Chris Kowalik, outlines three potentially significant incentives for FERS employees to wait until the age of 62 to retire — plus discusses some natural by-products of waiting longer to retire more…
Recent Articles
OPM to Federal Retirees: Forms 1099-R Are Mailed, Receive by March 18
Many federal retirees and annuitants have been waiting for weeks to receive their 1099-R form to file their 2025 taxes. OPM said the paper form of those documents were being mailed the week of March 9. If retirees do not receive the form by March 18, they should email OPM more…
Federal Employees, Retirees Should Be Aware of Paying Estimated Taxes
Most federal employees and retirees receive some type of income that is not subject to mandatory federal and state withholding taxes. Ed Zurndorfer discusses why some should make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS and their state tax departments more…
Understanding the Capital Gain Tax Rules When Selling a Primary Personal Residence
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the important IRS rules of the sale of a principal residence, including the $250,000-$500,000 tax exclusion, how to calculate the gain or loss of a sale, and an explanation of the three tests that apply to the owner in order to exclude capital gain (profit) and the resulting taxes. Practical examples are included
Federal Retiree COLA History: CSRS COLA and FERS COLA
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) history for CSRS and FERS from 1999 to 2026 more…
Foreign Tax Credit: How it Works and Who Can Claim It
The foreign tax credit is an IRS tax break that offsets tax paid to other countries. Ed Zurndorfer explains how some federal employees may qualify for it, and the IRS reporting requirements more…
Changes to the Child Tax Credit Resulting from OBBBA
The one Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which President Trump signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the enhanced Child Tax Credit beyond 2025. Ed Zurndorfer explains who is a qualifying child for the CTC, and how it’s calculated. A practical example is included. more…
Important Tax-Savings Affecting 2025 Tax Filings from OBBBA
Ed Zurndorfer gives an outline of the changes in the new tax line that affect 2025 federal income taxes, including new permanently increased standard deductions, increased deduction for seniors. the increase in State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, and auto loan interest deduction more…
Federal Retirees Encounter Weeks of Delay Receiving Tax Documents from OPM
Numerous federal retirees have been waiting for several weeks to receive important tax documents and are unable to reach OPM for assistance. A group of House members has urged OPM to address the issue more…
CSRS / FERS Lump Sum Annuity Option (And How It is Taxed)
If eligible, a retiring CSRS or FERS employee may elect to receive the alternative form of a CSRS or FERS annuity, receiving a lump sum payment equal to the employee’s contributions to the CSRS or FERS Retirement and Disability Fund. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the specific eligibility requirements, the calculation of the lump sum payment and reduced CSRS and FERS annuity, and the tax liabilities more…