Latest news with #PaulONeill
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Didn't Kill IRS Direct File But It Sure Feels Like It
NORTH HALEDON, NJ - APRIL 15: In this photo illustration, a 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return document is seen on a desk on April 15, 2024 in North Haledon, New Jersey. (Photo illustration by) Getty Images Direct File is officially dead—at least that's the sense coming out of the IRS at the moment. A recent IRS press release reminds taxpayers who requested an extension that 'IRS Free File makes it easy.' That feels… innocuous, right? But the mention of Free File in the (very) brief 123-word press release, without referencing Direct File, which also remains open through October 15, 2025, suggests that the IRS is already ready to turn the page on the program. Free File is an existing program offered as part of a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc., formerly the Free File Alliance. Through this partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers (as compared to Direct File, an IRS program). Free File debuted in 2003, but not without controversy. It was developed to provide free e-filing services to most taxpayers, with the goal of helping the IRS meet the 80% e-file target established by the Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. At the time, many wondered why the federal government partnered with the private tax prep industry instead of creating its own software. In 2002, Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill made it clear to then IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti that the agency should partner with the private sector. As a result, the government entered into a memorandum of understanding pledging not to enter the tax return software and e-file services marketplace. You'd assume taxpayers would flock to e-file for free. The e-file market did explode, but not necessarily for free services, leading to allegations that some providers were directing taxpayers to paid services. In 2019—the last year the Free File agreement was signed—up to 100 million taxpayers, or 70% of filers, were eligible to use Free File. The actual use was closer to 3%. In 2016, then-Forbes staffer Sam Sharf wrote an account of how, despite qualifying to file for free, it cost her $118.64 to file her 2014 tax return with TurboTax. A few years later, ProPublica wrote a series of articles focusing on the lengths to which it claims tax software companies went—such as extensive lobbying and hiding free options—to get taxpayers to pay for services. In April 2019, ProPublica noted, "Intuit has changed the code on its Free File page so that the actually free version of TurboTax is no longer hidden from Google and other search engines." H&R Block was also accused of purposefully steering taxpayers away from free products. The allegations created quite a stir—and resulted in litigation. Today, tax preparation software companies are prohibited from hiding free filing services from Google or other search results pages. Additionally, if you can't file for free after visiting a company's Free File website, you must be able to return to the Free File website to find another offer. Each IRS Free File company must provide information when you don't qualify, with a link to the Free File site. Following the changes, two traditional Free File participants, Intuit and H&R Block, opted out of the program. Eight private-sector Free File partners provided online guided tax software products in 2025: 1040Now, EzTaxReturn, FreeTaxUSA, OnLine Taxes, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer. Direct File The controversial Direct File program allows eligible taxpayers to file taxes directly with the IRS online for free. The word "controversial" is a nod to the fact that while the IRS touts the program as beneficial to taxpayers and says the initial feedback was overwhelmingly positive, some Republicans in Congress weren't happy with the program. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress tasked the IRS with delivering a report on, among other things, the cost of developing and running a free direct e-file tax return system. The report was to include he costs to build and administer each release, with a focus on multi-lingual and mobile-friendly features and safeguards for taxpayer data. The IRS released the report to Congress in May 2023. According to the report, most taxpayers surveyed by the agency had interest in using an IRS-provided tool to prepare and file their taxes. At the time, the IRS indicated it hoped to make that a reality for some taxpayers for the 2024 tax filing season. When the tax filing season opened in January 2024, the IRS announced a limited-scope pilot of Direct File, which it claimed would allow the IRS to evaluate the costs, benefits, and operational challenges associated with providing the option to taxpayers. The pilot, the IRS claimed, was a success. The tax agency said that Direct File users reported a high degree of satisfaction and quick answers to their filing questions. In a GSA Touchpoints survey of more than 11,000 Direct File users, 90% of respondents ranked their experience with Direct File as "Excellent" or "Above Average." Most survey respondents who filed taxes in the prior year reported having to pay to prepare their taxes last year. Among survey respondents, 47% of users paid to file their taxes last year, and 16% did not file last year at all. When asked what they particularly liked, respondents most commonly cited Direct File's ease of use, trustworthiness, and that it was free. According to the IRS, taxpayers filed—for free—to obtain more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs. (You can read what some taxpayers had to say to Forbes about their experiences here.) After the first year, the Treasury Department declared that Direct File would be a permanent, free tax filing option. The IRS also expanded the program in 2025 to include more states and the ability to handle a wider range of income, credits, and deductions. 2025 Brought More Changes To Direct File The free tax software program had been marked as safe for the 2025 season, with now-Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent committing to the program during his confirmation hearing. "I will commit that for this tax season … Direct File will be operative," Bessent said. However, less than 48 hours after the end of the regular tax filing season, reports flew that the program would be axed. That was confirmed in May when the House version of what is now the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) included a provision to eliminate IRS Direct File. The original language directed Treasury to ensure that the IRS Direct File program has been "terminated" no later than 30 days after the bill became law. That bit didn't survive. But OBBBA does include a provision creating a task force to deliver a report on the 'cost of enhancing and establishing public-private partnerships which provide for free tax filing for up to 70 percent of all taxpayers calculated by adjusted gross income, and to replace any direct e-file programs run by the Internal Revenue Service.' The task force is also tasked with taking the pulse of the public on 'opinions and preferences regarding a taxpayer-funded, government-run service or a free service provided by the private sector.' The amount of money earmarked is $15,000,000. If you're feeling a bit of deja vu, you're not wrong. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2021—the law that led to the creation of Direct File—also established a task force to design a direct file tax return system. The task force was required to explore the "(I) the cost (including options for differential coverage based on taxpayer adjusted gross income and return complexity) of developing and running a free direct efile tax return system, including costs to build and administer each release, with a focus on multi-lingual and mobile-friendly features and safeguards for taxpayer data; (II) taxpayer opinions, expectations, and level of trust, based on surveys, for such a free direct efile system; and (III) the opinions of an independent third-party on the overall feasibility, approach, schedule, cost, organizational design, and Internal Revenue Service capacity to deliver such a direct efile tax return system." The cost? Also $15,000,000. Last Gasps From Congress Not everyone is giving up on the program. U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) has introduced legislation to not only save, but expand, the program. The legislation, called the 'Get Your Money Back Act,' would fully reinstate the Direct File program, while requiring states to opt in to the service. 'For many, the tax filing season can be time-consuming, expensive, and confusing, even though most taxpayers have relatively simple returns, which is why the Direct File program was both effective and popular,' said Sykes in a statement. 'Unfortunately, even before the Treasury Secretary ended the program, Ohioans weren't able to take advantage of this program because our state's government never opted in. My legislation would implement this successful program nationwide, improving everyone's experience with tax season.' Sykes officially introduced the legislation on June 30, 2025. It has since been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. There has been no additional action to date. Forbes Trump Administration Will Reportedly Nix IRS Direct File, Eliminating The Free Tax Filing Option By Kelly Phillips Erb Forbes House Tax Plan Would Kill Direct File And Rescue Controversial Contingency Fees By Kelly Phillips Erb Forbes IRS Announces Direct File Program Will Be Available In Twice As Many States In 2025 By Kelly Phillips Erb
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oneil Cruz name, explained: How Yankees legend Paul O'Neill influenced name of Pirates star
There aren't many players like Oneil Cruz. The Pirates shortstop is a towering presence on the diamond — literally. At 6-7, Cruz is one of baseball's tallest-ever position players. He strikes fear into opposing pitchers with each lumbering trot into the batter's box. It's easy to see why. Cruz hits the ball harder than any other player in MLB and is renowned for moonshots that dance through the night sky in Pittsburgh. Advertisement In a great many ways, Cruz is a baseball anomaly. He, too, has predecessors, though, including one whose legacy is stamped quite literally on Cruz's identity: former Yankees and Reds outfielder Paul O'Neill. With that, here's what you need to know about Cruz, O'Neill, and the curious connection they share by way of Cruz's unique first name. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Oneil Cruz name, explained Cruz's first name is no coincidence. It's a testament to his father's passion for the sport that Cruz would eventually star in. The story goes as follows: Cruz's father, Rafael, is an avid Yankees enthusiast who spent three years in the minors. The Bronx Bombers were at their pinnacle in 1998, capturing their third-straight World Series with a sweep of the Padres. Advertisement O'Neill was one of New York's leading lights during its triumph. The then-35-year-old hit .317 with 24 homers and 116 RBIs in the regular season. Perhaps it was his elegant hitting, or maybe it was O'Neill's impressive range and arm in the outfield that season — he produced 11 total zone fielding runs. Regardless, Cruz's father was entranced. So, to pay homage to one of his favorite players, he named his son after him. The title proved something of a premonition. "In my hometown, ever since I was a child, everyone used to assume my name came from Shaquille O'Neal," Cruz told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2022. "I'd have to correct them and said, 'No, it's another guy, my dad's favorite ballplayer.' To this day, I haven't really dug in to find out, but I need to get the full story." In 2022, Cruz got a chance to talk to O'Neill for the first time when the Bucs took on the Bronx Bombers. O'Neill wasn't able to attend the matchup, but he sent Cruz a signed jersey and FaceTimed his hulking namesake. Two years later, the duo finally met. Suffice to say, sparks flew. Advertisement "I feel really happy," Cruz said. "It's my pleasure to finally meet him." Cruz hasn't quite reached O'Neill's heights in his still burgeoning career, but he still has plenty of time — and more than enough skills — to emerge from his predecessor's shadow.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Yankees broadcaster left scandalized as coverage obsesses over player's 'Big Dumper'
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has embraced his rather bizarre nickname highlighting his rather large rear end. Amid an elite season, the man they call 'Big Dumper' is attracting a storm of attention. That was on display for the television viewing audience on the YES Network as the Mariners played the New York Yankees in The Bronx. Michael Kay and Paul O'Neill, announcers for the official team broadcaster of the Yankees, were talking about Raleigh's nickname while the camera continued to zoom in on him. 'Now, his minor league teammates - I guess I agree with him - they gave him the nickname 'Big Dumper', because he has a pretty large posterior,' Kay said. 'And he did not like it. His former teammate Jarred Kelenic [the inventor of the nickname] said he hated it. Hated it!' The camera continued to zoom in on Raleigh's behind - which took Kay and O'Neill by surprise. 'We're getting a close-up!' O'Neill joked before his on-air partner cut in. The Yankees director really wanted you to understand the reason for Cal Raleigh's nickname Big Dumper, complete with zoom — CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) July 9, 2025 The YES Network broadcast was discussing Cal Raleigh's nickname: 'Big Dumper' Cameras on the broadcast then decided to spent considerable time zoomed in on his rear end 'I don't know if we need that, guys. Goodness!' Kay protested. O'Neill retorted, 'We don't miss a thing here Michael.' Kay then continued discussing how the Mariners have taken to selling jersey's with Raleigh's No. 29 on the back as well as the 'Big Dumper' moniker. But all the while, the camera only continued to zoom in and out and around Raleigh's behind. 'Paul, I truly hope that our brilliant director, Dan Barr, is done with that shot,' Kay said, practically begging for the director to focus the cameras anywhere else. 'You've had enough?' O'Neill asked. 'We've seen it,' Kay answered. 'We know why the nickname is the nickname, and we're good. We're good.' Raleigh has been having a phenomenal season, raking a league-leading 36 home runs and a second-best mark of 76 RBI. He hit that 36th home run last night in a 10-3 loss to the Yankees. In that same game, Aaron Judge - who is second to Raleigh in homers with 34 - hit a shot of his own to keep the pressure on. The Yankees and Mariners meet again on Wednesday night.
Irish Times
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Times
Bathroom upgrades: How to boost energy efficiency without sacrificing style
After a few glorious weeks of sunshine, the kind of weather we long for all year, the downside of this long dry spell is beginning to show. Hosepipe bans, dwindling reservoirs and calls to conserve water. While it's easy to blame thirsty lawns and wilting flower beds, the real water guzzler at home is often hiding in plain sight – the bathroom. Paul O'Neill of Sonas Bathrooms has some tips for making your bathroom more efficient without sacrificing comfort or style . Simple swaps 'Swapping your shower head is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce water usage at home,' O'Neill says. Modern water-efficient designs can cut consumption by up to 60 per cent compared with older models, without compromising on comfort. Many now feature air-infused spray technology, delivering a powerful flow while using far less water. And it's not just the shower head that matters. Thermostatic valves help to maintain a steady temperature, so you're not wasting water trying to get the settings right. Some systems also include eco modes or flow restrictors, reducing water use to as little as six litres per minute – about half that of a typical shower. 'With modern heating systems like heat pumps and other renewables, it can take much longer to reheat water compared to older immersion or gas boilers,' O'Neill says. 'So if your teenager takes a long shower, it might be hours before the next person has hot water again.' READ MORE Smart fixtures Taps are another easy win. Aerated models blend air with water to reduce flow while still giving a full-feeling stream. Many modern tap collections are designed to use as little as five litres per minute. Look out for taps that include cold-start technology, meaning cold water is the default when the tap is switched on. It's a small but clever way to avoid unnecessarily heating water. 'Reducing water usage doesn't just help the environment, it saves money too,' says O'Neill. 'A large portion of your heating bill goes toward heating water, not air. So when you reduce flow rates, you're also cutting your energy costs.' Attachments Guest WC designed by Optimise Design Toilets have also come a long way. Dual-flush systems are now standard, but even these vary in performance. Some eco-flush toilets use as little as four and 2.6 litres per flush, a significant drop from the older six- and four-litre systems. Over time, this small change can save thousands of litres of water each year in a typical household. It might surprise you to learn that manufacturing a single roll of toilet paper consumes nearly 170 litres of water. That's where shower toilets or bidet attachments come in. While these might seem indulgent, they're actually more sustainable, reducing toilet paper use by up to 75 per cent, improving hygiene and minimising waste. [ Diary of a retrofit: It cost €60,000 but it is worth every cent Opens in new window ] Toilet tech Water-saving can go well beyond fixtures and fittings. Leak detectors can automatically shut off the water supply if a leak is detected, saving both water and money in the event of a burst pipe or persistent drip. While commonly seen in commercial settings, touchless taps are becoming more popular in residential bathrooms. Because they only run when hands are detected, they can reduce unnecessary water use which is especially helpful in homes with children who tend to leave taps running. Other innovations, such as taps with built-in LED temperature displays, help reduce the habit of running water unnecessarily while waiting for it to warm up. Bathers beware Baths use significantly more water than showers, so if you plan to indulge, it's worth making a few smart choices. Start with the bath itself. Enamelled steel retains heat far better than acrylic, meaning the water stays warmer for longer and you're less likely to top up with more hot water. Oversized or deep baths may look impressive, but they require far more water to fill. If you're designing a new bathroom, consider whether a more compact bath could meet your needs without the excess water use. Simply being mindful about how often and how full you run your bath can make a big difference. If you enjoy regular baths, balancing them out with shorter showers during the week can help reduce your overall consumption without cutting out the ritual altogether. Thoughtful design Taps are another easy win. Bathroom designed by Optimise Design Water-saving isn't just about choosing the right fittings – it starts with how you plan the space. A well-designed bathroom can help you use less water. Start by positioning key fixtures such as the shower, bath and basin closer to the hot-water source. This shortens the length of pipework, reducing both heat loss and the amount of water wasted while you wait for it to warm up. Don't forget about preventing leaks, too. Wet areas such as showers and wet rooms should be properly sealed or tanked during installation to stop slow leaks that can quietly waste litres of water and cause costly damage. [ How does retrofitting your house pay off? Opens in new window ] Finally, consider whether grey-water recycling systems could be integrated if you're planning a full renovation or self-build. These collect and filter water from basins or showers for reuse in toilet flushing – a more advanced step, but one that's becoming increasingly relevant in sustainable home design. Whether you're planning a full bathroom renovation or just looking to make some simple swaps, water-saving doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort.
