Form DS-160 is a critical document required for nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking to travel to the United States temporarily. The U.S. Department of State uses the DS-160 form to collect biographical information and other essential details about applicants. Our guide will walk you through the process of filing and filling out the DS-160 form online, … Read more
The Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) is a government portal that allows visa applicants to submit forms and documents, pay fees, and track their status. It eliminates the need for phone calls and mail correspondence, which is more secure and allows for greater transparency. Using this portal can also help to prevent delays and unnecessary … Read more
With scammers stealing Social Security numbers and posing as the IRS to rob innocent taxpayers, it’s important for everyone to understand what to do if they receive a letter or notice that appears to be from the IRS. The IRS corresponds with taxpayers via US mail for a number of reasons, such as sending tax … Read more
Whether you’re moving permanently, temporarily, or seasonally, the USPS can help you forward your mail. They have both permanent and temporary forwarding options that can be completed online or by submitting PS Form 3575 obtained at your local post office. Both options require a $1.10 identity verification fee that you can pay with a card … Read more
An IRS PIN is a six-digit number that helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent federal tax returns in your name. It is known only to you and the IRS and valid for one year. You can enter it when prompted by your tax software product or provide it to your trusted tax professional preparing … Read more
Essentially, identity theft involves stealing your personal identifying information (PII) like your legal name, birthdate, address, Social Security number or another identifier, credit card and bank account numbers, physical checks, and other financial information and committing fraud in your name. They can take out loans, open credit cards, and even file fraudulent tax returns or … Read more
A mySocialSecurity account is an online portal the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) provides. The account gives individuals immediate access to information & tools, allowing them to do things they can’t do at the SSA office. Once the account is created, people can use it to check their benefit & payment history, verify earnings, … Read more
The Advanced Child Tax Credit is a new, partially refundable tax credit for families. It is a way for the federal government to give families money in advance of filing their taxes. This tax credit is intended to help struggling American families with children meet their basic needs. These include paying for food, housing, childcare, … Read more
Keeping track of your expenses and income is an important part of budgeting. It helps you see where your money is going and identify places to cut spending. It also allows you to set financial goals and monitor your progress. Whether you use an online tracking app, a spreadsheet, or just pen and paper, the … Read more
An employer identification number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to business entities. Businesses that have employees or sell taxable goods or services use their EINs to identify themselves with the IRS for tax reporting purposes. You can apply for an EIN online, by phone, or by mail. However, the IRS … Read more