Indiana’s labor force had a net increase of 1,543 over the previous month. This was a result of an increase of 83 unemployed residents and an increase of 1,460 employed residents. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3.40 million, and the state’s 65.1 percent labor force participation rate remains above the national rate of 63.1 percent. Indiana’s unemployment rate stands at 3.6 percent for December and remains lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent.
Author: John Nash
Mr. Nash is an experienced systems analyst/programmer and business manager who believes in giving back to the community through producing open source software.
IRS Free File opens today in advance of tax season
For Indiana Free File browse to https://www.in.gov/dor/4578.htm. An improved version of IRS Free File begins its 17th filing season today. Federal browse to https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free. Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income for 2018 was $66,000 or less can find at least one Free File software product , many taxpayers are eligible for multiple products.
Tax Refunds Unaffected by “Shut Down”
Internal Revenue Service will process tax returns beginning January 28, 2019 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled. The filing deadline to submit 2018 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2019 for most taxpayers. Taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2019 to file their returns. The IRS strongly encourages people to file their tax returns electronically to minimize errors and for faster refunds.
Friday’s performance marked large rally
For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.86%, the Dow added 1.61%, and the NASDAQ increased 2.34%.[2] MSCI EAFE stocks also increased, posting a 1.42% weekly gain. Friday’s performance marked one of the largest rallies since the beginning of this bull market.
SS & SSI COLA Biggest in Seven Years
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2019. This increase will benefit more than 67 million Americans. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the largest in seven years.