IRS launches New Tool to Help Non-Tax Return Filers Register for Economic Impact Payments

The IRS and the Treasury Department launched a new web tool on Apr. 15, 2020 to allow quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return. A second tool, due to be released next week, will provide taxpayers with a payment delivery date and provide direct deposit information. The non-filer tool, developed in partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, provides a free and easy option designed for people who don’t have a tax return filing obligation, including those with too little income to file. The feature is available only on

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

When people got laid off in an earlier time, you would never see any lines at the unemployment exchange. They were in cyberspace. States would process unemployment claims by telephone and via the internet. While success varied from state to state, I’m sure many would say, except for some minor glitches, people would start to receive assistance within three weeks of applying. Welcome to Coronavirus 2020 – where now it might take you three weeks – just to apply. The phone lines are jammed. You might get disconnected. Even worse, when completing the application online, you may find

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

In this sad state of affairs that we now see ourselves in because of Coronavirus, we will not comment on the health concerns except to say, please be safe and careful. But while our Government tries to find ways to safeguard our US Economy, The Federal Reserve has lowered short term interest rates to nearly 0 percent. This will no doubt have a trickle down effect on long term interest rates as well. So, how do you dare save money in Banking accounts? At 0 percent interest? What should you do to make your money healthier, while yourself quarantined? Mortgages

Farewell: I Will Miss The Readers (Picture)

By DAVID CRUZ

I never thought I’d reach this moment; writing a farewell article in the Norwood News, which is my last as editor-in-chief. After painstakingly trying to find where to start, I realized I was suffering from writer’s block. To undo that, I took some inspiration from what my predecessor for the Norwood News, Alex Kratz, wrote in his personalized farewell to readers. His exit came as the paper reached its 25-year milestone. “Here’s to the next 25 years of the Norwood News giving voice to the voiceless and a grand purpose to another editor looking for a job,” wrote Alex. Not

Inquiring Photographer: How Are Shoppers Coping With the Plastic Bag Ban?

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the new ban on plastic bags from local stores and if the new plan will be successful. Yes, I support the ban because it’s killing the marine life and our environment, so I’m totally for it. They are giving out brown paper bags, which is perfect and environmentally friendly or these things (reusable bags), which are reusable. I haven’t seen anyone giving out plastic bags. You know what I do [with the reusable bags]? I throw them in the washer with the towels and then I throw them in the dryer for

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s sixth edition (and my final one as editor-in-chief) of the Norwood News is out with plenty of interesting community news stories to read and share. In a rare instance, which we hope will be a regular thing moving forward, we’ve packed a whopping 32 pages into this community paper! So let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses continues our look into the changing Bronx political landscape, which shifted once again after Assemblyman Marcos Crespo announced he will not seek re-election for his seat. The story looks at a number of upcoming races, including two

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By JASON CARABALLO

The 2020 Census kicks off on March 12 with nearly every household in the country receiving an invitation to complete the census online, over the telephone, or by mailing in a paper form, all in an effort to count every person residing in the United States. The decennial census is a requirement of the United States Constitution and the results determine a number of very important things, including the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, congressional and state legislative districts, school districts, voting precincts, and the annual allocation of $675 billion dollars of federal

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Are you paying too little in taxes? Too much? Who cares as long as you get a gillion-dollar tax refund, right? Boy, do you have a lot to learn. But don’t worry, you’re in the right place! In short, every taxpayer has a tax bracket. Of course, as our income goes up, so does our tax bracket. Based on your income at the last day of the calendar year that will put you in your tax bracket at the end of the year. So, by the end of the year, if you paid too little in taxes, you will owe

By DAVID GREENE

With the state’s new bail reform measure in effect for the last two months—and a faction of state senators looking to tweak the law—we asked readers their thoughts on the existing law as it is and whether it’s fair to link the increase in crime to the new law. [Bail reform is] a bad idea. What they’re doing now is not a good idea. I do think bail reform will bring more crime [and] even the police are angry about this. If someone gets arrested today…tomorrow they’re out. Oh yeah, bail was a good idea because some criminals need to

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Opinion

IRS launches New Tool to Help Non-Tax Return Filers Register for Economic Impact Payments

Op-Ed, Financial Focus: You Have a New Job – The Unemployment Telephone Line

Financial Focus: Coronavirus Interest Rates and What You Should Do for Your Financial Health!

A Farewell: I Will Miss the Readers

Inquiring Photographer: How Are Shoppers Coping With the Plastic Bag Ban?

A Changing Bronx Political Landscape, a Farewell From Our Editor-in-Chief: The Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Opinion: Do Your Part! Stand Up and Get Counted for the U.S. Census

Financial Focus: Want The Biggest Tax Refund of all Next Year? Change your W-4 at Work!

Inquiring Photographer: Bronx Thoughts on Bail Reform