Infobrief

Category: How-To

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How to Get a REAL ID: Documents You Need and What It Costs

    How to Get a REAL ID: Documents You Need and What It Costs

    Quick answer: Apply in person at your state DMV with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard license renewal in most states, sometimes with a small surcharge. Since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID (or another acceptable ID such as a passport) is required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.

    Key Takeaways

    • Apply in person at your state DMV
    • Bring proof of identity, SSN, and two proofs of residency
    • Since May 7, 2025 a REAL ID or passport is required for domestic flights
    • A REAL ID is not valid for international air travel

    Do you need one?

    If you already use a passport or another TSA-accepted ID for flying, a REAL ID is optional. If your driver’s license is your only ID and you fly domestically, you need it. Look for a star in the upper corner of your card.

    Documents to bring

    • Identity and date of birth: certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport
    • Social Security number: SSN card, W-2, or pay stub showing full SSN
    • Two proofs of residency: utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement with your current address
    • Name change documents if your current name differs from your birth certificate (marriage certificate, court order)

    Requirements vary slightly by state; check your DMV’s REAL ID checklist before going.

    How to apply

    1. Pre-fill the application online if your state offers it.
    2. Book an appointment; walk-in waits can be long.
    3. Bring original or certified documents, not photocopies.
    4. Pay the fee and have your photo taken.
    5. Receive the card by mail, typically within 2 to 4 weeks.

    Enhanced Driver’s License

    Some states (for example Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Washington) offer an Enhanced Driver’s License that also works for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico. It is REAL ID compliant.

    FAQ

    Can I apply online? First-time REAL ID applications require an in-person visit; some states allow later renewals online.

    Does a REAL ID replace a passport? No. It is not valid for international air travel.

    What if I cannot find my birth certificate? Order a certified copy from the vital records office of your birth state; a valid passport also works.

    Do you actually need one?

    Enforcement began May 7, 2025, and the requirement is narrower than the coverage suggested. A REAL ID matters only for federal purposes: boarding domestic commercial flights and entering certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

    It is not required to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits, enter a hospital, visit a post office, or serve on a jury. And it is not the only acceptable document. A valid U.S. passport or passport card, Global Entry or other trusted traveler card, military ID, permanent resident card, and several tribal IDs all satisfy TSA.

    The practical decision: if your driver’s license is your only photo ID and you fly domestically, get a REAL ID. If you already travel with a passport, it is optional. Check whether your current license already qualifies by looking for a star, usually gold or black, in the upper corner. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, which show a flag instead, also qualify.

    Why applications get rejected

    Rejections cluster around a small number of documentation problems, and every one of them is avoidable with an hour of preparation.

    Name mismatches are the most common. Your birth certificate says one name, your Social Security card another, and your marriage certificate connects them. Every link in that chain must be documented. Someone married twice needs both certificates. A name changed by court order needs the order.

    Photocopies instead of originals. Certified copies are acceptable; photocopies are not. A laminated Social Security card is often rejected outright.

    Stale residency documents. Most states require utility bills or bank statements from the last 60 to 90 days, and both must show your name and current address. A P.O. box is not accepted as a residence.

    Expired documents. Some states accept an expired passport as proof of identity, others require it to be current. Check your state’s list rather than assuming.

    How long the whole process takes

    Plan on two to six weeks from decision to card in hand, driven mainly by appointment availability. Large metropolitan DMVs are frequently booked weeks out, while smaller offices often have next-day slots, and most states let you book at any office statewide rather than only your local one.

    If you need to order a certified birth certificate first, add one to four weeks depending on the issuing state. After your visit, the card typically arrives by mail in two to four weeks; you leave with a temporary paper credential that TSA does not accept.

    The implication is straightforward: do not schedule a DMV visit the week before a flight. If travel is imminent, fly on your passport and handle the REAL ID afterward.

    Non-citizens and temporary status

    Lawful permanent residents and people with temporary status can obtain a REAL ID, with one difference: the card’s expiration is tied to the length of authorized stay.

    Bring your green card, visa with I-94, employment authorization document, or other proof of lawful status. States verify these through the federal SAVE system, which can add processing time beyond the usual. Cards issued to temporary residents expire when the authorized period ends and must be renewed with updated status documents.

    Several states also issue standard driver’s licenses to residents who cannot meet REAL ID documentation requirements. Those cards are valid for driving but are marked “not for federal identification” and cannot be used at TSA checkpoints.

    Renewals and replacements afterward

    Once you hold a REAL ID, subsequent renewals are simpler. Many states allow online renewal since your documents are already on file, with some requiring an in-person visit only every other cycle to update the photo. A lost card can usually be replaced online or by mail without re-presenting documents.

    Two situations reset the process. A name change requires presenting the linking document again. And moving to another state means starting the REAL ID process from scratch under that state’s rules, since REAL ID compliance is administered state by state.

    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 Report Identity Theft and Recover Your Accounts (IdentityTheft.gov)

    How to Report Identity Theft and Recover Your Accounts (IdentityTheft.gov)

    Quick answer: Report the theft at IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC’s official site. It creates an Identity Theft Report and a step-by-step recovery plan. Then place a fraud alert or credit freeze, contact the companies where fraud occurred, and change compromised passwords.

    Key Takeaways

    • Report at IdentityTheft.gov to get an official FTC report and recovery plan
    • Place a fraud alert or credit freeze right away
    • Contact each affected company’s fraud department
    • Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication

    Step 1: Report to the FTC

    At IdentityTheft.gov describe what happened. You will receive an Identity Theft Report, which businesses and credit bureaus accept as proof, plus prefilled letters.

    Step 2: Place a fraud alert or freeze

    A fraud alert (free, one year, set at one bureau which notifies the others) tells lenders to verify identity. A credit freeze (free at all three bureaus) blocks new credit entirely and is stronger.

    Step 3: Contact affected companies

    Call the fraud department of each bank, card issuer, or company where an account was opened or misused. Ask them to close or freeze the account and send written confirmation.

    Step 4: Secure your accounts

    • Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email and financial accounts
    • Review credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com
    • Set up transaction alerts on your cards

    Special situations

    • Tax identity theft: file IRS Form 14039 and get an Identity Protection PIN.
    • Medical identity theft: request records from providers and correct errors.
    • Stolen SSN used for employment: contact the Social Security Administration and check your earnings record.

    Should you file a police report?

    The FTC report is usually sufficient, but some creditors require a police report. Bring your FTC report and ID to your local department.

    FAQ

    Am I liable for fraudulent charges? Federal law limits credit card liability to $50, and most issuers waive it. Debit card protection depends on how quickly you report.

    How long does recovery take? Simple cases resolve in weeks; complex ones can take months. Keep a log of every call and letter.

    Should I pay for identity monitoring? Optional. Freezes and free monitoring from your bank cover most needs.

    The first hour matters more than the first week

    Identity theft response is a race against how fast the thief can convert access into money. Two actions in the first hour reduce damage more than anything you do later.

    First, secure your email account before anything else. Email is the recovery mechanism for every financial account you own, so a compromised inbox undoes every other protective step. Change the password and enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app, not SMS.

    Second, place a credit freeze at all three bureaus rather than a fraud alert. A freeze blocks new credit outright; an alert only asks lenders to verify identity, which some do perfunctorily. Freezes are free by law and take effect within an hour when placed online.

    Building the paper trail that everything else depends on

    IdentityTheft.gov generates an Identity Theft Report, which is the document banks, creditors, and bureaus accept as proof. Without it, each company applies its own standard and you repeat your story indefinitely. With it, you gain specific legal rights: creditors must stop collection on disputed fraudulent accounts, bureaus must block fraudulent information from your report, and an extended seven-year fraud alert becomes available.

    The site also produces prefilled dispute letters and a checklist that tracks what you have completed. Before starting, gather your credit reports from all three bureaus, statements showing the fraudulent activity, any collection notices, and the breach notification if you received one.

    Keep a log from the first call onward: date, time, company, representative name, what was promised, and any reference number. This log is what settles disputes months later when a company claims it was never notified.

    Different types of identity theft need different agencies

    Credit card fraud is the version everyone pictures, but several other types require entirely different responses.

    Tax identity theft, where someone files a return using your Social Security number, is handled with IRS Form 14039 and by requesting an Identity Protection PIN, which prevents future fraudulent filings.

    Medical identity theft means someone received care under your name, which can corrupt your medical records with another person’s blood type or allergies. Request records from each provider and insurer, and ask for an accounting of disclosures.

    Employment-related theft, where your Social Security number is used to work, surfaces as unfamiliar income on your Social Security earnings record. Contact the Social Security Administration and review your earnings statement.

    Government benefits fraud, particularly unemployment claims filed in your name, is reported to the state agency involved as well as through IdentityTheft.gov.

    Child identity theft requires first checking whether a credit file exists for your child at all, then freezing it.

    Your actual liability, which is lower than most people fear

    Federal law caps credit card liability for unauthorized charges at $50, and virtually every major issuer waives even that under zero-liability policies. Debit cards are governed by different rules with a sliding scale: up to $50 if you report within two business days of learning about the loss, up to $500 if you report within 60 days of the statement, and potentially unlimited after that.

    This difference is the strongest practical argument for using a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases and travel. With a credit card, disputed funds were never yours to begin with. With a debit card, the money leaves your account while the bank investigates, which can take weeks and cause bounced payments in the meantime.

    After the cleanup: what to keep in place permanently

    Most people restore access, breathe out, and remove the protections. Stolen data circulates for years, and re-victimization is common.

    Keep the credit freeze in place permanently and lift it only when you apply for credit, which takes about an hour online. Keep the IRS Identity Protection PIN. Create a my Social Security account so nobody else can create one using your number. Use a password manager so a breach at one company does not cascade. Opt out of prescreened offers at OptOutPrescreen.com. And review all three credit reports every few months for at least two years, which is free weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com.

    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 Cancel a Subscription and Stop Recurring Charges

    How to Cancel a Subscription and Stop Recurring Charges

    Quick answer: Cancel where you originally subscribed. If it was through Apple, use Settings → your name → Subscriptions on iPhone. If through Google, use play.google.com/store/account/subscriptions. If you signed up on a company’s website, cancel in that account’s billing settings, then check your card statement next month.

    Key Takeaways

    • Cancel where you subscribed: Apple, Google Play, or the merchant
    • Deleting an app does not cancel the subscription
    • Keep the cancellation confirmation
    • Dispute with your card issuer if charges continue

    Step 1: Identify the biller

    Look at the descriptor on your bank or card statement. “APPLE.COM/BILL” means Apple; “GOOGLE *service” means Google Play; otherwise it is the merchant directly.

    Cancel through Apple

    Settings → tap your name → Subscriptions → select the service → Cancel Subscription. You keep access until the end of the paid period.

    Cancel through Google Play

    Open the Play Store → profile icon → Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions → select → Cancel. Deleting the app does not cancel the subscription.

    Cancel with the company directly

    Log in on a desktop browser (mobile apps often hide the option), go to Account or Billing, and look for Cancel or Manage plan. If no option exists, use live chat or email and ask for written confirmation.

    If the charges continue

    • Keep your cancellation confirmation and dates.
    • Contact the merchant first with the evidence.
    • If unresolved, dispute the charge with your card issuer.
    • As a last resort, ask your issuer to block the merchant or reissue the card.

    Preventing surprise renewals

    Set a calendar reminder a few days before free trials end, and consider virtual card numbers that you can lock or set spending limits on.

    FAQ

    Will I get a refund for the current period? Usually not; you keep access until the period ends. Apple and Google refund policies are case by case.

    Is there a law that makes cancelling easier? Several states and the FTC have “click-to-cancel” rules requiring cancellation to be as easy as signup; enforcement varies.

    What if the company has gone out of business? Dispute the charge with your card issuer.

    Free trials are where most unwanted charges begin

    Nearly every surprise subscription starts as a trial. Companies must disclose that a trial converts and what it will cost, but the disclosure is routinely placed where nobody reads it.

    The habit that solves this permanently: at the moment you start a trial, cancel it immediately. With Apple and Google subscriptions, cancelling on day one still gives you the full trial period, and the subscription simply does not renew. For merchants that require a phone call to cancel, make the call during the trial and request written confirmation by email.

    Also watch for small verification charges of $0 or $1 at signup. These are legitimate card authorizations, but they confirm that a payment method is attached and a full charge is coming.

    Cancelling for someone else, or after a death

    Subscriptions in a relative’s name are a common source of ongoing charges after a hospitalization or death, and the process differs from cancelling your own.

    Generally you need authorization or legal authority, such as a power of attorney or letters of administration for an estate, to cancel accounts in someone else’s name. Many companies will stop billing on presentation of a death certificate.

    The faster practical route is to work from the payment source rather than merchant by merchant. Notifying the bank or closing the card stops the money immediately, and you can then work through the statement line by line at a less urgent pace. Apple and Google both have processes for closing a deceased person’s account, and family sharing plans let the organizer remove members along with their subscriptions.

    When charges continue after you cancelled

    This happens more often than it should, and the sequence for resolving it matters.

    Start with the cancellation confirmation and the exact date. Contact the merchant first with that evidence and request a refund of post-cancellation charges; many refund without argument because the alternative is a chargeback, which costs them a fee. If that fails, dispute with your card issuer using the reason code for a cancelled recurring transaction, attaching the confirmation.

    As a last resort you can ask the issuer to block the merchant or reissue the card. One caveat that surprises people: card networks operate account updater services that automatically pass new card numbers to merchants with recurring billing, so a replacement card does not reliably stop charges. Cancelling with the merchant remains necessary.

    Finding subscriptions you have forgotten

    The average household underestimates its recurring spending, mostly because charges are small and spread across billers.

    Check four places. Apple: Settings, your name, Subscriptions. Google: Play Store, profile, Payments and subscriptions. PayPal: Settings, Payments, Automatic payments, which holds recurring billing agreements that do not appear anywhere else. And your last three months of card and bank statements, read line by line, looking for identical amounts recurring monthly or annually.

    Annual subscriptions are the ones most often missed precisely because they appear once a year, long after you forgot signing up.

    Rules that are shifting in your favor

    The Federal Trade Commission and several states have adopted click-to-cancel and automatic-renewal rules requiring that cancellation be at least as easy as signup and that renewal terms be clearly disclosed. Enforcement and specifics continue to evolve, and litigation has affected the timeline of some provisions.

    Practically, this means that if a company makes cancellation unreasonably difficult, requiring a phone call for a service you signed up for in two clicks, or routing you through retention offers that never end, you have grounds for a complaint. Document the attempts with screenshots and timestamps, then file with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or your state attorney general. Those complaints are also useful evidence if you subsequently dispute the charges.

    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.