Income Tax

Initial unemployment claims, improving real wages help offset increased tax burden

A rundown of the most recent and notable tax fraud cases.

April 15 is the last day to either file an income tax return or an extension, but millions of taxpayers still find themselves somewhere between putting the final touches on their tax return and just starting the process.

Thomson Reuters tax analyst lists tax deductions and credits to consider on 2012 returns.

The former director of the Lewis County Historical Museum in Washington state, who had been accused of draining the museum's endowment fund of nearly a half of a million dollars, pleaded guilty last week to four counts of felony theft as a result of a plea agreement that came more than a year after the complicated embezzlement case began.

The Internal Revenue Service has deputized law enforcement officers from 10 Tampa Bay-area agencies as a part of the Tampa Bay Identity Theft Alliance, which investigates allegations under federal bank and money laundering laws and exercise authority outside their current jurisdictions as local officers.

New Jersey is delaying income tax refunds to more than 13,000 filers by as long as three months as part of an effort by the state Treasury Department to reduce what it says is the growing problem of tax-refund identity fraud.

Live in California and earn $250,000 last year? Yes, you'll probably pay more in state taxes. Paying back a student loan? You might be able to deduct more from federal taxes than you expected. Commute to work? You could get a break, too.