IRS: 2022 tax season set to begin 2 weeks early on Jan. 24

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – This year’s tax filing season will begin on Jan. 24, 17 days earlier than last year, the Internal Revenue Service announced Monday.

The IRS is warning that a resurgence of COVID-19 infections on top of less funding authorization from Congress than the Biden administration had requested could make this filing season particularly challenging.

“The pandemic continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people there are important steps they can take to help ensure their tax return and refund don’t face processing delays,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said.

Avoiding a paper tax return will be more important than ever this year to avert processing delays, Rettig said. He urged taxpayers to file their returns electronically and to get their refunds by direct deposit.

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It is also important for taxpayers who received a COVID-19 relief Economic Impact Payment last year or who got an advance Child Tax Credit payment to make sure they report the correct amount on their tax returns to avoid processing delays, Rettig said.

The IRS will send letters to recipients of the impact payments and the advance Child Tax Credit payments and taxpayers can also check for the amounts they received on the website IRS.gov.

The deadline for tax returns to be filed is Monday, April 18 this year, three days later than the normal April 15 deadline for filing taxes. The later date is a result of the Emancipation Holiday in the District of Columbia. By law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone the same way federal holidays do.

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COVID relief checks: IRS says stimulus will hit accounts this weekend

The third round of stimulus checks will start hitting bank accounts for eligible Americans as soon as this weekend, the IRS said late Friday.

“Following approval of the American Rescue Plan Act, the first batch of payments will be sent by direct deposit, which some recipients will start receiving as early as this weekend, and with more receiving this coming week,” the IRS said in a statement.

In fact, the payments have already arrived for some people just one day after President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law.

In the coming weeks, more batches of payments will be sent via direct deposit and through the mail as a check or debit card, according to the agency. Some people may see the direct deposit payments as “pending” or as provisional payments in their accounts before the official payment date of March 17, the IRS added.

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The IRS announcement confirms what the Biden administration had said Thursday that people would start seeing direct deposit of the checks as soon as this weekend.

Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits, the IRS said. A payment date for this group is expected to be announced soon.

On Saturday, the IRS updated the "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov, which allows people to check the status of their payment. The IRS had originally said the tool would be updated on Monday.

The third round of Economic Impact Payments will be based on a taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. That includes anyone who used the IRS non-filers tool last year, or submitted a special simplified tax return. If the IRS received and processed a taxpayer’s 2020 return, the agency will make the calculation based on that return instead.

For those who received the first two stimulus checks, but didn’t receive a payment via direct deposit, they will receive a check or a prepaid debit card.

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The payments would amount to $1,400 for a single person or $2,800 for a married couple filing jointly, plus an additional $1,400 for each dependent child. Individuals earning up to $75,000 would get the full payments, as would married couples with incomes up to $150,000. Payments would decline for incomes above those thresholds, phasing out above $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples.

The third stimulus payment isn’t restricted to children under 17 like the first two rounds. Eligible families will get a $1,400 payment per qualifying dependent claimed on their tax return, including college students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.

Under the American Rescue Plan relief package, the third stimulus check can’t be offset to pay past-due federal debts or back taxes.

Wells Fargo: Stimulus payments still days away

While some people have reported on social media that they have been notified that their stimulus payment is a pending deposit in their bank or credit union account, others have taken to Twitter wanting to know their status.

Wells Fargo was trending on Twitter Saturday after a tweet the banking giant sent out late Friday. “Customers who are eligible to receive direct deposit of their stimulus payment may expect it as soon as March 17, 2021,” Wells Fargo tweeted.

Still, some bank customers complained on what they saw as a delay and asked why competitor banks and credit unions customers were getting their payments earlier.

“Wells Fargo will process all of the direct deposits according to the effective date provided by the U.S. Treasury,” the bank tweeted and directed consumers to check their status using the IRS Get My Payment tool, which is scheduled to be updated Monday.

H&R Block also said March 17 is the day the IRS has told them most people will receive payments.

Contributing: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY

IRS says more stimulus checks on the way: But when will seniors ...

More stimulus checks are on the way through direct deposit and the mail.

The Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Treasury said Monday that the next batch of Economic Impact Payments will be issued this week with many coming as paper checks or prepaid debit cards. Some direct deposits began processing Friday with an official pay date of Wednesday, March 24.

Additional payments are expected to be released on a weekly basis going forward, the IRS said in a news release.

“The IRS continues to send the third round of stimulus payments in record time,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. “Since this new set of payments will include more mailed payments, we urge people to carefully watch their mail for a check or debit card in the coming weeks.”

The checks' arrival comes amid a recovering economy. Many Americans are eager for the cash, either to make up for income lost during the COVID pandemic, or to spend on dining out, travel, and, in some cases, to invest in a booming stock market.

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If your first two stimulus checks came as paper checks, it is possible you will get a direct deposit this time.

"The vast majority of taxpayers receiving EIPs will receive it by direct deposit. In addition, the IRS and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service leveraged data in their systems to convert many payments to direct deposits that otherwise would have been sent as paper checks or debit cards," the Treasury said in a news release. "This accelerated the disbursement of these payments by weeks."

Last week, the IRS said it had sent out coronavirus relief checks to more than 90 million Americans under the initial round of payments made under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

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Get updates on the status of your next stimulus payment using the IRS "Get My Payment" tool.

Before you start entering your information hourly, the IRS says the tool “updates once per day, usually overnight” and that people should not call the IRS. "Our phone assistors don't have information beyond what's available on IRS.gov,” the agency says.

The third round of Economic Impact Payments will be based on a taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. That includes anyone who used the IRS non-filers tool last year, or submitted a special simplified tax return.

Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits, the IRS said. But a date hasn’t been announced yet for when payments are expected for individuals who receive benefits but didn’t file taxes in 2019 or 2020 and also didn’t use the IRS’s Non-Filer tool.

On updated details about the third stimulus payments, the IRS said again Monday that updates on the timing of "payments for federal beneficiaries, including non-filing beneficiaries with a Direct Express card, is expected soon."

How to use IRS 'Get My Payment'

The "Get My Payment" tool is available at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment. To use it, you'll need to enter your full Social Security number or tax ID number, date of birth, street address and ZIP code.

For those who are eligible, the tool will show a "Payment Status" of when the payment has been issued and the payment date for direct deposit or mail, according to the IRS' frequently asked questions.

Not everyone who is eligible will have a payment date under "Payment Status" when they log in initially, the IRS said. According to the agency, the tool will be updated when the payment date is known.

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'Payment Status Not Available' or 'Need More Information'

Some will get a message that says "Payment Status Not Available."

"If you get this message, either we have not yet processed your payment, or you are not eligible for a payment," the IRS said. "We will continue to send the 2021 Economic Impact Payment to eligible individuals throughout 2021."

And others will get a "Need More Information" message when using the tool if the payment was returned to the IRS because the post office was unable to deliver it for another reason.

If your address has changed the IRS says the easiest way to update is to "file your 2020 tax return with your current address, if you haven’t already done so. Once we receive your current address, we will reissue your payment."

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COVID-19 relief payments are going to the wrong accounts:Stimulus checks going to wrong bank accounts for some Americans

Contributing: Jessica Menton, USA TODAY

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

IRS to temporarily stop sending many taxpayer notices - CNN

Imagine having filed and paid your taxes last year, then months later you get a letter in the mail from the IRS saying you didn't.

That's what's happening to many taxpayers this year thanks to automated notices being sent by the IRS.

But if you got one, don't panic. There's a fair chance the IRS simply hasn't seen what you already sent in. That's because it's dealing with a mountain of returns and correspondence that has built up over the past two years. During that time, the agency was called on to deliver several rounds of economic impact payments and other financial Covid-19 relief , while trying to protect its own workforce from Covid.

The good news is thatyou're not likely to get another notice for awhile.The IRS announced this week that it will temporarily suspend issuing more than a dozen different types of automated notices indicating balances due, unfiled returns and other deficiencies so that it can work through its pandemic-induced backlog. [Here is the list of notices being suspended.]

Automatic notices typically require you to respond -- for example, by filing a return, making a payment, providing requested information or explaining why the notice is inaccurate.

But the IRS is too busy at the moment to respond in a reasonable amount of time.

Last year, the agency took an average of 199 days to process 6.2 million responses from filers to IRS-proposed adjustments on their returns, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate

Tax preparer and enrolled agent Donna Byrne herself got a notice asserting she hadn't filed her 2019 tax return, even though she did, she said. "It drives you nuts, because you know you did stuff."

And trying to reach an IRS representative by phone to address a matter can feel futile: The agency has been getting 1,500 calls per second, according to a recent IRS letter to lawmakers.

This week's announcement is a good first step but more still needs to be done, according to the American Institute of CPAs. The AICPA is part of a coalition of tax professional associations that has been urging the IRS to implement four short-term recommendations to provide relief for tax filers this year, of which notice suspension is one.

"We are encouraged by recent actions taken by the IRS to suspend more automated notices and pleased to know that the IRS is listening and acting. Taxpayers, practitioners and IRS will benefit from reducing unnecessary contact, such as erroneous notices or warnings of levy, and provide much-needed relief during an already stressful and overwhelming tax season," the AICPA said in a statement Thursday.

What to do if you already got an automated notice

The IRS did not provide an estimate of how many tax filers may have already received the automated notices in the past few months. But it did note that some notices may still be on their way to tax filers and may be received over the next few weeks.

If you already have received a notice or soon get one, "Generally, there is no need to call or respond to the notice as the IRS continues to process prior year tax returns as quickly as possible," the agency said in a statement. That is, unless you or your tax preparer think the information in the notice is accurate. In that case, the IRS said, "act to rectify the situation for the well-being of the taxpayer."

But Edward Karl, AICPA's vice president of taxation, recommends you respond in either case. The letter should indicate where to send your response.

Otherwise, he said, "you could continue to get additional notices when they turn the [automatic notification] machine back on. And you want to make sure you try to stop it as soon as possible."

Here's why, Karl said: At some point, if the assertion is you owe more in tax and penalties and IRS records show you haven't responded at all, it could escalate to the point where the agency can garnish money from your wages or bank account.

Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly stated the reason Byrne got an IRS notice.

IRS will begin processing 2021 tax returns as soon as Jan. 24

Early tax filers will get a chance now to e-file their 2021 tax returns as soon as Jan. 24.

The Internal Revenue Service announced Monday that it will begin accepting and processing tax returns in two weeks.

That's earlier than the delayed start of Feb. 12 last year when the IRS needed extra time for many pandemic-related reasons, including being able to program its systems to reflect new tax rules that were signed into law in late December 2020.

The Jan. 24 kickoff puts the IRS back on a more normal track. In 2020, for example, the IRS began processing 2019 tax returns on Jan. 27.

While people file early to get their refund money more quickly, it's important to note why some tax refund money won't arrive in just a few weeks.

Some early filers won't get refunds until mid-February

By law, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February, even though returns can be filed beginning Jan. 24.

The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement Monday that the pandemic continues to create challenges. But he stressed that taxpayers can take steps to keep returns moving more smoothly.

"Filing electronically with direct deposit and avoiding a paper tax return is more important than ever this year," Rettig said.

Taxpayers also can avoid holdups in getting their tax refunds by not moving too hastily if they received stimulus money and advance payments for the child tax credit in 2021.

"We urge extra attention to those who received an Economic Impact Payment or an advance child tax credit last year. People should make sure they report the correct amount on their tax return to avoid delays,” Rettig said.

While you can file early, tax experts warn, it's best to wait until later in the season if you do not have all the information you need to file an accurate return.

Some who don't normally file returns need to file

Like last year, the IRS said, some individuals will need to file tax returns even though they are not required to file because of a low income. They would need to file to claim a "Recovery Rebate Credit" to receive the tax credit from the 2021 stimulus payments or reconcile advance payments of the child tax credit.

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Many tax preparation software sites and offices are already up and running even though the IRS won't accept e-filed returns until later in January. The prepared returns will be electronically submitted to the IRS when filing season officially begins.

The deadline for federal income tax returns is April 18. (Those who live in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19 because of the Patriots Day holiday in those states.)

Last year, the average income tax refund was $2,827 as of May 21, according to IRS data.

The IRS issued 95.6 million refunds and a total refund amount of $270.3 billion. The tax deadline was extended last year to May 17.

What's the official timetable for refunds?

Most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return, according to the IRS.

Some tax filers are still complaining that they did not receive their refund yet from federal returns filed last year.

Rettig noted that IRS employees continue to work hard on critical areas affected by the pandemic, including processing of tax returns from last year.

Last filing season, COVID-era tax changes and pandemic challenges drove up calls. The IRS phone systems received more than 145 million calls from Jan. 1, 2021, though May 17, 2021. That was more than four times the calls than in an average year, the IRS said. Taxpayers are encouraged to go to IRS.gov first.

As of Dec. 3, the IRS has processed nearly 169 million tax returns. All paper and electronic individual 2020 refund returns received prior to April 2021 have been processed, the IRS said, if the return had no errors or did not require further review.

Taxpayers generally will not need to wait for their 2020 return to be fully processed to file their 2021 tax returns and can file when they are ready.

But taxpayers should also realize that a stressed IRS system — and ongoing challenges relating to the spread of the omicron variant — are likely to take a toll on this year's tax season.

“In many areas, we are unable to deliver the amount of service and enforcement that our taxpayers and tax system deserves and needs," Rettig said.

"This is frustrating for taxpayers, for IRS employees and for me,” Rettig said.

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(CNN) Major retailers are facing a backlash for selling themed products in an attempt to monetize Juneteenth , the upcoming federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US. Inclusion experts say "tone deaf" marketing campaigns -- including Walmart's Juneteenth ice cream and Dollar Tree's Pan African-themed plates and napkins -- promote stereotypes and often fail to provide any historical context.

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

(You can get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here .)

1. Interest rates

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point on Wednesday in an aggressive move to tackle inflation. It's the biggest increase in 28 years and will affect millions of American businesses and households by pushing up the cost of borrowing for homes, cars and other loans. Many consumers who are already concerned about the soaring cost of living will now face higher mortgage rates that will make it harder to afford homes. However, that weaker demand could cool off prices in the future. The goal of the Fed's interest rate hikes is to get inflation under control while keeping the job market recovery intact, but experts say the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, and Covid-19 could impact that progress.

2. Coronavirus

Covid-19 vaccines could be available for children as young as 6 months as early as next week, according to the White House. FDA vaccine advisers voted unanimously on Wednesday to authorize the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines for emergency use in the youngest children. The FDA, which typically follows the committee's decisions, is expected to vote on the authorization this weekend. Children younger than five are the only age group not currently eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19. About 17 million kids will become eligible for vaccines once they're authorized for this age group. Separately, Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, has tested positive for Covid-19 and is receiving treatment.

3. January 6

The House select committee investigating the attack on the US Capitol will use its third hearing today to make the case that then-President Donald Trump's pressure campaign on his vice president to overturn the 2020 presidential election "directly contributed" to the violence on January 6, 2021, according to committee aides. The hearing, aides said, will also reveal new materials about then-Vice President Mike Pence's movements on January 6, including his whereabouts and what he was doing when rioters breached the Capitol. This comes as Republican candidates across the country are running and winning primaries on Trump's false assertion that he won the election -- despite the fact such claims have been dismissed by former members of his administration testifying under oath.

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4. Buffalo shooting

The suspect in the racist mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket last month that killed 10 people faces multiple federal hate crime charges carrying the potential of the death penalty, the US Justice Department said Wednesday. The 18-year-old suspect is accused of shooting 13 people at the Tops Friendly Market on May 14. Eleven were Black and two were White, Buffalo police said. During a search of the gunman's home, federal authorities found a laptop with a document containing a detailed plan of the attack he had allegedly been planning for years, according to a criminal complaint. Authorities believe he visited the store multiple times, including the day before the attack and again, hours before he allegedly fired about 60 shots.

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5. Baby formula

In a move to address the nationwide baby formula shortage, the Biden administration announced it is shipping 44,000 pounds of specialty formula from Switzerland to the US today. The supply "will be available primarily through a distribution pipeline serving hospitals, home health companies, and WIC programs around the US," the White House said. But even as the government airlifts tons of formula in from other countries, getting regular supplies back to retailers could take weeks, with some estimates from stakeholders that there might not be relief until mid-July. Meanwhile, Abbott Nutrition -- the baby formula manufacturer that once produced a significant amount of the powdered formula sold in the US -- is now experiencing more delays after flooding at its Michigan plant.

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TODAY'S NUMBER

2.9 million

That's how many vehicles Ford is recalling due to issues that could prevent certain models from shifting into the correct gear, which might cause them to move in unintended directions. The National Highway Safety Administration says it has six reports of property damage and four reports of injuries potentially related to the problem. The vehicles involved are the model year 2013 to 2019 Escape, the 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion and the 2013-2021 Transit Connect.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"The security support from the United States is unprecedented. It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor."

-- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, thanking President Biden on Wednesday for providing an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The latest weapons package comes as Ukrainian officials have pleaded with the West to send additional heavy weaponry as the war grinds on. A Pentagon spokesman said the US has now committed more than $5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February. Separately, the leaders of France, Germany and Italy arrived in Kyiv today, where they are expected to meet with Zelensky and express "a message of European unity."

TODAY'S WEATHER

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AND FINALLY

The California Roll Was Invented in Canada

Second IRS official resigns after scandal

Aamer Madhani and Gregory Korte

USA TODAY

IRS commissioner of tax-exempt entities division to retire%2C after acting IRS commissioner Steven Miller fired

Agency officials had targeted Tea Party groups for extra scrutiny

President taps a trusted budget official%2C Daniel Werfel%2C to head IRS through September

WASHINGTON — President Obama said Thursday he is naming a trusted White House budget official, Daniel Werfel, to serve as his new acting IRS commissioner.

The appointment of Werfel comes as a second top IRS official announced Thursday that he is stepping down in the aftermath of revelations that the agency targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny.

Joseph Grant, commissioner of the agency's tax-exempt and government entities division, will retire on June 3, according to an IRS statement. Grant joined the IRS in August 2005 and became the deputy commissioner of the tax exempt division in 2007. He became the second senior IRS official in as many days to offer his resignation.

Grant had only be elevated to the position of commissioner of the division last week -- two days before the agency confirmed the targeting of Tea Party groups and conservative organizations applying for tax-exempt status.

Meanwhile, Obama announced that the controller of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Werfel, will move into the job of acting IRS commissioner next week, replacing Steven Miller.

"Throughout his career working in both Democratic and Republican administrations, Danny has proven an effective leader who serves with professionalism, integrity and skill," Obama said in a statement. "The American people deserve to have the utmost confidence and trust in their government, and as we work to get to the bottom of what happened and restore confidence in the IRS, Danny has the experience and management ability necessary to lead the agency at this important time."

Obama announced Wednesday that he'd accepted Miller's resignation, saying the agency needed a change in leadership.

Miller will face questions Friday when he appears before the House Ways and Means Committee, where lawmakers plan to ask him why he didn't inform Congress about the IRS's treatment of Tea Party groups last year -- even under direct questioning.

Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., said Thursday, "It seems pretty clear that he was aware of this ongoing targeting. And he didn't tell Congress."

And Camp said the inquiries won't stop with Tea Party groups, whose applications for tax-exempt status were delayed simply by virtue of their group name. Camp also wants to know if pro-Israel groups and individual donors to conservative causes were also targeted for invasive questioning and audits.

Werfel, 42, will start the job Wednesday and has agreed to serve in the position through September.

Werfel, who is known around the White House as Danny, will lead the IRS efforts to restore its reputation that has taken a beating since it was made public that the organization was targeting conservative groups.

He has served in a number of other positions at OMB, including deputy controller, chief of financial integrity and as a policy analyst. He also served during the George W. Bush administration as a member of the Federal Accounting and Standards Advisory Board.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who has known Werfel for more than 15 years, said Werfel has the makeup to help the agency get through a difficult period.

"He is an immensely talented and dedicated public servant who has ably served presidents of both parties. Danny has a strong record of raising his hand for -- and excelling at -- tough management assignments," Lew said in a statement.

Separately, Obama on Thursday dismissed the idea of appointing a special counsel to investigate the IRS scandal. He noted that the Treasury Department's inspector general is expected to recommend an investigation and the Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation. The Senate Finance Committee is also launching an investigation into the IRS' actions.

"Between those investigations, I think we're going to be able to figure out exactly what happened, who was involved, what went wrong, and we're going to be able to implement steps to fix it," Obama said at a joint news conference with Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Follow @aamerismad and @gregorykorte on Twitter.

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(CNN) Bitcoin is off to a dismal start in the new year, tumbling almost 50% since hitting a record high of $68,990 in November. Some countries are even considering banning cryptocurrencies entirely to curb their growing popularity.

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

(You can also get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here .)

1. Coronavirus

The Biden administration is expected to begin distributing 400 million free N95 masks to Americans this week, the latest federal step aimed at reining in the spread of Covid-19. The masks -- which are coming from the Strategic National Stockpile -- will be made available at a number of local pharmacies and community health centers . A White House official described the distribution as "the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history." The huge allotment amounts to more than half of the 750 million N95 masks currently stored in the reserve, a figure that tripled over the last year as the administration sought to boost reserves. The move comes as the US grapples with an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

2. Ukraine

The US is amplifying calls for Russia to cease its aggressive actions along the Ukrainian border, where more than 100,000 troops have been amassed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned yesterday that there would be a severe response by the US and its allies if " a single additional Russian force " enters Ukraine in an aggressive way. In preparation for a possible invasion, the US sent Ukraine a second weapons supply shipment of close to 200,000 pounds of lethal aid. Some political leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are urging the US and its allies to penalize Moscow with sanctions now before any lives are lost. The US, however, has shown unwillingness to punish Russia preemptively. The Biden administration and its NATO allies are instead focused on bolstering troop levels in the region to support Eastern European and Baltic allies.

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3. Congress

The Arizona Democratic Party announced over the weekend that it has formally censured Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema after she voted to maintain the Senate's filibuster rules, effectively blocking Democrats' voting legislation, a key priority for the party. The symbolic gesture from Arizona Democrats adds to the mounting pressure Sinema is facing from those in her state who helped her flip a Senate seat in 2018. Sinema -- who started her political career as a progressive -- has been a target on the left during Biden's administration for her stances. Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, both centrists, were the only two Democrats to join all Republicans last week in voting to maintain the Senate's 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster on legislation

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4. Capitol Riot

The House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol has been having conversations with former Attorney General William Barr . Barr, a staunch defender of former President Donald Trump, pushed the administration's "law and order" message, but resigned in December 2020 after rebuking Trump's false claims about widespread election fraud. Separately, Boris Epshteyn, an adviser to Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, acknowledged late last week that he was part of the effort to prop up so-called "alternate electors" to support Trump in key states. Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani supervised that effort, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the scheme . It involved helping pro-Trump electors access state Capitol buildings, drafting language for fake electoral certificates to send to the federal government, and finding replacements for electors who refused to go along with the plot.

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5. Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing increasing pressure this week over alleged garden parties and Christmas gatherings held at Downing Street while the rest of the country was under strict Covid-19 lockdowns. His approval ratings are plunging and the parliamentary rebellion is growing. This is worrying some parts of his ruling Conservative Party that he is becoming a liability . Adding fuel to the fire, Johnson's former senior adviser Dominic Cummings said he would swear under oath that the Prime Minister was warned about the true nature of one of the parties, but Johnson denied that vehemently. Johnson launched an inquiry into the gatherings and that report is due to come out this week.

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Meet the first female captain of the historic USS Constitution in its 224-year history.

Mysterious ice formations showed up in Chicago

Have you ever seen ice pancakes ? They kind of crepe me out.

Indian couple plan country's 'first metaverse marriage'

HAPPENING LATER

The three former police officers who helped Derek Chauvin restrain George Floyd on a Minneapolis street in May 2020 are set to stand trial in a federal courtroom later today for violating Floyd's civil rights. The three officers previously pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, while Chauvin admitted guilt in December as part of a plea deal.

IN MEMORIAM

Thierry Mugler, has died. Iconic French fashion designer,has died. He was 73 . Mugler, who was born in Strasbourg, France, launched his eponymous label in 1974. He was known for his broad-shouldered, avant-garde designs. The designer's brand said they will remember their founder as a "visionary" who "empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day."

TODAY'S NUMBER

11

That's how many hours a stowaway spent in the nose wheel of a cargo plane that flew from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport yesterday. Due to the extremely cold flying conditions, Dutch officials were surprised the stowaway was found alive. Once the stowaway was revived and stabilized, they said they would work to determine his status, if he indeed is looking for asylum.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"The IOC [International Olympic Committee] deserves all of the disdain and disgust that comes their way for going back to China yet again."

Former NBC sportscaster Bob Costas, who has covered 12 Olympic Games as a host and commentator, says journalists will face --, who has covered 12 Olympic Games as a host and commentator, says journalists will face unique challenges during the Beijing Winter Olympics next month. It is currently unclear how the host country may censor journalists and how they will allow reporters to cover events in and around the games.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Clipper bringing more chances for snow to the Great Lakes Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Clipper bringing more chances for snow to the Great Lakes 01:57

AND FINALLY

It's Monday, and you're going to crush it today!

5 things to know for Feb. 17: Ukraine, Covid, Government funding ...

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1. Ukraine

Russian forces along Ukraine's borders have increased by about 7,000 troops in recent days, despite claims from Moscow it was pulling back military units. That is according to a senior US administration official, who warned President Vladimir Putin's public openness to diplomacy was a guise. New estimates indicate Russia now has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine. Western leaders have previously expressed skepticism about Moscow's assertion it was sending some troops back to base, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview Wednesday that there is "a difference between what Russia says and what it does." Separately, Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this weekend to discuss new ways the US and allies can possibly deter Russia from an invasion.

2. Coronavirus

The US government plans to make high-quality masks available for kids , a senior adviser to the White House told CNN yesterday. The move appears to be an extension of the Biden administration's ongoing effort to distribute 400 million free N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile for the public to access at pharmacies and community health centers nationwide. About 230 million of those masks have already been delivered to those locations. Last month, the federal government began distribution of 1 billion free Covid-19 tests directly to households. More than 50 million households have already received their tests , and millions more are on the way, officials said.

JUST WATCHED WH Covid-19 adviser: Government will make high-quality masks for kids Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH WH Covid-19 adviser: Government will make high-quality masks for kids 01:34

3. Government Shutdown

US lawmakers have less than two days to pass a short-term funding extension to avoid a government shutdown on Friday . It remains unclear when the Senate will vote on the continuing resolution, which would keep the government open by extending funding through March 11. Discussions about the measure are being delayed by some Republicans who are making demands tied to the vote. A group of six conservative senators specifically said they would oppose the expedited passage of the resolution unless they get a vote to defund the remaining vaccine mandates the Biden administration imposed. Complicating matters further, some Democrats are absent due to personal and family reasons, causing concern the party may be short of votes needed to defeat the Republican amendments.

JUST WATCHED What a government shutdown could mean for you Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH What a government shutdown could mean for you 00:56

4. Brazil

At least 94 people have died in the Brazilian mountain city of Petropolis after heavy rains triggered landslides that washed out streets, swept away cars and buried homes, local officials said yesterday. The city, located in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, had more rain in one afternoon than the historical average for the entire month of February, the Civil Defense of Rio said. The department also declared a state of public calamity. More people are missing, but it's unclear how many at this time, Rio officials said. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on a trip to Russia, said he had spoken to ministers and asked for "immediate assistance" to be sent to the victims.

JUST WATCHED Terrifying scene as floodwater carries a car after torrential rain Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Terrifying scene as floodwater carries a car after torrential rain 01:55

5. No-fly list

Several major US airlines are asking the federal government to create a coordinated "no-fly list" for violent and disruptive passengers , but their request is being met by pushback from GOP lawmakers. A group of Republican senators is arguing the mandate would seemingly equate unruly passengers to terrorists "who seek to actively take the lives of Americans and perpetrate attacks on the homeland," the senators wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland this week. While airlines may ban an unruly passenger from their own flights, competition rules mean that information is not shared with other carriers, so unruly individuals can easily fly on different carriers after violent or disruptive incidents. Nearly 500 unruly passenger incidents have been reported in the first six weeks of 2022, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration, and 80 incidents have been referred to the Justice Department to consider criminal prosecution.

JUST WATCHED An airline is asking for an unruly passengers no-fly list. See Buttigieg's response Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH An airline is asking for an unruly passengers no-fly list. See Buttigieg's response 01:52

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Disney plans to build residential neighborhoods across the US

NASA's newest explorer shared its very first images

Most remote workers don't want to go back to the office

Home sweet office! Nearly 60% of US workers want to continue working from home when the pandemic is over.

AMC movie theaters wants to sell its popcorn at retail stores

Not to be corny, but I'm glad this idea popped into their minds ... movies at home would be so much butter with this!

Uber now lets you see how many 1-star ratings you received from drivers

Don't be down if you have a couple of low ratings . There's always next ride!

OLYMPICS UPDATE

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva is expected to take to the ice today for her free skate . The 15-year-old is at the center of a doping scandal as officials work to determine whether her team broke any rules following her positive drug test.

TODAY'S NUMBER

$53 billion

That's how much revenue America's gambling industry rolled in last year. That figure breaks the previous record from 2019 by more than 20%, making 2021 the highest-grossing year eve r. Despite some restrictions related to Covid-19 and the Omicron variant, gambling surged mainly due to massive increases in sports betting, online gambling and traditional gaming at casinos.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Big Tech has brazenly failed children and betrayed its trust, putting profits above safety."

-- Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, pushing for , pushing for a new bill called the Kids Online Safety Act , which aims to curb the potentially harmful impacts of social media on young people. The bipartisan legislation proposes tech companies would have to provide settings for families to protect their kids from harmful content, and those settings would have to be enabled by default. The legislation, would also force social media companies to publish annual third-party audits outlining the risks of their platforms for minors.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Over 115 million are under wind alerts Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Over 115 million are under wind alerts 03:16

AND FINALLY

Bali Paradise

Taxes 2020: IRS to delay April 15 tax filing deadline to July 15

The Trump administration will push the income tax filing deadline to July 15 from April 15, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Friday in a tweet.

Mnuchin said that at President Donald Trump’s direction “we are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.”

Earlier this week, the IRS had deferred the payment deadline to July 15 but had left the April 15 filing deadline in place.

If you’re getting a refund, experts suggest still filing as soon as possible.

"For many taxpayers, this is the largest check that they’ll receive this year, so I would encourage them to file now because the IRS still expects to process tax refunds," says Lisa Greene-Lewis, a certified public accountant at TurboTax.

How long should I keep my tax returns?:Answer: It depends

What tax deductions and credits can I claim?:Here are 9 overlooked ones that can save you money

According to the latest government data available, as of March 13, the IRS has received more than 76 million returns and has issued more than 59.2 million refunds.

The average refund check was $2,973.

While the IRS is reportedly going to increase pressure to have states align with the new federal deadline, it is important for people to check with their local government to make sure they do not miss their obligation in their state.

"Each state might consider its own relief, but it’s best to assume you still must file and pay any states where taxes are owed by April 15, unless state guidance is issued," Dina Pyron, financial services partner and global TaxChat leader at Ernst & Young, said in a note.