Good Morning! 🌞 

In today’s newsletter we report on a much needed change the IRS is making. It’s a nudge towards progress, but let's not start the parade just yet. They've taken a step in the right direction, but there's still a long way to go before they earn our respect.

Economy

IRS Makes Much Needed Changes

Tax season is now upon us, but there is at least one thing that is a big improvement over last year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to streamline the complex notices that are routinely dispatched to taxpayers each year.

In a bid to expedite issue resolution and bolster compliance as part of their multibillion-dollar modernization endeavors, the IRS has embarked on a review and revamp of numerous IRS notices. These notices encompass missives concerning unfiled returns, outstanding tax liabilities, and filing inaccuracies.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in a recent press call, emphasized that the revamped notices are poised to be shorter, more lucid, and easier to comprehend. She stated, "Taxpayers will notice a tangible difference when they receive these notices in the mail or access them through their online accounts."

This initiative, aptly dubbed the "Simple Notice Initiative," is expected to encompass the approximately 170 million notices dispatched to taxpayers annually, as per IRS estimates. In anticipation of the 2024 filing season, the IRS has already overhauled 31 notices, with approximately 20 million of these revised notices having been sent out during the 2022 calendar year. The IRS aims to thoroughly review, redesign, and implement the bulk of IRS correspondence received by taxpayers by the year 2025.

Building upon the IRS's paperless processing initiative introduced in August, taxpayers are now afforded the convenience of responding to IRS notices online. Treasury Secretary Yellen noted, "The next step is to ensure that these notices are readily comprehensible."

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel echoed this sentiment during the same press call, emphasizing the need for IRS notices to be expressed in plain and accessible language, devoid of the need for individuals to seek professional assistance from tax or legal experts. He asserted that clearer notices could have a ripple effect by diminishing the volume of phone inquiries and in-person visits, consequently freeing up staff to assist other taxpayers.

Despite significant strides in enhancing taxpayer service following the onset of the pandemic, the National Taxpayer Advocate's annual report to Congress, released in January, still identified areas where improvement is warranted.

This initiative arrives amidst ongoing scrutiny of the IRS and the approval of substantial funding by Congress over the coming decade. A portion of the augmented budget was rescinded during spending negotiations in 2023.

Simpler language from the IRS is definitely something I can get behind. While it is nice that tax filing programs like TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA have helped make paying taxes much less confusing for many. I hope this simpler tax language idea can continue and become simpler taxes in general. We can all dream... 😄 

World News

Princess Diana’s 1997 Landmine Walk

BBC archive clips provide a detailed look at Princess Diana's landmine walk in Angola on January 15, 1997. This event sparked a global conversation and marked a significant moment in the fight against landmines.

Princess Diana, adorned in protective gear, walked through a live minefield in Huambo, Angola, during her visit as a guest of the International Red Cross in January 1997. The country, emerging from a brief period of peace after a 20-year civil war, was heavily contaminated with over 15 million landmines, causing widespread civilian casualties and hindering post-conflict recovery.

Diana's walk, alongside mine removal expert Paul Heslop from the Halo Trust, was not merely symbolic but a challenge to governments to address the suffering caused by landmines. Her advocacy played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and diplomatic pressure for demining efforts and a global ban on landmines.

Despite facing opposition from some UK politicians at the time, Diana remained steadfast in her humanitarian mission. Her efforts led to increased funding for demining projects and the creation of the Ottawa Treaty in 1999. However, the global landmine issue persists, with key countries refusing to sign the treaty, and new mines being laid in conflict zones.

Diana's advocacy legacy lives on through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who continue her work. Organizations like the Halo Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines remain dedicated to global demining efforts and supporting affected communities. Meanwhile, the landmine problem remains extensive, posing a deadly threat in various conflict and post-conflict regions worldwide.

Entertainment

2024’s Puppy Bowl

The Austin Humane Society's Puppy Bowl returns for its 17th edition in 2024. Sponsored by Heritage Ranch by H-E-B, the event will take place on Saturday, February 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the AHS shelter (124 W. Anderson Lane).

The day includes a variety of activities such as tailgate bites, puppy races, Super Bowl puppy predictions, pet adoptions, and concludes with Puppy Bowl LIVE! at Yard Bar. Festivities kick off at 11:00 a.m. at the Austin Humane Society, featuring adoptable pets, vendors, a Kid Zone, food options, and the 6th Annual Tailgate Competition.

Attendance at Puppy Bowl is free, or you can enhance your experience with a V.I.P. (Very Important Puppy-fan) pass, which includes a commemorative Puppy Bowl t-shirt and tote, 1 drink ticket, and entry into the 6th Annual Tailgate Food Competition. This competition allows you to taste each competitor's tailgate bite and participate in crowning the winner. Alternatively, you can purchase a Tailgate Tasting Ticket for $10, with all proceeds benefiting animals in need.

Sports

Messi to Make His Super Bowl Debut

Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star and World Cup champion, is set to feature in his first Super Bowl commercial for Michelob Ultra. The 60-second spot, scheduled for the game on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas, showcases Messi ordering a beer at a bar, displaying his partnership with the beer brand and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch, since 2020.

This Super Bowl ad is part of Michelob Ultra's significant investment in soccer, following its role as the global beer sponsor for this summer’s Copa America. The 60 second ad slot could be costing them as much as $14 million. This is assuming the cost is similar to last year, where 30-second ad slots were going for $7 million. As far as we can find, there is no information on how much Messi is getting paid, but it is probably no small amount.

The collaboration between Messi and Anheuser-Busch is anticipated to extend to the men's World Cup in 2026 when the tournament is hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Messi, with his extensive advertising reach, is associated with major brands like Adidas, Gatorade, Hard Rock International, Royal Caribbean, and Apple TV. His substantial social media following of nearly 500 million on Instagram adds to his marketability.

Anheuser-Busch, known for its substantial spending on Super Bowl ads, aims to leverage the massive viewership and anticipates reaching over 100 million people during the game.

Messi, boasting over 800 career goals for club and country, is recognized as one of the greatest scorers in soccer history. His impressive list of achievements includes four Champions League titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a total of 44 trophy wins, making him a prominent figure in the sport.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

What is there one of in every corner and two of in every room?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
A refrigerator 😆 

Galen Garretson got the closest with the answer “a freezer” which we think is close enough to a refrigerator. So, nice job Galen!

We did get some other interesting answers like “a river” and “time”. Great answers, but not quite what we were looking for.

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.