By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. Related Articles An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. For the 2025 tax season: To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Expressing serious concern over some farmers leaders not allowing Jagjit Singh Dallewal — who is on ‘fast unto death’ in support of the demand for legally guaranteed minimum support price for crops — to be shifted to hospital in the wake of his deteriorating health condition, the Supreme court on Saturday also expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts made by the Punjab government in persuading the fasting farmer leader to agree to medical aid and hospitalisation. “Please communicate to them (agitating farmers leaders) that those who are resisting Dallewal’s hospitalisation are not his well-wishers,” a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia said and on an assurance by the Punjab, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and the Advocate General Gurminder Singh, granted more time to take appropriate steps to comply with its December 20, 2024, directions. Advertisement The Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police of Punjab appeared in the hearing through video-conferencing. Advertisement The top court on December 20, 2024, had directed the Punjab government to provide medical aid to Dallewal and to convince him to go to the hospital. Taking exception to the Punjab government’s argument that the state was “helpless and saddled” as other protesting farmers were obstructing its attempts to secure medical aid to Dallewal, Justice Surya Kant said, “If state machinery says you are helpless, then do you know what is the repercussion? You are a constitutionally elected government... Court is not saying to use unwanted force.” The top court today questioned the Central government, asking what it was doing to diffuse the situation. Justice Dhulia said that even a word from the Union (Central government) can help diffuse the situation. He said the Punjab government that if it requires any assistance, the Central government would give all requisite support to ensure compliance of the court’s directions. As Advocate General Gurminder Singh told the bench that “Farmers are keeping close vigil around the protest site. If a move is made to take him somewhere, then...”, Justice Surya Kant said, “So long the gathering is there for the purpose of the demands raised by farmers, it is understandable. That is peaceful agitation for the purpose of raising their demands, and voice in a democratic manner... But gathering of farmers to prevent a person from being shifted to the hospital, who requires immediate medical aid, is something which is completely unheard of.” Justice Dhulia said, “This is actually abetment to suicide... You first create a problem and then take a plea, now that there is a problem we cannot do anything.” In the course of the hearing, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police told the bench that if the evacuation of Dallewal is not peaceful considering that the farmers are resisting his shifting, there would be “collateral damage”. “If there is resistance to a lawful action, you will have to face it and meet it with whatever the law enforcement agencies do normally... What appears to be the scenario is that Dallewal is refusing despite the fact that his health is not supporting him... He appears to be under peer pressure,” Justice Kant said. “There are some farmers leaders, we don’t want to comment on their conduct. What kind of leaders are they if they are allowing him to die there? Please try to read in between the lines. Who are these people? Are they interested in Dallewal’s life or do they want him to die there at the spot? Their intention is questionable. We don’t want to comment on what kind of conduct they are exhibiting... Even if you shift him to the hospital, you can assure Dallewal that you will not allow him to break his fast. A person with medical aid can also continue that,” said the bench. Jagjit Singh Dallewal is the convenor of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and is on fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border since November 26, 2024, in support of farmers’ demands, in particular a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Having given the Punjab government a breather of four days to comply with its December 20, direction to provide medical aid to Dallewal and shift him to the hospital, the court posted the matter for further hearing on December 31, 2024. AdvertisementSANTA CLARA – Practicing behind a patchwork line is not how Brock Purdy dreamed of spending his 25th birthday Friday, never mind that he just gifted 49ers linemen a caravan of trucks and sports-utility vehicles on two-year leases. The 49ers are poised to field their most inexperienced offensive line in at least coach Kyle Shanahan’s eight seasons. Monday night’s chore for whoever blocks: protect Purdy and clear lanes for ball carriers Isaac Guerendo and Deebo Samuel against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Injuries have so thoroughly depleted the Niners (6-9) that 3-of-5 spots could feature linemen making their 49ers’ starting debuts. The only healthy starters are center Jake Brendel and right guard Dominick Puni, who might have to shift to other spots to provide for the best five-man look. Left tackle Trent Williams and his backup, Jaylon More, both went this week on injured reserve, which is where left guard Aaron Banks is expected to land before Monday night’s 5:15 p.m. kickoff. Right tackle Colton McKivitz did not practice Thursday, after being limited by a knee issue, and versatile backup Spencer Burford has been out with a calf injury he sustained as the sub at left tackle in Sunday’s loss at Miami. Offensive linemen Ben Bartch and Jon Feliciano are on injured reserve. Nick Zakelj is expected to make the first start of his career, most likely at left guard. “I know it’s just an amazing opportunity to have,” Zakelj said. “I can’t wait to go grasp it and go out there, fly off the ball and let it loose.” Charlie Heck, poached Wednesday off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, made 21 career starts for the Houston Texans from 2020-23, and Thursday acquisition Matt Hennessy made 22 starts as the Atlanta Falcons’ 2020-22 center. No other linemen have starting experience, including Zakelj, Austen Pleasants, Sebastian Gutierrez, Isaac Alarcon and undrafted rookie center Drake Nugent. If McKivitz is healthy, he’s an option to move to left tackle, where he made spot starts at left tackle in 2021 and ’22 in place of Williams. Burford, unbeknownst until last game, had practiced as the No. 3 left tackle most of the season. LYNCH’S STATE OF FRANCHISE General manager John Lynch, speaking for the first time since Sunday’s official elimination from the playoffs, is in the investigation process of examining the 49ers’ 2024 woes and potential cures. “I can’t believe we’re here, but we are. We have to accept that. We have to learn from that,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “We can’t just chalk it up to, ‘There were a lot of injuries.’ The team we’re playing, Detroit, they had a lot of injuries but they found a way. We have to look at the root, and we have been looking at the root causes. We’ll fix it.” One obvious issue is the 49ers’ inability to close out games, something that’s carried over from past playoff defeats to this season’s four NFC West defeats. Lynch noted that the absences of All-Pros Williams and Christian McCaffrey factors into that. “But we can’t chalk it up to just that. We have to go deeper,” Lynch said. “There are ways we could have gotten it done. When you have division opponents (down) multiple scores, you have to put people away, and that’s what we didn’t do this year. We have to own that. We have to get to the bottom of why exactly that happened, with every decision we make.” HEALTH CENTER Fullback Kyle Juszczyk did not practice because of illness. Juszczyk has played every game this season after taking a pay cut in the spring. He is aiming for his ninth straight Pro Bowl invitation. Running back Isaac Guerendo participated in a second straight practice and looks on track to make his third career start; he did not play in Sunday’s loss at Miami because of hamstring and foot injuries. Running back David Montgomery (knee) was the only player on the Lions’ active roster not to practice. Cornerback Terrion Arnold (illness) was limited after missing Thursday’s session. Full participants were guard Graham Glasgow (knee), wide receiver Kalif Raymond (foot) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck). GAMEDAY GUIDE Levi’s Stadium parking lots are to open at 1:45 p.m. Stadium gates open 30 minutes later for club- and suite-ticket holders, with entry for all others starting at 3:15 p.m. Halftime entertainment will feature MIMS and Freedom Williams (from the C+C Music Factory). Tony Lindsay will perform the national anthem.
NoneEV batteries have been coasting on the same liquid-electrolyte technology ever since the early 2000s, with some significant tweaks leading to improved performance and lower costs over the years. Still, a sea change in the approach to battery design is needed in order to bring the cost of electric vehicles down to the point of meeting — or even beating — gasmobiles on cost, and energy storage innovators are banking on new solid-state ceramic technology to turn the tide. Ceramic batteries — sometimes called “glass batteries” — replace the flammable liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion EV batteries fully or partly with a stable, more environmentally friendly solid material. The evolution of the solid-state battery has been a long time coming. One breakthrough was reported by Hitachi back in 1985, but the idea didn’t gain much traction until 2017. That’s when a team at the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering reported an electrolyte based on glass, building on the work of the legendary lithium-ion battery innovator Professor John Goodenough and senior research fellow Maria Helena Braga. Moving up to 2024, we find the Taiwanese company ProLogium at the forefront of innovators commercializing EV batteries with ceramic electrolytes. The company has been shifting its R&D timeline into high gear. In the latest news, on December 12, ProLogium announced that its next-generation lithium ceramic battery was awarded a new certification by the independent safety and performance inspection firm TÜV Rheinland. The achievement follows an initial certification earned in March. “The TÜV Rheinland certification confirms that ProLogium’s next-generation lithium ceramic battery delivers an industry-leading energy density of 811.6 Wh/L (volumetric) and 359.2 Wh/kg (gravimetric),” ProLogium explained in a press statement, adding that the new milestone was achieved on a battery off the company’s pilot-scale production line. Located in Taouyan, Taiwan, the demonstration facility started operation earlier this year to produce EV batteries with a gigawatt-scale goal in its sights. ProLogium also notes that automakers around the world already have thousands of its ceramic batteries in their hands for testing and development (probably including EV up-and-comer Vinfast , for one). The previous certification from TÜV Rheinland in March involved a battery with an energy density of 749 Wh/L and 321 Wh/kg. Doing the math (which ProLogium did), the new certification of 811.6 Wh/L and 359.2 Wh/kg represents improvements of 8.36% and 11.90%, respectively, outpacing the company’s own forecast from October. This year’s burst of timeline-breaking activity did not come out of nowhere. “This milestone...reflects 18 years of relentless efforts in addressing key battery challenges and optimizing manufacturing processes,”observed ProLogium founder and Chairman Vincent Yang , who listed the company’s separator-free ceramic layer and its 100% composite silicon anode among other key breakthroughs. Apparently we ain’t see nothing yet. In the December 12 announcement, ProLogium teased “further groundbreaking innovations” to be unveiled at CES 2025 . The annual, and influential, tech showcase will be held in Las Vegas in January. ProLogium also states that its new EV batteries beat other market-ready technologies on performance, with an energy density of up to 79.6% higher than the emerging lithium-iron-phosphate and nickel-manganese-cobalt formulas. “This translates to smaller, lighter battery packs with longer range and improved energy efficiency,” ProLogium notes. The new EV batteries are also capable of delivering 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) range in five minutes, according to the company. To be clear, commercially successful EV batteries are not necessarily the ones with the best energy density. Cost, manufacturability, and supply chain factors also go into the equation. Still, solid and semi-solid ceramic EV batteries are having a moment, and there is still room for additional improvement. Researchers at McGill University in Canada, for example, recently reported on a method for improving the performance of ceramic EV batteries by replacing a dense ceramic plate with a porous plate, filling the holes with a polymer. “By using a polymer-filled porous membrane, we can allow lithium ions to move freely and eliminate the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes,” explains research team leader Professor George Demopoulos of the school’s Department of Materials Engineering. “This not only improves the battery’s performance but also creates a stable interface for high-voltage operation, one of the industry’s key goals,” he adds. Here in the US, keep an eye on new EV batteries from the startup Ion Storage Systems . In December of 2023 the University of Maryland spinout hooked up with the leading French materials specialist Saint-Gobain to deliver the specialized powder needed to formulate the battery’s ceramic “brain.” ION received a vote of investor confidence last year from Toyota Ventures, among other private sector stakeholders, as well as public funding including grants to the University of Maryland. Another big thumbs-up came this summer, when the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E funding office tapped ION for a $20 million award through its SCALEUP “Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential” program, aimed at accelerating the technology into EV batteries for the commercial market. To qualify for SCALEUP funding, an applicant needs to establish a de-risked and viable route to commercial deployment . ION is putting its SCALEUP dollars to work on setting up a ceramic electrolyte separator production pilot line along with five other key elements leading to commercial manufacturing. The grant also seems to have caught the eye of Leonid Capital Partners, which announced a debt investment of $10 million in ION on November 13th. “Unlike traditional designs, ION’s technology eliminates flammability risks , reduces the need for extensive cooling systems, and provides industry-leading energy density attributes,” Leonid Capital explained, indicating that the defense and aerospace sectors will be the low hanging fruit for commercial application. “Our early performance-driven customers will be battery users who have a need that is not met by existing technology such as high temperature applications like autoclavable battery-powered medical devices or fire-sensitive applications like underwater military vehicles and space-based systems,” ION notes on its ARPA-E page. As with ProLogium, ION is another example of persistence paying off. The company puts the start date for its core technology at the University of Maryland 14 years ago, back in 2012, before spinning out as a startup in 2105. EV batteries have come a long way since the 1990s, when the initial version of GM’s EV-1 electric vehicle sported 32 rechargeable lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion EV batteries with liquid electrolytes have ruled the roost since then, and now it’s time for a new wave of energy storage innovation to enter the field. Follow me via LinkTree , or @tinamcasey on LinkedIn and Bluesky. Photo (cropped): A new wave of high-performing, fast-charging solid state EV batteries with ceramic electrolytes is coming into the market, with the Taiwanese firm ProLogium among the leaders (courtesy of Prologium). CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email Reddit
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