you forgot, it's tax dayupdated: Fri Apr 15 2005 08:08:00

If you haven't filed your taxes yet -- you may be down, but you are not out.

CNNMoney: Free on-the-street copies on tax dayupdated: Thu Apr 14 2005 11:17:00

You've double-checked your 1040 and have your accountant on speed dial but you forgot one thing -- to make copies of your tax returns.

CNNMoney: Make way for refunds!updated: Mon Mar 28 2005 09:32:00

More than two-thirds of consumers expect to receive a tax refund this year and they are ready to spend it, according to the National Retail Federation.

CNNMoney: Find $10/day: Change your withholdingupdated: Thu Sep 23 2004 10:49:00

Did you get a tax refund last year? Do you seem to get one every year?

CNNMoney: Stocks slide at openupdated: Wed Apr 28 2004 09:10:00

U.S. stocks slipped early Wednesday as new geopolitical concerns and continued uncertainty about interest rates trumped some solid earnings.

CNNMoney: What to do with your tax refundupdated: Wed Apr 14 2004 13:17:00

Got a tax refund coming? Last year, taxpayers netted $2,033 on average -- and this year could be even better. Tax experts say refunds could rise to $2,500 this year...which begs the question what should you do with your refund?

CNNMoney: It's Tax Day, let's partyupdated: Tue Apr 13 2004 10:25:00

If you're one of the millions of Americans who wait until the last minute to file your taxes, you may encounter some obstacles at the post office today.

CNNMoney: Last-minute tax (stock) tipupdated: Tue Apr 13 2004 09:13:00

Procrastinators, get your butt off the couch! Time is running out to file those 1040s.

CNNMoney: Buy now, sit laterupdated: Tue Apr 13 2004 07:34:00

Surprisingly strong retail sales numbers in March proved that U.S. shoppers may be in a buying mood right now, but some analysts caution that consumers could tighten their purse strings again once a tax refund stimulus wears thin.

CNNMoney: March madness for retailersupdated: Thu Apr 08 2004 07:07:00

Retailers once again posted robust monthly sales in March -- carrying forward the momentum after a strong start to the year -- as merchants benefited nicely from easy comparisons, tax refund checks and Easter shopping.

CNNMoney: Another sugar rush for the economyupdated: Fri Mar 19 2004 10:56:00

The U.S. economy is in the early stages of another sugar high, fueled by tax cuts, low interest rates and mortgage refinancing.

CNNMoney: Spending? Yes! Jobs? Hmmm ...updated: Thu Mar 04 2004 08:25:00

The monthly chain store numbers today are confirming what we've been seeing -- and writing about -- in the recent weekly numbers from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC): a nice jump in spending at department stores, specialty retailers and discounters in the month of February.

CNNMoney: Retailers enjoy a blowout monthupdated: Thu Mar 04 2004 06:22:00

U.S retail chains on Thursday posted surprisingly strong sales numbers for February, boosted by warmer weather, tax refunds and growing confidence in the state of the economy.

CNNMoney: A Super Tuesday shadowupdated: Tue Mar 02 2004 08:27:00

On this Super Tuesday, as the two remaining Democratic contenders and the two remaining Democratic wishful thinkers get ready for what may be a defining moment, it's interesting to look at one of the party's biggest potential opponents or supporters: the U.S. economy.

CNNMoney: U. of Michigan sentiment revised upupdated: Fri Feb 27 2004 09:46:00

Job worries sank consumer confidence in the United States in February, the University of Michigan said Friday, but not as far as first estimated.

Peanut Butter, Jelly take bite out of lifeupdated: Thu Feb 26 2004 08:48:00

Peanut Butter and Jelly are savoring their independence.

CNNMoney: Spring is in the air?updated: Tue Feb 24 2004 08:28:00

February may have been a cold wintry month in parts of the United States but apparently that hasn't stopped us consumers from shopping, and even from feeling a bit better about the economy perhaps.

CNNMoney: A barrel of trouble?updated: Fri Feb 20 2004 10:15:00

When economists talk about inflation being under control, they're often ignoring energy prices, which can be wildly volatile.

CNNMoney: Shop till you dropupdated: Fri Feb 13 2004 16:19:00

U.S. consumers are tired. Really tired. Really.

CNNMoney: Stocks bounce at openupdated: Thu Jan 29 2004 09:11:00

U.S. stocks bounced early Thursday, recovering from Wednesday's big selloff spurred by a change in the language of the Federal Reserve's policy statement, which created worries that interest rates could be rising sooner than thought.

CNNMoney: Economy gets a B+updated: Thu Jan 15 2004 09:05:00

The signs are clear: the economy's roaring. But there's that Achilles heel called the job market, and just one more worry that's keeping some economists up at night.

Fortune: Why Is Tax Day April 15?updated: Mon Apr 15 2002 00:01:00

If the IRS has a hallmark, it's rigidity: A household head with an income of $80,000 and no deductions owes the government exactly $17,476 in taxes this year, and the dreaded filing day--like it or...

Money Magazine: Tax Alertupdated: Mon Apr 01 2002 00:01:00

Remember that tax rebate you received from the IRS last summer? One million taxpayers have already misstated the tax refund on their returns. Here's a reminder of our advice in March's "Tax Guide":...

Money Magazine: Www.money.com (AOL keyword: MONEY)updated: Mon Apr 01 2002 00:01:00

NEWS MARKETS & STOCKS --MUTUAL FUNDS COMMENTARY TECHNOLOGY PERSONAL FINANCE RETIREMENT MONEY 101 MONEY'S BEST TAX CENTER CALCULATOR

Fortune: It's Not the Economy, Stupidupdated: Mon Sep 17 2001 00:01:00

To the extent we believe anything about politics, it's this: The economy has an overwhelming influence on voters' choices. James Carville summed it up in 1992 with the phrase "It's the economy, stu...

Money Magazine: Shopping Centered No one knows the American consumer like analyst Dana Telsey.updated: Sat Sep 01 2001 00:01:00

The back-to-school shopping season is upon us, but the economy is still punk, and Wall Street's hopes for a rebound in consumer spending have dimmed considerably. It seems to me that an update is i...

Money Magazine: Get An Early Jump On Your 2000 Taxesupdated: Tue Aug 01 2000 00:01:00

If you're like most folks, you don't like to think about taxes in the summer (or fall, or winter...). But now is the ideal time to make several moves that are often put off until year-end--but are ...

Money Magazine: After-Tax Treats The average income tax refund is $1,365. Here are five things to do with your hard-earned "windfall."updated: Thu Apr 01 1999 00:01:00

$1,301 Spend five nights at the 7,000-acre Hosteria Las Quintas Spa in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The average temperature is 72[degrees]F, and you can dine in the restored 1529 villa built by Cortez. Incl...

Money Magazine: How A Small Tax Problem Became Big Trouble When the Ryersons received an unexpected income tax refund, they figured they knew exupdated: Wed Jul 01 1998 00:01:00

What would you do if the Internal Revenue Service mailed you an unexpected check for $11,515? If you're like John and Toni Ryerson, who received just such a surprise in July 1996, you'd first try t...

Money Magazine: FIVE WAYS TO INVEST YOUR TAX REFUNDupdated: Tue Apr 01 1997 00:01:00

Right about now, you're probably feeling some lingering pain from that most dreaded April rite: completing your tax return. Well, cheer up. Although you probably poured a quarter or more of your ha...

Money Magazine: HOW A CASH-SHORT FAMILY CAN LOWER THEIR DEBT THESE SMART MOVES WILL ALLOW THE CAHILLS TO MELT DOWN THEIR CREDIT-CARD PAYMENTS.updated: Tue Apr 01 1997 00:01:00

To celebrate MONEY's 25th anniversary, our editors are spending 1997 helping residents of Elgin, Ill., a typical American town (pop. 85,000), get smarter about their personal finances. As part of t...

Fortune: TWO BAD TAX CUTS WASHINGTONupdated: Mon Mar 17 1997 00:01:00

Contrary to what many conservatives will tell you, there is such a thing as a bad tax cut. Consider these: one from Republican Senator John Ashcroft of Missouri, the other from Democratic President...

Money Magazine: THE $150 BILLION TAX CHEATS THEY COST YOU $1,932 IN EXTRA TAXES EACH YEAR. WHY CAN'T THE IRS CATCH THEM?updated: Sat Apr 01 1995 00:01:00

On or before April 17, some 117 million of your fellow citizens will, like you, voluntarily turn over some $555 billion to Uncle Sam and sign their return below the words, "I declare that.to the be...

Money Magazine: After buying a home, this family expects a $4,000 tax refundupdated: Tue Nov 01 1994 00:01:00

The last tax straw was when Alan and Sandra Kleinberg had to scramble for the $1,500 they owed on their '93 federal and state tax returns last April. Immediately after that, Alan, 32, and Sandra, 2...

Money Magazine: YOUR TAXES Delayed IRS refunds An IRS crackdown may slow your '94 tax refundupdated: Thu Sep 01 1994 00:01:00

Better fraud detection by the IRS next year could delay your '94 tax refund by a week or more if you file electronically. The IRS now sends out refunds to electronic filers so fast that by the time...

Money Magazine: Cut your '94 tax bill by 10% with nine summer strategiesupdated: Fri Jul 01 1994 00:01:00

You know about tax planning: It's what you should do to keep your tax bill as low as possible and what most of us never get around to. A great time to look for tax-cutting moves would be right afte...

Money Magazine: DO IT NOW FEND OFF A TAX BITEupdated: Sun May 01 1994 00:01:00

Now that your '93 taxes are out of the way, you probably want to turn off all tax talk. But there's a step you might take now to avoid a candygram from Uncle Sam. If you owed more than $500 in fede...

Money Magazine: DO IT NOW DOES THE IRS OWE YOU A REFUND?updated: Sat Jan 01 1994 00:01:00

As you organize your 1993 tax records this month, take a moment to think whether you might have failed to collect your '92 federal income tax refund. Incredibly, some 96,000 taxpayers never got the...

Money Magazine: INSIDE THE IRS Their computers probably know more about you than you thinkupdated: Wed Nov 01 1989 00:01:00

-- For beating a deadline on a major project, your boss pushes an extra $1,000 your way. And though you're no gambler, while you were in Vegas attending a convention, you got hot and walked away fr...

Money Magazine: STUDENT LOANS A taxing time for defaultersupdated: Tue Aug 01 1989 00:01:00

If you are among the 2.2 million graduates who are not keeping up with your government-backed student loan payments, here are two lessons out of school that you should learn fast: 1) the IRS is on ...

Money Magazine: FINANCIAL PLANNING CALENDARupdated: Wed Apr 12 1989 00:01:00

You probably note on your calendar important dates in your personal life. Why not do the same for your finances? After all, a reminder to make regular payments to your child's college fund is surel...

Money Magazine: A Single Mom Bets It All on Herself Ann Marchette wants to keep a new business humming. But she's got other key goals as well.updated: Sat Apr 01 1989 00:01:00

''Sometimes I beat up on myself for not having become an entrepreneur sooner,'' says Ann Marchette, 46, ''but women of my generation were into marrying and being taken care of.'' Today Marchette, w...

Money Magazine: HOW TO CHECK ON YOUR IRS REFUNDupdated: Wed Jun 01 1988 00:01:00

Still waiting for your federal tax refund? With 107 million returns to process and more than 50 million refunds to mail, the Internal Revenue Service says it needs up to 10 weeks from the date you ...

Money Magazine: How $65,000 a Year Just Trickles Away Like so many others, the Fitzgeralds want to save -- but can't get a handle on how much thupdated: Tue Dec 01 1987 00:01:00

Tom and JoAnn Fitzgerald aren't your typical big-spending baby boomers: they don't own the ultimate driving machine; Reebok running shoes aren't their speed; when they dine out, they favor hot Mexi...

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