With millions of stimulus checks going out to taxpayers, Wall Street wants to know where that money will be spent -- and this week's data could help investors gauge the mind-set of the average consumer.

With a nationwide housing crisis far from over, the risk of future mortgage losses is rapidly shifting from the private sector toward government – and potentially US taxpayers.

WASHINGTON -- A top housing official said Thursday that the Bush administration "strongly opposes" Democrats' housing rescue package, calling it a bailout that would expose taxpayers to excessive risk.

WASHINGTON - A top housing official said today that the Bush administration "strongly opposes" Democrats' housing rescue package, calling it a bailout that would expose taxpayers to excessive risk.

Reversing a trend, more Americans are expected to file by Tuesday's deadline to get their economic stimulus payments. There's nothing like a little stimulus to get taxpayers to file on time.

If you're one of the millions of U.S. taxpayers who files your return online, the one thing you don't want to see today is an error message.

House Democrats want to use a parliamentary maneuver to push a $70 billion tax increase through a reluctant Senate, a move intended to spare millions of taxpayers from an unpopular tax without driving up the deficit.

2008 Tax Guide Few Americans relish the annual chore of preparing their tax returns. Two out of three taxpayers, including me, simply hand the job to a pro. But that still leaves more than 50 million do-it-yourself die-hards.

Few Americans relish the annual chore of preparing their tax returns. Two out of three taxpayers, including me, simply hand the job to a pro. But that still leaves more than 50 million do-it-yourself die-hards.

The amount depends on such factors as income level and number of children. Taxpayers must file a 2007 return to qualify. As part of an effort to energize the economy, more than 130 million people will get rebate checks from the government this year in amounts ranging from $300 to $1,200. Most households will get an additional $300 for each child under the relief bill President Bush said he would sign this week. All must file an income-tax return for 2007 to qualify.