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.

US Prime Rate History

The US Prime Rate is the interest rate banks charge their most creditworthy commercial borrowers. It is commonly used as a benchmark for variable rate loans, including business lines of credit, adjustable rate mortgages, and certain consumer loans.

Why the Prime Rate matters

  • Impacts variable rate business loans and lines of credit
  • Influences adjustable rate mortgages and HELOCs
  • Affects interest expense planning for closely held businesses
  • Often referenced in loan agreements and promissory notes

Prime Rate timeline (newest to oldest)

Date Prime Rate
12-10-20256.75%
12-18-20247.50%
07-26-20238.50%
03-22-20238.00%
09-21-20226.25%
03-16-20223.50%
03-16-20203.25%
12-17-20083.25%
09-18-20016.00%
02-01-19959.00%
08-11-198810.00%
07-09-198120.50%
10-13-197810.00%
12-22-19706.75%
08-23-19604.50%
10-17-19512.75%

Selected Prime Rate reference points shown from most recent to earliest for long term context.

Economic Dashboard

These indicators update automatically from FRED and are included because they commonly affect tax planning, cash flow decisions, and financing costs.

Inflation Index for Federal Tax Brackets (Chained CPI U)

Chained CPI U level index from FRED

Federal tax brackets, the standard deduction, and many phaseouts are indexed using Chained CPI U.

Effective Federal Funds Rate

Effective Federal Funds Rate from FRED

Short term rates influence cash yields, interest expense, and timing strategies for income and deductions.

Unemployment Rate

Unemployment Rate from FRED

Labor conditions can affect compensation decisions and overall business planning.

30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate

30 year fixed mortgage rate from FRED

Mortgage costs influence real estate decisions and borrowing strategy.

IRS Reference Rates and Limits

These links go to primary sources commonly used in tax planning and compliance.

Applicable Federal Rates

Monthly short, mid, and long term rates commonly used for intrafamily loans and imputed interest analysis.

View AFR
Section 7520 Rate

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

Current 7520
IRS Interest Rates

Quarterly rates for overpayments and underpayments, including corporate and large corporate rates.

Quarterly rates
Standard Mileage Rates

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

Mileage rates
Retirement Plan Limits

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

Current limits
HSA and HDHP Limits

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

Publication 969