FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (AP) —A Virginia school board voted Friday to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school, four years after the names were removed amid nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racial injustice.

In a reversal experts believe was the first of its kind, Shenandoah County's school board voted 5-1 to rename Mountain View High School as Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary as Ashby Lee Elementary.

Friday's vote reversed a decision by the school board in 2020 when school systems across Virginia and the South were removing Confederate names from schools and other public locations in response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/black-lives-matter">Black Lives Matter</a>&nbsp;movement.

The Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, which maintains a database of more than 2,000 Confederate memorials nationwide, is not aware of another case of a school system restoring a Confederate name that was removed, said senior research analyst Rivka Maizlish.

Overall, the trend toward removal of Confederate names and memorials has continued, even if it has slowed somewhat since 2020, she said, noting that the Army renamed nine installations named for Confederate leaders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arlington-national-cemetery-confederate-memorial-removal-88f1d672070c440a4da080da91bd57b7">removed a Confederate memorial</a>&nbsp;from Arlington National Cemetery.

In Virginia, local governments had been banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the law was changed in 2020, though the statute did not apply to school names.

On Friday, school board members who voted to restore the Confederate names said the previous board ignored popular sentiment and due process when the names were stripped.

Elections in 2023 significantly changed the school board's makeup, with one board member writing in an op-ed for the Northern Virginia Daily that the results gave Shenandoah County “the first 100% conservative board since anyone can remember.”

That board member, Gloria Carlineo, said during the six-hour meeting that began Thursday night that opponents of the Confederate names should “stop bringing racism and prejudice into everything” because it “detracts from true cases of racism.”

The lone board member to vote against restoring the Confederate names, Kyle Gutshall, said he respected both sides of the debate but believed a majority of residents in his district wanted to leave the Mountain View and Honey Run names in place.

“I don't judge anybody or look down on anybody for the decision they're making,” he said. “It's a complex issue.”

During several hours of public comment, county residents spoke up on both sides of the issue.

Beth Ogle, a longtime resident with children in the school system, said restoring the Confederate names is “a statement to the world that you do not value the dignity and respect of your minority students, faculty and staff.”

Kenny Wakeman, a lifelong county resident, said the Stonewall Jackson name “stood proudly for 60 years until 2020," when he said the “actions of a rogue police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” prompted a move to change the name, a reference to the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">Floyd</a>&nbsp;that propelled nationwide protests and debate over racial injustice.

Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general from Virginia who gained fame at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas in 1861 and died in 1863 after he was shot and had his arm amputated. Jackson's name&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88a3c977101353baf3fc76dc3084056b">was also removed from another high school in Virginia's Prince William County in 2020</a>&nbsp;that is now known as Unity Reed High School.

Ashby Lee is named for both Gen. Robert E. Lee, a Virginia native who commanded Confederate forces, and for Turner Ashby, a Confederate cavalry officer who was killed in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. A high school near Harrisonburg is also named for Ashby.

The resolution approved by the school board states that private donations would be used to pay for the name changes.

Shenandoah County, a largely rural jurisdiction with a population of about 45,000, roughly 100 miles west of the nation's capital, has long been politically conservative. In 2020, Republican Donald Trump won 70% of the presidential vote in Shenandoah, even as Biden won Virginia by 10 points.

In Virginia, local governments were banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the 2020 law lifted those restrictions. Statues of Confederate leaders, including Lee, Jackson and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were removed from Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue in 2020 and 2021 following protests and vandalizing of the statues.

Maizlish, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it's unusual, though not unprecedented, that conservative jurisdictions like Shenandoah removed Confederate names in the first place.

She said that while there's no evidence other jurisdictions have restored Confederate names or monuments, she is “always concerned about people who work to continue to promote Lost Cause propaganda.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715377992875.png" alt="File photo Virginia removed the statue of Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020 -photo by Jack Mayer, Office of former Governor Ralph Northam" />
 <figcaption>File photo Virginia removed the statue of Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020 -photo by Jack Mayer, Office of former Governor Ralph Northam</figcaption>
 </figure>FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (AP) —A Virginia school board voted Friday to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school, four years after the names were removed amid nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racial injustice.In a reversal experts believe was the first of its kind, Shenandoah County's school board voted 5-1 to rename Mountain View High School as Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary as Ashby Lee Elementary.Friday's vote reversed a decision by the school board in 2020 when school systems across Virginia and the South were removing Confederate names from schools and other public locations in response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/black-lives-matter">Black Lives Matter</a>&nbsp;movement.The Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, which maintains a database of more than 2,000 Confederate memorials nationwide, is not aware of another case of a school system restoring a Confederate name that was removed, said senior research analyst Rivka Maizlish.Overall, the trend toward removal of Confederate names and memorials has continued, even if it has slowed somewhat since 2020, she said, noting that the Army renamed nine installations named for Confederate leaders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arlington-national-cemetery-confederate-memorial-removal-88f1d672070c440a4da080da91bd57b7">removed a Confederate memorial</a>&nbsp;from Arlington National Cemetery.In Virginia, local governments had been banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the law was changed in 2020, though the statute did not apply to school names.On Friday, school board members who voted to restore the Confederate names said the previous board ignored popular sentiment and due process when the names were stripped.Elections in 2023 significantly changed the school board's makeup, with one board member writing in an op-ed for the Northern Virginia Daily that the results gave Shenandoah County “the first 100% conservative board since anyone can remember.”That board member, Gloria Carlineo, said during the six-hour meeting that began Thursday night that opponents of the Confederate names should “stop bringing racism and prejudice into everything” because it “detracts from true cases of racism.”The lone board member to vote against restoring the Confederate names, Kyle Gutshall, said he respected both sides of the debate but believed a majority of residents in his district wanted to leave the Mountain View and Honey Run names in place.“I don't judge anybody or look down on anybody for the decision they're making,” he said. “It's a complex issue.”During several hours of public comment, county residents spoke up on both sides of the issue.Beth Ogle, a longtime resident with children in the school system, said restoring the Confederate names is “a statement to the world that you do not value the dignity and respect of your minority students, faculty and staff.”Kenny Wakeman, a lifelong county resident, said the Stonewall Jackson name “stood proudly for 60 years until 2020," when he said the “actions of a rogue police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” prompted a move to change the name, a reference to the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">Floyd</a>&nbsp;that propelled nationwide protests and debate over racial injustice.Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general from Virginia who gained fame at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas in 1861 and died in 1863 after he was shot and had his arm amputated. Jackson's name&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88a3c977101353baf3fc76dc3084056b">was also removed from another high school in Virginia's Prince William County in 2020</a>&nbsp;that is now known as Unity Reed High School.Ashby Lee is named for both Gen. Robert E. Lee, a Virginia native who commanded Confederate forces, and for Turner Ashby, a Confederate cavalry officer who was killed in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. A high school near Harrisonburg is also named for Ashby.The resolution approved by the school board states that private donations would be used to pay for the name changes.Shenandoah County, a largely rural jurisdiction with a population of about 45,000, roughly 100 miles west of the nation's capital, has long been politically conservative. In 2020, Republican Donald Trump won 70% of the presidential vote in Shenandoah, even as Biden won Virginia by 10 points.In Virginia, local governments were banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the 2020 law lifted those restrictions. Statues of Confederate leaders, including Lee, Jackson and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were removed from Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue in 2020 and 2021 following protests and vandalizing of the statues.Maizlish, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it's unusual, though not unprecedented, that conservative jurisdictions like Shenandoah removed Confederate names in the first place.She said that while there's no evidence other jurisdictions have restored Confederate names or monuments, she is “always concerned about people who work to continue to promote Lost Cause propaganda.”___

In reversal, school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools

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We request funeral homes and families allow us at least 24 hours for the staff to post&nbsp;obituaries.Although the Hays Post does regularly check area funeral home sites for recent&nbsp;obituaries, the best way to submit an&nbsp;obituary is to email the text and photo to admin@hayspost.com.None of our&nbsp;obituary services are automated. This process is all performed by a person(s). If you find a mistake in an&nbsp;obituary or the&nbsp;obituary is not posted in 24 hours, please email admin@hayspost.com or call 785-301-2077 and ask for Cristina.

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WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers who missed the April tax-filing deadline to file a tax return as soon as they can.

The IRS offers different&nbsp;resources to help those who may&nbsp;be unable to pay their tax bill in total. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file quickly to minimize penalties and interest.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that payments are still due by the April 15 deadline, even if they requested an extension of time to file a tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

File and pay amount owed to reduce penalties and interest

Taxpayers who still owe taxes should file their tax return and pay any taxes owed quickly to reduce penalties and interest. Until the balance is paid in full,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest">interest</a>&nbsp;and penalties accrue on taxes owed.

Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. This reduces interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and may help avoid a possible late-filing penalty.

There are options for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/options-for-taxpayers-who-need-help-paying-their-tax-bill">taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay</a>. For more information see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties page</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-abate-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

A quick, easy way for individuals to pay taxes owed securely is through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. Taxpayers may also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>.

Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find more payment options on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers in certain disaster areas. There’s no need for these taxpayers to submit an extension; extra time is granted automatically due to the disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">disaster situations</a>&nbsp;is available on the IRS website.

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad">U.S. citizens and resident aliens</a>&nbsp;who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-automatic-2-month-extension-of-time-to-file">automatic two-month</a>&nbsp;extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Details are available in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf">Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide</a>.

–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those serving in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/military/combat-zones">combat zones</a>&nbsp;have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.

Owed a refund? Don’t overlook filing a tax return; 2020 unclaimed refund deadline May 17

Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. Some examples are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-8812-form-1040">Child Tax Credit</a>. Taxpayers sometimes fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.

There's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if a refund is due. However, taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. Every year, the IRS estimates that there are nearly a million taxpayers potentially due refund money who failed to file prior year tax returns.

For taxpayers who didn’t file a 2020 tax return, time is running out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/time-running-out-to-claim-1-billion-in-refunds-for-tax-year-2020-taxpayers-face-may-17-deadline">claim those refunds</a>. The deadline to file 2020 returns is May 17, 2024.

Taxpayers still needing to file for tax year 2023 are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile">Free File</a>, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 20 to prepare and file 2023 tax returns electronically.

Taxpayers can track their refund using the&nbsp;“<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. To use the tool, taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.

<a>Selecting a trusted tax professional</a>

Taxpayers who still need to file a return may wish to consult a tax preparer. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax professional</a>. Tools like the&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to find tax return preparers who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program or who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS.

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when interacting with the IRS. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;divides them in 10 categories. IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, reiterates these rights along with the agency's obligation to protect them.

IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers who missed the April tax-filing deadline to file a tax return as soon as they can.The IRS offers different&nbsp;resources to help those who may&nbsp;be unable to pay their tax bill in total. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file quickly to minimize penalties and interest.Taxpayers should keep in mind that payments are still due by the April 15 deadline, even if they requested an extension of time to file a tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.File and pay amount owed to reduce penalties and interestTaxpayers who still owe taxes should file their tax return and pay any taxes owed quickly to reduce penalties and interest. Until the balance is paid in full,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/interest">interest</a>&nbsp;and penalties accrue on taxes owed.Even if a taxpayer can't afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. This reduces interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and may help avoid a possible late-filing penalty.There are options for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/options-for-taxpayers-who-need-help-paying-their-tax-bill">taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay</a>. For more information see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalties">penalties page</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-abate-or-other-administrative-waiver">first-time penalty abatement</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.Electronically pay taxes owedA quick, easy way for individuals to pay taxes owed securely is through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">debit or credit card or digital wallet</a>, or their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>. Taxpayers may also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application">apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement)</a>.Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find more payment options on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers in certain disaster areas. There’s no need for these taxpayers to submit an extension; extra time is granted automatically due to the disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">disaster situations</a>&nbsp;is available on the IRS website.–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad">U.S. citizens and resident aliens</a>&nbsp;who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad-automatic-2-month-extension-of-time-to-file">automatic two-month</a>&nbsp;extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Details are available in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf">Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide</a>.–&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those serving in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/military/combat-zones">combat zones</a>&nbsp;have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.Owed a refund? Don’t overlook filing a tax return; 2020 unclaimed refund deadline May 17Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. Some examples are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-8812-form-1040">Child Tax Credit</a>. Taxpayers sometimes fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.There's no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if a refund is due. However, taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. Every year, the IRS estimates that there are nearly a million taxpayers potentially due refund money who failed to file prior year tax returns.For taxpayers who didn’t file a 2020 tax return, time is running out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/time-running-out-to-claim-1-billion-in-refunds-for-tax-year-2020-taxpayers-face-may-17-deadline">claim those refunds</a>. The deadline to file 2020 returns is May 17, 2024.Taxpayers still needing to file for tax year 2023 are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile">Free File</a>, which is available on IRS.gov through Oct. 20 to prepare and file 2023 tax returns electronically.Taxpayers can track their refund using the&nbsp;“<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Where's My Refund?</a>”&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. To use the tool, taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more frequently.<a>Selecting a trusted tax professional</a>Taxpayers who still need to file a return may wish to consult a tax preparer. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax professional</a>. Tools like the&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to find tax return preparers who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program or who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS.Taxpayer Bill of RightsTaxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when interacting with the IRS. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights">Taxpayer Bill of Rights</a>&nbsp;divides them in 10 categories. IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf">Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer</a>, reiterates these rights along with the agency's obligation to protect them.

Missed the April tax-filing deadline? File quickly to avoid penalties and interest; those owed a refund also shouldn’t forget to file

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.

At around 3:10 p.m., TPD received a 911 call reporting that a suspect connected to an armed carjacking that occurred in Topeka earlier in the day, was in the area of 16th&nbsp;and Harrison Street.

Preliminary information indicates that TPD officers responded and observed the suspect, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, fleeing on foot. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit heading west on 16th&nbsp;St., across Topeka Blvd. During the pursuit, Hayes-Osby fired in the direction of officers. Four officers from TPD returned fire. Hayes-Osby was struck. The shooting occurred around 3:25 p.m. near 16th&nbsp;and Tyler St.

Medical aid was rendered. EMS responded and transported Hayes-Osby to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.

Currently, Hayes-Osby’s condition is serious, but he is expected to survive.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.

&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a citizen report of an armed robbery in the 2700 block of SE California Avenue in Topeka where a vehicle was taken by force, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The suspect is alleged to have been armed with a firearm and acting erratically.

During the investigation, officers received additional citizen calls with information of suspect sightings. With the assistance of multiple citizens, the responding officers were able to locate the suspect in central Topeka.&nbsp; Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who ran.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 500 block of SW 16th Street, the suspect fired a weapon at the pursuing officers causing the officers to return fire, in self-defense. The suspect was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

 No police officers or other were injured in this incident.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation. Per policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713660808243.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.At around 3:10 p.m., TPD received a 911 call reporting that a suspect connected to an armed carjacking that occurred in Topeka earlier in the day, was in the area of 16th&nbsp;and Harrison Street.Preliminary information indicates that TPD officers responded and observed the suspect, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, fleeing on foot. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit heading west on 16th&nbsp;St., across Topeka Blvd. During the pursuit, Hayes-Osby fired in the direction of officers. Four officers from TPD returned fire. Hayes-Osby was struck. The shooting occurred around 3:25 p.m. near 16th&nbsp;and Tyler St.Medical aid was rendered. EMS responded and transported Hayes-Osby to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.Currently, Hayes-Osby’s condition is serious, but he is expected to survive.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a citizen report of an armed robbery in the 2700 block of SE California Avenue in Topeka where a vehicle was taken by force, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The suspect is alleged to have been armed with a firearm and acting erratically.During the investigation, officers received additional citizen calls with information of suspect sightings. With the assistance of multiple citizens, the responding officers were able to locate the suspect in central Topeka.&nbsp; Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who ran.At approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 500 block of SW 16th Street, the suspect fired a weapon at the pursuing officers causing the officers to return fire, in self-defense. The suspect was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. No police officers or other were injured in this incident.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation. Per policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Kansas carjacking suspect wounded in gunfight with police

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;and ending his trial before arguments even began.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?534981-1/senate-session&amp;live">Click here to watch the Senate</a> impeachment trial 12 noon CDT

<a href="https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2024/01/Articles-of-Impeachment.pdf">Click here to read full</a>&nbsp;articles of impeachment against Sec. Mayorkas

Senators voted to dismiss both articles of impeachment and end the trial, with Democrats arguing that the articles were unconstitutional. The first article charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply" with immigration law. The second article charged Mayorkas with a “breach of trust” for saying the border was secure. The votes were 51-48 and 51-49, both along party lines.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House Republicans’ case failed to meet “the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors” and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate’s integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today’s charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday’s session.

Senate Republicans had argued for a full impeachment trial after the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. The House vote was the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, is an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Republicans argue that President Joe Biden has been weak on the border as arrests for illegal crossings skyrocketed to more than 2 million people during the last two years of his term, though they have fallen from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-crossings-mexico-biden-18ac91ef502e0c5433f74de6cc629b32">a record-high</a>&nbsp;of 250,000 in December amid heightened enforcement in Mexico. Democrats say that instead of impeaching Mayorkas, Republicans should have accepted a bipartisan Senate compromise aimed at reducing the number of migrants who come into the U.S. illegally.

House impeachment managers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-trial-border-security-63e9ec242ec8a2f0a95f84497c506e0d">delivered the charges to the Senate</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators. But they did not get a chance to present the case before the Senate dismissed it.

Once the senators were sworn in on Wednesday, the chamber turned into the court of impeachment, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington presiding. Murray is the president pro tempore of the Senate, or the senior-most member of the majority party who sits in for the vice president. Senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-57ef0cdd29d9875b13713f4974eab9d5">oath book</a>&nbsp;that is stored in the National Archives.

Schumer then called for the votes to dismiss the trial after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt said Democrats were “bulldozing 200 years of precedent" on impeachments by trying to dismiss the trial.

Angry Republicans called for several votes to delay the inevitable final outcome, but none of them passed as all Democrats and three Independents held together.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said “history will not judge this moment well.”

“This process must not be abused," McConnell said. "It must not be short-circuited."

Still, Republicans similarly moved to dismiss former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in 2021, weeks after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2021-united-states-capitol-riot">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol. All but five GOP senators — including McConnell — voted to end the trial, arguing it was unconstitutional because Trump had already left office.

As Johnson signed the articles Monday in preparation for sending them across the Capitol, he said Schumer should convene a trial to “hold those who engineered this crisis to full account.”

Schumer “is the only impediment to delivering accountability for the American people,” Johnson said. “Pursuant to the Constitution, the House demands a trial.”

Even if the Senate held a trial, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they appear to be united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

Mayorkas, who was in New York on Wednesday to launch a campaign for children’s online safety, reiterated that he’s focused on the work of his department. “The Senate is going to do what the Senate considers to be appropriate as that proceeds,” he said. “I am here in New York City on Wednesday morning fighting online sexual exploitation and abuse. I’m focused on our mission.”

Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-shutdown-budget-speaker-johnson-85dc1e93f6c49c154c02a166d0e8e784">government funding</a>&nbsp;legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-impeachment-house-speaker-johnson-border-534cbf59e92c9cf141bba1ff38dc01cf">punted again</a>&nbsp;after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

At a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday about President Joe Biden's budget request for the department, some of the House impeachment managers previewed the arguments they would have made.

Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, the chairman of the House Homeland Security panel, told the secretary that he has a duty under the law to control and guard U.S. borders, and “during your three years as secretary, you have failed to fulfill this oath. You have refused to comply with the laws passed by Congress, and you have breached the public trust.”

Mayorkas defended the department's efforts but said the nation's immigration system is “fundamentally broken, and only Congress can fix it."

The impeachment trial is the third in five years. Democrats impeached President Donald Trump twice, once over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-election-2020-d78192d45b176f73ad435ae9fb926ed3">his dealings with Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">second time</a>&nbsp;in the days after the Capitol attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">Trump was acquitted</a>&nbsp;by the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">both times</a>.

If the Senate had moved to a trial on Mayorkas, senators would have been forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas made their cases.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to dismiss the first of two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, the first step in ending its trial on his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>,

Democrats said the article, which charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law,” is unconstitutional. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a second vote that would dismiss the second article, which charges Mayorkas with a breach of trust over saying that the border was secure.

The vote to dismiss the first article was 51-48 along party lines, with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting “present.”

If the Senate votes to dismiss both articles, the trial will be over before arguments start. Schumer said the House Republicans' case fails to meet "the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors" and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate's integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today's charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday's session.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-trial-border-security-63e9ec242ec8a2f0a95f84497c506e0d">delivered the charges to the Senate</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, would be an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Schumer then called for the votes to dismiss the trial after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called for a delay in the proceedings while Republican senators huddled on the floor to discuss how to proceed and called for several votes to delay the final outcome. All the votes were party-line.

In any case, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they appear to be united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

While most Republicans oppose quick dismissal, some have hinted they could vote with Democrats.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said last week he wasn’t sure what he would do if there were a move to dismiss the trial. “I think it’s virtually certain that there will not be the conviction of someone when the constitutional test has not been met,” he said.

At the same time, Romney said he wants to at least express his view that “Mayorkas has done a terrible job, but he’s following the direction of the president and has not met the constitutional test of a high crime or misdemeanor.”

The two articles argue that Mayorkas not only refused to enforce existing law but also breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. The House vote was the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached.

Since then, Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-shutdown-budget-speaker-johnson-85dc1e93f6c49c154c02a166d0e8e784">government funding</a>&nbsp;legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-impeachment-house-speaker-johnson-border-534cbf59e92c9cf141bba1ff38dc01cf">punted again</a>&nbsp;after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

House impeachment managers previewed some of their arguments at a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday morning about President Joe Biden's budget request for the department.

Other impeachment managers are Michael McCaul of Texas, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ben Cline of Virginia, Andrew Garbarino of New York, Michael Guest of Mississippi, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, Laurel Lee of Florida, August Plfuger of Texas and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

If Democrats were unable to dismiss or table both articles, they could follow the precedent of several impeachment trials for federal judges over the last century and hold a vote to create a trial committee that would investigate the charges. While there is sufficient precedent for this approach, Democrats may prefer to end the process completely, especially in a presidential election year when immigration and border security are top issues.

The impeachment trial is the third in five years. Democrats impeached President Donald Trump twice, once over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-election-2020-d78192d45b176f73ad435ae9fb926ed3">his dealings with Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">a second time</a>&nbsp;in the days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2021-united-states-capitol-riot">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">Trump was acquitted</a>&nbsp;by the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">both times</a>.

At a trial, senators would be forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas make their cases. The Senate is allowed to call witnesses, as well, if it so decides, and it can ask questions of both sides after the opening arguments are finished.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday opened the impeachment trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;over his handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, swearing in senators as jurors while Democrats said they wanted to end the trial before arguments even begin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he will move to dismiss the trial, arguing that House Republicans' two impeachment articles “fail to meet the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors" and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate's integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today's charges,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said as he opened the Senate.

Now that the the senators are sworn in, the chamber has turned into the court of impeachment, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington presiding. Murray is the president pro tempore of the Senate, or the senior-most member of the majority party who sits in for the vice president. Senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-57ef0cdd29d9875b13713f4974eab9d5">oath book</a>&nbsp;that is stored in the National Archives.

The entire process could be done within hours. Schumer said he will seek an agreement from Republicans for a period of debate — an offer they are unlikely to accept — and then allow some Republican objections. He will them move to dismiss the trial and hold a vote.

To win that vote, Schumer will need the support of all of the Senate's Democrats and three independents.

If Democrats are unable to dismiss or table the articles, they could follow the precedent of several impeachment trials for federal judges over the last century and hold a vote to create a trial committee that would investigate the charges. While there is sufficient precedent for this approach, Democrats may prefer to end the process completely, especially in a presidential election year when immigration and border security are top issues.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats could end the impeachment trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday before arguments even begin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to call votes to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas after senators are sworn in as jurors midday, a move that could scuttle the trial and frustrate Republicans who have demanded that House prosecutors be able to make their case. Democrats appear to be united in opposition to moving forward.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., delivered the charges to the Senate on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators.

The entire process could be done within hours on Wednesday. Majority Democrats have said the GOP case against Mayorkas doesn’t rise to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc4471115abf4d7bad43e07cb64958d7">“high crimes and misdemeanors”</a>&nbsp;laid out as a bar for impeachment in the Constitution, and Schumer probably has enough votes to end the trial immediately if he decides to do so.

Schumer has said he wants to “address this issue as expeditiously as possible.”

“Impeachment should never be used to settle a policy disagreement,” Schumer said. “That would set a horrible precedent for the Congress.”

🎥 Historic impeachment trial of DHS Secretary Mayorkas 

TOPEKA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The winners of last weekend’s Kansas KidWind State Finals are now gearing up for their next challenge – the World KidWind Challenge scheduled for May 5-8, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN.&nbsp; To qualify for the world competition, teams first had to capture one of the top two spots in their age division during regional competitions, then win one of the top three spots in their age group at the State Finals.

The winning teams representing Kansas are:

1st&nbsp;place – Hutch STEM Blue - Allen STEM Magnet School - USD 308Coaches: Keith Gable and Tara UrbanTeam Members: Samarah Bushue, Audden Guillen, Gatlin Loepp, and Dalton Urban

2nd&nbsp;place – Beloit Breeze Club - Beloit Jr/Sr High School - USD 273Coach: Christie FoutsTeam Members: Colby Albert, Brylee Lepon, Rilee Lundine, and Tripp Stillwell

3rd&nbsp;place – Black Bears - Sterling Jr/Sr High School - USD 376Coach: Sydney WilsonTeam Members: Elizabeth Buchberger, Josie Heter, James McGlynn, and Stokley Smith

1st&nbsp;place – W2&nbsp;– Oakley High School – USD 274Coaches: Morgan BerkgrenTeam Members: Gage Eberle, Kylee Hodges, Maddox Hubert, Emma Mandeville, and Zoe Myers

2nd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company BLKT – Burlington High School – USD 244Coach: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Brendan Devening, Logan Ferrara, Kasten Payer, and Tate Sowder

3rd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company MICZA – Burlington High School – USD 244Coaches: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Matthew Dekat, Ivy Ziva Elmore, Caden Hartpence, and Isaac Rinker

To prepare for competition in the KidWind Challenge, team members work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. At each level of competition (regional, state and national), turbines are put to the test in a 48" × 48" wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s (meters per second). Scoring is based on turbine performance and efficiency, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process.

KidWind is an Energy Education Event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to help students learn key concepts around science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways. The KidWind program actively engages students. It teaches not only STEM skills, but also promotes teamwork, problem solving and public speaking.

SubmittedTOPEKA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The winners of last weekend’s Kansas KidWind State Finals are now gearing up for their next challenge – the World KidWind Challenge scheduled for May 5-8, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN.&nbsp; To qualify for the world competition, teams first had to capture one of the top two spots in their age division during regional competitions, then win one of the top three spots in their age group at the State Finals.The winning teams representing Kansas are:4th- 8th&nbsp;Grade Division1st&nbsp;place – Hutch STEM Blue - Allen STEM Magnet School - USD 308Coaches: Keith Gable and Tara UrbanTeam Members: Samarah Bushue, Audden Guillen, Gatlin Loepp, and Dalton Urban2nd&nbsp;place – Beloit Breeze Club - Beloit Jr/Sr High School - USD 273Coach: Christie FoutsTeam Members: Colby Albert, Brylee Lepon, Rilee Lundine, and Tripp Stillwell3rd&nbsp;place – Black Bears - Sterling Jr/Sr High School - USD 376Coach: Sydney WilsonTeam Members: Elizabeth Buchberger, Josie Heter, James McGlynn, and Stokley Smith9th-12th Grade Division1st&nbsp;place – W2&nbsp;– Oakley High School – USD 274Coaches: Morgan BerkgrenTeam Members: Gage Eberle, Kylee Hodges, Maddox Hubert, Emma Mandeville, and Zoe Myers2nd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company BLKT – Burlington High School – USD 244Coach: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Brendan Devening, Logan Ferrara, Kasten Payer, and Tate Sowder3rd&nbsp;place – Burlington Wind Company MICZA – Burlington High School – USD 244Coaches: Bryan BrueningTeam Members: Matthew Dekat, Ivy Ziva Elmore, Caden Hartpence, and Isaac RinkerTo prepare for competition in the KidWind Challenge, team members work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. At each level of competition (regional, state and national), turbines are put to the test in a 48" × 48" wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s (meters per second). Scoring is based on turbine performance and efficiency, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process.KidWind is an Energy Education Event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The goal is to help students learn key concepts around science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways. The KidWind program actively engages students. It teaches not only STEM skills, but also promotes teamwork, problem solving and public speaking.

Kansas Kidwind teams advance to national competition

Twenty-one Kansas employers are competing in this year’s Give Back Kansas Challenge, which runs from April 1 through May 31. The purpose of the challenge is to engage Kansans in employer-supported volunteering.

The Give Back Kansas&nbsp;Challenge&nbsp;is an opportunity for employees who volunteer to receive recognition by tracking and reporting their hours and to win a $1,000 grant from Volunteer Kansas that will be donated to the nonprofit of their choice.

“We are thrilled to have a record number of businesses compete in the challenge. Participation has grown each year as employers realize the value of serving their communities alongside their employees and encourage them to volunteer,” said Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas, which is partnering with the Kansas Volunteer Commission to introduce the challenge to Kansans.

Participating employers include:&nbsp; Cowley County Historical Society Museum – Winfield, Flint Hills Volunteer Center – Manhattan, The Treehouse – Wichita, Wichita Festivals, Inc. – Wichita, Volunteers in Action – Great Bend, All For Moms Foundation – Spring Hill, Smoky Hill Museum – Salina, Bethel Life Center – Wichita, The Medical Loan Closet – Wichita, United Way of Kaw Valley – Topeka, Schenker Family Farms, Inc. – McCune, TGC Group – Wichita, Wichita Habitat for Humanity – Wichita, Breakthrough/Episcopal Social Services – Wichita, County of Cloud – Concordia, Tanganyika Wildlife Park – Goddard, Kansas State Department of Education – Topeka, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Pittsburg, Pfizer – McPherson, Arvest Bank – Kansas City, and The City of Derby – Derby.

There is no cost to participate. Businesses are divided into three size categories based on the number of employees they have. They record their volunteer hours through an online portal. Winners will be selected from each size category by determining the average number of volunteer hours per business completed during the challenge period.

“We love the opportunity to help employers encourage their employees to volunteer. We try to make the&nbsp;Challenge&nbsp;fun and exciting. It’s such a great way to introduce people to organizations who need their help to continue doing good in our state, and we are delighted to be a part of it each year,” said Dr. Jessica Dorsey, executive director of the Kansas Volunteer Commission.

Volunteer opportunities are listed at www.volunteerkansas.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713297891038.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTwenty-one Kansas employers are competing in this year’s Give Back Kansas Challenge, which runs from April 1 through May 31. The purpose of the challenge is to engage Kansans in employer-supported volunteering.The Give Back Kansas&nbsp;Challenge&nbsp;is an opportunity for employees who volunteer to receive recognition by tracking and reporting their hours and to win a $1,000 grant from Volunteer Kansas that will be donated to the nonprofit of their choice.“We are thrilled to have a record number of businesses compete in the challenge. Participation has grown each year as employers realize the value of serving their communities alongside their employees and encourage them to volunteer,” said Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas, which is partnering with the Kansas Volunteer Commission to introduce the challenge to Kansans.Participating employers include:&nbsp; Cowley County Historical Society Museum – Winfield, Flint Hills Volunteer Center – Manhattan, The Treehouse – Wichita, Wichita Festivals, Inc. – Wichita, Volunteers in Action – Great Bend, All For Moms Foundation – Spring Hill, Smoky Hill Museum – Salina, Bethel Life Center – Wichita, The Medical Loan Closet – Wichita, United Way of Kaw Valley – Topeka, Schenker Family Farms, Inc. – McCune, TGC Group – Wichita, Wichita Habitat for Humanity – Wichita, Breakthrough/Episcopal Social Services – Wichita, County of Cloud – Concordia, Tanganyika Wildlife Park – Goddard, Kansas State Department of Education – Topeka, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Pittsburg, Pfizer – McPherson, Arvest Bank – Kansas City, and The City of Derby – Derby.There is no cost to participate. Businesses are divided into three size categories based on the number of employees they have. They record their volunteer hours through an online portal. Winners will be selected from each size category by determining the average number of volunteer hours per business completed during the challenge period.“We love the opportunity to help employers encourage their employees to volunteer. We try to make the&nbsp;Challenge&nbsp;fun and exciting. It’s such a great way to introduce people to organizations who need their help to continue doing good in our state, and we are delighted to be a part of it each year,” said Dr. Jessica Dorsey, executive director of the Kansas Volunteer Commission.Volunteer opportunities are listed at www.volunteerkansas.org.

21 Kansas employers competing in the 4th-annual Give Back Kansas challenge

TEXAS COUNTY, OK – On March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas, according to a media release from the Bureau.

 Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. 

On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.

The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. Our agency would like to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texascountysheriff?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Texas County Sheriff's Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FBI?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Oklahoma Highway Patrol</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, and several other local agencies for assisting us with this case.&nbsp;

TEXAS COUNTY, OK—The search for two Kansas women continues as authorities have taken four suspects into custody in connection with their&nbsp;disappearance two weeks ago, according to Hunter McKe with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, of Hugoton, Kansas, were driving to Oklahoma to pick up Butler’s children to attend a March 30 birthday party in Kansas but never showed up.&nbsp;

On Saturday, authorities arrested one suspect in Texas County, Oklahoma and three in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. All four were being processed in Texas County.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Saturday afternoon.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712053989356.png" alt="Photo OSBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo OSBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TEXAS COUNTY, OK – On March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas, according to a media release from the Bureau. Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713056452999.png" alt="Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation" />
 <figcaption>Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. Our agency would like to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texascountysheriff?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Texas County Sheriff's Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FBI?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Oklahoma Highway Patrol</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, and several other local agencies for assisting us with this case.&nbsp;------------TEXAS COUNTY, OK—The search for two Kansas women continues as authorities have taken four suspects into custody in connection with their&nbsp;disappearance two weeks ago, according to Hunter McKe with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, of Hugoton, Kansas, were driving to Oklahoma to pick up Butler’s children to attend a March 30 birthday party in Kansas but never showed up.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711967700182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, authorities arrested one suspect in Texas County, Oklahoma and three in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. All four were being processed in Texas County.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Saturday afternoon.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

4 in custody as search for 2 Kansas women continues

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged low- to moderate-income individuals and families, especially those who don’t normally file a tax return, to use IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLXRheGVzLWZvci1mcmVlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0MjUwMSJ9.RnA37iobOTUOCluz0rVKhjr1Z1s4_965F5ARCT5auOI/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Free File</a>&nbsp;to prepare their federal tax return and get potentially overlooked refunds and tax credits.

For most taxpayers, the deadline to file their personal federal tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Taxpayers living in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return.

IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLXRheGVzLWZvci1mcmVlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0MjUwMSJ9.eEH39QoqzWMh7T5-du79en7w8nxcnH6pAAGd5LVa-Rs/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Free File</a>&nbsp;allows qualified individuals to file electronically and get a refund by direct deposit – all for free. It's safe, easy and free to file a federal return.

With the April deadline nearing, Free File also provides an easy way to get a tax filing extension. A tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six additional months to file – with an extended deadline of Oct. 15, 2024. The IRS Free File program is one of the easiest ways to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1wcm92aWRlcy1xdWljay1lYXN5LXdheS10by1maWxlLWFuLWV4dGVuc2lvbiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.0ueHZnLwO6gzvDAnDjdlX7Z-p5zbBquiTzGefl6dqzY/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">get an extension</a>.

The program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and several tax preparation software companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing software for free. Through this partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers.

Participating partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. One partner also offers a product in Spanish.

Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZS1maWxlLXByb3ZpZGVycy9mcmVlLWZpbGUtZmlsbGFibGUtZm9ybXMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.uvO3mD5lL841CK5IiXbqcZmv_V72IuwzmX917X7JJuU/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.

Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.C_9XnSUsXOeR4O6uPriWY9KTfExpJ0UmKLj8Bi6JaF0/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to help people with their taxes. This includes the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.BOR9z4FvSeTXK0kcZ2k2MvsC3VLJHAqINbzV79t3wuw/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Direct File pilot</a>, a free option available to some taxpayers in 12 states who can file directly with the IRS for free.

People who are not required to file should consider filing

Generally, taxpayers with gross income less than $13,850 for single filers, and $27,700 for married filing jointly, are not required to file a federal tax return. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly assume that since they owe no tax, they’re not entitled to a refund. In fact, they may get money back if they file a tax return. For example, if an individual qualifies for the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvY3JlZGl0cy1kZWR1Y3Rpb25zL2luZGl2aWR1YWxzL2Vhcm5lZC1pbmNvbWUtdGF4LWNyZWRpdC93aG8tcXVhbGlmaWVzLWZvci10aGUtZWFybmVkLWluY29tZS10YXgtY3JlZGl0LWVpdGMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.9eSkVoy75_2IDRvv68JnONI88ONqH5z-kHrjda_99CU/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;(EITC) or if their employer withheld taxes from their paycheck, they may be owed a refund when they file their taxes.&nbsp;

People should consider taking advantage of IRS Free File to claim potential refunds and credits, especially those who are:

In order to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvZWxlY3Ryb25pYy1maWxpbmctcGluLXJlcXVlc3QiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.0WuKS0kkogG4zn23xbRuQdleuRzOT22lCzt69Avlc9I/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS</a>, taxpayers will need their AGI from their most recent tax return. If using the same tax preparation software as &nbsp;last year, this field will auto-populate. However, first-time filers over the age of 16 should enter zero as their AGI.

Don’t have a bank account to direct deposit a refund?

Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZkaWMuZ292L2Fib3V0L2luaXRpYXRpdmVzL2dldGJhbmtlZC9pbmRleC5odG1sIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0MjUwMSJ9.b6SvorU1_vdenoBXayX0r_oCd13GJFLUx-ZHlLiS52I/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">FDIC website</a>&nbsp;for information on banks that let them open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJlbmVmaXRzLnZhLmdvdi9iZW5lZml0cy9iYW5raW5nLmFzcCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.x_UcYOEolg3sd9DbIvyePBeKXzACPx1iJzvdZkZP8YA/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.

Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers

For those not comfortable doing their own tax return, IRS-trained community volunteers offer f<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvZnJlZS10YXgtcmV0dXJuLXByZXBhcmF0aW9uLWZvci1xdWFsaWZ5aW5nLXRheHBheWVycyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.4wSFpLYELuIreyzqjbA9nhTskG3Fv1NjyAkYhDvVO2I/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">ree tax help</a>&nbsp;through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to qualified individuals at thousands of locations nationwide. The IRS website has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vaXJzLnRyZWFzdXJ5Lmdvdi9mcmVldGF4cHJlcC8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.nBpV6zBkzFW5RNnRHAEiBpo_NWDpXzBzaZd1hU5GAsU/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">special tool</a>&nbsp;for finding the nearest site. Taxpayers can also call 800-906-9887.

IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged low- to moderate-income individuals and families, especially those who don’t normally file a tax return, to use IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLXRheGVzLWZvci1mcmVlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0MjUwMSJ9.RnA37iobOTUOCluz0rVKhjr1Z1s4_965F5ARCT5auOI/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Free File</a>&nbsp;to prepare their federal tax return and get potentially overlooked refunds and tax credits.For most taxpayers, the deadline to file their personal federal tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Taxpayers living in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return.IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLXRheGVzLWZvci1mcmVlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0MjUwMSJ9.eEH39QoqzWMh7T5-du79en7w8nxcnH6pAAGd5LVa-Rs/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Free File</a>&nbsp;allows qualified individuals to file electronically and get a refund by direct deposit – all for free. It's safe, easy and free to file a federal return.With the April deadline nearing, Free File also provides an easy way to get a tax filing extension. A tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six additional months to file – with an extended deadline of Oct. 15, 2024. The IRS Free File program is one of the easiest ways to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1wcm92aWRlcy1xdWljay1lYXN5LXdheS10by1maWxlLWFuLWV4dGVuc2lvbiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.0ueHZnLwO6gzvDAnDjdlX7Z-p5zbBquiTzGefl6dqzY/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">get an extension</a>.The program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and several tax preparation software companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing software for free. Through this partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers.Participating partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. One partner also offers a product in Spanish.Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZS1maWxlLXByb3ZpZGVycy9mcmVlLWZpbGUtZmlsbGFibGUtZm9ybXMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.uvO3mD5lL841CK5IiXbqcZmv_V72IuwzmX917X7JJuU/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.C_9XnSUsXOeR4O6uPriWY9KTfExpJ0UmKLj8Bi6JaF0/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to help people with their taxes. This includes the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.BOR9z4FvSeTXK0kcZ2k2MvsC3VLJHAqINbzV79t3wuw/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Direct File pilot</a>, a free option available to some taxpayers in 12 states who can file directly with the IRS for free.People who are not required to file should consider filingGenerally, taxpayers with gross income less than $13,850 for single filers, and $27,700 for married filing jointly, are not required to file a federal tax return. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly assume that since they owe no tax, they’re not entitled to a refund. In fact, they may get money back if they file a tax return. For example, if an individual qualifies for the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvY3JlZGl0cy1kZWR1Y3Rpb25zL2luZGl2aWR1YWxzL2Vhcm5lZC1pbmNvbWUtdGF4LWNyZWRpdC93aG8tcXVhbGlmaWVzLWZvci10aGUtZWFybmVkLWluY29tZS10YXgtY3JlZGl0LWVpdGMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.9eSkVoy75_2IDRvv68JnONI88ONqH5z-kHrjda_99CU/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;(EITC) or if their employer withheld taxes from their paycheck, they may be owed a refund when they file their taxes.&nbsp;People should consider taking advantage of IRS Free File to claim potential refunds and credits, especially those who are:<ul>
 <li>Low- to moderate-income workers and working families who don’t normally file a return. They may miss out on certain&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvY3JlZGl0cy1kZWR1Y3Rpb25zLWZvci1pbmRpdmlkdWFscyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.bCli5Mqg1w17apKsFRi8Y1OEUx1IcQ0MJOJqErf4dr8/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">credits for individuals</a>,&nbsp;including the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, the Child &amp; Dependent Credit and the Premium Tax Credit if they don’t file.</li><li>People experiencing homelessness (the address of a friend, relative or trusted service provider, such as a shelter, drop-in day center or transitional housing program, may be used on the tax return).</li><li>Students just entering the workforce or who may have only worked part time. &nbsp;</li><li>All eligible parents of qualifying children born or welcomed through adoption or foster care in 2023. They may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit.</li>
 </ul>In order to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvZWxlY3Ryb25pYy1maWxpbmctcGluLXJlcXVlc3QiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.0WuKS0kkogG4zn23xbRuQdleuRzOT22lCzt69Avlc9I/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS</a>, taxpayers will need their AGI from their most recent tax return. If using the same tax preparation software as &nbsp;last year, this field will auto-populate. However, first-time filers over the age of 16 should enter zero as their AGI.Don’t have a bank account to direct deposit a refund?Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZkaWMuZ292L2Fib3V0L2luaXRpYXRpdmVzL2dldGJhbmtlZC9pbmRleC5odG1sIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0MjUwMSJ9.b6SvorU1_vdenoBXayX0r_oCd13GJFLUx-ZHlLiS52I/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">FDIC website</a>&nbsp;for information on banks that let them open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJlbmVmaXRzLnZhLmdvdi9iZW5lZml0cy9iYW5raW5nLmFzcCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.x_UcYOEolg3sd9DbIvyePBeKXzACPx1iJzvdZkZP8YA/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayersFor those not comfortable doing their own tax return, IRS-trained community volunteers offer f<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvZnJlZS10YXgtcmV0dXJuLXByZXBhcmF0aW9uLWZvci1xdWFsaWZ5aW5nLXRheHBheWVycyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDI1MDEifQ.4wSFpLYELuIreyzqjbA9nhTskG3Fv1NjyAkYhDvVO2I/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">ree tax help</a>&nbsp;through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to qualified individuals at thousands of locations nationwide. The IRS website has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vaXJzLnRyZWFzdXJ5Lmdvdi9mcmVldGF4cHJlcC8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQyNTAxIn0.nBpV6zBkzFW5RNnRHAEiBpo_NWDpXzBzaZd1hU5GAsU/s/1558083055/br/240467493252-l">special tool</a>&nbsp;for finding the nearest site. Taxpayers can also call 800-906-9887.

IRS Free File can help those with no filing requirement get overlooked tax credits, refunds; extension requests also available 

A deduction reduces the amount of a taxpayer's income that's subject to tax, generally reducing the amount of tax the individual may have to pay. Most taxpayers now qualify for the standard deduction, but there are some important details involving itemized deductions that people should keep in mind.

The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces the amount of taxable income. The standard deduction consists of the sum of the basic standard deduction and any additional standard deduction amounts for age and/or blindness.

In general, the IRS adjusts the standard deduction each year for inflation. It varies by filing status, whether the taxpayer is 65 or older and/or blind and whether another taxpayer can claim them as a dependent.

Taxpayers cannot take the standard deduction if they itemize their deductions. Taxpayers can refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvdGF4dG9waWNzL3RjNTAxIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0ODE3MSJ9.mo6AeA8Cp_f2SutBmLIXeZJV1sLjCfo-Wyj1wt1u7hc/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Topic No. 501, Should I Itemize?</a>, for more information.

Some taxpayers choose to itemize their deductions&nbsp;if their allowable itemized deductions total is greater than their standard deduction. Other taxpayers must itemize deductions because they aren't entitled to use the standard deduction.

Taxpayers who must itemize deductions include:

Schedule A (Form 1040) for itemized deductions

Taxpayers use Schedule A (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1zY2hlZHVsZS1hLWZvcm0tMTA0MCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.3Q4l9Lleh8dsdhiyMpRfzxgXa2eInfy2DfwVjPrO8e0/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Form 1040, Itemized Deductions</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDAtc3IiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.W22VkKfRsuvF3tCPjrYXblmHs0JjRkk4RodNLq8-hLg/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors</a>) to figure their itemized deductions. In most cases, their federal income tax owed will be less if they take the larger of their itemized deductions or standard deduction.

Taxpayers can review the instructions for&nbsp;Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions, to calculate their itemized deductions, such as certain medical and dental expenses, and amounts paid for certain taxes, interest, contributions and other expenses. Taxpayers may also deduct certain casualty and theft losses on Schedule A.

Interactive Tax Assistant can help with deduction questions

The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.eaKcqEL9lFi2ah5q5qmnZr_cQAvUKP3rhiHMDYbCffI/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)</a>&nbsp;provides answers to tax law questions based on a taxpayer's individual circumstances. It can help a taxpayer determine the answer to common questions, such as if they:

The ITA can help taxpayers with these deduction-related questions:

Internal Revenue ServiceA deduction reduces the amount of a taxpayer's income that's subject to tax, generally reducing the amount of tax the individual may have to pay. Most taxpayers now qualify for the standard deduction, but there are some important details involving itemized deductions that people should keep in mind.Standard deductionThe standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces the amount of taxable income. The standard deduction consists of the sum of the basic standard deduction and any additional standard deduction amounts for age and/or blindness.In general, the IRS adjusts the standard deduction each year for inflation. It varies by filing status, whether the taxpayer is 65 or older and/or blind and whether another taxpayer can claim them as a dependent.Taxpayers cannot take the standard deduction if they itemize their deductions. Taxpayers can refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvdGF4dG9waWNzL3RjNTAxIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0ODE3MSJ9.mo6AeA8Cp_f2SutBmLIXeZJV1sLjCfo-Wyj1wt1u7hc/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Topic No. 501, Should I Itemize?</a>, for more information.Itemized deductionsSome taxpayers choose to itemize their deductions&nbsp;if their allowable itemized deductions total is greater than their standard deduction. Other taxpayers must itemize deductions because they aren't entitled to use the standard deduction.Taxpayers who must itemize deductions include:<ul>
 <li>A married individual filing as married filing separately whose spouse itemizes deductions.</li><li>An individual who was a nonresident alien or dual status alien during the year (some exceptions apply).</li><li>An individual who files a return for a period of less than 12 months due to a change in his or her annual accounting period.</li><li>An estate or trust, common trust fund or partnership.</li>
 </ul>Schedule A (Form 1040) for itemized deductionsTaxpayers use Schedule A (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1zY2hlZHVsZS1hLWZvcm0tMTA0MCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.3Q4l9Lleh8dsdhiyMpRfzxgXa2eInfy2DfwVjPrO8e0/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Form 1040, Itemized Deductions</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDAtc3IiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.W22VkKfRsuvF3tCPjrYXblmHs0JjRkk4RodNLq8-hLg/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors</a>) to figure their itemized deductions. In most cases, their federal income tax owed will be less if they take the larger of their itemized deductions or standard deduction.Taxpayers can review the instructions for&nbsp;Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions, to calculate their itemized deductions, such as certain medical and dental expenses, and amounts paid for certain taxes, interest, contributions and other expenses. Taxpayers may also deduct certain casualty and theft losses on Schedule A.Interactive Tax Assistant can help with deduction questionsThe&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.eaKcqEL9lFi2ah5q5qmnZr_cQAvUKP3rhiHMDYbCffI/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)</a>&nbsp;provides answers to tax law questions based on a taxpayer's individual circumstances. It can help a taxpayer determine the answer to common questions, such as if they:<ul>
 <li>Must file a tax return.</li><li>Have the correct filing status.</li><li>Can claim a dependent.</li><li>Have taxable income.</li><li>Are eligible to claim a credit.</li><li>Can deduct expenses.</li>
 </ul>The ITA can help taxpayers with these deduction-related questions:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvaG93LW11Y2gtaXMtbXktc3RhbmRhcmQtZGVkdWN0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0ODE3MSJ9.luRdeZ2Ce8Du-d6_HWLb76W5z_QuTlcg9hbKy8TEn5M/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">How Much Is My Standard Deduction?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktY2xhaW0tYS1kZWR1Y3Rpb24tZm9yLXN0dWRlbnQtbG9hbi1pbnRlcmVzdCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.AgjUg10hSZ68-R7ZJZbTPfN9Gvz3-5kAq5ooLf-Nhz4/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Claim a Deduction for Student Loan Interest?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktZGVkdWN0LW15LW1vdmluZy1leHBlbnNlcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.oMgRlvHZkcc25Jcv8x3A2lEkzKsP5P-5JByZPt7XhTE/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Deduct My Moving Expenses?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvaG93LWRvLWktY2xhaW0tbXktZ2FtYmxpbmctd2lubmluZ3MtYW5kb3ItbG9zc2VzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxMC45MzE0ODE3MSJ9.XE3-BLPFh9N-132yKiTXSm6wpyZp0ahrvx2U2qR6F3g/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">How Do I Claim My Gambling Winnings and/or Losses?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktZGVkdWN0LW15LW1lZGljYWwtYW5kLWRlbnRhbC1leHBlbnNlcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.7cHwN4a6RrcphWLjrwKMu35q_s8JuG6TZOt4NBK4uqU/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Deduct My Medical and Dental Expenses?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktZGVkdWN0LW15LW1vcnRnYWdlLXJlbGF0ZWQtZXhwZW5zZXMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.nBFq7d5TpS8QWDmUggELJUVTIzwOJDJnIfCfXn2Fsyk/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Deduct My Mortgage-Related Expenses?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktZGVkdWN0LW15LWNoYXJpdGFibGUtY29udHJpYnV0aW9ucyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.ANTanZUZtyMolqLNbnpIwcCDzsN9zSElG1Ha1jIHfkU/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Deduct My Charitable Contributions?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktY2xhaW0tbXktZXhwZW5zZXMtYXMtbWlzY2VsbGFuZW91cy1pdGVtaXplZC1kZWR1Y3Rpb25zLW9uLXNjaGVkdWxlLWEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.oixlvDD4xxZpw0BZxdjn-5oBNllFPiobdnDzClxpE6I/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Claim My Expenses as Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions on Schedule A?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvY2FuLWktZGVkdWN0LXBlcnNvbmFsLXRheGVzLXRoYXQtaS1wYXktYXMtYW4taXRlbWl6ZWQtZGVkdWN0aW9uLW9uLXNjaGVkdWxlLWEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDEwLjkzMTQ4MTcxIn0.ruYCEEtO-CObUVyHh2vF1kgiQ-H-lo0wHAh2hG5SZXE/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Can I Deduct Personal Taxes That I Pay as an Itemized Deduction on Schedule A?</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvYXJlLW15LXdvcmstcmVsYXRlZC1lZHVjYXRpb24tZXhwZW5zZXMtZGVkdWN0aWJsZSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTAuOTMxNDgxNzEifQ.orEwWtkUfIthCZwdTpXK1gdqEhoc9xfZpxgo9o1jClw/s/1558083055/br/240462671077-l">Are My Work-Related Education Expenses Deductible?</a></li>
 </ul>

Deductions for individuals: The difference between standard and itemized deductions and what they mean

The IRS Direct File pilot is open to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states to file their 2023 federal tax returns online for free — directly with the IRS. Direct File is accurate, secure and easy to use.

Try the innovative new option by April 15

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.8OzO3aQbNW9lDEeNiEK_qmpPZ1htB7GMLUxBQP3RvRY/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">IRS Direct File</a>&nbsp;is available 24/7 — in English and Spanish — for&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.zoqFXZ_4taQAiuYCcgWd3Lt1aSF9wkLlakueXZ8SWoU/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">eligible taxpayers</a>&nbsp;in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming until April 15. People in Massachusetts can use Direct File until April 17 to file, due to the Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day holidays.

Direct File is a new option for taxpayers who live in a pilot state and report&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2lycy1kaXJlY3QtZmlsZS1waWxvdCNpbmNvbWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.B6TxH8fNXKuOi8w6dZIxNecqYVHo-7QjDxXgEdypCw4/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">certain types of income</a>, claim&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2lycy1kaXJlY3QtZmlsZS1waWxvdCNjcmVkaXRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.SKsWYlecZghRNlORe2R-HsfVojXUDIkOWXXl28pK8Ic/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">certain credits</a>&nbsp;and take&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2lycy1kaXJlY3QtZmlsZS1waWxvdCNkZWR1Y3Rpb25zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.lZhznHelVq5gtkvsuk2mHLSQ0yIFcSd-hEW92QTJbQM/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">certain deductions</a>. Taxpayers can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.LMet0e1QA3AdYQY0s81aUyw_F0F46FOgSZnrCFSQppU/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">directfile.irs.gov</a>&nbsp;to see if Direct File is the right option for their tax situation. Taxpayers can log in to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.pvaOA6dFi9qL42XipLKNXveEhJXRL7zZqR70TnHeCUk/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">Direct File</a>&nbsp;to start their return and complete it before the April filing deadline.

Sign-in to Direct File securely and file online directly with IRS

Taxpayers will need to verify their identity and securely sign in to file their return with the Direct File pilot.

If taxpayers don’t have an existing account with the IRS, they will be directed to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcHJpdmFjeS1kaXNjbG9zdXJlL2hvdy10by1yZWdpc3Rlci1mb3ItaXJzLW9ubGluZS1zZWxmLWhlbHAtdG9vbHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.zg9ST52E9RrfkCzoawYZjJ_ciyr-xHM4kP5WCruBMvc/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">create an account</a>&nbsp;to verify their identity. Once their identity is verified and they’ve signed in securely to Direct File, they will be providing the tax information directly to the IRS, not a third party.

Live chat with IRS Direct File staff

IRS Direct File customer service representatives will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. including April 13 and 14, to help taxpayers file before the tax deadline. Live representatives offer technical support and answer basic tax law questions in English and Spanish. Representatives cannot access taxpayer account data.

After April 17, live chat customer support for Direct File will only be available through April 20 to assist filers who submitted their tax return with Direct File before the filing deadline and need assistance with a resubmission or a technical issue.

Internal Revenue ServiceThe IRS Direct File pilot is open to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states to file their 2023 federal tax returns online for free — directly with the IRS. Direct File is accurate, secure and easy to use.Try the innovative new option by April 15<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.8OzO3aQbNW9lDEeNiEK_qmpPZ1htB7GMLUxBQP3RvRY/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">IRS Direct File</a>&nbsp;is available 24/7 — in English and Spanish — for&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.zoqFXZ_4taQAiuYCcgWd3Lt1aSF9wkLlakueXZ8SWoU/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">eligible taxpayers</a>&nbsp;in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming until April 15. People in Massachusetts can use Direct File until April 17 to file, due to the Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day holidays.Direct File is a new option for taxpayers who live in a pilot state and report&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2lycy1kaXJlY3QtZmlsZS1waWxvdCNpbmNvbWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.B6TxH8fNXKuOi8w6dZIxNecqYVHo-7QjDxXgEdypCw4/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">certain types of income</a>, claim&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2lycy1kaXJlY3QtZmlsZS1waWxvdCNjcmVkaXRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.SKsWYlecZghRNlORe2R-HsfVojXUDIkOWXXl28pK8Ic/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">certain credits</a>&nbsp;and take&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2lycy1kaXJlY3QtZmlsZS1waWxvdCNkZWR1Y3Rpb25zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.lZhznHelVq5gtkvsuk2mHLSQ0yIFcSd-hEW92QTJbQM/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">certain deductions</a>. Taxpayers can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.LMet0e1QA3AdYQY0s81aUyw_F0F46FOgSZnrCFSQppU/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">directfile.irs.gov</a>&nbsp;to see if Direct File is the right option for their tax situation. Taxpayers can log in to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.pvaOA6dFi9qL42XipLKNXveEhJXRL7zZqR70TnHeCUk/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">Direct File</a>&nbsp;to start their return and complete it before the April filing deadline.Sign-in to Direct File securely and file online directly with IRSTaxpayers will need to verify their identity and securely sign in to file their return with the Direct File pilot.If taxpayers don’t have an existing account with the IRS, they will be directed to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcHJpdmFjeS1kaXNjbG9zdXJlL2hvdy10by1yZWdpc3Rlci1mb3ItaXJzLW9ubGluZS1zZWxmLWhlbHAtdG9vbHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.zg9ST52E9RrfkCzoawYZjJ_ciyr-xHM4kP5WCruBMvc/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">create an account</a>&nbsp;to verify their identity. Once their identity is verified and they’ve signed in securely to Direct File, they will be providing the tax information directly to the IRS, not a third party.Live chat with IRS Direct File staffIRS Direct File customer service representatives will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. including April 13 and 14, to help taxpayers file before the tax deadline. Live representatives offer technical support and answer basic tax law questions in English and Spanish. Representatives cannot access taxpayer account data.After April 17, live chat customer support for Direct File will only be available through April 20 to assist filers who submitted their tax return with Direct File before the filing deadline and need assistance with a resubmission or a technical issue.Direct File offers Direct Deposit and payment optionsDirect File, like other electronic filing options, allows taxpayers to typically get their refund in less than 21 days when they choose direct deposit. Taxpayers can check their refund status at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcmVmdW5kcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.5SsmDl_VseI7yPm__UOsWYp_qy0EYzP5C6vZ3KsSvfs/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">IRS.gov/refunds</a>&nbsp;24 hours after the IRS accepts their return. Taxpayers who owe tax can make a payment online. Tax payments are due on April 15 for most taxpayers. Learn about IRS payment options at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcGF5bWVudHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.RO3u9a_8RSX_Dz_NPEILKMYxcRXH_phARuXpjsxJ0jU/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">IRS.gov/payments</a>.What to do when IRS Direct File is not the right fitEveryone should choose the filing option that is best for them. If Direct File is not the right fit, simply choose another option to file, such as other free filing options, a tax professional or paid commercial tax software. Taxpayers who try Direct File but aren’t eligible for the pilot, are directed to other available&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2UtZmlsZS1vcHRpb25zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.KdI-bVkrpCSm2VBMlgI8uAiX873JLIkRRu07FpQtvCY/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">electronic options to file</a>&nbsp;including&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaXJzLWZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLXRheGVzLWZvci1mcmVlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.eZB1c1CQjDnZxe7JgNxU9lk-m0EK4_IW9X4C3X7Vnfg/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">IRS Free File</a>.No matter their income, all taxpayers can<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1ldmVyeW9uZS1jYW4tZmlsZS1hbi1leHRlbnNpb24tZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.nuhOcqGJRWcFzw-LUDFDIfhowDqHMcfRBIMbvrPJIzU/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">file an extension with a trusted IRS Free File partner</a>&nbsp;to electronically request a six-month extension of time to file. Filing an extension does not mean additional time to pay taxes owed. To avoid penalties and interest, taxpayers should&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcGF5bWVudHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDA5LjkzMDgyMzkxIn0.x8F5jdbjvX3PXtmVAn6CbAY96R3QY39AXL_5EzCE1lA/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">pay the balance</a>&nbsp;in full or pay as much as they can before the April filing deadline.Direct File pilot does not offer the service to amend a 2023 tax return. Taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9pdGEvc2hvdWxkLWktZmlsZS1hbi1hbWVuZGVkLXJldHVybiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MDkuOTMwODIzOTEifQ.qIfcE2IgpwL24SakqT-_OTm56Q5DT4Zlb6CXw1r8Lyo/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov</a>&nbsp;to determine if they need to file an amended return to correct an error or to make other changes after filing. See,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDB4IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQwOS45MzA4MjM5MSJ9.OIfPP3cAinHi9AweK4gk0s-NPZQxD3NMaY7Qq9Lis5Q/s/1558083055/br/240394527680-l">About Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>, for instructions on how to amend a tax return.&nbsp;&nbsp;