Rocky Mengle
As Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023, Rocky spent most of his time writing and editing federal and state tax content for Kiplinger.com. He also contributed to Kiplinger's Retirement Report and The Kiplinger Tax Letter.
Rocky has more than 20 years of experience covering tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, he was a Senior Writer/Analyst for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, where he concentrated on state and local taxes. In that role, he managed a portfolio of print and digital state income tax research products, led the development of various new print and online products, authored white papers and other special publications, coordinated with authors of a state tax treatise, and acted as media contact for the state income tax group (where he was quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets). Before that, Rocky was an Executive Editor at Kleinrock Publishing, which provided tax research products to tax professionals. At Kleinrock, he directed the development, maintenance, and enhancement of all state tax and payroll law publications, including electronic research products, monthly newsletters, and handbooks.
Rocky holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md.
Latest articles by Rocky Mengle
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Most California Stimulus Check Payments Have Been Sent
California has sent the majority of stimulus payments for its Middle Class Tax Refund program.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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When Can You File Taxes in 2023?
tax filing If you're an early bird when it comes to filing your tax return, there's good news from the IRS.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Catch-Up Contributions to Retirement Accounts Boosted By SECURE Act 2.0
Americans approaching retirement age can now squirrel away more money in IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Retirement Saver's Tax Credit Converted to "Saver's Match"
President Biden has signed legislation that turns the Saver's Credit into a government match to your retirement plan contributions.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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New RMD Rules: Starting Age, Penalties, Roth 401(k)s, and More
RMDs The SECURE 2.0 Act makes major changes to the required minimum distribution rules.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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IRS Delays New Form 1099-K Rules on Payments From Venmo, PayPal, and Other Apps
After facing considerable backlash, the IRS is now treating 2022 as a "transition period" for the $600 threshold for sending 1099-K forms.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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States Sending Stimulus Checks in December 2022
Residents in these states could get an additional holiday gift this month in the form of a state "stimulus" payment.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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State "Stimulus Checks" in 2022 – Eligibility, Amounts and Timetables
To help counter high inflation, pandemic woes and other financial hardships, some states are sending tax rebate "stimulus" checks or other payments to residents.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Is There a Gas Tax Holiday in Your State?
Tax Breaks One way for states to bring down the price of gasoline is to suspend their gas tax.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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2022 Illinois Tax Rebates Explained
If you haven't received your Illinois tax rebate, you can track the status of your payment online.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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New York Stimulus Checks Helped Homeowners and Families
If you're a homeowner, parent or worker in New York, you may have qualified for a state "stimulus check" in 2022.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Kiplinger's Tax Map for Middle-Class Families: About Our Methodology
state tax The research behind our judgments.
By David Muhlbaum Published
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State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Middle-Class Families
state tax See how your state stacks up when it comes to income, sales, property, and other taxes that impact ordinary Americans.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Give Cash Now, Cut Your Estate Tax Later
taxes During this season of giving, take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion before the year ends.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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11 Tips on How and When to File an Amended Tax Return
Tax Returns What to do if you discover a mistake on a previously filed tax return (and other reasons for filing an amended tax return).
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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An RMD Deadline is Approaching Quickly – And Missing It Could Cost You Big Bucks
If you're age 72 or older, take your required minimum distribution now to avoid a big penalty or a double-dip next year.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Taxes on Unemployment Benefits: A State-by-State Guide
State Tax Don't be surprised by an unexpected state tax bill on your unemployment benefits. Know where unemployment compensation is taxable and where it isn't.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Results for Tax-Related Questions on State Ballots
Voters in 14 states had their say on income tax rates, property tax breaks, taxes on marijuana and more during the midterm election. We have the results.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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15 States That Tax Military Retirement Pay (and Other States That Don't)
retirement Taxes on military retirement pay vary from state-to-state. How generous is your state when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time?
By Sandra Block Published
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The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
state tax It can cost you thousands of dollars each year if you fail to consider state and local taxes before moving your family from one state to another.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Save More for Retirement in 2023 Thanks to Higher IRA and 401(k) Contribution Limits
If you're saving for retirement, you can contribute a lot more to an IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account in 2023.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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2023 Social Security Tax Wage Base
Wealthier Americans will have more Social Security taxes taken from their paychecks next year because more of their income will be subject to the tax.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Estate Tax Exemption Amount Goes Up for 2023
Estate Taxes As the estate tax exemption amount increases, fewer estates are subject to the federal tax.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
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Tax Deadlines Extended for Hurricane Ian Victims in Florida
Certain tax filing and payment deadlines are extended for residents and businesses in Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian.
By Rocky Mengle Last updated