If passed, the Federal Workforce Early Separation Incentives Act would raise the cap for federal employee “buyouts” through the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) program — a tool which allows federal agencies to offer buyouts to employees who voluntarily leave government service more…
Recent Articles
How CSRS / FERS Survivor Annuities Are Taxed
Ed Zurndorfer what portion of a CSRS or FERS survivor annuity (full or partial) is federally taxable under several common scenarios (examples included) and provides an important caution CSRS and FERS annuitants and survivor annuitants regarding information on on CSA 1099-Rs and CSF 1099-Rs from OPM’s Retirement’s Office more…
Legislation Would Ban TSP Investments in Adversary Nations
If passed, the TSP Fiduciary Security Act would prevent the Thrift Saving Plan funds from being invested in countries of concern, such as China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, and Venezuela more…
How CSRS and FERS Retirement Annuities Are Taxed
Ed Zurndorfer explains how the IRS taxes CSRS and FERS non-disability annuities when a federal employee retires from federal service. Worksheet and practical example are included more…
Maintaining Good Habits in the Thrift Savings Plan
How to react to changing marketing conditions, choosing how much to invest and which funds to use are important routines to have no matter how no matter how close (or far away) you are from retirement. Chris Kowalik provides some pointers for establishing and keeping good habits in regards to your Thrift Savings Plan account more…
Choosing the Right Tax Filing Status
Ed Zurndorfer explains how your tax filing status can have consequences on your federal tax liability more…
How to Get Your 1099-R for CSRS/FERS Annuity and TSP
If you are missing an IRS form 1099-R from either your CSRS/FERS annuity or your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account, here are the instructions to get them more…
Understanding the Three Tax Buckets: Tax Me Now, Later or Never
While you can’t avoid taxes, you can choose when you want to pay them when it comes to certain accounts and savings. Chris Kowalik explains how the growth in your investments is taxed, and which tax bucket is right for you: “tax me now,” “tax me later,” and “tax me never.” more…
New Standard Deduction Presents Tax-Planning Opportunities for Individuals — Particularly Seniors
A law passed in 2025 allows a new temporary senior tax deduction for the years 2025 through 2028, and also changes the standard deduction for most other individuals. Ed Zurndorfer explains the changes and how they present both tax-planning opportunities and a caution for potential “stealth taxes.” Practical examples are included. more…
2027 Federal Pay Raise Proposed at 4.1 Percent
If passed, the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act would provide federal workers with a 3.1% across-the-board increase in basic pay next year plus an average 1% increase in locality pay. more…