#Common credit report errors

[fincrif]

How to Check Your Credit Report for Errors Before Applying for a Loan

Your credit report plays a pivotal role when you apply for a personal loan. It reflects your financial history and helps lenders determine your creditworthiness. An error in your credit report can hurt your credit score, potentially leading to rejected loan applications or higher interest rates. That's why it’s essential to check your credit report for errors before applying for any loan.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking your credit report for errors, understanding common issues, and how to dispute inaccuracies to ensure your credit score is a true reflection of your financial behavior.

1. Understanding Your Credit Report

Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, provided by credit bureaus such as CIBIL, Equifax, Experian, and CRIF High Mark in India. It includes information like:

Personal details (name, address, date of birth, etc.)

Credit accounts (loans, credit cards, etc.)

Payment history (on-time payments, late payments, defaults)

Credit inquiries (who has checked your credit report)

Credit limits and balances

The report culminates in a credit score, which is used by lenders to assess your eligibility for a loan. It’s crucial to ensure that the details in your credit report are accurate, as errors can impact your credit score and loan approval chances.

🔗 Compare & Apply for a Personal Loan here: 👉 Compare Personal Loan Offers

2. Common Credit Report Errors to Look For

Before applying for a personal loan, you should thoroughly review your credit report to look for common errors that can affect your score. Here are some typical mistakes found in credit reports:

2.1 Incorrect Personal Information

Sometimes, your personal details like name, address, or date of birth may be incorrectly entered. These errors can cause confusion and impact your credit history.

How to fix it: If you spot an error, immediately contact the credit bureau and request a correction of your details.

2.2 Duplicate Accounts

In some cases, your credit report may list a duplicate account, such as a credit card or loan that you only have one of. This can make your credit history appear worse than it actually is.

How to fix it: You can contact the credit bureau to remove duplicate entries from your report.

2.3 Incorrect Account Status

Your report may show an account as “open” or “active” even though you’ve already paid it off or closed it. Similarly, accounts that are marked as “delinquent” may not reflect payments you’ve made.

How to fix it: Ensure that the lender reports the correct payment history and account status to the credit bureaus. If discrepancies exist, file a dispute with the credit bureau.

2.4 Unrecognized Inquiries

If you see unfamiliar hard inquiries (when a lender checks your credit), it could mean someone has accessed your report without your consent. This can affect your score, as multiple inquiries can imply you’re applying for too much credit.

How to fix it: If there are any unrecognized inquiries, reach out to the credit bureau and the lender to clarify or dispute the inquiry.

2.5 Account Information Errors

Sometimes, the credit limit or balance on your accounts may be reported inaccurately. For example, a credit card balance may be listed as higher than it actually is.

How to fix it: Check your account statements and credit card bills to ensure the balance is reported correctly. If not, file a dispute with the credit bureau.

3. How to Access Your Credit Report

In India, you are entitled to a free credit report once a year from each of the four major credit bureaus. You can access it by following these steps:

3.1 Visit the Credit Bureau’s Website

Go to the website of one of the major credit bureaus:

CIBIL (https://www.cibil.com)

Experian (https://www.experian.in)

Equifax (https://www.equifax.co.in)

CRIF High Mark (https://www.crifhighmark.com)

3.2 Request Your Report

Most credit bureaus will ask for personal details like your name, date of birth, address, and ID to verify your identity. After submitting the request, you’ll usually receive your credit report in a few minutes.

3.3 Review Your Report

Once you have access to your credit report, carefully review all the entries to ensure everything is correct, including your accounts, balances, payment history, and inquiries.

4. How to Dispute Errors in Your Credit Report

If you find any errors in your credit report, it’s essential to dispute them as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it:

4.1 Identify the Error

Clearly identify the error, such as incorrect payment history, duplicate accounts, or incorrect balances.

4.2 Contact the Credit Bureau

Each credit bureau has a dispute resolution process in place. You can usually file a dispute directly on their website. Provide as much information as possible and supporting documents (e.g., bank statements, payment receipts) to back up your claim.

4.3 Dispute with the Lender

If necessary, contact the lender or financial institution directly to resolve the issue. They may need to submit a corrected report to the credit bureau.

4.4 Follow Up

Credit bureaus are required to investigate disputes within 30 days. After this period, you should receive a response regarding whether the dispute was resolved and your report updated.

5. Why Checking Your Credit Report Before Applying for a Loan Is Crucial

Your credit score directly impacts your chances of personal loan approval. Errors in your credit report can result in higher interest rates or loan rejection, which is why it’s important to ensure that the details are accurate before applying.

5.1 Get the Best Loan Terms

By fixing errors before applying, you can present a clean credit report, increasing the chances of qualifying for better loan terms, such as lower interest rates, higher loan amounts, and longer repayment tenures.

5.2 Avoid Loan Rejection

Loan rejection due to inaccurate information in your credit report can be frustrating and can also negatively impact your credit score. By identifying and disputing errors before applying, you reduce the risk of rejection.

6. How to Improve Your Credit Score After Fixing Errors

Once your credit report errors are fixed, here are a few tips to help further improve your credit score:

6.1 Pay Bills On Time

Timely payments on credit cards, loans, and other bills will significantly improve your payment history, which makes up 35% of your credit score.

6.2 Reduce Your Credit Card Balances

Paying off outstanding credit card balances will reduce your credit utilization ratio, which improves your credit score.

6.3 Limit New Credit Applications

Avoid applying for multiple loans or credit cards in a short time, as this can negatively impact your credit score.

Ensure Your Credit Report is Error-Free Before Applying for a Loan

Checking your credit report for errors before applying for a personal loan is crucial for ensuring that your credit score accurately reflects your financial behavior. By resolving any discrepancies and maintaining good financial habits, you’ll increase your chances of getting approved for a personal loan at favorable terms.

For the best personal loan options, apply here: 👉 Compare & Apply for a Personal Loan

By taking the time to check and correct your credit report, you can ensure that your credit score is accurate, improving your chances of qualifying for loans and securing the best interest rates.

[fakescenariosbeforesleepblog]

I'll never be with you.

Alex Keller x Reader (Y/N) x Captain John Price.

Alex saw you a long time ago at the subway station, you were certainly beautiful, but then he lost you. Now years later he finds you again, in someone else's arms.

Warning: spelling and grammatical errors, I think there's nothing dark here so no more warnings, oh, images not mine, credits of them to their creators.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

He met you during a rainy night waiting for the subway, you had a very short and common conversation, nothing special, weather, time and the inefficient subway service.

You looked like a beautiful angel, your voice was soft and full of kindness, also your sense of humor was delightful, some jokes were enough to make him laugh like he never laughed before. Both took the subway and exchanged some more words but then a sea of people took you away from him, he couldn't see where you were, that was the end of the story. And he, honestly never thought about the possibility of seeing you again, but the memories of that moment live in his mind.

Another successful mission for Alex and the 141 team, all of them were landing in the base, Soap and Kyle had some injuries but nothing serious, there were jokes and insults in the air.

- Hey Cap, is your queen of hearts waiting for you already?

- Careful Soap... (He chuckled)

- Who? (Alex was clearly confused).

- it's Y/N, for all of us it's our medic but for the captain well... it's something else. (Gaz answers while looking at the captain with a malicious smirk)

Meanwhile Ghost observes through the window of the helicopter and sees you.

- And In fact, the doc is already waiting.

Everybody Laughs scandalously even Alex, he feels out of place tho. But once everybody is out, you approach Price and give him a long deep hug.

- You smell like cigarette... Have you been smoking?

- Just one, my love.

- Is there no hug or at least a Hello, for your children?

Soap jokes all the time about you always acting like the mom of the team.

- Ha-ha, thanks for bringing the captain alive.

You give a fake laugh to soap while you friendly punch him in the arm. Price takes your hand to get your attention and you see a familiar face.

- Love I want to introduce you to...

- Subway guy!

Alex sees you well, for the first time in years he has a second chance, looking at you, you're still as beautiful as he remembers.

- Jesus! It's you...

- the world is so small sometimes.

- So do you know each other?

Price doesn't have that bright smile that always has for you, in exchange he has a serious face.

- Yes, he's the guy I talked to you about before! He was very funny that night.

- I could say the same about you, so... You're Y/N, I think that night I didn't even ask you your name...

- yes I am, and you're...?

You turn back to Price and he quickly finishes to introduce Alex to you.

- Keller, Alex Keller, an old friend.

- Nice to formally meet you, Alex.

- Pleasure is all mine.

That's all he says, everybody walks inside the base, you check the injuries and all about the health of your team.

You were finishing the paperwork with all the reports of your patients when Alex appears in your door.

- Hey Doc!

- Alex, hii, come in, I'm still very surprised to see you here!

- As much as I am, that night I really never thought you were a doctor and that you worked for the army and all this...

- Oh well, I started to work here a few years ago, I met John and well... Now I'm the medic of his team and also his fiancee.

Alex froze at the moment he heard your last words, fiancee? He stays quiet for a while, he suddenly remembered that night once again, you were a sunshine in the middle of that rainy night, in the middle of the storm that his life was in that moment. You gave him more joy that night than somebody else in years and now he simply sees you with someone else, you belong to someone else, he never had a chance to make you his, it wasn't meant to be, It never was.

- Alex?

- Huh?

- Did you hear me?

- Yes, congratulations, John is very lucky...

You laughed.

- What?

- Thanks but I was talking to you about that night...

- Oh sorry, I'm all ears, tell me again.

Maybe there's some hope, he says to himself. Maybe you're not really happy after all, maybe he still has a chance.

- I was telling you that... I thought about that night for a long time, even for a while I was just waiting in that subway station every night, same hour, same spot, but you weren't there, so eventually and after I met John I realized we weren't meant to be, you know? We just met fortuity, and I'm glad it happened that way because if something was different I wouldn't be here with this job and that wonderful man.

Alex simply smiles and nods, he can't deny it, price is an honorable man, a good person and as a friend he has been incredible, so Alex feels a little bit guilty for thinking about stealing his friend's girl.

You and him talked about some other things for a couple minutes more and then he says goodnight and leaves.

He didn't want to stay more time, he wanted to leave and go back to his life he wanted to pretend you were still a memory full of possibilities not a story that actually never started, he was going directly to John's office to let him know he wouldn't wait until the next day.

He's out of the office ready to knock on the door when he listens to your laugh, then silences and soon some soft moans full of 'I love you' 'you're mine, all mine'. The drop that spilled the glass. He didn't dare to interrupt, he simply had enough, he left without saying goodbye.

[mariacallous]

On Sunday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson went on television and mixed up Iran and Israel. “We passed the support for Iran many months ago,” he told Meet the Press, erroneously referring to an aid package for the Jewish state. Last night, the Fox News prime-time host Jesse Watters introduced South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as hailing from South Carolina. I once joined a cable-news panel where one of the participants kept confusing then–Attorney General Jeff Sessions with Representative Pete Sessions of Texas. I don’t hold these errors against anyone, as they are some of the most common miscues made by people who talk for a living—and I’m sure my time will come.

Yesterday, President Joe Biden added another example to this list. In response to a question about Gaza, he referred to the Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as the president of Mexico. The substance of Biden’s answer was perfectly cogent. The off-the-cuff response included geographic and policy details not just about Egypt, but about multiple Middle Eastern players that most Americans probably couldn’t even name. The president clearly knew whom and what he was talking about; he just slipped up the same way Johnson and so many others have. But the flub could not have come at a worse time. Because the press conference had been called to respond to Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on Biden’s handling of classified documents, which dubbed the president an “elderly man with a poor memory,” the Mexico gaffe was immediately cast by critics as confirmation of Biden’s cognitive collapse.

But the truth is, mistakes like these are nothing new for Biden, who has been mixing up names and places for his entire political career. Back in 2008, he infamously introduced his running mate as “the next president of the United States, Barack America.” At the time, Biden’s well-known propensity for bizarre tangents, ahistorical riffs, and malapropisms compelled Slate to publish an entire column explaining “why Joe Biden’s gaffes don’t hurt him much.” The article included such gems as the time that then-Senator Biden told the journalist Katie Couric that “when the markets crashed in 1929, ‘Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn’t just talk about the princes of greed. He said, “Look, here’s what happened.”’” The only problem with this story, Slate laconically noted, was that “FDR wasn’t president then, nor did television exist.”

In other words, even a cursory history of Biden’s bungling shows that he is the same person he has always been, just older and slower—a gaffe-prone, middling public speaker with above-average emotional intelligence and an instinct for legislative horse-trading. This is why Biden’s signature moments as a politician have been not set-piece speeches, but off-the-cuff encounters, such as when he knelt to engage elderly Holocaust survivors in Israel so they would not have to stand, and when he befriended a security guard in an elevator at The New York Times on his way to a meeting with the paper’s editorial board, which declined to endorse him. And it’s why Biden’s key accomplishments—such as the landmark climate-change provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, the country’s first gun-control bill in decades, and the expected expansion of the child tax credit—have come through Congress. The president’s strength is not orating, but legislating; not inspiring a crowd, but connecting with individuals.

That said, although Biden’s Mexico mistake might not be a demonstration of dementia, it is a warning sign of a different sort that his campaign would be wise to heed. Recently, the White House declined to have Biden participate in the traditional pre–Super Bowl interview this coming Sunday. The administration framed this decision as part of a broader strategy favoring nontraditional media, but it was reasonably seen as an attempt to shield the candidate from scrutiny. The president’s staff is understandably reluctant to put Biden front and center, knowing that his slower speed and inevitable gaffes—both real and fabricated—will feed the mental-acuity narrative. But in actuality, the bar for Biden has been set so laughably low that he can’t help but vault over it simply by showing up. By contrast, limiting his appearances ensures that the public mostly encounters the president through decontextualized social-media clips of his slipups.

As Slate observed in 2008, the frequency of Biden’s rhetorical miscues helped neutralize them in the eyes of the public. In 2024, Biden will have an assist from another source: Donald Trump. Among other recent lapses, the former president has called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán “the leader of Turkey,” confused Nancy Pelosi and Nikki Haley, and repeatedly expressed the strange belief that he won the 2020 election. With an opponent prone to vastly worse feats of viscous verbosity, Biden can’t help but look better by comparison, especially if he starts playing offense instead of defense.

But none of this will happen by itself. If the president and his campaign want the headlines to be something other than “Yes, Biden Knows Who the President of Egypt Is,” they’ll have to start making news, not reacting to it.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Flickr to copyleft trolls: drop dead

Today’s a big day for users of Creative Commons images: Flickr has declared zero tolerance for copyleft trolls, predators who exploit a bug in out-of-date versions of the CC licenses in order to threaten good-faith users of CC images who make minor errors in the way they credit the images.

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/01/pixsynnussija#pilkunnussija

First things first: Flickr’s new community guidelines prohibit copyleft trolling: “Failure to allow a good faith reuser the opportunity to correct errors is against the intent of the license and not in line with the values of our community, and can result in your account being removed.”

https://www.flickr.com/help/guidelines

If you are targeted by a copyleft troll who demands that you pay them because of minor errors in your Creative Commons attribution, here’s how to report them and get them kicked off Flickr forever:

https://www.flickrhelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404057906068-How-to-report-Community-Guidelines-violations

Now, some background. Early versions of the Creative Commons licenses have a bug, a clause that says that the permissions conferred by CC licenses “terminate automatically upon any breach” — that is, if you violate any term of the license, it ceases to be in effect:

https://doctorow.medium.com/a-bug-in-early-creative-commons-licenses-has-enabled-a-new-breed-of-superpredator-5f6360713299

Core to the CC licenses is the idea of attribution. When you use a Creative Commons image, you must name the creator and link to the original, and name the license and link to it. Many CC users don’t understand this; they use an image and add something like “Image: Cory Doctorow/Creative Commons” with no links or specific licenses.

Under the pre-4.0 versions of the license, this can be construed as a “breach” which “terminates” the CC license. That’s where the copyleft trolls come in.

Copyleft trolls post CC-licensed stock art and then wait for a naive person to make a minor attribution error, and then they pounce, sending a legal threat and a speculative invoice demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars, under the threat of a $150,000 statutory damages award.

This is deeply unethical conduct. As I wrote when I was targeted by one of these creeps:

If you put a CC license on your work, its explicit message is, “I want you to re-use this.” Not “I am a pedantic asshole with a fetish for well-formed attribution strings.” The point of CC is not to teach the world to write attribution strings: it is to facilitate sharing and re-use. If you are a good-faith user of CC licenses, then your response to an incorrect attribution string should be a request to correct it, not a threat to sue for $150,000 in statutory damages.

Unethical as this conduct is, it’s also big business. One company, Pixsy, is responsible for a long-running shakedown campaign, working with scammy photographers to send out demand letters to unsuspecting Creative Commons users.

And many of those photographers rely on Flickr to bait their traps.

There’s a reason for this. Flickr’s early years were a period of enormous innovation. Flickr was the first mobile photo-sharing site, and it invented numerous community features that turned it into a thriving hub for photographers, amateur and professional alike. Flickr was also an interoperability pioneer, offering an API that let any user move their photos to a rival service — a tacit pledge to keep your business by being better than the rest, not by locking you in.

I know all this because I was an early advisor to Flickr, and because, in a weird way, I am partially responsible for Flickr. You see, before Flickr, I was carrying on a long-distance relationship from San Francisco with a woman in London, and we were both alpha testers for a social game called GameNeverending.

One day over breakfast with GNE’s founder Stewart Butterfield, he asked me how things were going in my romantic life. I answered that things were great, but mentioned that my girlfriend and I were struggling to share the pictures we took in our daily lives with one another. Stewart said, “Well, there’s a photo-sharing feature for GNE on the roadmap — why don’t I bump it up and we’ll see if other people use it, too?”

They did. In fact, the feature was so popular that within a few months, GNE relaunched as Flickr, jettisoning the game entirely and focusing on just that one feature. I stayed on the advisory, and one of the things I encouraged was the plan to roll out Creative Commons licenses for Flickr images — and I made sure everyone knew about it when Flickr became the first CC-enabled image site.

(I also married the woman I was carrying on that long-distance relationship with and today we have a 15 year old daughter!)

But after Flickr was sold to Yahoo, it joined Yahoo’s haunted armada of Web 2.0 ghost-ships, tossed back and forth in the storms created by the dueling princelings of Yahoo’s bloated management layer, who spent more time sabotaging one another than they did making anything anyone else wanted to use. Yahoo eventually sold off all of those holdings at fire-sale prices to Verizon, who neglected them still further.

An abandoned ship is easy picking for the rats that live in its bilges. Pixsy and its photographers actually became official Flickr partners, pitching themselves as a way for photographers who didn’t want their images shared to hunt down infringers — even as they facilitated a revolting campaign of copyleft trolling that depended on Flickr as their base of operations.

The depravity of copyleft trolls is truly boundless. Take Marco Verch, a prolific copyleft troll who hosts nearly 47,000 photos on Flickr. Verch hires low-waged gig work photographers through platforms like Upwork to take photos, then harasses people who make minor attribution errors:

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252488167/Automated-image-recognition-How-using-free-photos-on-the-internet-can-lead-to-lawsuits-and-fines

Verch boasts that his predation lets him work for four hours a week, leaving him with ample time to focus on his hobby, running. Verch is a truly prolific predator, and his attacks have made untold numbers of victims miserable — including the small Dutch charity that was forced to shut down after paying his ransom demand. Pixsy has been Verch’s US counsel and filed dozens of suits on his behalf.

Back in 2021, I got hit by Pixsy on behalf of a photographer named Nenad Stojkovic, with a claim that I had failed to attribute his image correctly. The email threat was truly vicious, calculated to strike terror into the recipient’s heart and prompt swift payment of $600, for using a freely licensed image whose market value had been set by its creator at $0.00.

There was just one problem: I hadn’t flubbed the attribution string. I helped with the launch of Creative Commons. I was CC’s first European director. What’s more, I have decades of experience fighting bullies and trolls and I knew their threat was bullshit — no court would award them the damages they were seeking.

So I wrote about it, publishing the text of my correspondence with Pixsy’s staff and management, and calling on Flickr to make changes to prevent their tools from being abused to victimize innocent people, like forcing users with CC 2.0-licensed images to relicense them as CC 4.0, which guarantees users the right to 30 days to fix attribution strings.

The reason I thought Flickr might take this in hand is that it is finally under decent, responsive leadership — since 2018, Flickr has been owned by Smugmug, a family-owned business that really cares about photographers and the open internet.

Flickr hasn’t taken all of my suggestions yet — my understanding is that they are laboring under enormous technological debt thanks to years of neglect by Yahoo and Verizon, and even small changes require weeks of all-hands technological work.

But what they have done is modify their policies to create a de facto CC 4.0 environment for their users, by promising to terminate the accounts of any user who repeatedly threatens legal action over bad attribution strings without first offering a 30-day grace period.

Flickr’s done more than that, actually. For one thing, they ditched Pixsy, severing their relationship with the company (Pixsy still lists them on its “partner” page). They also created the Flickr Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to providing long-term, responsible stewardship for their CC and public domain image respositories:

https://www.flickr.org/

For its part, Creative Commons published an excellent “Statement of Enforcement Principles” for its licenses that unequivocally rejected the way that Pixsy and other copyleft trolls abuse the bug in its older licenses:

https://creativecommons.org/license-enforcement/enforcement-principles/

In the months since I published my article detailing Pixsy’s attempt to shake me down, two things happened. First, I got a legal threat from Kain Jones, Pixsy’s CEO, who demanded that I get on the phone with him, the the alternative being “escalating things legally”:

https://doctorow.medium.com/an-open-letter-to-pixsy-ceo-kain-jones-who-keeps-sending-me-legal-threats-5dfc54558f2c

Jones also falsely claimed that naming the employees who’d threatened me violated the GDPR, which is extremely on-brand for this whole mess. While I don’t claim to be the world’s greatest expert on GDPR, I did lobby in Brussels for it, and I do have German specialist lawyers on tap who are happy to explain that Jones’s threat is absolute nonsense.

As I noted in my followup to Jones, he seems incapable of interacting with the public or his critics without making legal threats — and not just any legal threats, but legal threats that are grounded in an unhinged, and, in my opinion, deliberately deceptive theories of the law.

Pixsy continued to rattle its sabers for a while after this, tweeting that I’d made errors in my description of its business operations but declining to correct those records in response to my and others’ requests for further detail. It is my opinion that Pixsy failed to correct the record because my accusations were and are substantively correct.

But even after I stopped hearing from Pixsy, I continued to hear from its victims. I routinely receive distraught emails from everyday people who thought they were doing the right thing by using Creative Commons-licensed images in their work, and who now face a remorseless onslaught of threats from Pixsy’s team. Some of these people have been targeted on behalf of Nenad Stojkovic, just as I was.

These people beg me for advice — will Pixsy sue? Can they ignore Pixsy’s demands? I give them my condolences and tell them that I can’t promise them that a company as vindictive, greedy and morally bankrupt as Pixsy won’t bring a lawsuit. Every time, I wish I could offer them more.

Well, now I can: if you are targeted by a copyleft troll for using a Flickr-hosted image, narc them the fuck out. Tell Flickr about them. Flickr no longer tolerates copyleft trolling, and they will terminate repeat offenders’ accounts.

As I wrote this today, I went back and revisted Pixsy CEO Kain Jones’s letter to me and I was struck again by its absolute rank hypocrisy, the sheer sociopathic lack of self-awareness it displays. Jones presides over an empire of bulk legal threats, carefully drafted to frighten blameless people into sending him money they can’t afford and don’t owe. In this correspondence, his company tells its victims that they are liable “regardless of knowledge or intent.” Victims are told that correcting their error will not suffice, because it “does not resolve the period of unlicensed use.”

And yet, in this letter, Jones calls on me to show understanding because “people occasionally make mistakes.” He scolds me for my “vitriol” in my naming and shaming a senior executive who boasts on Pixsy’s website of having “overseen over 140,000 cases” — that is, who sent these outrageous letters to more than one hundred and forty thousand people and organizations.

Unlike Kain Jones, I am a working artist. I make my living from the sale of my creative works, not from tricking people who’ve made innocent, trivial legal errors into sending me hundreds or thousands of dollars. Unlike Marco Verch, I don’t pay anonymous randos small sums to create new works, slap my name on them, and then threaten blameless people in the name of defending artists’ rights.

And I sometimes have to police my copyrights. The world is full of quick-buck scammers who rip off my work, including my Creative Commons-licensed works, often with the assistance of some of the world’s largest corporations:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/25/can-you-hear-me-now/#acx-ripoff

These people are engaged in what Douglas Rushkoff calls “Going Meta.” They don’t do anything useful, but rather, they create a chokepoint between people who do useful things and people who want to pay for those things, and squatting there, collecting rent:

https://rushkoff.medium.com/going-meta-d42c6a09225e

This is the passive-income brainworm — a parasitic, end-stage capitalist hustle that cloaks itself in high-minded rhetoric even though it is the very lowest of bottom-feeders. Pixsy claims that it is primarily an artists’ defense tool, but the company conspicuously refused to tell me what share of its income comes from real copyright defense, and what share comes from copyleft trolling.

Whenever I think back on Kain Jones and his outrageous legal threats to me — first the one that falsely claimed I had violated a Creative Commons license, and then the one that insinuated that calling him out broke the law — the thing that outrages me most is his assertion that he is a defender of artists’ rights.

What an outrageous and grotesque claim that is. A man who presides over a powerful corporation that devotes its considerable energy to tormenting people who used Creative Commons licenses as they were intended to be used sends a legal threat to a working artist and he styles himself a champion of the arts? If I wrote that into one of my bestselling novels — which generate revenue by making people happy through artistic expression, and not by terrorizing people with deceptive and unethical legal threats — I’d be accused of absurd, overbroad parody.

Have you ever wanted to say thank you for these posts? Here���s how you can: I’m kickstarting the audiobook for my next novel, a post-cyberpunk anti-finance finance thriller about Silicon Valley scams called Red Team Blues. Amazon’s Audible refuses to carry my audiobooks because they’re DRM free, but crowdfunding makes them possible.

[[Image ID: John Milton's 'Fall of Lucifer,' modified so that God's light emanating from heaven is coming out of the Flickr blue-and-red-balls logo.]]

[odiesdayoff]

Studying Pays Off

pair: edward nashton (professor!) x fem!reader (student but also not)

summary: Edward Nashton’s a tough professor, but you’re up for the challenge.

warnings: SMUT (MINORS DNI 18++++); oral sex (f. receiving); questionable student/teacher relationship (they are but they aren’t); age gap

slay. I’ve been posting this series on AO3 and decided to take it to my tumblr as well :)

part two

You heard horror stories about Professor Nashton. One of the two professors that taught advanced forensic accounting, a class that you needed to take for your major. Professor Ives was kind and very generous with extra credit. Unfortunately, the only class that you could take that fit into your schedule wasn’t with Professor Ives.

Most people complained about his lectures, usually long and boring and full of riddles that didn’t have much to do with the actual subject. He was strict about grading and the smallest error in a project might turn your A into a B. Unfortunately, you weren’t an exception to the normal borderline failing student that became the norm.

The thirty seconds that you stood outside of his room, too nervous to start your office hour session with him, felt like an eternity. It was common knowledge that nobody dared trying to go to his office hours. Students were too afraid to get on his bad side to even attempt to ask questions about the lecture. You were different, though. You were determined to get at least a B- in this class even if it meant spending an awkward few minutes with the man.

He didn’t look at you as you walked in and took your seat on the other side of the desk. You clutched your binder close to your chest, sheets upon sheets of printed-out homework and projects thickening it. You wrote your own notes over and around the notes that he gave you. You practiced everything that you wanted to talk to him about.

He wrote the grade with a large red marker on someone’s project. D. You hoped that it wasn’t yours. “I don’t offer extra credit if that’s what you came here for. And I will not be bribed by any means,” He flipped the stack of papers over, pushing them to the side and finally looking up at you. For a moment, you wondered what students might have tried to use to bribe him.

“That…That’s not what I’m here for, sir. I wanted to discuss the last project and what I could do better for the next time,” You opened your binder and nervously pulled the stapled stack of paper with a marked B- on the top out of the front fold. You offered the paper to him and he took it.

That project, in particular, getting a report from some made-up company and logging their accounts as well as any discrepancies, didn’t seem too difficult for you. You finished it with time to spare and found nothing wrong when you went over it, yet you barely passed. You began to wonder if you were doing everything wrong and you were in the wrong field.

He flipped through the pages faster than any person could possibly be looking at the content. You sat quietly, hoping that your breathing didn’t disturb his work. “While there aren’t many mistakes, the ones that you did make were those that should have been eradicated in basic accounting. It might be a problem with you rather than this individual project.” His facial features were soft, but that didn’t seem to translate to his harsh personality.

Your breathing halted, maybe you should have listened when you were told to avoid going to his office hours. Was he calling you stupid? “I’ve never had a problem before this class. Is there anything that I can do about that?” The voice in your head wanted to lean over the desk and slap the shit out of the man, but you knew that it would only make things worse for you. His words would get to you tonight when you were able to cry about it if you needed.

“I can’t fix what was broken from the start, I’m afraid,” he handed the stack of papers back to you and you took them with a shaky hand. At this point, you weren’t sure if the shaking came from anger or you fighting back the urge to cry. Your life’s passion, the one thing you were sure that you excelled at, he was telling you that you never had a chance. What an asshole.

You looked down at the papers in your lap, “Is there… any way to improve in this class? Even with my…problems?” You weren’t sure why this was such a blow to your self-confidence. You’ve had much worse said to you by your parents when you told them that you wanted to go into accounting. You nearly failed geometry and their hope for you fell down the drain.

He sighed as if this wasn’t literally the job that he signed up to do for a living. “Unless you want to dedicate your time to coming to my office hours every single time there’s an assignment to go over things, I suggest you drop the class before it affects your GPA too much,” He looked at someone else’s project and shook his head. It was like you weren’t even there.

And that’s exactly what you did for the rest of the semester. From the time that he started his office hours to when he kicked you out, you worked on your assignments. Maybe you were a bit delusional, but you started to wonder if he was finally warming up to you. Your grades definitely reflected a more positive relationship with the man. You were probably the only person in the class that had an A by December.

The final was in two days and you were still committing to your office hour sessions with Professor Nashton. “You intrigue me, Y/n,” He spoke out of the blue.

You looked up from your papers, “How so?”

He leaned back into his chair. It squeaked slightly, “Most students just give up after that first office hour visit. They…curse me out and then drop a shitty rate my professor review. But not you, Y/n.” He spoke along with his hands, “You never let me spend a class or office hour alone.”

“It definitely paid off. I think I’m one of the only people not either failing or borderline failing. Why do you grade like that?” You’ve been meaning to ask that question for so long, but it never seemed right. Now that you two felt like somewhat friends and he was getting personal, maybe he would find out.

He bit his lip, “This subject relies on precision. One mistake could jail an innocent person or let a guilty one roam free. Forensic accountants are crucial and perhaps the foundation of the justice system. Financially, that is. If I start my students with a work ethic that relies strongly on attention to detail and little mistakes, justice will be served in the future. Most of them just don’t want to work hard.”

You nodded along. You agreed with him to a point but thought that he should have been a bit less harsh in the way that he conducts this message. “That…actually makes a lot of sense. Maybe you should say that at the beginning of the semester,” You suggested.

He shook his head, “If they didn’t try before, it’s not going to make them suddenly start. Most people at this school are privileged little fucks that’ll go into their daddy’s firm once they graduate. Pardon my French. People like us work for our success.”

He wasn’t wrong there. Gotham University was built on nepotism and will always be that way, it seemed.

~~~

The final wasn’t bad, just as you had expected. It was exactly what you studied and discussed with the professor, so you were pretty sure that you got a decent grade. The other students filtered out of the classroom as soon as they wrote down their final number and rejoiced in their winter break starting. Once the last person left, you took the opportunity to talk to Professor Nashton one last time.

“How was it?” He asked, sorting through the stacks of finished tests all over his desk.

You shrugged, “It was good. Not to brag, but I think I got an almost perfect score.” This earned you a smile from him. You took a deep breath and adjusted your bag on your shoulder, “Now that we’re not technically student and teacher anymore, I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy talking with you. I work at this little diner by the Iceberg Lounge and if you’re ever in the area, you’re free to stop by. I’ll even throw in a free coffee and slice of pumpkin pie.”

“That’s very generous of you, Y/n. I’ll keep that in mind,” You had your suspicions that he was only saying that to be polite, but a small part of you wanted to see him again. Seeing him in a less professional setting and without the big label of instructor might do him some good.

Your winter break was uneventful. You worked, occasionally spent time with your friends, and avoided your family’s judgment throughout the holiday season. It wasn’t until the second week of January that things got interesting again.

Working at a 24-hour diner meant that you had to be available for work at all times of the day. You drew the short straw and found yourself behind the counter, completely void of co-workers and customers, at 2 in the morning on a Wednesday. You were halfway through Pride and Prejudice when you were startled by the doorbell.

Standing in the doorway was him. Your former professor in a large raincoat and informal wear. “What are you doing here so late?” You asked, smirking. You were relieved to have someone to talk to other than yourself and that he wasn’t some random creep.

“I could ask you the same thing. I couldn’t sleep,” He sat on one of the barstools and you turned on the coffee machine. If it were anyone else, you would’ve served the stale, hours-old coffee.

“What does your spouse think of your late-night diner runs?” You took a relatively hot slice of pie and placed it in front of him with a fork.

He took a bite of the pie, “Not married.”

You raised a brow, “I can’t imagine why not. You’re smart, attractive, and literally a tenured professor at an esteemed university.” You turned to grab a cup for the coffee.

Edward paused and looked up from his pie, “You of all people should not be saying that I’m attractive.”

“Why? Because you’re older than me?” You snorted.

“Because you’re beautiful. And frankly, I feel guilty even saying that.”

You poured the coffee in silence and placed it in front of him. He found you attractive. Now that there was no formal rule that could get him fired, you had all the opportunity in the world to mess with him. And by mess with him, you really just want to jump his arrogant bones.

“Are you sure that pie’s the only thing in here you wanna eat?” You put on your best seductive voice, making him slightly choke on his coffee. He glared at you, “Oh, come on. We’re not limited to roles anymore. We’re just two adults that know each other from university.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to, trust me, I’ve shamefully thought about it before. It’s just-”

“Just nothing! I’m offering to get on this counter, lift my skirt up, and let you eat me out. Yes or no?”

He sat in silence for a second, staring. The gears in his brain were turning. He grabbed the plate and the cup and pushed them to the side, “Get up.”

This was a first for you. Sex with a professor and doing it at work. Despite it all, you sat up on the counter and showed yourself to him. He stared for a moment, nervous, before hooking his arms under your legs and diving in.

Other than the buzzing of the various machines in the diner, the only noises in the room were of Edward licking and the moans that you held back. You didn’t expect him to be that good, no man ever was when it came to oral. He found your clit after a few seconds and began to suck on it, not giving you a chance to register the sudden rush of pleasure.

“Fuck!” You moved your hand on the counter, accidentally swiping the coffee cup off. It shattered, but Edward didn’t look up or stop. It wasn’t like you were going to stop and clean it up now, anyway.

“Y/n, you taste so good,” He whispered into your pussy. You grabbed his hair and twirled it with your fingers.

He pushed two fingers into you and you felt the pleasure fully begin to coil in your stomach. You moaned and tugged on his hair. That only made him go faster.

With Edward relentlessly pleasuring you, it took not long for you to see stars. The walls were not soundproof and you had forgotten if they had security cameras or not, but that didn’t stop you from calling out his name as you came around his fingers.

He finally looked up at you with a goofy smile on his face. Your face was flushed and your chest noticeably rose and fell. Now, you were more confused that he wasn’t married. “How was that?”

[masllp]

Simplify GST Return Filing in Delhi with MASLLP: Your Trusted Partner

Introduction: Navigating the complexities of GST return filing in Delhi can be challenging for businesses of all sizes. To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, it’s crucial to have a reliable partner who understands the intricacies of the GST regime. MASLLP is your go-to expert for GST return filing in Delhi, offering comprehensive services to simplify the process and ensure accuracy. In this blog, we will explore the importance of GST return filing, the common challenges faced, and how MASLLP can help you streamline your GST compliance.

Why GST Return Filing is Crucial GST return filing is a mandatory compliance requirement for businesses registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India. It involves reporting the details of sales, purchases, and tax collected and paid. Here’s why timely and accurate GST return filing is essential:

Legal Compliance Filing GST returns on time ensures that your business complies with the legal requirements set by the government. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and legal complications.

Input Tax Credit Accurate GST return filing allows businesses to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on their purchases, reducing the overall tax liability.

Financial Planning Regular GST return filing provides a clear picture of your tax liabilities and helps in effective financial planning and management.

Avoiding Penalties Timely filing helps avoid late fees and penalties, which can accumulate and become a financial burden for businesses. Common Challenges in GST Return Filing While GST return filing is crucial, businesses often face several challenges in the process:

Complexity of GST Laws The ever-evolving GST laws and regulations can be complex and difficult to interpret for businesses without specialized knowledge.

Accurate Data Entry Ensuring the accuracy of data related to sales, purchases, and tax payments is critical. Errors in data entry can lead to discrepancies and compliance issues.

Timely Filing Meeting the deadlines for various GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9, etc.) can be challenging, especially for businesses with limited resources.

ITC Reconciliation Reconciling Input Tax Credit with suppliers' returns requires meticulous tracking and can be time-consuming. How MASLLP Can Help with GST Return Filing in Delhi MASLLP offers comprehensive GST return filing services designed to address these challenges and ensure seamless compliance. Here’s how we can help: Expertise and Knowledge Our team of GST experts stays updated with the latest GST laws and regulations, ensuring that your returns are filed accurately and on time. End-to-End Service From data collection and validation to filing returns and handling queries from the tax authorities, MASLLP provides end-to-end GST return filing services. Accuracy and Compliance We use advanced tools and software to ensure the accuracy of your data, minimizing the risk of errors and non-compliance. Timely Filing With MASLLP, you never have to worry about missing deadlines. We ensure that all your GST returns are filed on time, every time. ITC Reconciliation Our experts handle the complex process of ITC reconciliation, ensuring that you claim the maximum Input Tax Credit you are entitled to. Why Choose MASLLP for GST Return Filing in Delhi Client-Centric Approach At MASLLP, we prioritize our clients' needs and offer personalized services tailored to their specific requirements. Transparent Communication We maintain transparent communication with our clients, keeping them informed at every step of the GST return filing process. Cost-Effective Solutions Our GST return filing services are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money without compromising on quality. Conclusion GST return filing is a critical aspect of business compliance, and partnering with an expert like MASLLP can make the process hassle-free and efficient. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we ensure that your GST returns are filed accurately and on time, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. Contact MASLLP today to learn more about our GST return filing services in Delhi and how we can assist you in achieving seamless compliance.

[deepak71]

The Role of Scheme Management Software in Business

The corporate world has become more competitive recently, and with it, scheme management. If schemes are effectively managed, they play a crucial role in enhancing sales, customer satisfaction, and profits. The question then arises: Do sales executives need help coordinating their campaigns effectively, which poses challenges for maintaining customer satisfaction and profitability maximization? Does your company struggle with growth due to errors, delays, and inefficiencies caused by manual operations?

For those looking to streamline promotions and enhance efficiency, it's worth exploring scheme management software. This application is designed to streamline the process of managing offers and schemes for national distributors or manufacturers. It allows you to enter scheme parameters like validity period, scheme concept, terms and conditions, price involved, etc., into the system and share the information. Let's explore how it can drive business expansion. 

What Makes Efficient Scheme Management So Important?

The scheme management platform helps manage promotional plans that involve developing, launching, and monitoring strategies to boost sales and revenue. Previously, errors, paperwork, and complex calculations were common while implementing schemes manually. Anticipated outcomes included inefficiencies and challenges in measuring program success.

Companies have shifted their approach to scheme administration by utilizing scheme management software. It streamlines various aspects of administration so businesses can effortlessly create, execute, and oversee schemes. It is recognized as workflow efficiency software because it enhances business productivity. Let’s explore how implementing this software can revolutionize your business operations and drive growth.

1. Adaptability in Defining Schemes

Scheme management software integrates supplier loyalty programs with defined regulations. Its dynamic system assists end-users in effectively planning, creating, and developing innovative strategies. Regarding channel sales management, field force automation, or sales tracking, software for managing schemes can be customized to fit specific client requirements. 

2. Optimized Dealer Satisfaction 

Supervisors can track project advancement through the scheme management app's enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration. It is structured and operates methodically, expediting the implementation of new projects. Additionally, it efficiently manages credit notes, boosting sales, customer trust, and overall profits.

3. Boosts Productivity

Once in auto mode, the scheme assessment speeds up and requires minimal human involvement. Scheme management software greatly enhances reclaiming schemes, which are known for their challenges and setbacks, resulting in lost opportunities. It improves productivity, generates leads, increases brand visibility, and fosters dealer confidence.

4. Emphasizing a Strong Sense of Responsibility

Operating scheme automation software involves significant responsibility, as it documents and displays all credit transactions, records, and deals. In addition, the software's report production feature simplifies generating reports on sales, events/promotions, costs, and costings.

Scheme management software enhances corporate operations, scheme performance, and sales. Streamlining design, validation, and monitoring processes enhances productivity and drives revenue growth.

Nural Schemes enables you to share schemes and evaluate their performance. It has benefited a wide range of sales professionals and retail outlets. Clients have experienced significant growth in human capital, revenue, and operational expense savings with various scheme combinations. Rely on Nural for optimizing business solutions and top-notch workflow efficiency software. Schedule a demo today.

[advancetaxreliefexperts]

TAX PREPARATION BEST PRACTICES FOR A STRESS-FREE FILING SEASON 

As we inch closer to the infamous tax filing season, the palpable tension in the air becomes almost unavoidable. For many, the thought of navigating the labyrinthine tax codes and forms is enough to induce a cold sweat. But it doesn't always have to be this way. 

With a little forethought and meticulous planning, tax preparation can be a breezy, walk-in-the-park experience, saving you not only precious time but also potential penalties for mistakes or late submissions. 

In this article, we'll dive headfirst into a wealth of expert tips, savvy strategies, and best practices for tax preparation that promise to transform your filing season from a stress-inducing nightmare into a seamless and orderly process. 

From understanding how to maximize your deductions, to organizing your financial paperwork, to deciding whether to enlist the help of a professional, we'll equip you with all the tools and knowledge you need to tackle your tax preparation with confidence and ease.

Organize Your Financial Records

The foundation of a smooth tax preparation process is well-organized financial records. To ensure accuracy and efficiency in preparing your taxes, follow these steps for organizing your financial documents:

1. Gather all essential documents: Begin by collecting critical financial records related to your income, deductions, and credits. These may include W-2 forms, 1099 forms, bank statements, receipts for charitable donations, and business expense documentation.

2. Categorize and sort your records: Separate your financial documents into clearly defined categories, such as income, business expenses, and deductions. This approach will make it easier to locate and reference specific documents when preparing your tax return.

3. Use a system for tracking expenses: Implementing a consistent method for recording and tracking your expenses throughout the year, such as financial software or a dedicated expense journal, can greatly simplify the tax preparation process.

4. Store documents securely: Keep your financial records in a secure location, whether it's a physical filing cabinet or encrypted digital storage. This ensures easy access to essential information while protecting your sensitive financial data.

Understand Your Tax Obligations and Deadlines

Staying informed about your tax obligations and deadlines is essential for avoiding penalties or other consequences. To ensure you're educated and prepared for tax season, consider the following tips:

1. Stay up-to-date on tax laws: Tax laws and regulations can change frequently, so make a point to stay informed about any updates or changes that may impact your tax return.

2. Identify the appropriate tax forms: Depending on your financial circumstances, you may need to complete various tax forms. Ensure you've correctly identified and obtained the necessary forms prior to beginning your tax preparation process.

3. Familiarize yourself with relevant tax credits and deductions: Research and understand the tax credits and deductions available to you, enabling you to maximize your tax savings.

4. Be aware of tax deadlines: Missing tax filing deadlines can result in costly penalties. Mark the relevant tax deadlines on your calendar, and consider filing your return early to avoid last-minute stress.

Avoid Common Tax Filing Mistakes

Mistakes during the tax preparation process can lead to delays, penalties, or even audits. To safeguard against errors, follow these guidelines:

1. Double-check your personal information: Confirm that critical details, such as your Social Security number and address, are correct on your tax return.

2. Report all income: Ensure that you report all forms of income, including freelance work, investment income, or gig economy earnings.

3. Verify your deductions and credits: Carefully review your deductions and credits to ensure you’ve followed the guidelines and have correctly calculated the amounts claimed.

4. File electronically: Electronic filing reduces the likelihood of errors and offers faster processing times for tax refunds.

Partner with Advance Tax Relief for Expert Tax Preparation

Enlisting professional tax preparation assistance from Advance Tax Relief offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Accurate and compliant tax filings: Experienced tax professionals possess thorough knowledge of tax laws and regulations, ensuring your return is completed accurately and in compliance with current tax legislation.

2. Time-saving convenience: Outsourcing your tax preparation can free up valuable time, allowing you to focus on your personal and professional goals without the distraction of tax season stress.

3. Proactive tax planning: Advance Tax Relief can also assist with proactive tax planning strategies, identifying opportunities for tax savings and advising on strategies to minimize your tax liability for future filing seasons.

4. Audit support and representation: Should you face an IRS audit, Advance Tax Relief can provide expert guidance, support, and representation throughout the process, alleviating your concerns and simplifying a potentially overwhelming experience.

Achieve a Stress-free Filing Season with Advance Tax Relief

Implementing best practices for tax preparation can help ensure a smooth, stress-free filing season, allowing you to concentrate on your financial objectives with confidence. Advance Tax Relief, a leading tax resolution company in Houston, Texas, is dedicated to providing expert tax preparation services, ensuring accuracy and compliance in your tax filings, and offering support for future tax planning and potential audit situations.

Discover how our experienced team can simplify the tax preparation process, enabling you to approach each filing season with confidence and ease. Contact us today to explore our comprehensive tax solutions and services and begin your journey towards a hassle-free tax filing experience.

[jcmarchi]

ChatGPT Meets Its Match: The Rise of Anthropic Claude Language Model

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/chatgpt-meets-its-match-the-rise-of-anthropic-claude-language-model/

ChatGPT Meets Its Match: The Rise of Anthropic Claude Language Model

Over the past year, generative AI has exploded in popularity, thanks largely to OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in November 2022. ChatGPT is an impressively capable conversational AI system that can understand natural language prompts and generate thoughtful, human-like responses on a wide range of topics.

However, ChatGPT is not without competition. One of the most promising new contenders aiming to surpass ChatGPT is Claude, created by AI research company Anthropic. Claude was released for limited testing in December 2022, just weeks after ChatGPT. Although Claude has not yet seen as widespread adoption as ChatGPT, it demonstrates some key advantages that may make it the biggest threat to ChatGPT’s dominance in the generative AI space.

Background on Anthropic

Before diving into Claude, it is helpful to understand Anthropic, the company behind this AI system. Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI researchers Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei, Anthropic is a startup focused on developing safe artificial general intelligence (AGI).

The company takes a research-driven approach with a mission to create AI that is harmless, honest, and helpful. Anthropic leverages constitutional AI techniques, which involve setting clear constraints on an AI system’s objectives and capabilities during development. This contrasts with OpenAI’s preference for scaling up systems rapidly and dealing with safety issues reactively.

Anthropic raised $300 million in funding in 2022. Backers include high-profile tech leaders like Dustin Moskovitz, co-founder of Facebook and Asana. With this financial runway and a team of leading AI safety researchers, Anthropic is well-positioned to compete directly with large organizations like OpenAI.

Overview of Claude

Claude powered by Claude 2 & Claude 2.1 model, is an AI chatbot designed to collaborate, write, and answer questions, much like ChatGPT and Google Bard.

Claude stands out with its advanced technical features. While mirroring the transformer architecture common in other models, it’s the training process where Claude diverges, employing methodologies that prioritize ethical guidelines and contextual understanding. This approach has resulted in Claude performing impressively on standardized tests, even surpassing many AI models.

Claude shows an impressive ability to understand context, maintain consistent personalities, and admit mistakes. In many cases, its responses are articulate, nuanced, and human-like. Anthropic credits constitutional AI approaches for allowing Claude to conduct conversations safely, without harmful or unethical content.

Some key capabilities demonstrated in initial Claude tests include:

Conversational intelligence – Claude listens to user prompts and asks clarifying questions. It adjusts responses based on the evolving context.

Reasoning – Claude can apply logic to answer questions thoughtfully without reciting memorized information.

Creativity – Claude can generate novel content like poems, stories, and intellectual perspectives when prompted.

Harm avoidance – Claude abstains from harmful, unethical, dangerous, or illegal content, in line with its constitutional AI design.

Correction of mistakes – If Claude realizes it has made a factual error, it will retract the mistake graciously when users point it out.

Claude 2.1

In November 2023, Anthropic released an upgraded version called Claude 2.1. One major feature is the expansion of its context window to 200,000 tokens, enabling approximately 150,000 words or over 500 pages of text.

This massive contextual capacity allows Claude 2.1 to handle much larger bodies of data. Users can provide intricate codebases, detailed financial reports, or extensive literary works as prompts. Claude can then summarize long texts coherently, conduct thorough Q&A based on the documents, and extrapolate trends from massive datasets. This huge contextual understanding is a significant advancement, empowering more sophisticated reasoning and document comprehension compared to previous versions.

Enhanced Honesty and Accuracy

Claude 2.1: Significantly more likely to demur

Significant Reduction in Model Hallucinations

A key improvement in Claude 2.1 is its enhanced honesty, demonstrated by a remarkable 50% reduction in the rates of false statements compared to the previous model, Claude 2.0. This enhancement ensures that Claude 2.1 provides more reliable and accurate information, essential for enterprises looking to integrate AI into their critical operations.

Improved Comprehension and Summarization

Claude 2.1 shows significant advancements in understanding and summarizing complex, long-form documents. These improvements are crucial for tasks that demand high accuracy, such as analyzing legal documents, financial reports, and technical specifications. The model has shown a 30% reduction in incorrect answers and a significantly lower rate of misinterpreting documents, affirming its reliability in critical thinking and analysis.

Access and Pricing

Claude 2.1 is now accessible via Anthropic’s API and is powering the chat interface at claude.ai for both free and Pro users. The use of the 200K token context window, a feature particularly beneficial for handling large-scale data, is reserved for Pro users. This tiered access ensures that different user groups can leverage Claude 2.1’s capabilities according to their specific needs.

With the recent introduction of Claude 2.1, Anthropic has updated its pricing model to enhance cost efficiency across different user segments. The new pricing structure is designed to cater to various use cases, from low latency, high throughput scenarios to tasks requiring complex reasoning and significant reduction in model hallucination rates.

AI Safety and Ethical Considerations

At the heart of Claude’s development is a rigorous focus on AI safety and ethics. Anthropic employs a ‘Constitutional AI’ model, incorporating principles from the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights and Apple’s terms of service, alongside unique rules to discourage biased or unethical responses. This innovative approach is complemented by extensive ‘red teaming’ to identify and mitigate potential safety issues.

Claude’s integration into platforms like Notion AI, Quora’s Poe, and DuckDuckGo’s DuckAssist demonstrates its versatility and market appeal. Available through an open beta in the U.S. and U.K., with plans for global expansion, Claude is becoming increasingly accessible to a wider audience.

Advantages of Claude over ChatGPT

While ChatGPT launched first and gained immense popularity right away, Claude demonstrates some key advantages:

More accurate information

One common complaint about ChatGPT is that it sometimes generates plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical information. This is because it is trained primarily to sound human-like, not to be factually correct. In contrast, Claude places a high priority on truthfulness. Although not perfect, it avoids logically contradicting itself or generating blatantly false content.

Increased safety

Given no constraints, large language models like ChatGPT will naturally produce harmful, biased, or unethical content in certain cases. However, Claude’s constitutional AI architecture compels it to abstain from dangerous responses. This protects users and limits societal harm from Claude’s widespread use.

Can admit ignorance

While ChatGPT aims to always provide a response to user prompts, Claude will politely decline to answer questions when it does not have sufficient knowledge. This honesty helps build user trust and prevent propagation of misinformation.

Ongoing feedback and corrections

The Claude team takes user feedback seriously to continually refine Claude’s performance. When Claude makes a mistake, users can point this out so it recalibrates its responses. This training loop of feedback and correction enables rapid improvement.

Focus on coherence

ChatGPT sometimes exhibits logical inconsistencies or contradictions, especially when users attempt to trick it. Claude’s responses display greater coherence, as it tracks context and fine-tunes generations to align with previous statements.

Investment and Future Outlook

Recent investments in Anthropic, including significant funding rounds led by Menlo Ventures and contributions from major players like Google and Amazon, underscore the industry’s confidence in Claude’s potential. These investments are expected to propel Claude’s development further, solidifying its position as a major contender in the AI market.

Conclusion

Anthropic’s Claude is more than just another AI model; it’s a symbol of a new direction in AI development. With its emphasis on safety, ethics, and user experience, Claude stands as a significant competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, heralding a new era in AI where safety and ethics are not just afterthoughts but integral to the design and functionality of AI systems.

[housesofinvestors]

Simplifying Your Taxes: The Latest Tips and Tricks for 2023!!

Introduction

As the yearly calendar cycle moves forward, the taxes season creeps up like an unwanted shadow. It’s a time of immense pressure and uncertainty for both individuals and businesses, particularly in light of the ever-evolving tax laws and regulations. However, with the correct information and tools, it is feasible to ease the tax process and increase your tax savings.

2023 Tax Code Changes: A Cautionary Tale

With the recent tax changes for 2023, your tax obligation is about to undergo a transformation. Ignorance is not bliss in this case, as staying informed and comprehending the alterations is vital to making informed financial decisions. Don’t be caught off guard; stay ahead of the curve.

Maximize Your Tax Savings with Deductions

Deductions serve as a means of reducing your tax obligation and can come in handy in a time of need. From medical expenses to charitable donations, there are numerous deductions available for individuals and businesses to claim and lower their tax bill. Don’t let the opportunity slip away.

Investing with Tax Efficiency in Mind

Investing is a crucial aspect of financial planning, but it also holds the potential to significantly impact your taxes. By comprehending the tax implications of your investments and executing tax-efficient strategies, you can minimize your tax bill and maximize your investment returns.

Retirement Accounts: The Tax-Saving Secret

Retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, offer substantial tax benefits that aid in saving for the future while reducing your tax obligation. By comprehending the various types of retirement accounts and taking advantage of their tax benefits, you can include this as a key aspect in your financial planning.

Avail Tax Credits for Increased Savings

Tax credits offer a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax obligation and can significantly impact your bottom line. From the Child Tax Credit to the Earned Income Tax Credit, there are several credits available for individuals and families to claim and reduce their tax bill. Make the most of the opportunities at hand.

The Self-Employment Tax: A Guide

Self-employed individuals have unique tax considerations, one of which is the self-employment tax. Comprehending the self-employment tax, including its calculation and payment process, can help prevent any unexpected tax liabilities and ensure a smooth process.

Tax-Loss Harvesting: Maximize Your Savings

Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy aimed at minimizing your tax bill by offsetting capital gains with capital losses. Understanding the workings of tax-loss harvesting and how to implement it can help you take advantage of this valuable tax strategy.

Tax Preparation Services and Software: Your Key to Ease

With the rise of technology, tax preparation services and software have become abundant and accessible. From do-it-yourself options to full-service tax preparation, comprehending the various options and choosing the right one for your needs can simplify the tax process and bring ease to a stressful time.

Avoid Costly Tax Errors – Common Missteps to Steer Clear-Of

Despite having the best intentions, it’s inevitable to make mistakes while filing taxes.

However, by recognizing the most common tax pitfalls, such as neglecting to claim deductions or neglecting to report all your income, you can steer clear of hefty penalties and errors.

A Tax Professional – The Advantages of Hiring One

Hiring a tax professional comes with a multitude of advantages – from ensuring accuracy to maximizing tax savings.

Understanding the perks of having a tax professional by your side, including their proficiency and experience, will assist you in making an informed choice about whether it’s the right fit for you.

Accurate Record Keeping – The Key to a Smooth Tax Process

Accurate and organized record keeping is a crucial aspect of a seamless tax experience.

By maintaining records that are thorough and organized, you’ll have the information you need at your fingertips, ensuring you file your taxes efficiently and accurately.

Tax Planning – Getting a Head Start on Next Year

Tax planning is an ongoing process, and getting a head start on next year can help reduce anxiety and unexpected surprises during tax season.

Knowing the steps you can take now, such as making adjustments to your withholding or making estimated tax payments, can put you in a proactive stance, ensuring a smooth tax process next year.

Understanding Tax Reform: A Path to Minimizing Liabilities

Tax reform is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon that can greatly impact the way you plan and file your taxes.

Staying informed about the latest tax reforms and comprehending their implications can help you make informed decisions, thereby reducing your tax liabilities.

Simplifying Taxation with Software

Maximizing the use of tax software can streamline the tax filing process, making it a much simpler and more manageable task.

Knowing the different varieties of tax software, from basic and beginner-friendly to more intricate and advanced options, can allow you to pick the perfect tool for your specific requirements.

Maximizing Tax Deductions

Optimizing your tax deductions can significantly lower your taxable income, thereby reducing your tax obligation.

Through comprehending the various tax deductions accessible, such as donations to charity or medical expenses, you can seize opportunities to maximize your tax savings.

State Taxes: A Pragmatic Approach

Understanding the specifics of state taxes, which can vary greatly, is the key to making informed decisions.

Keeping abreast with the latest state tax laws and regulations not only helps you remain compliant but also minimizes liability.

CONCLUSION:

Preparing and filing taxes can be a Herculean task. Stay informed, make use of the right tools, and adopt the latest tips and tricks to simplify the process and maximize your savings.

Whether you’re a seasoned tax professional or a beginner, staying updated with the latest tax information and strategies will help make tax season a resounding success.

[captain-kit-adventuress]

Ok, I’m putting on my old accounting hat for a minute.

The IRS having its own free direct file program is sorely, sorely necessary. One of the main reasons is because the IRS already has all of the information you’re reporting, especially if you’re like most Americans and your taxes are uncomplicated or change little from year to year or both. There’s no reason to fill out a bunch of forms telling them what they already know. It’s been proposed, at least once that I know of but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more than that, where the IRS would send you something every year with your tax info already filled out, you look it over and make changes if necessary, and then e-sign and e-file. The whole process should take less than twenty minutes for most people and it shouldn’t cost a thing, especially because for most people, it’s mandatory.

A step up from basic Turbo Tax was $70 this past tax season. Many people need this version for something CPAs call “above-the-line” deductions and credits. You can claim these (if you qualify) whether you take the standard deduction or if you itemise, and they’re really valuable because they can take out a major chunk of income that would otherwise be taxable. There’s a bunch of them, so I won’t list them all, but two of the most common ones are for tuition expenses and student loan interest.

You had to buy the $70 version if you wanted access to the tax forms related to above-the-line deductions. Tax forms, it should be noted, the IRS provides for free every single year. You can’t even fill out the forms yourself in Turbo Tax if you know how and want to save money, because they just…won’t be there. Last I checked, that’s practically next door neighbours to extortion.

Because what the bigwig at Intuit was warning about with “harm” was trying to freak people out about not knowing how to do their taxes, and thinking they’re going to get audited. Guys, gals and nonbinary pals, audits are extremely rare outside of certain tax brackets, and more likely than not, you aren’t in one of those brackets. There are always a number of returns selected every year for random audits, but I guarantee you the IRS doesn’t have the funding, time and/or manpower to do this on a large scale.

The worst that will happen if you screw up your taxes is a letter from the IRS asking you to either clarify or send documentation. That’s it. If you really mess it up because you don’t know what you’re doing, guess what! They see that a lot and you have available to you the bona fide error defence. Like, if you made the error in good faith, and you weren’t trying to cheat or knowingly claim something you’re not entitled to, the IRS is like, cool, that happens sometimes, let’s just get this fixed, see if you owe us or we owe you, and be done with it. Of course it sucks to owe on taxes, but they’ll work with you if you ask.

Taxes look scary, but they’re really simple for most people, and every single tax form comes with detailed instructions including multiple examples of what goes on every single line of the form, specifically so you can do them yourself and not have to pay for help. My only tip is make sure to keep the best financial records you can. It’s not easy, and it does take work, but it can become a habit like anything else. That, and if you don’t have a lot of money but still need to file taxes, lots of places have volunteer programs like VITA where accounting students (the ones who will go on to be CPAs) can help you file your taxes. And, as a reminder, all of this info is at the Federal level, because most states have their own taxing jurisdictions and rules, but many of them are based on the Federal tax code and you can still receive help from local programs, usually.

Turbo Tax, though somewhat easy to use, is basically one of the biggest scams ever. I once tried to use H&R Block’s software for a tax class project, and it was so unintuitive and unusable that I ended up downloading the forms I needed from the IRS and did it by hand. And that was when I was actually taking tax as part of my accounting education. I think now the PDFs might even do the math for you, I’m not sure.

This has been a long time coming and I couldn’t be more excited for you guys. People who don’t know how to do their taxes deserve better.

Source

We deserve to live in a society where companies like Intuit cease to exist

[fincrif]

What to Do if Your Personal Loan Application Is Rejected?

It can be disheartening to receive a personal loan rejection, especially if you were relying on it for an important expense like home renovations, medical emergencies, or debt consolidation. However, a loan rejection doesn’t mean the end of your financial journey. In fact, it can serve as an opportunity to identify weaknesses in your financial profile and work on improving them for future applications.

In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons behind personal loan rejections, steps to take if your application is rejected, and how to improve your chances of approval next time.

1. Common Reasons for Personal Loan Rejection

Understanding why your loan application was rejected is the first step toward resolving the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons personal loan applications get rejected:

1.1 Low Credit Score

A credit score below the lender’s required minimum can make you ineligible for a personal loan. Lenders use your credit score to assess your creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan. A low score signals to lenders that you might pose a higher risk.

1.2 High Debt-to-Income Ratio

Lenders prefer applicants with a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, as it indicates that you have the financial capacity to handle additional debt. If your DTI ratio is too high, it suggests that you might struggle with loan repayment, resulting in rejection.

1.3 Insufficient Income

Banks typically require a minimum income threshold to approve personal loans. If your income is too low or irregular, the lender may decide that you don’t have the means to repay the loan.

1.4 Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Any mistakes or missing information in your application or supporting documents can cause delays or rejections. Inaccurate or outdated identity proof, salary slips, or bank statements could lead to automatic rejection.

1.5 Job Instability or Recent Job Change

Lenders prefer applicants with job stability. A recent job change or gaps in employment can make lenders wary of your financial stability, particularly if you haven’t been in your new job long enough.

1.6 Multiple Loan Applications in a Short Period

When you apply for multiple loans in a short time, it triggers multiple credit checks (hard inquiries). A high number of inquiries can make you look financially desperate, negatively affecting your credit score and chances of approval.

2. Steps to Take If Your Personal Loan Application is Rejected

If your personal loan application has been rejected, don’t panic. Follow these steps to rectify the situation and improve your chances of approval next time.

2.1 Review Your Credit Report

The first thing you should do is review your credit report to check for any discrepancies or errors that may have impacted your credit score. Sometimes, inaccurate information like missed payments, high balances, or incorrect account statuses can hurt your score.

Obtain your CIBIL or Experian credit report.

Look for any errors or discrepancies that could have led to your rejection.

Dispute any errors with the credit bureau to get your report corrected.

🔗 Compare & Apply for a Personal Loan here: 👉 Compare Personal Loan Offers

2.2 Address the Reason for Rejection

After identifying the reason for the rejection, take action to fix it. Here’s how to handle the most common rejection reasons:

If Your Credit Score is Low:

Check your credit report for errors and dispute inaccuracies.

Pay down existing debt to reduce your credit utilization ratio.

Ensure timely payments on all bills and loans to improve your credit history.

Consider applying for a secured loan (such as a secured personal loan) if your credit score is significantly low.

If Your Debt-to-Income Ratio is High:

Pay off existing debts like credit cards or personal loans to reduce your outstanding liabilities.

Increase your income through a part-time job or freelance work.

Delay your application until your DTI ratio is in a more favorable range.

If Your Income is Insufficient:

Increase your monthly income or apply for a loan with a lower amount.

Consider adding a co-applicant to the loan, such as a spouse or family member, to improve the lender’s confidence in your repayment capacity.

2.3 Reapply After a Waiting Period

After resolving the issues that led to the rejection, you can reapply for a personal loan. However, it’s important to wait for the right time:

Wait at least 3 to 6 months before reapplying to avoid making multiple inquiries within a short period.

Use the waiting period to strengthen your credit score by making consistent payments and reducing debt.

2.4 Consider Loan Products Designed for Those with Low Credit Scores

If your credit score was a major factor in the rejection, consider applying for personal loan products designed for individuals with low credit scores. Many lenders provide loans with flexible terms for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, though they may come with higher interest rates.

Some lenders like IDFC First Bank, Bajaj Finserv, and InCred offer personal loans to those with lower credit scores or limited credit histories. It may be worth considering these products to improve your credit score and secure a loan.

🔗 Best Personal Loan Options: 👉 IDFC FIRST Bank Personal Loan 👉 Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan 👉 InCred Personal Loan

2.5 Look for Secured Loans

If you’ve been rejected for an unsecured personal loan, you might want to consider applying for a secured personal loan. By offering collateral, such as gold, property, or fixed deposits, you can significantly improve your chances of getting approved. Since the lender’s risk is lower with collateral, they may approve the loan even if you have a lower credit score.

3. How to Avoid Loan Rejection in the Future

Prevent future loan rejections by improving your financial profile and taking the following steps:

3.1 Improve Your Credit Score

Regularly monitor your credit report to ensure it’s accurate. Pay off debt, make on-time payments, and keep your credit utilization under 30% to improve your credit score.

3.2 Maintain a Low Debt-to-Income Ratio

Lenders prefer applicants with a low DTI ratio. Reduce your outstanding debts, and avoid taking on too much new debt.

3.3 Apply for Loans You Can Afford

Only apply for a loan if you’re confident you can afford it. Over-borrowing or applying for a large loan when you don’t need it can hurt your chances of approval.

3.4 Avoid Multiple Applications

Each time you apply for a loan, the lender conducts a hard inquiry on your credit. Multiple inquiries in a short period can negatively affect your score. Wait for a loan rejection to be resolved before reapplying.

4. Best Lenders to Consider After a Loan Rejection

If your personal loan was rejected, here are some best lenders to consider, especially if you need flexible terms or low-interest rates:

👉 Tata Capital Personal Loan – Offers personal loans with competitive rates and fast disbursal. 👉 Axis Finance Personal Loan – Flexible terms for individuals with average credit scores. 👉 Axis Bank Personal Loan – Loans with quick processing and low fees. 👉 InCred Personal Loan – Good option for borrowers with low credit scores or limited credit histories.

Turning a Personal Loan Rejection Into a Positive

A personal loan rejection can feel discouraging, but it is not the end of your financial journey. By identifying the reason behind the rejection and taking appropriate action, you can improve your financial profile and increase your chances of approval in the future.

For the best personal loan options and to improve your loan eligibility, apply here: 👉 Compare & Apply for a Personal Loan

With the right approach, you can turn this setback into an opportunity for better financial health. 💡

[lunaamorris]

Managing Financial Risk With An Outsourced CFO

Every business, regardless of size or industry, faces financial risks. These risks can stem from economic downturns, cash flow shortages, regulatory changes, market volatility, and operational inefficiencies. While large corporations have dedicated Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to manage these risks, small and mid-sized businesses often struggle to afford full-time financial leadership. This is where an outsourced CFO becomes a valuable asset. By leveraging their expertise, businesses can proactively manage financial risks, strengthen their financial stability, and make informed strategic decisions.

1. Identifying and Assessing Financial Risks

The first step in effective financial risk management is identifying potential risks. An outsourced CFO conducts a comprehensive assessment of a company’s financial health, analyzing historical data, cash flow trends, industry benchmarks, and economic conditions.

Some common financial risks that businesses face include:

Cash flow problems – Difficulty maintaining liquidity for operational expenses.

Market fluctuations – Changes in customer demand, competition, and economic downturns.

Regulatory compliance risks – Failure to meet tax laws, accounting standards, or industry regulations.

Debt management risks – Excessive debt or poor credit management affecting financial stability.

Operational inefficiencies – Costly inefficiencies reducing profitability.

By identifying these risks early, an outsourced CFO helps businesses prepare for potential financial challenges before they become major problems.

2. Strengthening Cash Flow Management

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and poor cash flow management is one of the leading causes of financial instability. An outsourced CFO implements strategies to improve liquidity, ensuring that the company can meet its financial obligations while maintaining reserves for growth.

Key cash flow management strategies include:

Optimizing accounts receivable and payable processes.

Identifying unnecessary expenses and reducing operational costs.

Implementing cash flow forecasting to anticipate financial needs.

Securing appropriate financing or credit lines to cover short-term gaps.

By improving cash flow management, an outsourced CFO minimizes the risk of financial shortfalls that could disrupt business operations.

3. Enhancing Financial Controls and Compliance

Regulatory non-compliance can result in penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage. An outsourced CFO ensures that a business adheres to financial regulations, tax laws, and industry standards.

They establish strong internal controls to prevent fraud, errors, and mismanagement of funds. This includes:

Implementing financial reporting systems that provide accurate and transparent data.

Ensuring tax compliance and optimizing deductions to reduce liabilities.

Conducting regular audits to identify financial discrepancies.

With an outsourced CFO overseeing compliance, businesses can avoid costly legal and regulatory risks.

4. Managing Market and Investment Risks

Market volatility can impact revenue, supply chains, and investment returns. An outsourced CFO analyzes market trends, economic indicators, and competitive landscapes to help businesses make data-driven decisions.

They provide insights on:

Diversifying revenue streams to reduce dependency on a single market.

Evaluating potential investments to minimize financial exposure.

Adjusting pricing strategies to remain competitive while maintaining profitability.

By proactively managing market risks, an outsourced CFO helps businesses adapt to economic fluctuations and industry changes.

5. Optimizing Debt and Financing Strategies

Taking on debt is sometimes necessary for growth, but mismanaging it can lead to financial distress. An outsourced CFO evaluates a company’s debt structure and develops strategies to optimize financing options.

They help businesses:

Secure loans with favorable terms and interest rates.

Develop repayment plans that align with cash flow capacity.

Restructure existing debt to reduce financial strain.

By maintaining a balanced approach to financing, businesses can leverage debt for growth while minimizing financial risks.

6. Preparing for Economic Downturns and Crisis Management

Economic downturns and unexpected crises, such as recessions or global disruptions, can threaten a business’s financial stability. An outsourced CFO develops contingency plans to help companies navigate uncertain times.

This includes:

Creating financial reserves and emergency funds.

Identifying cost-cutting measures that do not impact core operations.

Developing flexible financial strategies that allow for quick adjustments.

With a proactive approach to crisis management, businesses can survive downturns and emerge stronger.

7. Providing Data-Driven Risk Mitigation Strategies

An outsourced CFO utilizes advanced financial analytics and forecasting tools to provide data-driven insights. They track key performance indicators (KPIs), industry trends, and financial metrics to identify potential risks before they escalate.

By using real-time data and predictive analytics, businesses can make informed financial decisions that minimize risks and improve long-term stability.

Conclusion

Managing financial risk is crucial for business success, and an outsourced CFO provides the expertise needed to navigate challenges effectively. From cash flow management and compliance to market analysis and crisis planning, they help businesses reduce financial uncertainty and make confident decisions. For companies looking to strengthen their financial foundation without the cost of a full-time CFO, outsourcing financial leadership is a strategic and cost-effective solution.

[globose0987]

Mastering ITR Filing: A Complete Guide to Hassle-Free Tax Returns

Introduction:

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial obligation for all taxpayers. It not only guarantees adherence to tax regulations but also facilitates access to various financial advantages, such as loan approvals and tax refunds. Although the process may appear overwhelming, grasping the basic principles can significantly simplify it. This guide is designed to clarify the ITR Filing process, equipping you with the essential information needed to complete your returns without difficulty.

Understanding ITR and Its Significance

An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a formal document submitted to the Income Tax Department by taxpayers, detailing their income, expenditures, deductions, and tax payments. Timely submission of your ITR offers numerous benefits:

Avoiding Penalties: Filing late incurs penalties and interest charges.

Claiming Refunds: If you have overpaid taxes, you are eligible to request a refund.

Facilitating Loan Approvals: ITR acts as proof of income, aiding in loan applications.

Visa Processing: Many countries necessitate ITR documentation for visa applications.

Who Is Required to File an ITR?

Filing an ITR is compulsory if:

Your total income surpasses the basic exemption threshold.

You possess foreign income or assets.

You wish to claim a refund for taxes that have been over-deducted.

You have losses that need to be carried forward.

You are a corporation or partnership, irrespective of profit or loss.

Types of ITR Forms

Various ITR forms are designated based on the nature and amount of income. It is essential to select the appropriate form to prevent any potential rejections or penalties.

Documents Required for ITR Filing

To facilitate a seamless filing process, ensure you have the following documents available:

PAN Card

Aadhaar Card

Form 16 (for salaried individuals)

Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement)

Bank Statements

Proof of Investments for Deductions

Information on Capital Gains (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Guide to Efficient ITR Filing

Step 1: Compile Necessary Information

Assemble all pertinent documents and information regarding your income, deductions, and taxes paid.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate ITR Form

Identify the correct ITR form according to your income sources and classification.

Step 3: Access the Income Tax Portal

Navigate to the official income tax e-filing website.

Log in using your PAN, password, and captcha verification.

Step 4: Choose the Assessment Year and Filing Type

Select the relevant assessment year for which you are submitting your returns and determine the filing type.

Step 5: Input Income Details

Provide income information from salary, business, profession, property, capital gains, and other sources.

Claim eligible deductions under sections such as 80C, 80D, and 80G.

Step 6: Calculate Tax Liability

The portal will automatically determine your tax liability based on the information provided.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Confirm the accuracy of the entered information and verify calculations.

Submit the ITR form electronically.

Step 8: Complete ITR Verification

Post-submission, verification is required. You can verify using:

Aadhaar OTP

Net Banking

Demat Account

Sending a signed physical copy to CPC, Bangalore.

Common Errors to Avoid When Submitting ITR

Choosing the Incorrect ITR Form: Opting for the wrong form may result in rejection.

Neglecting to Report All Income Sources: It is essential to include all forms of income, such as interest and rental income.

Overlooking ITR Verification: Failure to verify the return renders it invalid.

Providing Incorrect Bank Information: Mistakes in bank details can cause delays in receiving tax refunds.

Omitting Deduction Claims: Be sure to claim all eligible deductions to minimize taxable income.

Post-Filing Procedures

Upon verification, you will receive an acknowledgment from the Income Tax department.

If applicable, tax refunds will be deposited into your bank account.

Should there be any discrepancies, you may receive a notice from the Income Tax department.

Conclusion

Filing an ITR is not merely a legal requirement; it also offers various financial advantages. By comprehending the process and adhering to a systematic approach, you can ensure accurate and timely submission of your returns. Regardless of whether you are a salaried employee, a business proprietor, or a freelancer, effective tax planning and punctual filing can help you avoid unnecessary penalties and complications. Remain informed, keep essential documents accessible, and ensure compliance for a seamless tax filing experience.

Mastering ITR filing is essential for ensuring compliance with tax regulations while maximizing benefits and avoiding penalties. With the right approach, filing income tax returns can be a smooth and hassle-free process. GTS Consultant India provides expert guidance, helping individuals and businesses navigate tax laws efficiently, minimize errors, and optimize tax savings. By leveraging professional assistance, taxpayers can save time, reduce stress, and ensure accurate and timely filings.

[drcococalico]

Jay Kuo article

(I did not write this, all credit to Jay Kuo -statuskuo.substack.com)

This weekend’s head-spinning headlines were enough to spike blood pressure nationwide. Mass purges of prosecutors and agents at the FBI. A shutdown of an entire agency at USAID. Even a tech bro putsch at Treasury and the Office of Personnel Management, giving an unelected billionaire access and possible control over our entire federal workforce HR and some $6 trillion paid annually by our federal payment system.

The most common question I saw across social media and in the comments was understandable: Is somebody doing something about this?

The short and important answer is yes. And we need to understand a few things to help bring things into focus.

First, the timing of all of this was intentional. It all went down on a Friday night, when there would be less ability among affected employees to communicate and resist; decreased national press attention; and closed congressional offices, courthouses and law offices. They wanted us to panic for several days and make us feel like we were rudderless and without clear options.

But today is the first business day after last Friday’s bombshells, and I can report confidently that the anti-Trump/Musk response is well underway.

It’s helpful to think of the response as falling into four distinct yet sometimes overlapping categories, each with increasing urgency. These responses include the personal, the political, the legal and the popular.

Once we place a response into one of these categories, it’s far easier to assess whether it is serving its intended purpose. This level of disciplined reasoning will also help us all prevent the common error of expecting, for example, personal responses to create legal results, or political responses to generate popular ones. These are all very different beasts, each important in its own right, but usually led by very different actors.

**The personal responses

The front line defenders of our democracy at this moment are the civil servants whose roles and responsibilities are being upended or whose jobs are on the chopping block under the new administration. How they respond matters a great deal for a number of reasons, both moral and practical.

From a moral standpoint, standing up to authoritarianism, while risking persecution or even violence from the MAGA mob, takes courage. One person’s courage is sometimes all it takes for many to find their own.

From a practical standpoint, stopping an illegal move initially buys valuable time for the press to be alerted, for union leaders and politicians to organize and respond, and for lawyers to be called in. Personal resistance is the first fistful of sand thrown into the gears of a takeover machine. In the past three days alone, we have witnessed some heroic personal responses.

-James Dennehy at the FBI-

Nine high-ranking career FBI officials had already been forced out, spreading fear and uncertainty in the ranks of the Bureau. Then on Friday the Justice Department, through its acting AG Emil Bove, who was once also Trump’s personal attorney, ordered the FBI to collect names of anyone who even so much as helped investigate the January 6 attack on the Capitol, a sign of a purge that would include some 6,000 rank-and-file agents.

A top ranking FBI official, James Dennehy, who heads up the largest FBI office in the country based in New York, refused to remain silent. He vowed in a defiant email to his staff to “dig in” while praising the interim leadership of the Bureau. Dennehy wrote, “Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a battle of our own, as good people are being walked out of the F.B.I. and others are being targeted because they did their jobs in accordance with the law and F.B.I. policy.” Dennehy compared the current situation to when he had to dig a small foxhole five feet deep as a Marine in the 1990s and hunker down for safety.

“It sucked,” he wrote. “But it worked.”

-David Lebryk at Treasury-

The first person to refuse Elon Musk’s team’s outrageous and illegal requests at Treasury was David Lebryk. He was the acting Treasury Secretary until Trump’s selection, Scott Bessent, was recently appointed and confirmed.

As a career civil servant, Lebryk oversaw the Fiscal Service, a little-known but mission critical office that handles more than one billion payments from the federal government every year, disbursing over $5.4 trillion. After Lebryk’s refusal to grant Musk’s team access, he was placed on administrative leave. Only then did Lebryk announce his retirement after 35 years of service.

Lebryk did not comply, meaning those 35 years’ of knowledge about how to read, sort and control payments was not immediately available to Musk’s team. More sand in the gears.

“The fiscal service performs some of the most vital functions in government,” Lebryk wrote to his colleagues in his farewell email. “Our work may be unknown to most of the public, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t exceptionally important.”

-Director and Dep. Director for Security, John Vorhees and Brian McGill at USAID-

When Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) demanded access to classified materials in restricted areas from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), two officials said, “Not on my watch.”

Director of Security John Vorhees and Deputy Director for Security Brian McGill at USAID understood that granting such access could expose classified information to individuals lacking the security clearances to view them. In refusing DOGE access, both officials acted to protect our nation’s secrets. For that they were both placed on leave Saturday night, joining a growing list of suspensions and layoffs at that agency.

The Trump White House’s official response to press inquiries came from DOGE spokesperson Katie Miller (the wife of Stephen Miller…) who reposted an AP article on Twitter with the comment, “No classified material was accessed without proper security clearances.” For starters, that of course misses the point. Merely granting access to classified materials would have been a serious breach of security. Further, we shouldn’t take this administration’s word on anything, especially given Trump’s own mishandling and theft of classified documents.

**The political responses

Before I get into some of the responses of Democratic politicians to the many nightmares that unfolded over the weekend, I’d like to reset some common incorrect assumptions and expectations.

A party that is out of power in a democracy typically doesn’t have the power to do very much. In the Senate, for example, Democrats alone can’t prevent a quorum and can’t stop most legislation from passing. They can’t block nominees without help from less extreme GOP senators. And the number of procedural blocks they can put up are limited. At best these can stall, but ultimately not stop, things like cabinet confirmations.

The job of politicians from the party that is out of power is to make the political argument for why their party should be returned to power. That means highlighting the misdeeds, mistakes and malfeasance of the other party. It means providing clear statements about the rules, norms and processes that were violated so that the press can report on them from experts whose job it is to understand legislation and limits on power.

Note also that politicians normally do not themselves file lawsuits unless they were personally injured in some way. And even then there are many reasons why lawsuits are best left to other litigants, such as unions, state attorneys general or nonprofits, who have the resources and time to bring complex suits with seasoned lawyers.

Some political responses may help lead to other types of responses, but that is not their primary end. The primary goal of a political response is to make the political case. And that’s it.

So it will help us and our cause to stop rolling our eyes when, say, a politician writes a stern letter to a Trump official demanding that the administration cease its illegal activity. That is actually what our senators and representatives are supposed to do. That is how they set the record and inform the press and through them the larger public. As discussed above, politicians don’t bring lawsuits. They usually don’t lead street protests. And the more experienced among them don’t waste political capital on performative stunts that don’t actually fix anything.

That said, those letters and statements, which help establish the public record, are a vital resource. They are cited in lawsuits, often as evidence that the administration was on notice of its illegal actions. They point investigative journalists toward more reporting. And they are an important expenditure of political capital, signaling the priorities of our representatives.

With that in mind, let’s look at some examples out of the many political responses we have already seen. And as a bonus, I’ll include some ratcheted up action by two U.S. senators addressing the travesty of the USAID office.

-Sen. Wyden on the Treasury takeover-

Shortly after news broke that private teams of software engineers had forcefully commandeered access to the federal payment system at the Treasury Department, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) wrote to newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In that letter, Wyden blasted the move as “politically motivated meddling” that “risks severe damage to our country and the economy."

Wyden was alarmed that “officials associated with Musk may have intended to access these payment systems to illegally withhold payments to any number of programs.” Wyden also raised the alarm over the current financial strain on the federal government, which is now relying on some accounting maneuvers to meet its obligations after reaching the debt limit.

He also noted Musk’s business dealings in China, which has a history of cyberattacks on U.S. government systems. Wyden warned that Musk’s Chinese business ties could create conflicts of interest and present a national security risk, particularly if Musk were granted access to these sensitive systems.

When a staffer or a lawyer reads such a demand letter, a few things jump out. Bessent is now on notice that the system could be severely injured by Musk’s access; that it would be illegal to withhold any payments; that the debt limit and the need for the GOP to raise it is on Wyden’s mind; and that there’s a huge security risk because of China. Those are things the public should understand, too. And they should know these things were communicated directly to the Trump White House, especially if they wind up coming true.

-Sens. Coons and Murphy on USAID-

Over the weekend, Musk and the White House went to war with USAID, the agency that provides billions in aid to stricken parts of the world. It’s the only thing keeping hundreds of thousands from starving in places like Somalia. And it’s keeping the promise of democracy alive in nations like Hungary—which is probably why Musk hates it so much.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) used his position to give interviews and to raise the alarm over what the administration was up to. “All the signals of how the senior staff have been put on administrative leave, many of the field staff and headquarters staff have been put on a gag order,” said Coons on Saturday. Coons is a member of both the foreign relations and appropriations Senate committees. “It seems more like the early stages of shutting down than it does of reviewing it or merely retitling it,” Coons added.

Also going to bat for USAID was Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), who warned over social media,

"Trump isn’t satisfied just to close programs and fire staff. He is now planning to ELIMINATE THE ENTIRE AGENCY. Maybe this weekend. That would be illegal. He cannot unilaterally close a federal agency. Another assault on the Constitution."

Trump may indeed have been planning to issue an Executive Order as early as today purporting to disband USAID. Indeed, Musk claimed in a Twitter Spaces talk late Sunday night that Trump had agreed that USAID should be shut down and that the two had gone over in great detail how that would be accomplished.

But as Sen. Murphy indicated, such a unilateral move would be illegal. As of this morning, employees at USAID headquarters have been told not to report to work. But that doesn’t mean USAID is dissolved. In fact, as a legal analysis in Just Security out on Saturday noted, Congress established USAID as its own agency, and therefore under current law only Congress can abolish it.

The enabling Act for USAID in fact is unequivocal:

"Unless abolished pursuant to the reorganization plan submitted under section 6601 of this title, and except as provided in section 6562 of this title, there is within the Executive branch of Government the United States Agency for International Development as an entity described in section 104 of title 5. (emphasis added)"

As Trump/Musk move to dissolve the agency, expect legal challenges from the nonprofits and organizations directly affected by the loss in funding and operational support.

-Sen. Blumenthal and the FBI purges-

Senior Democratic leaders have not remained silent as a purge of top FBI officials has unfolded. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who sits on the Judiciary Committee and directly questioned FBI Director Kash Patel, released an official statement about the firings:

“This reported mass purging of professional law enforcement is surreal and sickening. Less than twenty-four hours after President Trump’s nominee to run the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified to me that there would be no political retribution against agents, apparently dozens – maybe even hundreds – of federal law enforcement officials may be fired. I am appalled by this vile retaliation against agents who sought to hold accountable people who stabbed cops with flagpoles and crushed officers until they broke bones. The silence from my Republican colleagues is disgusting and deafening.”

Again, using a lawyer’s ear on this, the words “mass purging,” “professional,” “political retribution,” “retaliation” and “hold accountable” jump out. That is not only the political case that Blumenthal intends to make to the electorate (and wants others to echo and amplify), but also a signal that the firings as he understands them violate rules protecting civil servants from this kind of politicized firing.

He also took to social media with a stark warning about firing any agents who even happened to work on January 6 cases:

"FBI agents working on the Trump criminal cases were almost all ASSIGNED—they weren’t volunteers. This political retribution is deeply destructive, telling agents they can be punished for following proper directives. It’s fatal to discipline, morale, & recruiting."

-Sens. Kim and Schatz-

As I was editing this, I saw two interesting developments with other U.S. Senators. Andy Kim (D-NJ) went to USAID office—his very first government job—and stood outside its doors, drawing press attention while indicating that employees had been blocked from entering the building. “This is a blatant, illegal action by the Trump administration that is trying to overturn something that is codified in federal law,” Sen. Kim said.

And Brian Schatz (D-HI) has announced he is putting a blanket hold on all of Trump’s State Department nominees until USAID is back up and running. At a press conference, Schatz blasted the administration, saying, “If you want to change an agency, introduce a bill and pass a law. You cannot wave away an agency that you don't like or that you disagree with by executive order, or by literally storming into the building and taking over the servers. That is not how the American system of government works.”

As former GOP strategist Rick Wilson of the Lincoln Project remarked, “This is the way.”

**Here come the lawsuits

We already have seen several legal actions against DOGE, with four cases alleging that the entity has violated transparency, conflict of interest and other relevant federal laws. These suits are seeking to kneecap DOGE from even being allowed to operate.

We have also seen lawsuits brought by blue state attorneys general (led by Leticia James of New York) and by nonprofits seeking an injunction against the federal government-wide pause on financing and grants. That entire effort by the Trump White House to freeze funds met with such pushback that the original memo implementing the freeze was rescinded, and a federal judge, who reviewed Press Secretary Karoline’s Leavitt’s misleading post on social media claiming that the freeze was still in effect, expanded the injunction beyond the memo to include the entire administration.

That is important, because Musk is currently threatening to halt payments that Congress has already authorized through his control of the federal payment system, deciding on his own that something is “fraud” or “waste.” But Musk doesn’t have that power, and he certainly doesn’t have it in light of the judge’s injunction. If he defies it, as he has shown a willingness to do in the past, he could be held in contempt of court.

On Sunday, the New York Times reported that the FBI agents affected by the purge and the inquiries into whether they even participated in any investigations of January 6 defendants have retained legal counsel to protect their rights as government employees. Their lawyers sent a letter to Acting Director Bove, warning, “If you proceed with terminations and/or public exposure of terminated employees’ identities, we stand ready to vindicate their rights through all available legal means.”

Musk’s team’s takeover of the OPM, USAID and Treasury has also triggered numerous apparent violations of law including the illegal exposure of personal private information and illegal access to classified documents by persons unauthorized to view them. Employees whose privacy rights were violated would have standing to sue, and it seems highly likely that such cases are coming quite soon. One lawsuit, filed by whistleblowers against Musk’s team for failure to conduct a privacy impact assessment before a new server mass emailed federal workers, already landed in the federal courts last week.

I’ll have more to say on the actual suits once they are filed. Again, because the attacks on our system and the violations of law occurred late on a Friday, we wouldn’t expect lawsuits to be ready to move forward until, at the earliest, the following business day—which is today.

**The popular response

Grassroots organizing groups are swinging into action. I want to highlight just a few examples from the groups Indivisible and MoveOn, which held an online collective action call late Sunday night with over 50,000 people registered to attend.

These groups are organizing direct pressure campaigns upon the Senate as well as protests outside of the federal buildings taken over by Musk and his engineers, who as Wired reported include several young men barely out of high school who have worked at Musk’s other companies or for his billionaire pal, Peter Thiel.

Specifically, Indivisible and MoveOn have called for daily protests outside of OPM each morning. They have also organized a protest set for Tuesday evening at Treasury demanding Musk and his team be ejected.

As a side note, the first organized protests against ICE and its policies, involving thousands of people in Los Angeles, Dallas, and many other cities across the country took place over the weekend.

It’s too early to tell whether protests against the Trump administration will continue to grow in strength or what effect they may have on the situation on the ground. There is some concern that Trump will use any sign of civil unrest as an excuse to invoke the Insurrection Act and turn U.S. military forces against peaceful protestors. But the threat of possible overreach by Trump should not and likely will not deter protestors, and if Trump chooses to escalate in this fashion he may lose further public support.

But one thing is already clear: Resistance to Trump and Musk will take many forms, all of which can involve some level of participation from the public. We can amplify stories of the personal heroes who stood up to the illegal orders. We can support our Democratic leaders even as we urge them to take stronger stances. We can donate to the nonprofits who are litigating constitutional rights on our behalf. And we can take direct, peaceful action through organized groups like Indivisible and MoveOn.

As the saying goes, we can all be the someone who is doing something.

***

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[influencermagazineuk]

Barclays customers are still suffering from intermittent payment and transfer errors after a massive IT failure knocked out the High Street bank's app and online banking services. Problems that started on Friday—the last day before payday for many UK workers as well as the deadline for submitting self-assessment tax returns—have meant customers were unable to carry out vital transactions, from buying baby milk to finalising house moves. Barclays claims everything was back to normal with its cards and cash machines, but several users said otherwise. The bank has so far refused to give out the reason for the IT trouble or how many customers were affected, although it apologized and said it was doing all it could to clear the matter. Early Saturday morning, Barclays website reported that its app had started working, though payments and transfers were still problematic. Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Customers were fanning frustration as power outage led people to express frustrations on social media. One customer said their card was declined despite having enough money in the account, while another claimed that their January wages "disappeared," although they could be restored. It is causing massive disruption to some customers. Scott, 27, and his pregnant wife sold their home on Friday morning, but due to the outage of Barclays, he was not able to purchase their new home. He ended up stranded at a service station in Horsham, West Sussex, saying that the situation is "ridiculous". "Because the system is down, the money can't go through," he said. "We just have to sit and wait." For others, the blackout has been an immediate economic burden. For example, 39-year-old self-employed cleaner Ruth was unable to access her savings to buy essentials for her family. She had been trying for hours to withdraw money to purchase milk for her 11-month-old granddaughter and food for five other children in her care. "We need the money to do shopping; our money is all in savings," she explained. "There could be many single mums in the same situation with no access to money." It's Barclays, the UK's biggest bank, catering to over 20 million retail customers, and more than 40% of all credit and debit card transactions go through this bank. A sense of the scale of this outage is coming from Downdetector.com, which monitors service disruptions, reporting that by Saturday morning more than 4,000 problems had been reported with Barclays—the double the count the previous day. The outage has also caused anxiety for those trying to meet the self-assessment tax return deadline. HMRC warned earlier on Friday that millions had yet to file their returns, with late submissions incurring £100 fines. However, HMRC reassured customers that the Barclays outage would not result in penalties, as late payment fines only apply from March 1. In a statement, Barclays said it was in direct contact with HMRC and would ensure no customer is left out of pocket due to delayed payments caused by the outage. This is not the first incident of this nature. Banking apps and payment systems have experienced similar outages in the past. In November, PayPal faced a global outage that affected its cryptocurrency services and Venmo app. Last June, thousands of UK bank customers were affected by payment issues involving major lenders like HSBC, Nationwide, and Virgin Money. The fragility of tech infrastructure was further highlighted during last July's global IT outage, which left UK retailers unable to process card payments and disrupted payroll systems. Cyber-security expert Dan Card from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, made a point on the importance of robust systems. "Once again, this goes to show how cyber-security and digital resilience are so tightly integrated into our lives," he said. For Barclays customers, the outage has been more than an inconvenience—it has disrupted lives. From families unable to move into new homes to parents struggling to buy essentials, the impact has been far-reaching. As the bank works to resolve the issue, many are left hoping for a swift resolution and greater reliability in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of dependency on digital systems and the need for banks to go for resilience and transparency. For now, Barclays customers can do little else but sit and hope their access to funds—and normalcy—will return soon. Read the full article