By the Numbers 2024

Welcome 2024. For the second consecutive tax year, filing season is mostly back to pre-COVID normal.

We're again dealing with the usual tax calendar and deadlines. And Congress didn't throw any last-minute tax changes into the mix at the end of 2023, so form updates are nominal.

Beyond that, an Internal Revenue Service flush with new money from the Inflation Reduction Act is looking to do a better job of helping taxpayers file, and then processing those millions of tax returns.

The number of filings is exactly the kind of thing you can expect to see in the ol' blog's By the Numbers (BtN) count. In fact, 4.2 million such returns made it onto the 2022 numbers page.

Last year, the BtN focus was on more specific filings, like the 12,617 confirmed fraudulent filings that the IRS caught, saving Treasury, and us taxpayers, $105.3 million.

Of course, the main reason for filing, and doing so early, for millions of Americans is to get their refunds.

That's why the first By the Numbers post of this new 2024 year and tax filing season is 21, as in the 21-day turnaround time that is the IRS' goal when it comes to getting refunds into taxpayer hands.

What counts? Taxes are, of course, all about the digits. But when it comes to keeping count on the ol' blog, BtN recognition can go to just about any and every thing that can be connected in even a remote way to taxes.

The potential figures range from tax rate percentages to dollar amounts to titles of tax legislation to raw numbers and more. Much, much more.

If it can be associated (per my judgement) with taxes, federal or state, it counts!

And yes, I am the final judge and arbiter. So youf know sometimes the math might not seem to add up. No worries. This isn't something the IRS is going to audit

Weekend counting: In keeping with the counting tradition, the By the Numbers honorees will be added to this page's running roster after they are highlighted in a post.

That usually will be on Sundays. Sometimes, though, a number gets early recognition, showing up on Saturday or even at the end of the traditional work week. And if some breaking tax news forces its way onto the ol' blog on Sunday, then the number will appear the next week.

But whenever they show up, they are counted.

Regardless of the timing, you can always find the numbers at the links in the ol' blog's right column under the multicolored numbers box, the same one that's pictured at the top of this page. A click on the image will take you to the BtN category showing all the figures that have been featured. A click on the red By the Numbers text under the image will bring you to this collection of the 2024 tax numbers, with the most recent figure and blog post at the top of the list.

So here we go into the 14th year of the ol' blog's numerical tradition, with a jumpstart from the last BtN honoree of 2023.

10
10 tax moves to make this December (Dec. 1, 2024)
Dec. 2 through Dec. 6
What do online holiday shopping and taxes share? Identity theft threats (Nov. 24, 2024)
$105,000
Don’t need your RMD? Give up to $105,000 of it as a QCD (Nov. 17, 2024)
Nov. 11
Veterans’ contributions to the U.S. economy, and a tax break for companies that hire vets (Nov. 10, 2024)
$1.4 billion
IRS missing $1.4 billion in tax due from unreported gambling winnings (Nov. 3, 2024)
Nov. 1
Nov. 1 is deadline for disaster-area taxpayers in 8 states (Oct. 27, 2024)
$696 billion
New Tax Gap estimate hits $696 billion (Oct. 20, 2024)
400,000 and $10 billion
IRS processing 400,000 ERC claims worth $10 billion (Oct. 13, 2024)
$10 million
Alcohol taxes would fund $10 million Ohio music incubator (Oct. 6, 2024)
$61,000 to $183,000
Are you still in the shrinking U.S. middle class? (Sept. 29, 2024)
Oct. 1, 2024
IRS operation plans if the government shuts down on 10/1 (Sept. 22, 2024)
$96.7 billion
Undocumented immigrants in U.S. pay nearly $100 billion in federal and state taxes (Sept. 15, 2024)
Nov. 4
IRS seeks public input on retirement Saver’s Match (Sept. 8, 2024)
20
Direct File states reach 20, with Maine & Wisconsin joining the IRS free tax prep program (Sept. 1, 2024)
9
9 states join Uncle Sam in taxing at least some Social Security benefits (Aug. 25, 2024)
18
Connecticut & North Carolina to join IRS Direct File in 2025 (Aug. 18, 2024)
Section 280E
Expected marijuana rescheduling should reduce cannabis businesses’ federal taxes (Aug. 11, 2024)
16
New Mexico & Pennsylvania will join Direct File in 2025 (Aug. 4, 2024)
14
OR, NJ join Direct File, as GOP seeks to end the IRS-run free tax prep/efiling program (July 28, 2024)
$1.10
Kentucky cigarette tax seems to have reduced smoking (July 21, 2024)
7
7 states hiked fuels tax rates on July 1 (July 14, 2024)
12
Oklahoma’s grocery sales tax ends in late August (July 7, 2024)
11.26 years
IRS Whistleblower Office awards more than doubled in FY23, but it still faces substantial backlog (June 30, 2024)
$556,685,001
Treasury gets $556M from COVID relief airline warrants (June 23, 2024)
$1+ billion
Treasury issues $1B+ in point-of-sale clean vehicle tax credits (June 16, 2024)
1 million
IRS receives 1 millionth uploaded tax document (June 9, 2024)
June 17, 2024 third time's a charm?
June 17 is Tax Day for disaster victims in 8 states (June 2, 2024)
138
Capitol Hill Democrats and Independents want IRS Direct File to be permanent (May 26, 2024)
Sept. 3, 2024
Ohio tornado victims have new Sept. 3 tax filing deadline (May 19, 2024)
May 12, 2024
Moms still waiting on this Mother’s Day for increased Child Tax Credit gift from Congress (May 12, 2024)
140,803
Direct File usage exceeded expectations, but future of IRS-run free tax prep program unclear (May 5, 2024)
Form 1099-DA
IRS unveils draft 1099-DA for future digital asset transaction reporting (April 28, 2024)
April 22
Taking environmental care of our personal homes and home planet on Earth Day 2024 (April 21, 2024)
Form 4868
Can't finish your taxes? File for an extension instead (April 14, 2024)
300 and 95%
Tax firm specializes in services for deaf filers (April 7, 2024)
July 15 and Aug. 7
Alaska landslides move Tax Day to July 15; Hawai'i fire victims' tax time extended to Aug. 7 (March 30, 2024)
$1 billion+
IRS ERC compliance efforts tops $1 billion (March 24, 2024)
17
Where mansion tax money goes in the 17 locales collecting it (March 17, 2024)
June 17, 2024 redux
Disaster-stricken residents of 8 states now have June 17 as new Tax Day (March 10, 2024)
April 15
Tax-favored retirement savings hit new highs, and there's still time to add to 2023 accounts (March 3, 2024)
March 15
Want to improve the IRS? Apply for a TAP spot by March 15 (Feb. 25, 2024)
20.5 percent
Legal sports betting is a growing source of state tax revenue (Feb. 18, 2024)
June 17, 2024
June 17 is new tax deadline for WV disaster victims (Feb. 11, 2024)
Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 23-25
Attention Alabama & Maryland shoppers: Special sales tax holiday savings come your way in February (Feb. 4, 2024)

No Numbers on Jan. 28; instead a post related to the start of the 2024 filing season on Jan. 29, 2024.
H.R. 7035
Another GOP attempt to repeal the federal estate tax (Jan. 21, 2024)
Forms 3468, 3800, 7207, 7210, 8835, 8933, and 8936 Schedule A
IRS delays processing of some business tax forms (Jan. 14, 2024)
21
When will you get your federal tax refund? It depends (Jan. 7, 2024)
43,944
Odometer check time and other business mileage tax basics (Dec. 31, 2023)

Need more numbers? You can recount the featured figures from 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Today's Tax Tip

10 December tax moves — I love Santa Claus, but even the Jolly Old Elf isn’t magical enough provide the tax solutions you asked for in your letter to him. You’re going to have to make some tax moves this December yourself, like these 10 suggestions. (Dec. 1, 2024)
The 2024 Tax Tips offer ways to file your annual return, along with post-filing advice, important tax news and, of course, ways to cut your current tax year bill. You'll find the monthly assemblages on their own respective pages: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Remember, tax tasks and tips don't stop after you file your annual return!

All About Kay

OK, some about Kay

Kay Bell — Native Texan
(the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.
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Tax Season 2024 Final Push

It's over! The final 2023 tax year extended filing deadline has passed, unless you get more time because your filing due date was extended further by a natural disaster like the three hurricanes that have made landfall in Florida this fall.

For most of us, though, the passage of Oct. 15 means it's time to focus on the tax return we'll file next year. We have until Dec. 31 this year to make moves that will reduce our already accruing 2024 tax bill. The monthly tips and reminders a little further down this column suggest ways to do just that.

Finally, keep an eye on the countdown clock just below. It's keeping track of just how many days are left for us to make these tax moves.
Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.

Time for Tax Tasks

Ho 🎅 Ho 🎅 Ho!
December is here!
You better watch out. You better not cry. But you better make some year-end tax moves this December or next April 15 could turn out to be the tax equivalent of Santa Claus putting coal in your stocking.

Click image to hear a musical Santa message from The Boss, Bruce Springsteen.
OK, St. Nick can't deliver a festively wrapped, already prepared tax return for you (unless he's even more magical than I think!) to file next year, but he does have a tax connection.
Santa's tracking of naughty and nice boys and girls basically is the same method that the Internal Revenue Service uses. That's why we all need to be nice, especially to ourselves, in this final month of the year by making some important tax-saving moves. Let's get to it!
Dec. 1: It’s here. The last month of the year, meaning the last 31 days to make tax moves that could shave some off your 2024 tax bill, as well as set up 2025 as another saving, and easy, tax year. You could make things even easier on yourself if you opt next filing season to turn over your taxes to a professional. The key is picking the perfect tax pro for your filing (and more) needs. And you need to start your search now, as the good tax pros’ client lists fill up fast. If you can hire one soon, there’s a December bonus. You might get some year-end tax tips!

Dec. 4: In the meantime, check out these 10 tax moves to make in December. They could be the perfect tax present to give yourself.

Dec. 10: Do you work as a server at a restaurant or at any other establishment where gratuities from customers are part of your compensation? I hope you get all the tips you deserve for doing your job well. Remember, though, that those tips are taxable income.

Whether you're dining at your favorite eatery or getting food delivered to your home, if a tip isn't included on your restaurant or delivery bill, click the image above to calculate how much to tip the person who brought it to you.

And if you got at least $20 in gratuities in November for your extraordinary services as a food server or hair stylist or parking valet or whatever job where tipping is common, you must report that amount by today. Use Form 4070 to let your employer know the total tips you took in last month.

Dec. 13: It’s the holiday season, full of joy and peace and goodwill toward all. So what the heck is a Friday the 13thh doing in December? Don’t worry, as least not about tax fears and superstitions. Check out the tax truth about these 13 tax misperceptions. They’ll help get you through today and help you be a fearless taxpayer year-round.

Dec. 15: Christmas is just 10 days away! If you're still shopping for gifts, you're probably searching for the perfect present online. But beware and be wary. Internet crooks also are logged on, looking to steal your money and identity. Many of the holiday scams use the same techniques as tax scammers employ. Any personal information they get now can be used at tax time to file a fake return in your name and claim a fraudulent refund. So be careful out there, now and next filing season, and, well, unfortunately all the time.

Dec. 19: Are you taking on multiple gig jobs to make some extra holiday cash to pay for all those online orders? Those added side hustles mean you're an independent contractor. And that means you're responsible for paying income taxes due on the money, as well as any self-employment tax. In most cases, that means paying estimated tax on these end-of-year earnings by Jan. 15, 2025, to avoid a possible penalty for not paying as you earned the money.

Dec. 23: It's Christmas Week! That means holiday treats, final decorations — or first, if you wait until the very end to get a tree — and frantic last-minute shopping! Rather than worry about how you'll get the perfect gift under the tree on time, consider instead giving some easy tax-favored presents. Open a Roth IRA for your child or grandchild who earned some money this year. Or pay tuition by Dec. 31 for classes that will start in the first quarter of 2025.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve!
No taxes tonight. It's early to bed for kiddies of all ages. Santa's on his way!

Click image to watch NORAD track Santa's Christmas Eve delivery route.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas! My gift to you is another day without tax thoughts.
Just enjoy the holiday and your family and friends.

Dec. 26: Happy Boxing Day. This unofficial holiday on St. Stephen's Day is celebrated by additional giving.
If you donate to your favorite charity on this Boxing Day or any other day by Dec. 31, on your 2023 taxes you'll have to itemize your gifts on Schedule A to claim them. If you don’t have enough expenses to exceed your standard deduction amount this tax year, consider delaying your charitable contributions until early January as part of a tax deduction bunching strategy.

Dec. 31: This is it. The drop-dead deadline to make most 2024 tax moves. A quick and easy action today is to zero out your medical flexible spending account (FSA) by buying over-the-counter medications for which the funds can be used. This is especially important if your employer doesn't offer a grace period to use the money or let you roll some FSA money over into 2025. Without those alternatives, you'll lose any FSA funds you don't use.

Done? Great! Make sure the champagne is chilling and settle in for your New Year's Eve party or a cozy night at home with your friends and loved ones. Either way, cheers and Auld Lang Syne as the ball drops at midnight.

Small Business Tax Calendar: Important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to know. You can get more tax calendar information at the IRS' online calendar page and view the full year's important business and individual tax dates in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

Don't forget your state taxes!
Forty-three states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the seven states without an income levy, you still face other state (and local) taxes.

State Tax Departments provides links to your state's Web page. The companion page, Tax Tidbits, is the compilation of blurbs about each state's tax laws. And for more state tax news, check out all our state tax bloggings.

Tax Forms

Thanks to our increased use of tax preparers and computer software, many of us don't see our tax forms until we sign and file them. But knowing what's on these documents, either in paper or digital form, and why the IRS wants it is key to understanding our tax system. And knowledge definitely is power, especially when it comes to tax savings. Find this valuable information in the ol' blog's special Tax Forms 2024 page.

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A collection of Kay Bell stories
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How to Keep More
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Tax Reading Room
You also might enjoy these other tax tips from some of my tax-writing colleagues:
J.K. Lasser 2024 Taxes
Taxes for Dummies 2024
Tax Savvy for Small Business

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Taxes are all about the numbers.
Check out these (mostly) weekly
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Kudos Et Cetera

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I gotta tell ya ...

AKA Disclaimer:

I am a professional journalist who has been covering tax issues since 1999. I am not a professional tax preparer.

The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal interpretation and opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies, and regulations. It is provided for your private, noncommercial, educational, and informational purposes only. While I work to ensure each post's accuracy, the items are not recommendations of any specific tax action(s) you should or should not take. Similarly, mentions of commercial tax products or services are not endorsements.

In other words, my ramblings on the ol' tax blog are free advice, and you know what they say about getting what you pay for. That's why when it is time for you to file your own taxes, I urge you to get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from an accountant, Enrolled Agent, or other reputable, qualified tax preparer who is familiar with your individual tax circumstances.

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COVID-19 & Taxes

Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
These five Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
March-July 2020
August-December 2020
January-December 2021
January-December 2022
…and so it continues into 2023
…and, alas, into 2024
You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

Need help finding a coronavirus vaccine in the United States?
Call 1-800-232-0233
or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
More information and resources at:
CDC Vaccines
CDC Booster Shots
HHS Combat COVID
USA.Gov COVID Info

December 2024

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Photo by Isaac Martin on Unsplash

Tell it to the Hill

While it's easy to rail at the IRS, for the most part we can thank — or blame — Congress and the White House for our tax laws. So if you have an issue with tax legislation or want a tax bill passed, you need to let your federal legislators and the White House occupant know of your concerns. You can find out who in Washington, D.C., to contact (and how), as well as get information on your local lawmakers for matters, tax or otherwise, closer to home, at USA Gov.

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