https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ en-us https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e8bc935b76c1deaa34ea856ea8a1f96f?s=400&d=mm&r=g https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ Kelly Phillips Erb's stories. Copyright 2026 Forbes Media LLC https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/28/treasury-moves-to-require-more-reporting-and-paperwork-from-tax-exempts/ IRS plans to revise Form 990 to better “detect misconduct.” The move comes days after the Trump DOJ brought controversial criminal charges against the SPLC. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69efdb0fc17ef61acdffd563 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:37:32 -0400 2026-04-28T14:37:32-04:00 IRS plans to revise Form 990 to better “detect misconduct.” The move comes days after the Trump DOJ brought controversial criminal charges against the SPLC. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Personal Finance /personal-finance Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/04/25/tax-breaks-the-surprise-refunds-and-lingering-tax-bills-edition/ Plus: Tax-harvesting, Mega backdoor Roth accounts, the IRS budget takes a hit, employer-funded tax breaks, common law marriage, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69ebde36ba8c68035d5444fc Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-04-25T10:00:00-04:00 Plus: Tax-harvesting, Mega backdoor Roth accounts, the IRS budget takes a hit, employer-funded tax breaks, common law marriage, tax trivia and more. getty Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/24/surprise-you-may-be-owed-an-irs-refund-for-payments-made-during-the-pandemic/ A federal court ruling could reopen the window to recover or abate penalties and interest accrued during the COVID-19 disaster. Act fast—the deadline for claims is July 10, 2026. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69eba355a76ff589058e10fd Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:05:47 -0400 2026-04-24T14:05:47-04:00 A federal court ruling could reopen the window to recover or abate penalties and interest accrued during the COVID-19 disaster. Act fast—the deadline for claims is July 10, 2026. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Policy /policy Small Business /small-business Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/23/owe-the-irs-here-are-some-options-for-paying-your-taxes-now-or-over-time/ From paying online with a credit card to installment methods, the IRS offers many ways to pay your tax bill, even if you can’t pay your bill all at once. Here’s what you need to know. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69ea78a5591d30735a015a97 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:55:10 -0400 2026-04-23T16:55:10-04:00 From paying online with a credit card to installment methods, the IRS offers many ways to pay your tax bill, even if you can’t pay your bill all at once. Here’s what you need to know. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/22/irs-enforcement-takes-another-big-hit-as-budget-request-shrinks/ The agency’s 2027 proposal cuts thousands of compliance staff, raising questions about audits, revenue, and the growing reliance on data-driven enforcement. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69e822aefafeb44acb64cf6f Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:37:14 -0400 2026-04-22T12:37:14-04:00 The agency’s 2027 proposal cuts thousands of compliance staff, raising questions about audits, revenue, and the growing reliance on data-driven enforcement. Getty Images Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/21/section-127-plans-a-tax-smart-way-to-pay-for-education-or-student-loans/ Employer-provided educational assistance plans under section 127 of the tax code can offer up to $5,250 in tax-free benefits for employees. Here’s what you need to know. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69e7a9d395639aebbaa8aa2a Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:54:08 -0400 2026-04-21T14:54:08-04:00 Employer-provided educational assistance plans under section 127 of the tax code can offer up to $5,250 in tax-free benefits for employees. Here’s what you need to know. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Small Business /small-business Business /business Policy /policy Leadership /leadership Education /education Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/04/18/tax-breaks-the-post-tax-season-hangover-edition/ Plus: Nobody likes a tax collector, how to pay your tax bill, tax refunds, filing statistics, remittance taxes, Taxes From A to Z, filing deadlines, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69e2b090278c3f4b98dbaada Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-04-21T09:55:28-04:00 Plus: Nobody likes a tax collector, how to pay your tax bill, tax refunds, filing statistics, remittance taxes, Taxes From A to Z, filing deadlines, tax trivia and more. getty Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/17/fewer-returns-bigger-refunds-what-irs-data-says-about-the-2026-tax-season/ IRS data shows that, as taxpayers got closer to Tax Day, filings were still lagging last year, while refunds have increased. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69e289dc87e4d1257f47ed32 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:44:45 -0400 2026-04-17T15:44:45-04:00 IRS data shows that, as taxpayers got closer to Tax Day, filings were still lagging last year, while refunds have increased. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/15/as-gas-tops-4-per-gallon-congress-considers-lowering-the-gas-tax/ With prices climbing, a new proposal would suspend the federal gas tax, but only while prices remain above $4/gallon. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69dfb49f4e773bd14e1ee038 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:53:36 -0400 2026-04-15T17:53:36-04:00 With prices climbing, a new proposal would suspend the federal gas tax, but only while prices remain above $4/gallon. Getty Images Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Policy /policy Personal Finance /personal-finance Lifestyle /lifestyle Cars & Bikes /cars-bikes Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/15/the-fascinating-history-of-how-income-taxes-got-americans-hooked-on-cocktails/ The new tax revenue enabled Prohibition, which led to bad booze. Cocktails were used to mask rough spirits. Here’s the story, plus a few recipes to try. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69dfee7a988a129ce9557c90 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:22:41 -0400 2026-04-15T17:22:41-04:00 The new tax revenue enabled Prohibition, which led to bad booze. Cocktails were used to mask rough spirits. Here’s the story, plus a few recipes to try. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Food & Drink /food-drink Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/15/what-happens-if-you-dont-sign-your-tax-return-and-how-to-do-it-right/ A missing signature can upend a return completely. Getting it right is essential to avoid delays, penalties, and rejected filings. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69df8caaa7ad6e0f422a3a8a Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:39:14 -0400 2026-04-15T09:39:14-04:00 A missing signature can upend a return completely. Getting it right is essential to avoid delays, penalties, and rejected filings. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/14/mailing-a-last-minute-tax-return-warning-the-postmark-rules-have-changed/ Watch out. You could get hit with penalties and interest if you don’t get your paper 1040 postmarked on time. Here’s what last minute tax filers need to know. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69dea345d5b33734ffe91b85 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:53:04 -0400 2026-04-14T17:53:04-04:00 Watch out. You could get hit with penalties and interest if you don’t get your paper 1040 postmarked on time. Here’s what last minute tax filers need to know. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/13/tax-day-2026-deals-free-food-discounts-and-other-tax-relief/ From $10.40 specials to “Dog Tax Credits,” brands are turning April 15 into a day of deals, freebies and playful promotions. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69dd4315c67b06d06dfa9e0d Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:38:09 -0400 2026-04-14T15:49:49-04:00 From $10.40 specials to “Dog Tax Credits,” brands are turning April 15 into a day of deals, freebies and playful promotions. Blue Buffalo Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/04/11/tax-breaks-the-final-countdown-to-tax-day-edition/ Plus: No tax on tips, voluntary tax compliance, the net investment income tax (NIIT), tax filing statistics, Taxes From A to Z, tax filing deadlines, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d979fec81eafa856f1197e Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-04-11T10:00:00-04:00 Plus: No tax on tips, voluntary tax compliance, the net investment income tax (NIIT), tax filing statistics, Taxes From A to Z, tax filing deadlines, tax trivia and more. getty Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Small Business /small-business Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/10/with-april-15-just-days-away-irs-data-shows-tax-filing-still-behind/ As we get closer to Tax Day, new tax filing season statistics through April 3 reveal fewer returns received and processed than last year, even as refund amounts climb. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d951aed12431f38af5fd3c Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:52:30 -0400 2026-04-10T15:52:30-04:00 As we get closer to Tax Day, new tax filing season statistics through April 3 reveal fewer returns received and processed than last year, even as refund amounts climb. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/10/irs-issues-new-rules-for-clergy-santa-clauses-and-other-tipped-workers/ With just one week left in the tax filing season, the IRS has finalized regulations for the new, temporary, $25,000 tip deduction, with more examples of who qualifies. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d93637581dd46c9dd332f2 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:27:36 -0400 2026-04-13T15:51:28-04:00 With just one week left in the tax filing season, the IRS has finalized regulations for the new, temporary, $25,000 tip deduction, with more examples of who qualifies. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Policy /policy Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/10/ai-and-less-immigration-work-will-shift-irs-criminal-enforcement/ Departing Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco sees more employment tax and benefits fraud cases in the works. His 31 years at the IRS included the heyday of tax shelter enforcement. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d8f457b5e35ea3e97dc132 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:03:23 -0400 2026-04-10T10:03:23-04:00 Departing Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco sees more employment tax and benefits fraud cases in the works. His 31 years at the IRS included the heyday of tax shelter enforcement. IRS Criminal Investigation Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/08/running-out-of-time-before-tax-day-an-extension-might-be-your-best-move/ Not ready to file your 2025 tax return? Here’s how to buy yourself six more months, and why you still need to pay what you owe now. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d66299f2093ed53331a25c Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:06:48 -0400 2026-04-08T13:06:48-04:00 Not ready to file your 2025 tax return? Here’s how to buy yourself six more months, and why you still need to pay what you owe now. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Wealth Management /wealth-management Business /business Policy /policy Small Business /small-business money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/08/11-common-tax-filing-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/ A wrong Social Security number, forgotten direct deposit info, or misunderstanding a credit, can cost you money or slow down the processing of your tax return. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d64edf3f62c61263f9b057 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:12:43 -0400 2026-04-08T10:12:43-04:00 A wrong Social Security number, forgotten direct deposit info, or misunderstanding a credit, can cost you money or slow down the processing of your tax return. Getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/07/irs-expands-business-tax-account-to-include-more-kinds-of-entities/ The IRS has once again expanded access to its IRS.gov online platform, allowing business organizations like partnerships to access digital services. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d5111beeb2c368bb458b4c Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:49:12 -0400 2026-04-07T10:49:12-04:00 The IRS has once again expanded access to its IRS.gov online platform, allowing business organizations like partnerships to access digital services. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Small Business /small-business Business /business Policy /policy money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/04/04/tax-breaks-the-to-the-moon-and-back-to-taxes-edition/ Plus: Tax refunds, changing your name, TurboTax gets a win, the FTC claims a loss, tax filing statistics, Taxes From A to Z, tax filing deadlines, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d0305bd624a53549c6d424 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-04-04T10:00:00-04:00 Plus: Tax refunds, changing your name, TurboTax gets a win, the FTC claims a loss, tax filing statistics, Taxes From A to Z, tax filing deadlines, tax trivia and more. Getty Images Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/04/social-security-benefits-after-death-of-spouse/ With its workforce slashed, the Social Security Administration too often falters when processing survivor benefits. It took help from a Congressman to work it out. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6995dca856ee708504e34639 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:30:00 -0400 2026-04-14T12:02:29-04:00 With its workforce slashed, the Social Security Administration too often falters when processing survivor benefits. It took help from a Congressman to work it out. Hero Image Courtesy the Phillips family Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Leadership /leadership ForbesWomen /forbeswomen Wealth Management /wealth-management Daily Cover daily-cover Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/03/irs-data-shows-tax-refunds-rising-but-falling-short-of-expectations/ While average refunds are up this season, the gains are more modest than lawmakers had suggested. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69d01a5a8c3834fcdb5e571d Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:06:25 -0400 2026-04-03T16:06:25-04:00 While average refunds are up this season, the gains are more modest than lawmakers had suggested. Getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/03/irs-warns-of-new-tax-scams-linked-to-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/ Scammers are taking advantage of confusion surrounding new deductions for tips, overtime and seniors. Here’s how to spot the warning signs. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69cffd24a05f0af9d6ccf5a8 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:05:45 -0400 2026-04-03T16:28:33-04:00 Scammers are taking advantage of confusion surrounding new deductions for tips, overtime and seniors. Here’s how to spot the warning signs. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/01/what-gig-workers-and-freelancers-need-to-know-about-taxes-now/ From new limits for Forms 1099 to new deductions for tips and overtime, here’s what gig workers need to know about taxes this filing season. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69cd08c964fe12d8541f16f0 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:37:51 -0400 2026-04-03T16:09:02-04:00 From new limits for Forms 1099 to new deductions for tips and overtime, here’s what gig workers need to know about taxes this filing season. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Small Business /small-business Wealth Management /wealth-management Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium