Florida residents can now file their simple income-tax forms for free and save time through the Internal Revenue Service s Direct File pilot program. It s estimated the simplified filing process could eventually save Florida taxpayers more than $530 million in filing fees every year. With the April 15 income-tax filing deadline right around the corner, Adam Ruben, vice president for campaigns and political strategy at the Economic Security Project, said you can easily use the program by visiting the website Directfile.IRS.gov. .
As out-of-state, and sometimes disreputable companies offering solar installations crowd the market, a local effort called Solarize aims to connect residents and small businesses with pre-screened solar contractors, while also providing discounts on installation. Nick Hartnett, Pure Power Solar and Solarize partner, said residents considering solar should find local companies, read reviews, and talk to customers who ve had systems installed, adding the Solarize program is designed to do the legwork. "There s a lot of aggressive sales techniques. " .
In less than a week, Pennsylvania residents who need assistance in filing their income-tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation s Tax-Aide program. You don t have to be an AARP member or a senior citizen to get help. Francis Tremel, Pennsylvania state coordinator for the program, said while Tax-Aide volunteers assist people of all ages, their main focus is on serving individuals with low to moderate incomes. .
Today is the beginning of America Saves Week, and Connecticut groups are hosting events all week. Each day is correlated to a different aspect of spending - whether it s paying down debt, saving at any age, or preparing for the unexpected. Faye Griffiths-Smith - a family economics and resource management educator for at the University of Connecticut Extension - said she often hears people feel they don t have enough money to save. .