Pastors who endorse political candidates shouldn't lose tax-exempt status, IRS says in filing
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The IRS says pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit should not have to risk losing their tax-exempt status.
Fatima Hussein, The Associated Press
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Trump keeps saying the GOP mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump keeps saying that Republicans' mega tax and spending cut legislation will eliminate taxes on federal Social Security benefits.
Republican senate tax bill would add $3.3 trillion to the US debt load, CBO says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The changes made to President Donald Trump's big tax bill in the Senate would pile trillions onto the nation's debt load while resulting in even steeper losses in health care coverage, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a new analysis, adding to the challenges for Republicans as they try to muscle the bill to passage.
New Social Security Commissioner faces pointed questions about staffing, privacy
WASHINGTON (AP) -- After months of job cuts, leadership turnover and other turmoil at the Social Security Administration, the agency's newly minted commissioner faced pointed questions from lawmakers about the future of the agency and its ability to pay Americans their benefits and protect their privacy.
Trump's budget bill could complicate 2026 tax filing season after IRS cuts, watchdog warns
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The budget bill championed by President Donald Trump could complicate next year's tax filing season after the IRS lost one-quarter of its employees through staffing cuts, an independent watchdog reported Wednesday.
Medicare and Social Security go-broke dates pushed up due to rising health care costs, new SSA law
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The go-broke dates for Medicare and Social Security 's trust funds have moved up as rising health care costs and new legislation affecting Social Security benefits have contributed to earlier projected depletion dates, according to an annual report released Wednesday.
GOP tax bill would cost poor Americans $1,600 a year and boost highest earners by $12,000, CBO says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Republican tax bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives would cost the poorest Americans roughly $1,600 a year while increasing the income of the wealthiest households by an average of $12,000 annually, according to a new analysis released Thursday by the Congressional Budget Office.
US imposes sanctions on alleged sham Palestinian charities
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on five people and five entities across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, accusing them of being prominent financial supporters of Hamas' military wing under the pretense of conducting humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip and around the world.
Senate confirms Bisignano to lead Social Security Administration as agency faces DOGE overhaul
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Wall Street veteran Frank Bisignano was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday to lead the Social Security Administration, taking over at a turbulent time for the agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.
Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration plans to eliminate the IRS' Direct File program, an electronic system for filing tax returns directly to the agency for free, according to two people familiar with the decision.
IRS agent who investigated Hunter Biden expected to be named IRS acting chief
CHICAGO (AP) -- An IRS whistleblower who testified publicly about investigations into Hunter Biden's taxes is expected to be promoted to IRS acting commissioner, two sources familiar with the plan tell The Associated Press.
Getting the IRS on the phone is more difficult this tax filing season, experts say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Taxpayers calling the IRS for help processing their taxes this filing season may find it harder than normal to get someone on the phone, experts say, a problem that is only expected to get worse next year with staffing cuts that could slash the workforce considerably.
What we know about the Social Security Administration listing thousands of living immigrants as dead
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration's move to classify thousands of living immigrants as dead and cancel their Social Security numbers is an escalation of the president's crackdown on people who were legally allowed to live in the U.S. under programs instituted by his predecessor.
US budget deficit grows to $1.3 trillion, the second highest six-month level on record
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. budget deficit has grown to more than $1.3 trillion in the first half of the 2025 fiscal year -- the second highest six-month deficit on record, according to Treasury Department data released Thursday.
Social Security Administration probes origin of website portal outage
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Social Security Administration said Tuesday that it is investigating the root cause of website outages that have affected the "my Social Security" portal where recipients access their benefits.
Social Security Administration backtracks on some ID requirements after backlash
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Social Security Administration is partially backtracking on a plan that would require all new and existing beneficiaries to travel to a Social Security field office to verify their identity.
Social Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures -- which will require millions of recipients and applicants to visit agency field offices rather than interact with the agency over the phone.
IRS swaps its chief counsel for a lawyer friendly with DOGE, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Internal Revenue Service's acting chief counsel, William Paul, has been removed from his role at the agency and replaced by Andrew De Mello, an attorney in the chief counsel's office who is deemed supportive of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, according to two people familiar with the plans who were not authorized to speak publicly.
IRS swaps chief counsel for a lawyer friendly with DOGE, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Internal Revenue Service's acting chief counsel, William Paul, has been removed from his role at the agency and replaced by Andrew De Mello, an attorney in the chief counsel's office who is deemed supportive of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, according to two people familiar with the plans who were not authorized to speak publicly.
The IRS is drafting plans to cut as much as half of its 90,000-person workforce, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The IRS is drafting plans to cut its workforce by as much as half through a mix of layoffs, attrition and incentivized buyouts, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Social Security Administration could cut up to 50% of its workforce
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 people from its workforce of 60,000, according to a person familiar with the agency's plans who is not authorized to speak publicly. The workforce reduction, according to a second person who also spoke on condition of anonymity, could be as high as 50%.
US imposes more sanctions on Iranian oil trade after Trump calls to drive exports 'to zero'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. on Monday imposed sanctions on dozens of people and oil tankers across China, the United Arab Emirates, India and other jurisdictions for allegedly helping to finance Iran and its support for militant groups that launch attacks against the U.S. and its allies.
IRS layoffs could hurt revenue collection and foil efforts to go after rich tax dodgers, experts say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The layoffs of roughly 7,000 IRS probationary workers beginning this week likely mean the end of the agency's plan to go after high-wealth tax dodgers and could spell disaster for revenue collections, experts say.
IRS plans to lay off 7,000 probationary workers beginning Thursday, AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The IRS will lay off roughly 7,000 workers in Washington and around the country beginning Thursday, a person familiar with the plans told The Associated Press.
New Social Security chief contradicts claims that millions of dead people are getting payouts
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The new head of the Social Security Administration said Wednesday that deceased centenarians are "not necessarily receiving benefits," contradicting claims that tens of millions of dead people over the age of 100 are getting payments from the agency.
Tens of millions of dead people aren't getting Social Security checks, despite Trump and Musk claims
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is falsely claiming that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are receiving Social Security payments.
Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcement
WASHINGTON (AP) -- For years, Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have railed against the IRS and its cadre of armed agents. Now the administration has big plans for them: It wants the agents to assist with immigration enforcement.
DOGE was tasked with stopping Treasury payments to USAID, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Officials working with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency sought access to the U.S. Department of Treasury payment system to stop money from flowing to the U.S. Agency for International Development, according to two people familiar with the matter.
IRS workers involved in 2025 tax season can't take buyout until after the taxpayer filing deadline
WASHINGTON (AP) -- IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season will not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, according to a letter sent Wednesday to IRS employees.
IRS workers involved in 2025 tax season can't take 'buyout' offer until May
WASHINGTON (AP) -- IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season will not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until May 15th, according to a letter sent Wednesday to IRS employees.
Scott Bessent confirmed as treasury secretary, giving him a key role in extending Trump's tax cuts
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Senate confirmed billionaire investor Scott Bessent on Monday to serve as President Donald Trump's treasury secretary, giving him the delicate balancing act of cutting taxes and curbing deficits while putting forward a plan on tariffs that doesn't jeopardize growth.
Yellen says Treasury will use 'extraordinary measures' on Jan. 21 to prevent hitting debt ceiling
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In one of her last acts as Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen said her agency will start taking "extraordinary measures," or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling, on January 21, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon.
US recovers $31 million in federal payments to dead people
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. government clawed back more than $31 million in federal payments that improperly went to dead people, a recovery that one official said Wednesday was "just the tip of the iceberg."
Treasury nominee calls for stronger Russia sanctions and Fed independence at confirmation panel
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Treasury nominee Scott Bessent on Thursday faced sharp questions from both Democrats and Republicans on tax policy, tariffs, China, Russia sanctions and the future of an IRS tax filing system that Republicans have called to be cut.
Treasury nominee Scott Bessent faces sharp questions from Democrats at confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Treasury nominee Scott Bessent on Thursday faced sharp questions from Democrats on tax policy, tariffs, China, Russia sanctions and the future of an IRS tax filing system that Republicans have called to be cut.
Treasury nominee tells his confirmation hearing that Trump can unleash an 'economic golden age'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Treasury nominee Scott Bessent told his confirmation hearing Thursday that President-elect Donald Trump has an opportunity to unleash "a new economic golden age."
Treasury nominee plans to say at confirmation hearing that Trump will unleash 'economic golden age'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Treasury nominee Scott Bessent plans to say Thursday during his confirmation hearing that President-elect Donald Trump has an opportunity to unleash "a new economic golden age."
US recovers $31 million in Social Security payments to dead people
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ever since the U.S. Social Security Administration opened its books to the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service, it has been able to stop and recover more than $31 million in improper Social Security payments to dead people.
Trump says he will create an 'External Revenue Service' agency to collect tariff income
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced plans to create a new agency called the External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and other revenues from foreign nations.
Nippon, US Steel file suit against Biden administration, union, and rival after $15B deal scuttled
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Biden administration decision to block Nippon's proposed $15 billion acquisition of the Pittsburgh company and said that the head of the Steelworkers union and a rival steelmaker worked together to scuttle the buyout.
Nippon, US Steel file suit after Biden administration blocks $15 billion deal
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel are filing a federal lawsuit challenging the Biden administration's decision to block a proposed nearly $15 billion deal for Nippon to acquire Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel..
As he prepares to leave office, Biden urges incoming Democratic lawmakers to reach across the aisle
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Joe Biden on Sunday called on incoming Democratic lawmakers who will govern in the minority to always be mindful of other people's perspectives -- even when they may be wrong.
US sanctions Beijing-based cyber group for its alleged role in hacking incidents
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Treasury on Friday sanctioned a Beijing-based cybersecurity company for its alleged role in multiple hacking incidents targeting critical U.S. infrastructure.
Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking "extraordinary measures," or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling, as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon.
Trump names Massad Boulos, campaign liaison and family relative, as a senior adviser on Middle East
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday named Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman who is the father-in-law of Trump's daughter Tiffany, as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Wisconsin Democratic leader Ben Wikler enters the race to lead the national party
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, said Sunday he has joined the race to lead the national party after an election that swept Donald Trump and Republicans to power in Washington.
Democratic lawmakers from Connecticut report Thanksgiving bomb threats against their homes
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Several Democratic members of Congress from Connecticut have been targeted by bomb threats on their homes, the lawmakers or their offices said Thursday.
Trump nominates longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump has chosen money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, to serve as his next treasury secretary.
Trump chooses TV doctor Mehmet Oz to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump says he is nominating Dr. Mehmet Oz, who hosted a long-running television talk show, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
What to know about Howard Lutnick, Trump's pick for commerce secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary.
Trump chooses billionaire and key transition adviser Howard Lutnick for commerce secretary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Idaho on Election Day
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nine presidential candidates will appear on Idaho's ballot in the Nov. 5 general election, including Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Republican former President Donald Trump and seven others running as independents or representing a minor political party. They will compete for the state's four electoral votes in the race to replace Democratic President Joe Biden.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Kentucky on Election Day
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Kentucky voters will weigh in on five dozen races across the state in the Nov. 5 general election, including for president, U.S. House, state Legislature, state Supreme Court and two constitutional amendments.
Data shows migrants aren't taking jobs from Black or Hispanic people, despite what Trump says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump promises the biggest deportation event the U.S. has ever seen if he is elected -- a promise he has predicated, in part, on the notion that immigrants in the U.S. legally and illegally are stealing what he calls "Black jobs" and "Hispanic jobs."
Data shows migrants aren't taking 'Black jobs' or 'Hispanic jobs,' despite what Trump says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump promises the biggest deportation event the U.S. has ever seen if he is elected -- a promise he has predicated, in part, on the notion that immigrants in the U.S. legally and illegally are stealing what he calls "Black jobs" and "Hispanic jobs."
U.S. expands sanctions on Iran in response to its ballistic attack on Israel
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. on Friday announced new sanctions on Iran's energy sector in response to its Oct. 1 attack on Israel when it fired roughly 180 missiles into the country.
Treasury official says withdrawing the US from the IMF and World Bank would be a 'step backward'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Withdrawing the United States from the IMF and World Bank would be "a step backward," a top U.S. Treasury official said Friday, defending the organizations before a presidential election that could cast uncertainty about America's future in them.
Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living boost in 2025, smaller than in recent past
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Millions of Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living increase to their monthly checks beginning in January, the Social Security Administration announced Thursday.
Social Security cost-of-living benefits increase announcement coming Thursday
WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than 70 million Social Security recipients will learn Thursday how big a cost-of-living increase they'll get to their benefits next year.