In a letter this week, 20 senators urged OPM to use their existing authority to implement hazard pay for federal employees, which provides for pay increases of up to 25 percent more…
Recent Articles
Legislation Would Allow Some Federal Employees to Carry Over Unused Annual Leave
If passed, the Federal Frontline Worker Leave Protection Act would amend the existing law to include work responding to COVID-19 as an instance that would allow workers to roll unused hours over to next year more…
Is Now a Good Time to Refinance a Mortgage?
With record low interest rates, now may be a good time for federal employees to refinance their mortgage. Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, provides four questions to help guide your decision… more…
Bill Bans TSP Investments to Some Foreign Index Funds Including China
If passed, the Taxpayers and Savers Protection Act would prevent the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board from steering federal employees’ retirement contributions in the Thrift Savings Plan to China more…
TSP Issues Expanded FAQs on Suspension of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
The Thrift Savings Plan has expanded guidance it issued earlier on the 2020 suspension of minimum withdrawal requirements (including an update on April 28th to the 60-day deadline for rollovers)… more…
Past Age 70.5 Traditional IRA Contributions Can Result in ‘Taxable’ Qualified Charitable Distributions Under SECURE Act
A QCD is a withdrawal from a traditional IRA and donating it directly to a qualified charity. Federal benefits and tax expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses the tax benefits of QCDs — including using them to fulfill the required minimum distribution (RMD) requirement. Practical examples are included… more…
IRS Enhances ‘Get My Payment’ Tool To Help More Americans Track and Receive Economic Impact Payments
The additional changes announced April 26 will help millions of additional taxpayers with new or expanded information and access to adding direct deposit information more…
FAQs: Getting Your Economic Impact Payment
The IRS has issued updated answers to the most common questions people are having regarding their economic relief payments for the coronavirus situation more…
When Will Federal Agencies Reopen, Employees Be Released from Mandatory Teleworking?
The Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management issued a plan for how agencies can return gradually to normal operations more…
A Different Approach for Charitable Giving During 2020 for Federal Employees and Retirees
New laws (the SECURE and CARES Acts) have provided confusion and challenges for many in regard to charitable giving. Federal benefits and tax expert, Ed Zurndorfer, outlines what federal employees and annuitants should do to save on federal and state taxes more…