Author: Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press

The Internal Revenue Service reported on Feb. 14 that nearly two dozen tax practitioner firms have reported ID and data thefts so far this year.

The Internal Revenue Service is stepping up efforts to visit high-income taxpayers who failed to file their tax returns.

Tax filers can expect to answer quizzes or prove their identity as the IRS and state governments try to crack down on ID theft-related tax fraud.

New savings tools like Ally Bank’s Buckets give savers motivation and a way to put cash away for goals, such as buying an engagement ring.

A new audit blames ‘complexity, confusion and lack of taxpayer awareness’ for poor participation in free file tax program.

Lenders want to better gauge the risks of loaning money. FICO will look at longer trends for how you’re managing credit, and it could affect scores.

Crooks want your Social Security number and other personal information to file fake returns so they can to steal tax refunds.

The Internal Revenue Service has added tweaks to offer consumer protections to the ‘Free File’ program for the tax season, which kicks off Jan. 27.

Two key rules regarding retirement savings are changing under the SECURE Act. Neither change should cause widespread panic, but you need to plan.

New retirement rules can help young families, employees who consistently work part time and small business owners who want to start 401(k) plans.