Welcome to Consumers’ Notebook, where we feature news-you-can-use and other timely information to help you become a more informed consumer. Check back often to read the latest pieces in our Notebook.
Rental Car Woes: Sky-High Prices if Cars Are Even Available
Due to unprecedented lack of inventory and significantly higher-than-expected demand, rental car prices are sky-high at many vacation destinations across the country. And the problem is expected to get worse.
Federal Government Will Help Pay for COVID-Related Funeral Expenses
On April 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started a reimbursement program to help those who lost loved ones in the pandemic. It will help cover the costs for funeral services and interment or cremation, up to $9,000.
Should Funeral Homes Be Required to Post Prices Online?
Consumer advocates, including Checkbook, want the federal government to require funeral homes to disclose their prices online.
Airline ‘Change Fees’ Rules About to Change Again
The pandemic did what consumer advocates could never accomplish. It forced the major U.S. airlines to drop their dreaded “change fees” that penalized customers who rescheduled travel dates on nonrefundable tickets. But starting March 31, airlines will begin to reintroduce these steep fees for basic economy ticket holders.
Update: Most Unemployment Benefits Won’t Be Taxed; IRS Will Issue Automatic Refunds
The $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus package, which President Biden signed into law on March 11, provides a tax break for the millions of Americans who received unemployment compensation last year.
Millions of Taxpayers Will Benefit From COVID Relief Legislation This Filing Season; IRS Postpones Filing Deadline to May 17
The IRS announced a new filing deadline of May 17. The decision comes as the IRS falls behind in processing this year’s returns and gives taxpayers breathing room as they try to figure out all the tax changes resulting from the stimulus bill passed by Congress at the end of December.
Warning: Social Security Imposters Now Use Fake Badges to Fool Victims
The fraudsters who steal money and personal information over the phone keep finding new ways to deceive us. Now, these scam artists have added fake government ID badges to their bag of tricks.
Identity Thieves Who Stole State Unemployment Benefits Muck-Up Tax Season for Millions
Millions of people who did not apply for state unemployment compensation last year—and did not get any money—are now dealing with the consequences of being identity theft victims. Cybercriminals used stolen credentials to file fake unemployment claims, got the money, and left their victims stuck with the tax liability.
Safety-Conscious Car Buyers Now Have 90 Top-Rated Vehicles to Choose From
Whether it’s an SUV for you, or a compact car for the teenage driver in the house, you want any new vehicle you buy to be as safe as possible. You now have more choices than ever.
‘Do I Owe Taxes on My Stimulus Checks?’ Answers to Common 2020 Income Tax Questions
While there are no significant tax law changes to worry about this time around, there are some issues related to the pandemic that could trip you up—or save you money. We consulted with several tax professionals to answer some of the most common questions for filing 2020 returns.
Black Dollar Index Shines a Light on Corporate Commitment to Diversity
Corporate America raced to publicly embrace the social justice movement during this summer's Black Lives Matter protests. But are they? Is anyone keeping score? The Black Dollar Index (BDI) aims to hold these companies accountable for their promises.
Why You Really Need an Emergency Fund and How to Start One
Life happens. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill, car repair, or home appliance that needs replacing. We all need to build an emergency fund, but many people don’t have this financial safety net.
IRS Delays Start of Tax Filing Season
Ready to file your tax return? The IRS isn’t ready for it and has delayed the start of the tax filing season until February 12. The agency says it needs more time to reprogram and test its computers based on the COVID Relief Act, which wasn’t signed into law until December 27.
How to Spot a Credit Repair Scam and What You Can Do to Improve Your Credit Scores
If you believe the ads—and you should not—“credit repair” companies can quickly and dramatically boost your credit scores by removing negative items. Many of these promises are bogus.
What to Do When a Package Doesn’t Arrive?
The delivery fiasco created by an explosion of online orders during the holiday season continues for some consumers, with many packages still out there, somewhere. Tracking information is often useless. Here are some strategies for getting a refund or replacement.
Millions of Americans Still Waiting for Stimulus Money; Some Won’t Get It Until Tax Time
More than two-thirds of all the Economic Impact Payments have now been sent out electronically, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. That’s significantly faster than delivery of the first stimulus checks last April. Even so, that leaves millions of Americans still waiting for federal relief.
Headlight Ratings Encourage Automakers to Improve Safety; These 2021 Models Scored Best
To encourage automakers to improve inferior headlights, in 2016 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began rating vehicles for this important safety issue. Here are the 2021 models that scored best.
Major Retailers Respond to COVID-19 with Expanded Holiday Gift Return Policies
Dealing with returns during a pandemic can be a challenge. A few prominent national retailers are trying to make the process easier.
Online Pet Scams Soar During Pandemic—Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Pet adoptions have skyrocketed during the pandemic, as people stuck at home decided it was a good time to add a furry family member. Scammers are trolling the internet looking for people who will pay hundreds of dollars to buy a pet that doesn’t exist.
Auto Insurance Companies Provide ‘Tiny’ Refunds While Making Windfall Pandemic Profits, Study Finds
The pandemic has been a financial boon for the auto insurance industry. Since the outbreak, Americans have been driving less—resulting in fewer wrecks, fewer claims, and bigger profits. Few companies are sharing their windfalls with loyal customers.