Make it math for you: The Calculator app in Windows isn’t just for normal number crunching — it’s for life! Click the three lines in the top left to see everything else it can do, from converting currencies to calculating the number of days between two dates. You’ll know exactly how long you have until that next work deadline … or your anniversary.
Warning: Popular e-file tax site caught spreading malware for weeks
Filing your taxes electronically is a fast and easy way to get the dreaded chore out of the way each year. There are a number of IRS-authorized sites out there, but it seems you can’t even trust that anymore.
Don’t use this site
You’d think that an authorized site would be safe to use, but you’d be wrong.
A very popular e-file site called eFile.com (yeah, that’s a bit confusing) was caught spreading malware. The timing couldn’t be worse, as more people scramble to file their taxes by the deadline.
On March 17, 2023, a Redditor posted an error page from eFile.com that claimed a “browser update” was required to access the site. The page looks pretty legit, but clicking the “download” button installs malware targeting Windows PCs. If you’re on a Mac, you weren’t targeted.
Security researchers MalwareHunterTeam tweeted that the malware was still active as of April 3, 2023. Yes, weeks later.
Red flags
While you should always be wary of any error message, especially one with a download link, there were other signs that this was not legitimate:
- Spelling errors: The word “normally” is spelled as “normaaly.”
- Punctuation errors: There are no spaces between the periods.
- Grammar errors: This entire sentence is one big red flag: “When browser tried to connect to this site this time the website sent back unusual and incorrect credentials.” Unusual and incorrect is an understatement!
They’ve gotta do better than that
It’s very concerning that an IRS-approved site didn’t notice that they were spreading malware for weeks. Why don’t they have safeguards in place? Who knows how many people downloaded this junk?
There is some confusion due to the name of the site. Let’s clear it up now: This incident involves the website eFile.com, not the entire e-file system used by the IRS. You can still use other sites like TurboTax and H&R Block.
Remember that bulky old TV you had in the '90s? You might be owed money
Most TVs in the ’90s and early ’00s used Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), which gave them a prominent bulge at the back. But it wasn’t just TVs, as many computer monitors used the same technology. This technology is back in the news for all the wrong reasons.
🔥 That’s a big bang: A SpaceX Raptor rocket engine exploded during a test at its Texas facility in late May of 2024, and boy, was it a doozy. (Seriously, check out this video.) Elon Musk planned to use the engine in a test flight of the Starship reusable rocket a few days afterward. I have a feeling they missed that deadline.
Warning: Don't fall for these tax scams making the rounds
The deadline for filing 2023 taxes falls on Tuesday, April 18. Is your paperwork in order?
Scammers are ramping up their efforts as we get closer to the big day. Here are some tax scams to watch out for.
Kia might owe you money - Here's how to check
Vehicle manufacturer Kia is in damage control mode, and you could be in line for money if you drive a specific model. Hyundai and Kia recently rolled out an anti-theft software patch for about 8 million models.
However, the possible compensation has nothing to do with car thefts. Instead, Kia has agreed to a class-action lawsuit settlement related to anti-lock brake systems (ABS).
Do this now with your Amazon storage so you don't lose everything
Next year, the Amazon Drive shutdown could wipe away your photos, files and other important documents. On the bright side, Amazon Prime users have time to take action. The company will permanently stop supporting Amazon Drive on Dec. 31, 2023.
Tech tip: How to see how much RAM is in your PC
Picture this: You’re working on an important project with a tight deadline. Thirty minutes before it’s due, your computer freezes up. To fix your sluggish computer, you should check your PC’s RAM.
For the record, RAM stands for “Random Access Memory.” It isn’t the same thing as storage; it’s more like a temporary canvas or a sketchpad where your computer calculates and operates in real-time. Here’s how your computer specs impact your digital life.
Get a voicemail about tax services? Don't fall for the 'Eavesdropping Scam'
Tax Day is nearing, and we hope you have everything in order by now or at least on your way there. Just because there’s a deadline doesn’t mean you should be scrambling to finish by then.
April 18 is not only the last day to file your taxes, but it’s also the deadline to claim your old tax refunds from 2018. The IRS says there are $1.5 billion in unclaimed funds, and hundreds of those dollars could be waiting for you. Tap or click here for our report and tips on claiming your refund.
Do you have unclaimed tax money sitting around? It expires soon
The deadline for filing federal tax returns for the 2021 tax year is fast approaching. You have until Monday, April 18 but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute.
Cryptocurrency has created a new situation for taxpayers. If you have received, sold or exchanged any virtual currency in 2021, you must report it to the IRS or risk prosecution. Tap or click here for our detailed report on how to answer the cryptocurrency question on this year’s tax forms.
Zoom class-action settlement: Claim your share today before it's too late
Zoom was one of the biggest apps that helped us through the pandemic. The video conference tool was essential for workplaces and schools across the country. But with popularity comes a hefty price — specifically $85 million in the form of a settlement.
Use Roku? You may lose dozens of channels soon
If we’re honest, most of us would admit we have a binge-watching problem. At least over the last year or so while we spent so much time at home. But with so much to watch, it could be a difficult choice to decide which streaming services get your cash.
Save your Samsung Cloud data before it disappears
Since the cloud came out, everyone has relied on it to store our data. It comes in handy to free up storage on your devices. Unfortunately for Samsung lovers, Samsung Cloud is set to disappear.
The good news is that you can move your data to Microsoft OneDrive for free. The bad news is that if you don’t move it before the cutoff date, your data is gone forever.
Tax filing deadline moved to July 15 - here's the best DIY software
Updated 03/20/2020 – Since everyone is preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government has decided to allow more time to file taxes. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin announced the move via Twitter. Tax Day has officially been moved from April 15 to July 15 for all taxpayers and businesses. You can take this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties. (Scroll down to see the official tweet.)
Where's your tax refund? Track its status with the IRS app
Whether we like it or not, tax season has arrived. We still have some time before April 15, but it’s definitely better to file now, rather than procrastinate and possibly miss the deadline.
It takes time to find all those receipts, files, confirmations and even your W-2s if you didn’t properly file them. But missing the deadline isn’t the only reason you should file sooner rather than later. Tap or click here for one important reason to file your taxes this week.