The annual rate for newly purchased Series I bonds may drop below 5% in May, from the current 5.27%. While short-term investors may have better options with CDs or savings accounts, the I bond's fixed rate could still appeal to long-term investors aiming to preserve their purchasing power.
The IRS' Direct File program, which offers free tax filing, is now available in 12 pilot states. An estimated 19 million taxpayers are eligible this season, with filing limited to simple tax situations like W-2 income and standard deductions. While Direct File is only available in certain states, most taxpayers can use IRS Free File, which has even wider eligibility criteria and allows for both electronic filings and printable forms.
