This Economic Dashboard provides current economic indicators and official IRS reference rates that influence financial and tax planning decisions. The charts below update automatically from the Federal Reserve, and the IRS links display the most recent official rates and guidance. I include this information to help clients understand how national economic trends affect deductions, investment timing, and planning opportunities.

Inflation Index for Federal Tax Brackets (Chained CPI U)

Chained CPI U level index from FRED

For indexing of tax brackets, standard deduction, phaseouts, and other thresholds, the tax code uses Chained CPI U. Showing this series aligns the dashboard with the index used for federal tax calculations.

Effective Federal Funds Rate

Effective Federal Funds Rate from FRED

Short term rates inform cash yields, interest expense strategies, and timing of income and deductions.

Unemployment Rate

Unemployment Rate from FRED

Labor conditions affect reasonable compensation analysis, payroll tax planning, and safe harbor estimates.

Thirty Year Fixed Mortgage Rate

Thirty year fixed mortgage rate from FRED

Mortgage costs influence buy versus hold decisions for real estate, capitalization timing, and depreciation strategy.

Small Business Optimism

NFIB publishes the Small Business Economic Trends index monthly. There is no official embed. Access the latest report here: NFIB Small Business Economic Trends.

Applicable Federal Rates

Applicable Federal Rates

Monthly short, mid, and long term rates used for intrafamily loans, installment sales, and imputed interest rules under sections 1274 and 483.

View AFR Rulings

Section 7520 Rate

Section 7520 Rate

Monthly rate for valuing split interest gifts and trusts including GRAT, CLT, CRAT, and CRUT arrangements.

Current Section 7520 Rate

IRS Interest on Overpayments and Underpayments

Quarterly IRS Interest Rates

Rates under section 6621 for tax overpayments and underpayments for individuals and corporations, including the large corporate underpayment rate.

View Quarterly Rates

Standard Mileage Rates

Standard Mileage Rates

Annual business, medical, moving for qualified military, and charitable mileage rates.

Current Mileage Rates

Retirement Plan Contribution and Benefit Limits

Retirement Plan COLA Limits

Annual contribution and benefit limits for 401k, IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 403b, 457b, and defined benefit plans.

See Current Limits

HSA and HDHP Limits

HSA and HDHP Limits

Annual HSA contribution caps and HDHP minimum deductibles and out of pocket maximums.

Publication 969 Overview