Infobrief

Author: InfoBrief Editorial

  • How to Fill Out Form W-4 So You Do Not Owe Taxes in April

    How to Fill Out Form W-4 So You Do Not Owe Taxes in April

    Quick answer: Form W-4 tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold from each paycheck. The current version has no allowances and no exemptions. If you have one job and take the standard deduction, you complete Step 1 and Step 5 and skip the rest. Everything else on the form exists for three situations: multiple jobs or a working spouse, dependents, and other income or deductions. The fastest way to get it right is the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at irs.gov.

    Key Takeaways

    • The current W-4 has no allowances; advice about “claiming two” refers to a form retired in 2020
    • One job and standard deduction? Complete only Step 1 and Step 5
    • Step 2 is where most errors happen: each job withholds as if it is your only income
    • Complete Steps 3 and 4 on one W-4 only, normally the highest-paying job
    • To fix a mid-year shortfall, divide it by remaining paychecks and enter that on line 4(c)

    Extra Withholding Calculator (Line 4c)

    If you are on track to owe in April, this shows the dollar amount to enter on line 4(c) so the shortfall is covered by year-end.

    This is arithmetic on the number you supply, not a tax projection. Get your shortfall estimate from the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator or last year’s return, then use this to convert it into a per-paycheck amount. Submit a fresh W-4 in January without the extra amount, or you will over-withhold next year.

    Why the form changed and why old advice is wrong

    If someone tells you to “claim two allowances,” they are describing a form that no longer exists. The IRS redesigned the W-4 in 2020 to remove withholding allowances entirely, because the concept was tied to personal exemptions that the 2017 tax law eliminated.

    The replacement asks for dollar amounts rather than a count. Instead of translating your situation into a number of allowances and letting a table do the work, you now enter estimated dependent credits, other income, and deductions directly. The result is more accurate for most people but confusing for anyone applying old rules of thumb.

    You are not required to submit a new W-4 just because the form changed. Your employer continues using whatever is on file. But if your withholding has been wrong, or your life has changed, filing a new one is the only way to fix it.

    The five steps, and which ones apply to you

    Step 1: Personal information and filing status. Everyone completes this. Your filing status here should match what you will use on your return.

    Step 2: Multiple jobs or spouse works. This is where most withholding errors originate. Each job withholds as though it is your only income, so two jobs each withholding correctly in isolation will together withhold too little. Complete this step if you hold more than one job or file jointly with a working spouse.

    Step 3: Claim dependents. Multiply qualifying children under 17 by the child tax credit amount and other dependents by the credit for other dependents, then enter the total. This reduces withholding.

    Step 4: Other adjustments. Optional. Line 4(a) is other income not from jobs, such as interest, dividends, or retirement income, and increases withholding. Line 4(b) is deductions beyond the standard deduction and decreases it. Line 4(c) is extra withholding per paycheck, a flat dollar amount, and is the simplest lever for fine-tuning.

    Step 5: Sign. The form is not valid unsigned.

    Handling multiple jobs without overcomplicating it

    Step 2 offers three methods, and choosing among them causes needless difficulty.

    The estimator at irs.gov is the most accurate and takes about ten minutes with recent pay stubs in hand. Use it if the amounts matter to you.

    The multiple jobs worksheet on page 3 produces a similar result on paper.

    The checkbox in Step 2(c) is the simplest option: if there are exactly two jobs in the household with roughly similar pay, check the box on both W-4s. It is less precise than the other methods but far better than leaving Step 2 blank, which is what most people do.

    One rule applies regardless of method: complete Steps 3 and 4 on only one W-4, normally the highest-paying job. Claiming dependents on both jobs is a common error that produces a large April bill.

    Situations that reliably produce a surprise bill

    • A spouse started working mid-year and neither W-4 was updated
    • A second job or significant freelance income with nothing entered on line 4(a)
    • A large bonus, which is often withheld at a flat supplemental rate lower than your actual marginal rate
    • Investment or retirement income with no withholding at source
    • A child turning 17, which changes the credit and therefore Step 3
    • Marriage or divorce without updating filing status

    The IRS recommends a withholding checkup whenever any of these occur, rather than waiting until filing season to discover the result.

    Adjusting mid-year, and the math that catches people

    A W-4 change applies only to future paychecks. If you discover in October that you are $1,200 short, that amount must be withheld across the remaining pay periods, not spread across the year. With four paychecks left, that is $300 each, entered on line 4(c).

    The general formula: divide the shortfall by the number of paychecks remaining in the year and enter that figure as extra withholding. Then submit a fresh W-4 in January without the extra amount, otherwise you will over-withhold for the following year.

    Some people deliberately over-withhold to force a refund. That works, though it is an interest-free loan to the government. The opposite approach, aiming to owe a small amount, requires staying under the underpayment penalty thresholds, which generally means paying at least 90% of the current year’s tax or 100% of last year’s, whichever is smaller.

    How to submit and check the result

    Submit the new W-4 to your employer’s payroll department or through the HR system; it does not go to the IRS. Then verify it worked: check the federal withholding line on your next pay stub and compare it to the previous one. Payroll changes occasionally fail to take effect, and the pay stub is the only confirmation that matters.

    Two weeks after the change, run the Tax Withholding Estimator again using the new numbers. If the projection lands close to zero owed or a small refund, the W-4 is doing its job.

    FAQ

    Can I still claim exempt? Only if you had no tax liability last year and expect none this year. Write “Exempt” below line 4(c), and note that exempt status must be renewed every year by mid-February.

    Does a W-4 affect Social Security and Medicare taxes? No. Those are fixed percentages and are not affected by anything on the form.

    How often can I submit a new W-4? As often as you need to. Employers must process a valid form promptly.

    Do I file a W-4 for a side gig paid on a 1099? No. Contractor income has no withholding; you handle it through quarterly estimated payments or by increasing withholding at your W-2 job using line 4(a).

    Where do I find the estimator? Search “Tax Withholding Estimator” on irs.gov. Have your most recent pay stubs and last year’s return available.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 18, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. Policies and prices change; confirm with the official source before acting. See our disclosure.

  • Why Ticketmaster Asks for a Photo ID and Selfie (and What Happens to Your Data)

    Why Ticketmaster Asks for a Photo ID and Selfie (and What Happens to Your Data)

    Quick answer: Ticketmaster uses a third-party service called Persona to run identity checks on some accounts. Most people are asked only for a quick selfie; a smaller number are asked for a government photo ID as well. Ticketmaster says the purpose is to keep bots and resellers out of high-demand sales. Persona retains biometric data for up to 60 days after a successful check, and for up to three years after a failed one for fraud prevention.

    Key Takeaways

    • Ticketmaster uses a third party called Persona to verify some accounts; most fans only complete a selfie check
    • Accepted IDs include a driver\u0027s license, state ID, or passport, and the name must match your Ticketmaster profile exactly
    • Persona keeps biometric data up to 60 days after a successful check and up to three years after a failed one
    • There is no opt-out: a prompted account cannot buy tickets until the check is complete
    • Complete your profile and verify a day before a big onsale so you are not doing this under time pressure

    Who gets asked, and why it seems random

    The check is not applied to everyone, which is why two people buying tickets to the same show can have completely different experiences. Ticketmaster describes it as a security check triggered when it needs to confirm an account belongs to a real person rather than a bot.

    In practice, the triggers appear to include signing in from a new device or location, incomplete profile information, activity patterns that resemble automated purchasing, and participation in high-demand presales where the artist has requested extra protection. During some artist presales, Ticketmaster has said in advance that some fans would be asked for a selfie and, in rarer cases, an ID.

    There is no way to opt out and still complete the purchase. If you are prompted and decline, the account cannot buy tickets for that sale.

    What the process actually involves

    Most people encounter only the first step: a live selfie taken in the browser or app. The image is compared against Persona’s checks and the process finishes in under a minute.

    When an ID is also required, you photograph a government-issued document. Ticketmaster lists driver’s licenses, state IDs, and passports as acceptable, and says most government ID types work. Persona then compares the photo on the ID to your selfie to confirm the ID belongs to you, and separately checks whether the ID itself appears genuine.

    Two details cause most failures. First, the legal name on your Ticketmaster profile must match the name on your ID; a nickname or maiden name in your profile will fail the comparison. Second, the selfie must be live, taken at that moment, so an existing photo from your camera roll will not work. Before tapping Verify, check your Profile Details in your Ticketmaster account, confirm the phone number and email are current, and have the physical ID in hand in a well-lit place.

    How long your data is kept

    Outcome Biometric data retention
    Successful verification No more than 60 days
    Unsuccessful verification Up to 3 years, for fraud prevention

    This asymmetry is the part most people miss and the reason the privacy objections have been loud. A check that fails, even because of a blurry photo or a name mismatch, results in your face data and ID image being held far longer than a check that succeeds.

    Ticketmaster states that Persona does not share personal data with third parties except as necessary to perform verification and prevent fraud and abuse. If you want your data deleted, the request goes to Persona rather than to Ticketmaster, since Persona is the entity holding it.

    The privacy objection, stated fairly

    Customer pushback has centered on a reasonable point: Ticketmaster’s parent company has experienced data breaches, and biometric data cannot be reissued the way a password or card number can. Handing a face scan and a government ID to a ticketing platform is a different category of disclosure than accepting a text-message code.

    The counterargument Ticketmaster makes is that bot-driven bulk buying is the reason ordinary fans cannot get tickets at face value, and that identity checks are among the few tools that raise the cost of running bots at scale. Both things can be true: the goal may be legitimate while the retention period for failed checks remains worth questioning.

    Residents of states with biometric privacy laws, notably Illinois, Texas, and Washington, have additional statutory rights around the collection and retention of biometric identifiers. If you live in one of those states and want to pursue deletion, referencing your state law in the request to Persona is more effective than a general request.

    If verification fails

    • Retake the photos in bright, indirect light with the ID flat on a dark surface and all four corners visible
    • Confirm the legal name in Profile Details matches the ID exactly, including middle name or suffix if the ID shows one
    • Use an unexpired document; expired IDs are rejected
    • Try a different accepted document, such as a passport instead of a driver’s license
    • Contact Ticketmaster Fan Support if the check keeps failing, since repeated failures extend the retention period on the data already submitted

    Fans under 18 who are prompted cannot complete the check themselves; a parent or legal guardian must complete it on their behalf.

    What this means for buying tickets

    The practical takeaway is to prepare before a sale rather than during it. Presales move in minutes, and being kicked into a verification flow with no ID nearby is how people lose their place in a queue.

    Before a high-demand onsale, sign in to your account a day ahead, complete your profile with your legal name, and verify your phone and email. If you are prompted for a security check at that point, you have completed it calmly rather than under time pressure. And if you are not prompted at all, Ticketmaster has said that means nothing is wrong with your account.

    FAQ

    Can I buy tickets without doing the verification? Not on an account that has been prompted. The check must be completed before that account can purchase.

    Does everyone have to submit an ID? No. Ticketmaster says most fans only complete a selfie check, and an ID is requested in a smaller number of cases.

    Who holds my data, Ticketmaster or Persona? Persona performs the verification and retains the biometric data. Deletion requests go to Persona.

    Why did my check fail when the photos looked fine? The most common cause is a mismatch between the legal name on your Ticketmaster profile and the name on your ID.

    Is this the same as buying from a resale site? No. This check applies to Ticketmaster accounts. Resale platforms have their own verification policies.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 18, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. Policies and prices change; confirm with the official source before acting. See our disclosure.

  • How to Get an EIN for Free From the IRS (and Avoid Paid Look-Alike Sites)

    How to Get an EIN for Free From the IRS (and Avoid Paid Look-Alike Sites)

    Quick answer: Apply at irs.gov using the “Apply for an EIN Online” tool. It is free, takes about 10 minutes, and you get your Employer Identification Number immediately as a downloadable confirmation (CP 575). Any website that charges a fee for an EIN is a third-party filing service, not the IRS. You need a Social Security number or ITIN for the person applying, and the business must be located in the United States or its territories.

    Key Takeaways

    • An EIN is always free directly from the IRS at irs.gov; third-party sites charging $50-$300 are not the IRS
    • Apply online Monday-Friday during IRS hours and you receive the number immediately as a PDF confirmation
    • You need a valid SSN or ITIN for the responsible party, and the entity must be located in the U.S. or its territories
    • One EIN per responsible party per day; sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations, partnerships, estates, and trusts all use the same online form
    • Keep the CP 575 confirmation letter; banks and payroll providers will ask for it

    What is an EIN and who needs one?

    An EIN is a nine-digit federal tax ID for a business or other entity, formatted XX-XXXXXXX. You need one if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, file employment or excise tax returns, withhold taxes on income paid to a nonresident alien, or have a Keogh plan. Most single-member LLCs and sole proprietors without employees are not legally required to have one, but nearly all get one anyway because banks require it to open a business account, it keeps your SSN off contracts and W-9 forms, and many payment processors and marketplaces ask for it. Estates and trusts also apply for EINs.

    Before you apply: what you need

    • Legal name of the entity and any trade name (DBA)
    • The responsible party: an individual who controls or owns the entity, with a valid SSN or ITIN
    • Mailing address and, if different, physical location
    • Type of entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, nonprofit) and, for LLCs, the number of members
    • Reason for applying (started a new business, hired employees, banking purposes, changed organization type)
    • Date the business started or was acquired, and the closing month of your accounting year
    • Whether you expect to have employees in the next 12 months and, if so, how many

    If your LLC was formed at the state level, form it first and use the exact legal name from your formation documents.

    How to apply online step by step

    1. Go to irs.gov and search “Apply for an EIN Online,” or navigate to Businesses → Employer ID Numbers. Confirm the address bar shows irs.gov.
    2. Click “Apply Online Now” during available hours (the tool is open Monday through Friday during posted hours, Eastern time, and is not available on weekends).
    3. Select the entity type and answer the questions about why you are applying and how the entity is structured.
    4. Enter the responsible party’s name and SSN or ITIN, then the entity’s addresses and start date.
    5. Choose how to receive the confirmation: online (PDF immediately) or by mail (up to four weeks).
    6. Review and submit. Download and save the CP 575 confirmation letter right away; the IRS does not let you re-download it later.

    The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, so have your information ready before you start.

    Applying by fax, mail, or phone

    Method How Time to receive EIN
    Online irs.gov EIN Assistant Immediately
    Fax Form SS-4 to the IRS fax number for your state About 4 business days
    Mail Form SS-4 to the IRS address listed in the instructions About 4 weeks
    Phone (international applicants only) Call the IRS international EIN line Same call

    Applicants without an SSN or ITIN, or with a principal business outside the U.S., cannot use the online tool and must apply by phone, fax, or mail using Form SS-4.

    How to spot paid look-alike sites

    Search results for “get an EIN” are full of ads for services charging $50 to $300 to “file your EIN.” They fill out the same free IRS form on your behalf. Signs you are not on the IRS site: a .com domain, a price, a request for credit card details, or promises of “expedited” processing. The IRS never charges for an EIN and never emails or texts you an EIN. If you already paid a third party, the EIN itself is still valid; just make sure you have the CP 575 letter.

    After you get your EIN

    • Open a business bank account (bring the CP 575 and formation documents).
    • Use the EIN instead of your SSN on W-9 forms from clients and platforms.
    • Register for state tax accounts (sales tax, state employer ID) if required.
    • If you hire employees, set up payroll tax deposits and file Forms 941/940.
    • Keep the responsible party information current with Form 8822-B if it changes.

    FAQ

    Does an EIN expire? No. Once assigned it belongs to that entity permanently, even if you never use it.

    Do I need a new EIN if I change from sole proprietor to LLC? Usually yes when the entity type changes; the IRS lists the situations on its “Do you need a new EIN?” page.

    Can I look up my EIN if I lost it? Check the CP 575 letter, old tax returns, or bank records; otherwise call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line to have it confirmed.

    How many EINs can I get? One per responsible party per day, and one per entity.

    Is an EIN the same as a business license? No. Licenses come from your state or city; the EIN is only a federal tax ID.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 17, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits Online (Step by Step)

    How to Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits Online (Step by Step)

    Quick answer: Go to ssa.gov/retirement, sign in with your my Social Security account, and complete the online application. You can apply up to four months before the month you want benefits to start, as long as you are at least 61 years and 9 months old. Most people finish in under 30 minutes and receive a decision within a few weeks. Before you apply, check your estimates, because the month you choose locks in your benefit amount for life.

    Key Takeaways

    • Apply online at ssa.gov/retirement up to 4 months before you want benefits to start; you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old
    • The online application takes about 15-30 minutes and can be saved and resumed
    • You need a my Social Security account, your work history, bank details for direct deposit, and (if applicable) marriage and military records
    • Processing usually takes 2-6 weeks; first payment arrives the month after your entitlement month
    • Applying is not the same as deciding when to claim: run the estimates first, since claiming early permanently reduces your benefit

    Who can apply online

    You can use the online application if you are at least 61 years and 9 months old, are not currently receiving Social Security benefits on your own record, have not already applied for retirement benefits, and want benefits to start no more than four months in the future. If you are applying for spousal or survivor benefits only, or you live outside the United States in certain countries, you may need to apply by phone or at a field office instead. Medicare-only applicants (age 65 who want to delay retirement benefits) can also apply online through a separate path.

    Decide when to start before you apply

    Applying and claiming are two different decisions. Your benefit is reduced permanently for every month you claim before full retirement age (67 for anyone born in 1960 or later) and increased for every month you delay up to age 70. Sign in to my Social Security first and look at the estimates for 62, full retirement age, and 70; the difference between the earliest and latest amounts is typically more than 75%. If you are still working before full retirement age, remember that earnings above the annual limit temporarily reduce payments. Read our guide on full retirement age and claiming ages before choosing a start month.

    What to gather

    • Your Social Security number and date and place of birth
    • Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
    • Name of your current or last employer and dates of employment for the past two years, plus estimated earnings for this year and last
    • Marriage details: spouse’s name, date of birth, SSN, and dates of marriage and divorce (for any marriage lasting 10 or more years)
    • Military service dates if you served before 1968
    • Whether you or your spouse have a pension from work not covered by Social Security

    You usually do not need to upload documents to apply online. If SSA needs proof (for example a birth certificate or marriage certificate), it will tell you what to send after you submit.

    How to apply step by step

    1. Create or sign in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount (identity verification through Login.gov or ID.me).
    2. Go to ssa.gov/retirement and select “Apply for Retirement Benefits.”
    3. Confirm your identity and personal details, then answer questions about work history, marriage, and children.
    4. Choose the month you want benefits to begin. The application shows how that month affects your amount.
    5. Enter direct deposit information (or choose the Direct Express card if you have no bank account).
    6. Review the summary, electronically sign, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number and a re-entry number to check status.

    You can save your progress and return within 6 months, and you can check status in your my Social Security account under “Application Status.”

    What happens after you submit

    SSA reviews the application and may call or write if it needs more information. Most retirement claims are decided within two to six weeks. Once approved, you receive an award letter showing your benefit amount, start date, and payment day (second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month depending on your birth date). Payments are made the month after they are due, so a benefit for June arrives in July. If your claim is denied or the amount looks wrong, you have 60 days to request reconsideration.

    Applying for Medicare at the same time

    If you are turning 65, the retirement application lets you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B at the same time. If you want to delay retirement benefits but still need Medicare, choose the Medicare-only application. Enrolling late in Part B can carry a lifetime penalty unless you have employer coverage from active work.

    Common mistakes

    • Choosing the earliest possible month without checking how much the reduction costs over a lifetime.
    • Forgetting a prior marriage that lasted 10 years or more, which can affect spousal benefit options.
    • Not reporting a pension from non-covered government work.
    • Entering the wrong bank details; the first payment can be delayed by weeks if a deposit is rejected.
    • Applying more than four months before the intended start month (the system will not accept it).

    FAQ

    Can I apply by phone or in person? Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 or make an appointment at a local office, though online is fastest.

    Can I change my mind after applying? You can withdraw your application within 12 months of first payment (repaying benefits received) and later reapply at a higher age.

    Do I need to stop working? No, but earnings above the annual limit before full retirement age temporarily reduce payments.

    How far in advance should I start the process? Create your account and review estimates a year ahead; submit the application three to four months before your intended start.

    Will SSA tell me the best age to claim? No. SSA explains the rules but does not give personalized advice; consider a fee-only planner for complex situations.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 17, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • Premier League 2026-27 Schedule: Start Date, Key Fixtures, and How to Watch in the US

    Premier League 2026-27 Schedule: Start Date, Key Fixtures, and How to Watch in the US

    Quick answer: The 2026-27 Premier League season starts on Friday, August 21, 2026 (Arsenal v Coventry City) and finishes on Sunday, May 30, 2027, when all ten final-day games kick off at the same time. In the United States every one of the 380 matches is available across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.

    Key Takeaways

    • Season runs August 21, 2026 to May 30, 2027, one week later than usual because of the 2026 World Cup
    • Champions Arsenal open at home to promoted Coventry on Friday night; Newcastle v Liverpool headlines Sunday
    • Three promoted clubs: Coventry City, Hull City, and Ipswich Town
    • No league games on the weekends of Sept 26, Oct 3, Nov 14, and Mar 27 (international breaks)
    • All 380 games in the US: NBC, USA Network, and Peacock

    When does the 2026-27 Premier League season start and end?

    The opening match round begins on Friday, August 21, 2026 and the final round is Sunday, May 30, 2027. That is one week later than a normal season on both ends. The Premier League pushed the calendar back to give players time to recover after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving 33 days between the World Cup final and the first Premier League game, and finishing the league one week before the Champions League final on June 5, 2027. The season consists of 33 weekend rounds and five midweek rounds.

    Opening weekend fixtures (times in ET)

    Date Kickoff (ET) Fixture
    Fri, Aug 21 3:00 pm Arsenal v Coventry City
    Sat, Aug 22 7:30 am Hull City v Manchester United
    Sat, Aug 22 10:00 am Everton v Crystal Palace; Ipswich Town v Sunderland; Nottingham Forest v Leeds United
    Sat, Aug 22 12:30 pm Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur
    Sun, Aug 23 9:00 am Brighton v Aston Villa; Manchester City v Bournemouth
    Sun, Aug 23 11:30 am Newcastle United v Liverpool
    Mon, Aug 24 3:00 pm Fulham v Chelsea

    The opening round is packed with storylines: Liverpool’s first competitive game under new manager Andoni Iraola is away at Newcastle, Manchester City begin life after Pep Guardiola against Bournemouth, and Chelsea’s new boss Xabi Alonso starts with a west London derby at Fulham. Newly promoted Hull City host Manchester United in their first top-flight game back.

    Which teams are in the Premier League this season?

    Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Tottenham Hotspur. Coventry, Hull (via the play-off final), and Ipswich came up from the Championship, replacing Burnley, Wolves, and West Ham. Arsenal are the defending champions and Manchester City are FA Cup holders.

    Biggest fixtures to circle on the calendar

    Date Match
    Sun, Sep 6 Arsenal v Chelsea
    Sun, Sep 13 Manchester United v Manchester City
    Sat, Oct 10 Liverpool v Manchester City
    Sat, Oct 31 Liverpool v Arsenal
    Sat, Nov 21 Liverpool v Manchester United
    Sat, Nov 28 Arsenal v Manchester City
    Sat, Dec 5 Tottenham v Arsenal; Chelsea v Liverpool
    Sat, Dec 19 Arsenal v Manchester United
    Sat, Jan 23 Manchester United v Liverpool
    Sat, Jan 30 Manchester City v Arsenal
    Sat, Feb 6 Arsenal v Liverpool
    Sat, Mar 20 Manchester City v Manchester United
    Sat, May 8 Manchester City v Liverpool

    Exact kickoff times for matches from October onward are confirmed a few weeks in advance when TV selections are made, so treat dates beyond September as provisional until the league publishes broadcast picks.

    Key dates: breaks, festive fixtures, and final day

    • Community Shield: Arsenal v Manchester City, Sunday, August 16, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium (Wembley is unavailable that weekend).
    • International breaks: no Premier League games on the weekends of September 26 and October 3 (a two-week window), November 14, and March 27.
    • Midweek rounds: December 2, December 30, January 6, February 10, and March 3.
    • Boxing Day (December 26): a full round including Crystal Palace v Arsenal, Newcastle v Manchester City, and Hull v Liverpool.
    • Final day, Sunday, May 30, 2027: all ten matches kick off simultaneously; fixtures include Arsenal v Brighton, Liverpool v Bournemouth, and Sunderland v Manchester City.

    How to watch the Premier League in the US

    NBC holds the US rights, so all 380 games are shown across NBC (broadcast), USA Network (cable), and Peacock (streaming). Typically the Saturday 12:30 pm ET match airs on NBC or USA, several 10:00 am ET games stream exclusively on Peacock, and the Sunday and weeknight picks are split between USA and Peacock. Check the weekly listing on NBC Sports or in the Peacock app, since assignments change match by match. In the UK, Sky Sports carries at least 215 live matches this season, including every final-day game.

    How the schedule can change

    The dates above come from the fixture list released on June 19, 2026, but individual games move for television, cup competitions, and European fixtures. Matches involving clubs in the EFL Cup third round can be shifted to a different day of the same weekend, and games can be postponed for FA Cup ties later in the season. Always confirm the kickoff time within a week of the match on the official Premier League site or your club’s site.

    FAQ

    Why does the season start a week late? To give players time to recover after the 2026 World Cup and to allow 89 clear days from the end of the previous season.

    Do all games kick off at the same time on the final day? Yes. All ten matches on May 30, 2027 start simultaneously.

    Are Premier League games on regular TV in the US? Some are, on NBC and USA Network, but a large share stream only on Peacock, so a Peacock subscription is needed to see every game.

    When are the promoted teams’ first games? Coventry play at Arsenal on August 21, Hull host Manchester United on August 22, and Ipswich host Sunderland on August 22.

    Where can I see the full 380-match list? The official Premier League site publishes every fixture with kickoff times as they are confirmed.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to File a Tax Extension: Form 4868 Explained

    How to File a Tax Extension: Form 4868 Explained

    Quick answer: File IRS Form 4868 by the April deadline to get an automatic six-month extension to file, usually until October 15. The extension does not extend the time to pay; estimate what you owe and pay it by April to avoid interest and penalties.

    Key Takeaways

    • Form 4868 gives an automatic six-month extension to file
    • It does not extend the time to pay; pay by April to avoid penalties
    • You can request it free via IRS Free File or by making a payment
    • Check whether your state needs a separate extension

    Three ways to request an extension

    1. IRS Free File at irs.gov: any taxpayer can e-file Form 4868 free regardless of income.
    2. Make a payment at irs.gov/payments and select “extension” as the reason. Paying counts as your extension request; no separate form is needed.
    3. Tax software or a preparer: most tools file the extension with a couple of clicks.

    What the extension covers

    Only the filing deadline. If you owe tax and do not pay by April, the failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% per month) and interest accrue. Paying at least 90% of your liability by April generally avoids the penalty.

    State extensions

    Many states accept the federal extension automatically; some require their own form. Check your state revenue department.

    Special cases

    • Taxpayers living abroad get an automatic 2-month extension to June 15.
    • Military in combat zones receive additional time.
    • Federally declared disaster areas often get extended deadlines announced by the IRS.

    After you file the extension

    You will not receive a confirmation letter, but e-filed extensions generate an electronic acknowledgment. Keep it with your records.

    FAQ

    Does an extension increase audit risk? No, there is no evidence that extensions raise audit rates.

    Can I get more time after October? Generally no; October is the final deadline.

    What if I am due a refund? There is no failure-to-file penalty when you are owed a refund, but you must file within three years to claim it.

    If you cannot pay by April

    The most damaging misunderstanding about extensions is thinking that not being able to pay is a reason not to file. It is the opposite. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of unpaid tax per month, ten times the 0.5% monthly failure-to-pay penalty. Filing on time or on extension while paying nothing is dramatically cheaper than doing neither.

    File the extension, pay whatever you can by the April deadline, then set up a payment plan at irs.gov/payments. Short-term plans of up to 180 days have no setup fee. Long-term installment agreements carry a modest setup fee that is reduced for direct debit and waived or lowered for low-income taxpayers. Most people can apply online in a few minutes if the balance is under the online application threshold.

    Interest and the reduced failure-to-pay penalty continue while you pay, but you avoid collection actions and the far larger penalty. If paying is genuinely impossible, ask about currently-not-collectible status or an offer in compromise, both of which require documentation of your finances.

    Estimating what you owe when the numbers are incomplete

    An extension request asks for an estimate of your total tax liability, and the estimate matters because paying at least 90% of your final liability by April generally avoids the failure-to-pay penalty.

    A workable method when documents are missing: start with last year’s total tax as a baseline, adjust for known changes in income, add up withholding already paid from pay stubs and any estimated payments made, and pay the difference. If you are genuinely uncertain, overpay modestly. The excess is refunded when you file, and the cost of overpaying is a few months of foregone interest, while the cost of underpaying is a penalty plus interest.

    State extensions vary more than people expect

    Many states accept the federal extension automatically with nothing further required. Some require their own form. A few grant an extension only if you make a payment with it. And states with no income tax require nothing at all.

    The failure mode here is assuming the federal extension covers everything and discovering a state penalty months later. Check your state revenue department’s website specifically, since the rule is not inferable from the federal one.

    Situations with automatic extra time

    Several groups receive additional time without filing anything. U.S. citizens and residents living outside the country receive an automatic two-month extension to June 15, and can request until October with Form 4868. Military members serving in a combat zone receive the length of their deployment plus 180 days. And taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas receive postponed deadlines announced by the IRS, which are listed on its disaster relief page and applied automatically based on your address of record.

    After you file the extension

    You will not receive a letter confirming the extension was granted, which unsettles people expecting one. E-filed extensions generate an electronic acknowledgment and payments produce a confirmation number; save whichever applies.

    Then finish the return before October. There is no second extension for individuals, and the failure-to-file penalty applies from the October date if you miss it. If the reason you extended was a missing document such as a corrected 1099 or a K-1, follow up on it in the summer rather than in October, since chasing a document in the final week is how extensions turn into late filings.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Check for Car Recalls by VIN (Free NHTSA Lookup)

    How to Check for Car Recalls by VIN (Free NHTSA Lookup)

    Quick answer: Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-character VIN. The tool shows any unrepaired safety recalls from the last 15 years. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer for that brand.

    Key Takeaways

    • Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
    • Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer
    • The tool covers the last 15 model years
    • Always run the VIN before buying a used car

    Where to find your VIN

    • Driver-side dashboard, visible through the windshield
    • Driver-side door jamb sticker
    • Registration card and insurance documents

    How to run the check

    1. Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.
    2. Type the VIN (letters I, O, and Q are never used, so read carefully).
    3. Review the results. “0 unrepaired recalls” means you are clear.

    You can also download the free NHTSA SaferCar app to get alerts for your vehicles.

    What to do if a recall is open

    Call a dealer for the vehicle’s brand, give them the VIN, and schedule the repair. Parts are sometimes back-ordered; ask to be put on a list and whether the vehicle is safe to drive meanwhile.

    Buying a used car

    Always run the VIN before buying. Sellers are not always required to fix open recalls, so factor repair time into your decision.

    Not just cars

    NHTSA also tracks recalls for tires, child car seats, and motorcycles. Register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recall notices.

    FAQ

    Do recalls expire? Safety recall repairs remain free indefinitely, though the lookup only shows the last 15 model years.

    Will a recall show up on a Carfax report? Often, but the NHTSA tool is the authoritative source.

    Can I be reimbursed if I already paid for the repair? Sometimes; manufacturers offer reimbursement programs for repairs done before the recall was announced. Ask the dealer.

    Understanding the recall notice you receive

    When a recall applies to your vehicle, the manufacturer must mail a notice, and the same information appears in the NHTSA lookup. Each recall carries a NHTSA campaign number formatted as two digits, a letter, and three digits, such as 24V-123, along with a separate manufacturer campaign number. Either works at the dealer.

    The notice describes the defect, the safety risk, the remedy, and critically whether the remedy is available yet. “Remedy not yet available” means parts or repair procedures are still being finalized, and you will receive a second notice when the fix is ready. Some notices include interim guidance, such as parking outside because of fire risk or avoiding certain driving conditions, and those instructions matter more than the eventual repair date.

    When a dealer refuses or tries to charge

    Recall repairs must be free at any franchised dealer for that brand. You do not have to have purchased the vehicle there, and the dealer cannot require you to pay for a diagnostic first or bundle the recall with other recommended services.

    If a dealer resists, ask for the service manager and cite the campaign number. If that fails, contact the manufacturer’s customer relations line, which can direct the dealer or route you to another one. NHTSA also accepts complaints about dealer non-compliance and tracks them.

    A dealer may legitimately charge for unrelated problems discovered during the visit. Ask for the recall work and any recommended service to appear as separate line items on the invoice so it is clear what you agreed to.

    Parts backorders, which are increasingly common

    Large recalls routinely outrun parts supply, and owners can wait months. If you are told parts are unavailable, ask three questions: what is the estimated availability date, is the vehicle safe to drive in the meantime, and does the manufacturer provide a loaner or rental during the wait.

    Manufacturers are not uniformly required to provide alternative transportation, but many do for safety recalls where the vehicle should not be driven. Ask explicitly rather than assuming the answer is no. Document the date you first requested the repair, since that record matters if the defect causes a problem while you wait.

    Rentals, leases, and company vehicles

    Federal law prohibits rental companies from renting or selling vehicles with open safety recalls, so a rental with an unrepaired recall should not be on the lot. If you discover one, request a different vehicle.

    Leased vehicles are your responsibility to bring in, exactly like an owned car, and the leasing company will forward recall notices to your address. Fleet managers can check many VINs at once through NHTSA’s batch lookup and manufacturer fleet portals.

    The category most often overlooked is a vehicle you drive regularly but do not own: a company car, a family member’s vehicle, or a car you borrow frequently. Recall notices go to the registered owner, who may not be the person driving. Run the VIN yourself rather than assuming someone else did.

    Buying a used car

    Always run the VIN before purchasing. Private sellers have no obligation to repair open recalls, and used-car dealer rules are considerably looser than new-car rules. An open recall is not necessarily a reason to walk away, since the repair is free, but it does mean scheduling a service visit and potentially waiting for parts.

    Check the NHTSA tool directly rather than relying solely on a vehicle history report. History reports often include recall data, but the manufacturer-fed NHTSA lookup is the authoritative source for whether a specific VIN has been repaired.

    Getting notified without checking manually

    Register your vehicle with the manufacturer’s owner portal so notices reach your current address, which is the single most effective step, since manufacturers mail to the address on registration records. Keep your address current with the DMV for the same reason. Sign up for NHTSA email alerts by make and model, and install the SaferCar app for push notifications. And register child car seats with their manufacturer using the card in the box, since car seat recalls are frequent and reach owners only through that registration.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Set Up or Change Direct Deposit for Social Security

    How to Set Up or Change Direct Deposit for Social Security

    Quick answer: Log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, open Benefits & Payments, and update your bank routing and account numbers. You can also call 800-772-1213 or ask your bank to submit the change. Allow 30 to 60 days for the switch to take effect.

    Key Takeaways

    • Change your bank in a my Social Security account, by phone, or via your bank
    • Allow 30-60 days for the switch
    • Keep the old account open until the first new deposit arrives
    • SSA never calls to demand payment or move money

    Why direct deposit

    Direct deposit is faster, cannot be lost or stolen in the mail, and is required by federal rules for most beneficiaries. Paper checks are being phased out except for limited exceptions.

    Option 1: Online

    1. Sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount (create an account with ID.me or Login.gov if needed).
    2. Select Benefits & Payments → Update Direct Deposit.
    3. Enter the routing number and account number from a check or your bank’s app.
    4. Confirm. Keep the old account open until the first deposit arrives in the new one.

    Option 2: By phone

    Call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), weekdays. Have your SSN and new account details ready.

    Option 3: Through your bank

    Many banks can submit the enrollment on your behalf. Ask at a branch or through customer service.

    No bank account?

    The Direct Express debit card lets you receive payments without a bank account. Enroll at usdirectexpress.com or by phone.

    Protecting your account

    Scammers often try to redirect benefits by changing deposit details. SSA will never call and demand payment or ask you to move money. If you get an unexpected letter saying your deposit was changed, contact SSA immediately.

    FAQ

    When is my payment date? Payments are scheduled by birth date: second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, or the 3rd for some older claims and SSI on the 1st.

    Can I split my payment between two accounts? No, only one account per benefit.

    Does the same process work for SSI? Yes, SSI uses the same channels.

    Setting up direct deposit when you first claim benefits

    If you are applying for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits for the first time, bank details are entered directly in the application at ssa.gov rather than as a separate step afterward.

    Have a voided check or your bank’s routing and account numbers ready; both appear in most banking apps under account details. Select checking or savings correctly, since a mismatch is a frequent cause of a rejected first payment. If you apply by phone or in person, the representative collects the same information.

    If you do not provide bank details, SSA offers the Direct Express debit card rather than a paper check, since paper checks are being phased out for nearly all beneficiaries.

    Changing banks without missing a payment

    The safe sequence matters more than the method. Open the new account first, then update SSA, then wait until at least one payment has posted to the new account before closing the old one.

    SSA processes changes on a monthly cycle. An update made early in the month may take effect the following month; one made late in the month may take two cycles. During that window a payment could still route to the old account, which is precisely why keeping it open matters. If the old account has already closed, the deposit bounces back to Treasury and SSA reissues it, a process that can take several weeks.

    If you are switching because of fraud or a bank problem, say so when you make the change, so SSA can flag the record.

    Redirect fraud, and how to make your account harder to attack

    Diverting benefit payments is a recurring form of fraud, usually accomplished by phishing a beneficiary’s my Social Security credentials or by calling while impersonating SSA.

    Three facts protect you. SSA does not call to demand payment, threaten arrest, or ask you to move money to a “safe” account. SSA does not text links asking you to verify your deposit information. And any letter stating that your direct deposit was changed when you did not change it should trigger an immediate call to SSA.

    On the defensive side, enable two-factor authentication on your my Social Security account and consider asking SSA to add a block preventing direct deposit changes by phone, which forces any change to go through channels a remote attacker cannot easily use.

    Representative payees

    If you receive benefits on behalf of someone else as a representative payee, the account must be titled to show the beneficiary’s ownership and your fiduciary role, for example “Jane Doe by John Doe, representative payee,” and the funds must be kept separate from your own money.

    Updates go through your own payee portal or by contacting SSA directly; the beneficiary’s login cannot be used for this. Payees also file an annual accounting of how funds were spent, so keeping records of deposits and expenditures from the start avoids reconstructing a year of transactions later.

    If a payment does not arrive

    Wait three business days past your scheduled date, since bank posting times vary. Then check your my Social Security account to confirm the payment was issued and which account is on file. Call your bank to verify nothing was rejected. If the payment was issued but never received, contact SSA to request a trace and reissue.

    One structural detail explains a common confusion: benefits are paid in arrears, meaning the payment you receive covers the previous month. People expecting a payment in their first month of entitlement often think something has gone wrong when nothing has.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • Flight Cancelled or Delayed? Your Refund Rights and What to Do

    Flight Cancelled or Delayed? Your Refund Rights and What to Do

    Quick answer: Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel, the airline owes you a refund to your original payment method, not just a voucher, regardless of the reason. Rebooking, meals, and hotels depend on the airline’s own commitments and whether the cause was within its control.

    Key Takeaways

    • If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you are owed a cash refund
    • Refunds must go to the original payment method, not just a voucher
    • Meals and hotels depend on the airline’s commitments and the cause
    • File a DOT complaint if the airline refuses

    Step 1: Check the airline app immediately

    Airlines usually rebook automatically. Review the new itinerary; if it does not work, look for a “change flight” option, which is often free after a cancellation.

    Step 2: Decide: rebook or refund

    If you still want to travel, take the best available rebooking. If not, request a refund. Airlines must process refunds promptly (within 7 business days for credit cards, 20 calendar days for other methods).

    Step 3: Ask about amenities

    For controllable delays (mechanical, crew, IT), most major U.S. airlines commit to meals after a delay of about 3 hours and hotels for overnight disruptions. Check the DOT airline customer service dashboard at transportation.gov for each airline’s commitments. Weather and air traffic control delays generally do not qualify.

    Step 4: Keep receipts

    If you pay for a hotel or meal yourself, save receipts and submit a reimbursement request afterward.

    Baggage fees and extras

    If bags are significantly delayed, checked-bag fees must be refunded. Fees for services you paid for but did not receive (Wi-Fi, seat selection) are also refundable.

    If the airline refuses

    File a complaint with the DOT at transportation.gov/airconsumer. You can also dispute the charge with your credit card issuer.

    FAQ

    Does travel insurance help? It can cover expenses airlines will not, such as prepaid hotels at your destination. Many premium credit cards include trip-delay coverage.

    Do EU rules apply to my flight? EU261 applies to flights departing the EU or arriving on EU carriers, and can provide cash compensation on top of refunds.

    Can I get compensation for a delay in the U.S.? There is no federal cash compensation requirement for delays as of now; refunds apply only if you cancel your trip.

    What counts as a “significant change”

    The refund right applies not only to outright cancellations but to significant schedule changes, and airlines make those constantly.

    Under DOT rules a significant change includes a departure or arrival time moved by more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally, a change of departure or arrival airport, an added connection, a downgrade in class of service, or a change to a less accessible aircraft for a passenger with a disability.

    This matters because schedule-change emails often arrive months before travel and read like housekeeping. If the new times do not work for you, you are entitled to a full refund even on a basic-economy or otherwise non-refundable fare. Airlines will offer rebooking first; you can accept a better option, but the refund remains your right if you prefer it.

    Getting the refund in practice

    Request it in writing through the airline’s refund form rather than by phone, because the DOT clock starts when the airline receives the request and a form submission creates a timestamped record. Refunds must be processed within seven business days for credit card purchases and twenty calendar days for other payment methods.

    If the airline offers a voucher or travel credit, and you want money, decline it explicitly in writing. Accepting a voucher is generally treated as settling the claim, which forecloses the cash refund.

    Keep a screenshot of the original itinerary and the cancellation or change notice, since airlines occasionally update records in ways that make the original terms hard to reconstruct later.

    Meals, hotels, and rebooking: a different set of rules

    Refunds are governed by regulation. Amenities during disruptions are governed largely by each airline’s own published commitments, which is why outcomes vary so much between carriers.

    For disruptions within the airline’s control, such as mechanical problems, crew shortages, or IT failures, most major U.S. airlines have committed to meal vouchers after roughly three hours and hotel accommodation plus ground transport for overnight disruptions, along with rebooking on the same airline at no cost. Weather and air traffic control delays generally fall outside these commitments.

    The DOT publishes an Airline Customer Service Dashboard comparing what each carrier has actually committed to. Checking it before you argue at the gate is more effective than arguing, because you can name the specific commitment the airline has published.

    Baggage and extras

    If checked bags are significantly delayed, the bag fee must be refunded. DOT thresholds are 12 hours for domestic flights and 15 to 30 hours for international flights depending on length.

    Airlines are also liable for reasonable expenses caused by delayed bags up to federal or treaty limits, so keep receipts for essentials purchased while waiting. Separately, any fee paid for a service not delivered, such as Wi-Fi that did not work, a seat assignment not honored, or unavailable in-flight entertainment, is refundable.

    When the airline says no

    File a complaint with the DOT at transportation.gov/airconsumer. Airlines are required to respond to DOT complaints, and patterns of complaints inform enforcement action. Attach your documentation.

    In parallel, dispute the charge with your credit card issuer as services not provided. These two paths are not mutually exclusive and pursuing both is reasonable when an airline has ignored a clear refund obligation.

    For flights touching Europe or the UK, separate passenger-rights rules can provide fixed cash compensation on top of a refund, depending on delay length and cause. These apply to flights departing the EU or UK on any carrier, and to flights arriving there on EU or UK carriers.

    Reducing your exposure before you book

    Book early-morning flights, which are cancelled and delayed least often because the aircraft is already in position overnight. Avoid tight connections, particularly on the last flight of the day, where a missed connection means an overnight rather than a two-hour wait. Pay with a credit card that includes trip delay and cancellation coverage, which reimburses expenses airlines are not obliged to cover. And download the airline app and enable notifications before leaving for the airport, since app rebooking is typically faster than a phone queue or a gate line during a large disruption.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.