Why your tax refund might be late this spring
And more of the week's best financial advice
![Delayed taxes will keep you diligently checking your mailbox.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G3yeCvBBfeiC5yodrdx2oF-415-80.jpg)
Here are three of the week's top pieces of financial advice, gathered from around the web:
IRS to stall some tax refunds
"Some people may wait a little longer for their tax refunds next spring," said Darla Mercado at CNBC. Households that file early and claim the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit won't receive their refunds until after Feb. 15 because of a new anti-fraud regulation that takes effect in 2017. The rule gives the IRS "more time to sniff out phony returns and prevent refunds from going to scammers." But that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep filing early. Thieves rush to submit fake returns before actual taxpayers file documents. The two popular tax credits are among the most attractive to scammers, because they often result in a sizable refund.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Help with at-home care
Dependent-care flexible spending accounts "aren't just for children," said Kimberly Lankford at Kiplinger. "You can also use the money tax-free to cover care for other dependents while you work," such as an elderly parent. To qualify, the person must live with you and either be considered your dependent for tax purposes or receive more than 50 percent of his or her support from you during the year. They must also be mentally or physically incapable of self-care, "which the IRS defines as someone who cannot dress, clean, or feed themselves because of physical or mental impairments." You and your spouse can contribute a total of up to $5,000 annually to a dependent-care FSA.
Employers and your credit history
Despite what you may have heard, a low credit score won't cost you a job offer, said Michelle Singletary at The Washington Post. When employers request an applicant's credit history, what they receive is actually a "dressed down" version of the record used by lenders. That report does not include your credit score. The employer report usually includes public-record information on bankruptcies, liens, and judgments, but excludes a person's age and account numbers. Additionally, if an employment credit report contributes to any decision that negatively affects you, "federal law requires the company to give you a copy of the report along with a written description of your rights."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Big Tech's answer for AI-driven job loss: universal basic income
In The Spotlight A new study reveals the strengths and limitations
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'I will not be silent' on Gaza, says Kamala Harris
Speed Read In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris supported Israel's right to defend itself while expressing a desire to end Palestinian suffering
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'How long can TikTok dominate as a social network?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published