Cash App Taxes is recommended as the best free tax software overall, offering a comprehensive online program and smooth filing process. The software's biggest strength is its truly free status, with no restrictions on state returns or deductions. However, users may miss out on professional support and the option to upload 1099 income forms.
The shift towards free tax software options can have implications for the future of tax preparation services, particularly in terms of how professionals adapt to changing market conditions.
How will the rise of affordable online tax filing tools impact the role of accountants and tax advisors in the long-term?
Zoom remains a top performer in the video conferencing software space, offering a user-friendly platform with breakrooms, virtual backgrounds, collaborative tools, and more for a reasonable price. Its robust feature set and wide compatibility have made it a favorite among users and businesses alike. However, its paid plans can be restrictive, limiting free users to 40-minute meetings.
The proliferation of video conferencing software reflects the evolving nature of remote work, where seamless collaboration and productivity are increasingly crucial for businesses to stay competitive.
As more companies adopt hybrid or fully remote models, will they prioritize features that enhance their employees' work experience over traditional reliability and security concerns?
The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team led by Elon Musk has fired the 18F tech team responsible for building the free tax-filing service and revamping government websites, citing them as "non critical." The move follows a public feud between Musk and the 18F team, with Musk calling them a "far-left" group. This change in leadership may impact the development and maintenance of the IRS's digital services.
The elimination of the 18F team raises concerns about the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of government-led initiatives to improve digital services.
How will this shift in leadership and oversight affect the future of free tax-filing services, particularly for low-income and marginalized communities?
Almost half of people polled by McAfee say they or someone they know has received a text or phone call from a scammer pretending to be from the IRS or a state tax agency, highlighting the growing threat of tax-related scams. The scammers use various tactics, including social media posts, emails, text messages, and phone calls, to target potential victims, often with promising fake refunds. To protect themselves, individuals can take steps such as filing their taxes early, monitoring their credit reports, watching out for phishing attacks, and being cautious of spoofed websites.
The escalating nature of tax scams underscores the importance of staying vigilant and up-to-date on cybersecurity best practices to prevent falling prey to these sophisticated schemes.
As AI-generated phishing emails and deepfake audios become more prevalent, it is crucial to develop effective strategies to detect and mitigate these types of threats.
The new Photoshop for iPhone app finally delivers on its promise of offering powerful pro features, including layer masking and blending, as well as generative AI features, making it a worthy successor to the desktop version. After hours of tinkering and prodding, this author found that the app is easy to learn, has all the core features, can handle big files and tasks, and even includes Adobe Camera Raw. However, there are still some tools missing compared to the desktop version.
This new development signifies a significant shift in the way photographers approach their work on-the-go, leveraging the capabilities of AI-driven editing tools to streamline their workflow and improve image quality.
How will the growing adoption of generative AI-powered editing apps impact the future of creative software development and the role of human editors in the industry?
This article explores the best Android antivirus apps that provide robust security, real-time web protection, and a host of other features to keep your mobile device clean of malware. With numerous options available, it's essential to choose an app that meets your needs and provides effective protection against cyber threats. The author has extensively tested various Android antivirus apps and security tools, leaning on security expert recommendations and customer feedback in their review process.
One of the significant benefits of using a reputable Android antivirus app is the ability to detect and block malicious mobile applications before they can compromise your handset.
What are the long-term implications of relying heavily on cloud-based security solutions, versus traditional antivirus software, for protecting individual devices?
If you were thinking about picking up a new set of wheels, there's a way to make it cheaper for you. Salary packaging is a popular solution where businesses offer motor vehicles as an extra incentive to employees. A novated lease can be of great financial benefit to staff, resulting in higher morale and lower staff turnover.
This tax trick exploits a loophole in the Australian tax system that allows employers to provide cars to employees with little to no cost to themselves, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to boost employee satisfaction.
How will governments regulate this trend in salary packaging and novated leases to prevent exploitation of loopholes and ensure fairness for all parties involved?
Financial coach Bernadette Joy emphasizes the importance of selecting the right investment accounts and strategies to minimize tax liabilities, noting that many individuals unknowingly pay excess taxes on their investments. By adopting dollar-cost averaging and maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, investors can significantly reduce their taxable income and enhance their long-term wealth accumulation. Joy's insights serve as a crucial reminder for individuals to reassess their investment approaches to avoid costly mistakes.
This perspective highlights the often-overlooked intersection of investment strategy and tax efficiency, suggesting that financial literacy can have a profound impact on personal wealth.
What additional strategies can investors explore to further optimize their tax situation in an ever-changing financial landscape?
If President Trump waved a magic wand and income taxes disappeared tomorrow, Americans would have more take-home pay to spend. When workers keep more of their funds to live life, it drives growth in all segments of our economy, which means more jobs, more opportunities and a stronger economy. Granted, some of that extra money could get hoovered up by higher-cost goods if tariffs inflate prices on some products.
The impact of eliminating income taxes on job searches may be nuanced, with some industries benefiting from increased spending power, while others are hindered by rising costs, particularly in the context of a potential economic downturn.
How will the widespread adoption of universal basic income or alternative wealth redistribution models mitigate or exacerbate the labor market implications of a tax-free economy?
Developers can access AI model capabilities at a fraction of the price thanks to distillation, allowing app developers to run AI models quickly on devices such as laptops and smartphones. The technique uses a "teacher" LLM to train smaller AI systems, with companies like OpenAI and IBM Research adopting the method to create cheaper models. However, experts note that distilled models have limitations in terms of capability.
This trend highlights the evolving economic dynamics within the AI industry, where companies are reevaluating their business models to accommodate decreasing model prices and increased competition.
How will the shift towards more affordable AI models impact the long-term viability and revenue streams of leading AI firms?
A controversial budget tactic is gaining steam on Capitol Hill that could help make Donald Trump's first-term tax cuts permanent while also making room for additional tax break pledges he made on the campaign trail. The idea is to essentially make the cost of extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act free, at least for accounting purposes, by assessing changes using a so-called current policy baseline. This move would push up the national debt by trillions of additional dollars beyond what's already planned.
By considering this unorthodox approach, lawmakers are attempting to reconcile competing priorities in Washington, such as the desire to cut taxes and reduce the deficit.
However, critics argue that this budget trickery obscures the true cost of tax cuts and ignores the long-term fiscal implications, raising questions about the sustainability of such policies.
Money market account interest rates have risen significantly, with some accounts offering returns as high as 4.51% APY, providing a compelling option for savers seeking liquidity and growth. Despite a recent downward trend following the Federal Reserve's rate cuts, many online banks and credit unions continue to offer competitive rates, making it essential for consumers to shop around for the best options. As interest rates have fluctuated in response to economic conditions, understanding the nuances of money market accounts, including fees and minimum balance requirements, remains crucial for maximizing savings.
The current landscape highlights the importance of financial literacy in navigating varying interest rates and product offerings, encouraging consumers to actively seek the best savings solutions.
With rates on the decline, what strategies should savers consider to ensure they still achieve their financial goals in a changing economic environment?
Elon Musk has been vocal about the tax code's flaws. He believes there shouldn't be any tax incentives and also raised questions about how income taxes became the model. The questions and scrutiny come as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) discovers questionable uses of taxpayers’ money.
This phenomenon highlights the unintended consequences of decades-long tax policies, which often prioritize the wealthy and large corporations over the middle class.
How can policymakers balance the need for revenue to fund public services with the growing demand for progressive taxation that would reduce income inequality?
Weebly's free plan is well-suited for individuals and small businesses wanting to start their online presence without paying anything, but its limitations can slow down your website's growth and functionality. Wix's free version, on the other hand, offers more value with its wide range of features, stylish designs, and flexible tools. However, it may require more time to learn.
The choice between Weebly and Wix ultimately comes down to individual needs and priorities: is simplicity and ecommerce capabilities enough for a basic website, or do you need advanced features like AI-powered editing and App Market integration?
Will the long-term benefits of using a more comprehensive platform like Wix outweigh the initial learning curve and limitations of its free plan?
PrivadoVPN Free stands out among free VPN services by offering impressive speeds, robust security, and access to popular streaming platforms, which is uncommon in this category. While it comes with limitations such as a 10GB data cap and restricted server options, its performance positions it as a top choice for casual users looking to stream without financial commitment. The service provides a reliable solution for those needing occasional VPN access, striking a balance between functionality and affordability.
PrivadoVPN Free illustrates how a well-executed freemium model can challenge the perception that all free services are subpar, potentially reshaping user expectations in the VPN market.
What additional features or capabilities would make PrivadoVPN Free a must-have for more frequent VPN users?
Investors are subject to capital gains tax only when they sell stocks for a profit, with the tax rate varying based on how long the stock was held and the individual's income level. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income, while long-term gains benefit from lower tax rates, which can be as favorable as 0% for certain income brackets. Understanding the nuances of capital gains, dividend taxation, and potential tax strategies like tax loss harvesting is crucial for effective financial planning.
The complexity of stock taxation underscores the importance of strategic financial planning, particularly in leveraging long-term investments to minimize tax liabilities.
How might upcoming changes to tax thresholds and rates impact investor behavior in the stock market over the next few years?
DeepSeek has broken into the mainstream consciousness after its chatbot app rose to the top of the Apple App Store charts (and Google Play, as well). DeepSeek's AI models, trained using compute-efficient techniques, have led Wall Street analysts — and technologists — to question whether the U.S. can maintain its lead in the AI race and whether the demand for AI chips will sustain. The company's ability to offer a general-purpose text- and image-analyzing system at a lower cost than comparable models has forced domestic competition to cut prices, making some models completely free.
This sudden shift in the AI landscape may have significant implications for the development of new applications and industries that rely on sophisticated chatbot technology.
How will the widespread adoption of DeepSeek's models impact the balance of power between established players like OpenAI and newer entrants from China?
Cino, a European startup that has developed a real-time shared payment app, has raised €3.5m in a Seed funding round led by London's Balderton Capital. The company aims to expand its user base and disrupt traditional payment methods with its innovative approach to bill-splitting, which allows users to split bills and pay their share directly from their preferred bank account or wallet. By leveraging the network effect and providing a seamless user experience, Cino is poised to challenge existing players in the bill-splitting space.
The rise of digital payment solutions like Cino highlights the growing trend towards reducing financial awkwardness among younger generations, who are increasingly turning away from traditional joint bank accounts.
As Cino expands its operations, will it be able to navigate the complex regulatory landscape surrounding cross-border payments and protect user data?
Using virtual cards can significantly enhance online shopping security by allowing consumers to manage their spending and limit exposure to fraud. Services like Privacy.com enable users to create virtual card numbers with specific spending limits, making it easier to handle subscriptions and free trials without the risk of unexpected charges. This method not only protects personal financial information but also offers peace of mind when dealing with unfamiliar vendors.
The rise of virtual cards reflects a broader shift towards consumer empowerment in financial transactions, potentially reshaping the landscape of online commerce and digital security.
What other innovative financial tools could emerge to further safeguard consumers in the evolving landscape of online shopping?
Sony now pools all beta programs on one website to simplify participation. Those wanting to try out new PS5 and PC games, PlayStation app features and PlayStation 5 firmware updates in advance are advised to try out the new PS5 beta program, which gives much easier access to all beta programs. Sony has announced a new beta program for the PlayStation 5 on the PlayStation Blog, which is intended to consolidate all future beta programs.
By streamlining the registration process and providing a centralized hub for beta testing, Sony is attempting to democratize access to its latest features and games, potentially reducing the influence of early adopters who have previously benefited from exclusive beta access.
Will this move also lead to a more diverse pool of testers, or will it still be dominated by enthusiasts who are willing to spend hours providing feedback on often buggy software?
Tado is evaluating opportunities for monetization by potentially blocking the use of its own products behind a paywall in future, at least via its own app. The company's vague statement has caused an uproar among users, who are concerned about the potential loss of free functionality. The Tado community is currently buzzing with comments on Reddit and the company's forum, with many users expressing dissatisfaction.
This development highlights the ongoing struggle for companies to find sustainable revenue models in a market where user expectations are often at odds with monetization strategies.
Will consumers be willing to pay for convenience and features they previously enjoyed for free, or will Tado's decision lead to a significant loss of customers?
PrivadoVPN Free distinguishes itself in the crowded field of free VPNs by offering commendable speeds, robust security, and access to popular streaming services, making it a suitable choice for occasional users. While it does have limitations like a monthly data cap and a reduced number of server locations compared to its premium version, its ability to unblock major platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ is notable. Overall, PrivadoVPN provides a surprisingly reliable option for those seeking a free VPN without the typical pitfalls associated with such services.
This case exemplifies how a well-crafted freemium model can compete effectively with paid options in the VPN market, challenging the notion that free services cannot deliver quality performance.
What implications might the success of PrivadoVPN Free have for the future of free VPN services and their ability to compete with established paid providers?
A Redditor's post highlighted a friend's refusal of a $5,000 raise due to a misunderstanding of how tax brackets work, believing it would reduce their overall income. Despite attempts to clarify that only the income above the threshold would be taxed at the higher rate, the friend remained unconvinced, showcasing a common misconception about taxation. This exchange prompted widespread reactions on Reddit, with users sharing similar stories of individuals who mistakenly avoid raises for fear of higher taxes.
The incident reflects a broader issue of financial illiteracy that persists in society, emphasizing the need for better education around personal finance and taxation.
What strategies could be implemented to improve financial literacy and prevent such misconceptions about taxes in the future?
Guidewire Software's second-quarter 2025 earnings report revealed significant revenue growth, exceeding analyst estimates by 1.3%, with US$289.5m in revenue, a 20% increase from the same period last year. However, the company's net loss widened to US$37.3m, a decrease of 485% from the previous year's profit of US$9.69m. Despite this, revenue is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 13% per annum over the next three years.
The outperformance in revenue growth could indicate that Guidewire Software has successfully navigated the challenges posed by the insurance industry's evolving technological landscape.
What are the implications for investors if Guidewire Software continues to prioritize aggressive growth over improving its profitability, and how will this strategy impact its long-term valuation?
Signal has taken the top spot as the most downloaded free app in the Netherlands for much of this past month, with its popularity surging by a factor of 25 compared to last year. The app's sustained position at the top can be attributed to its strong focus on privacy, which resonates deeply with the Dutch public. As the country grapples with concerns over data protection and digital dependence, Signal's message is gaining traction.
The Netherlands' affinity for Signal may be a microcosm of a larger trend in Europe, where growing distrust of Big Tech and increasing awareness of data protection issues are driving consumers to seek more private alternatives.
Will the Dutch public's enthusiasm for Signal translate to similar adoption patterns in other European markets, or is this phenomenon unique to the Netherlands?
Today’s best CD rates feature offerings as high as 4.50% APY from institutions like Marcus by Goldman Sachs and LendingClub, highlighting a competitive environment for savers. In a notable shift from historical trends, shorter-term CDs are currently yielding similar or higher rates than their longer-term counterparts, prompting consumers to reassess their savings strategies. Understanding the nuances of different CD types, such as bump-up and no-penalty CDs, can further enhance the potential returns for investors.
This evolving landscape suggests a growing emphasis on liquidity and flexibility in savings products, reflecting changing consumer priorities amid fluctuating economic conditions.
How will the current interest rate environment influence consumer behavior in terms of saving and investing over the next few years?