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Three Smart Levers to Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill

Taxes are inevitable, but overpaying them isn’t. With new rules and opportunities in 2025, smart planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Here are three effective levers to reduce your tax liability this year: 1. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to retirement accounts such as RRSPs (Canada) or 401(k)/IRAs (U.S.) remains one of the most effective ways to lower taxable income. Contributions qualify for tax relief at your highest marginal rate, meaning every dollar you save reduces your tax bill significantly. Employer-matching programs make this even more attractive, and withdrawals in retirement can be structured for lower tax exposure. 2. Leverage Tax Credits and Deductions Common deductions include childcare expenses, education costs, and home office claims. Tax credits, unlike deductions, directly reduce the amount you owe, making them especially valuable. Temporary tax breaks introduced in 2025 can be maximized before they expire. 3. Use...

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Ireland, Spain, and Norway Recognize Palestinian State: A Historic Move

                             

In a significant and historic development, Ireland, Spain, and Norway have officially recognized the state of Palestine. The move has drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters.

Recognition and Reactions

  • Ireland: Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described the recognition as “an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.” The decision was coordinated with Spain and Norway, with the aim of advancing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict toward a peaceful resolution through a two-state solution.

  • Spain: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the recognition in the Spanish Parliament. European Union countries Spain and Ireland, along with Norway, have taken this step amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive.

  • Norway: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide jointly made the announcement in Oslo. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly ordered the return of Israel’s ambassadors from both Norway and Ireland in response to the recognition.

Israel’s Reaction

Israel has expressed strong disapproval, considering this move a “gift to Hamas.” The recognition has further strained relations between Israel and the three European nations.

Formal Recognition Date

The formal recognition of the Palestinian state is set for May 28, 2024. This decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has implications for regional dynamics.


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