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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No Tax for Donating Leave to Ukraine Victims
Tax Breaks Vacation, sick, or personal leave donated to help victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine won't be treated as taxable income.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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New Mexico Wildfire and Wind Victims Get More Time to Pay Taxes
Tax Breaks Certain tax filing and payment deadlines are extended for residents and businesses impacted by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds in New Mexico.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Tax Deadlines Extended for Puerto Rico Storm Victims
Tax Breaks Certain tax filing and payment deadlines are extended for people impacted by the Puerto Rico storms, flooding and landslides in February.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Estimated Payments or Withholding in Retirement? Here's Some Guidance
Budgeting You generally must pay taxes throughout the year on your retirement income. But it isn't always clear whether withholding or estimated tax payments is the best way to pay.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Maryland Suspends Gas Tax to Offset Inflation at the Pump
Tax Breaks The gas tax holiday will save Maryland drivers about 36 cents per gallon for gasoline and roughly 37 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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IRS Offers Estimated Tax Relief for Farmers and Fishermen
tax deadline Farmers and fishermen have more time to file their 2021 tax return if they didn't make estimated tax payments for the year.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Deposit Your Tax Refund Directly Into an IRA or Other Account – It's Easy!
tax refunds If you're getting a tax refund this year, don't feel like it all has to be deposited into an ordinary bank account.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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How to Get Your Tax Refund Faster
tax refunds The IRS already has a huge tax return backlog. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to speed up your tax refund.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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2021 Tax Returns: What's New on the 1040 Form This Year
tax filing If you're a last-minute filer, familiarize yourself with potential changes for your 2021 tax return before tackling your 1040.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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A Charitable Trust With Many Benefits for Retirees
Charity You can use a charitable remainder trust to help support causes you love and leave money to heirs in a way that mimics the old "stretch" IRA.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Tax Deadlines Extended for Victims of Recent Storms, Flooding and Related Disasters in Washington
Tax Breaks FEMA's recent disaster declaration opens door for extended federal tax filing and payment deadlines for victims of the November storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Washington.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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When Can You File Your Taxes This Year?
tax filing If you're an early bird when it comes to filing your tax return, you won't have to wait much longer before the IRS will accept your return.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Colorado Wildfire Victims Get More Time to Pay Taxes
Tax Breaks Certain tax filing and payment deadlines are extended for residents and businesses impacted by the Colorado wildfires that started in December.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Tax Deadlines Extended for Alabama Storm and Flooding Victims
Tax Breaks Federal tax filing and payment deadlines are extended for victims of the October 6 storms and flooding in Alabama.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Will Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments Be Renewed in 2022?
Tax Breaks There will be more child tax credit payments this year if the Build Back Better Act is signed into law. But will the bill get through Congress?
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Tax Relief Available for Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee Tornado Victims
Tax Breaks The IRS is granting people and businesses impacted by the December storms and tornadoes more time to file and pay certain federal taxes.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Final Child Tax Credit Payment Opt-Out Deadline is November 29
Tax Breaks The due date for opting out of the December 15 monthly child credit payments is almost here. Missing the deadline could cost you in the long run.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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5 Year-End Moves to Help Retirees Trim Their Tax Bill
taxes The end of the year is a great time to start thinking about next year's tax bill. Here are some strategies on how to reduce what you will owe Uncle Sam.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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An RMD Deadline is Looming – And Missing It Could Cost You Big Bucks
required minimum distributions (RMDs) 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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Child Tax Credit Payment Deadline: Get Up to $1,800 Per Child If You Act Today
Tax Breaks There's only a few hours left for people who normally don't need to file a tax return to sign up for an advance child tax credit payment.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Child Tax Credit 2022: How Next Year's Credit Could Be Different
Tax Breaks President Biden wants to extend the enhancements made to the 2021 child tax credit – but with some important differences.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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Your Final Child Tax Credit Payment Can Be Adjusted for Income Changes (But There's a Deadline)
Tax Breaks If your income has gone up or down this year, consider adjusting your final monthly child tax credit payment. But you need to act soon.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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The RMD Solution to the Hassle of Filing Estimated Taxes in Retirement
required minimum distributions (RMDs) If you don't need the money to live on, wait until December to take your RMD and ask the sponsor to withhold a big chunk for the IRS.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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When Retirees Need to File an Amended Tax Return
tax returns Realizing that you made a mistake after filing your tax return can be panic-inducing for retirees (or anyone else). But don't stress. You may not need to file an amended return.
By Rocky Mengle Published
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