Connect with us

Technology

Tax Refunds Are a Critical Financial Boost for Most Americans, TaxSlayer Finds

Published

on

AUGUSTA, Ga., Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new survey of 2,000 U.S. taxpayers, commissioned by TaxSlayer and conducted by Talker Research, illustrates the mixed emotions and financial realities surrounding this tax season. Notably, 79% of those surveyed believe they’ll be getting a refund this year, and one-third say they plan out how they’ll spend their tax refund roughly six months in advance.

79% of taxpayers are expecting a refund in 2025, and one-third will plan their spending months in advance.

According to the data, most Americans rely on their tax refunds to cover necessities, with only 8% planning to spend on luxuries like new clothes, entertainment, or phones. Instead, most prioritize essential expenses such as rent, groceries, and credit card debt—particularly holiday-related balances, which over half of respondents aim to pay down.

“Tax refunds are a financial lifeline for many Americans, so it’s our mission to empower them to file their taxes with confidence,” said TaxSlayer’s Head of Consumer Product, Seth Babb. “Knowing that their tax return is backed by TaxSlayer’s 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees gives our customers the assurance that they’re getting back every dollar they deserve.”

Common factors that significantly impact a person’s refund amount from one year to the next include new tax laws, a change in employment or marital status, starting a family, or adjusting withholdings. 

When asked if they expect to see an increase or decrease in their refund in 2025, one-fifth (22%) of the study’s participants said they believe they’ll end up with more money this year than last. Many in this group said they had withheld more money on their W-2, earned more money in the past year, or added a dependent. The 26% who expect a smaller refund believe it could be due to the loss of a job, owing back taxes, children aging into adulthood, and increased tax rates. 

The study found that the average American is hoping to receive roughly $1,700 in tax refund money this year, with half (51%) of the participants saying they expect to receive about the same amount as last year. 

It’s worth noting that the past several tax seasons have been marked by major tax law changes, and taxpayers likely saw that reflected in their tax refunds in some way. This year, though, Americans won’t need to brace for significant changes to the tax code.

“After many consecutive tax seasons defined by law changes, our focus this year has been on delivering on our core mission,” says TaxSlayer’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sean McGinty. “TaxSlayer is committed to being a value leader in tax software, meaning that our products are reliable and accessible for the average person, and at a price point that’s significantly less than our competitors’. Anyone, no matter their tax situation, can file a federal tax return with TaxSlayer Classic for $22.95 and still get their maximum refund, guaranteed. That’s something we’re really proud of.”

About TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer is an easy-to-use online tax filing platform with unlimited support at a fraction of the cost of the competition. Trusted for 60 years, the Augusta-based tech company successfully completed more than 11 million federal and state e-filed tax returns in 2024 and processed over $22 billion in refunds. With over 27,000 reviews on consumer review site Trustpilot, 83% of customers rate TaxSlayer Great or Excellent. On top of ensuring 100% accuracy, TaxSlayer has a maximum refund guarantee and is committed to providing the right tools at the right price. For more information, visit www.taxslayer.com. Or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tax-refunds-are-a-critical-financial-boost-for-most-americans-taxslayer-finds-302361237.html

SOURCE TaxSlayer

Continue Reading

Technology

Strategic LiDAR Customer Initiates Production Orders with Sivers Semiconductors

Published

on

By

Shipments will begin in Q4 2026 against rolling production orders as the automotive and industrial sensing programs move into production phase in 2027

KISTA, Sweden, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO: SIVE), a global leader in photonics and wireless technologies, today announced that its strategic LiDAR customer has initiated production orders for its automotive and industrial sensing customers.

Sivers will supply the continuous-wave distributed feedback (CW DFB) lasers and optical amplifiers powering the customer’s LiDAR platforms, positioning the company to support growing demand as production scales.

“We are pleased to see this strategic program advance from design-win to production, with our customer placing first production orders,” said Alex McCann, Managing Director of Sivers Semiconductors’ photonics business. “This key milestone reflects confidence in our technology, our production facility and its reliability to meet the customer’s requirements for volume production. As the program scales, we expect rolling production orders placed to lead times, in line with our customer’s multi-year production forecasts.”

As announced in March 2026, the program represents a significant long-term opportunity, with estimated cumulative revenue potential of USD 53 million to USD 138 million over the customer’s product lifecycle. The opportunity comes amid strong growth in automotive LiDAR, with Yole Group projecting the global market to expand from USD 861 million in 2024 to USD 3.8 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 28 percent. Beyond automotive applications, LiDAR is gaining traction in industrial markets, including robotics and autonomous machinery.

For more information, please visit https://www.sivers-semiconductors.com/. 

About Sivers Semiconductors

We are Critical Enablers of a Greener Data Economy with Energy Efficient Photonics & Wireless Solutions. Our differentiated high-precision laser and RF beamformer technologies help our customers in key markets such as AI Data Centers, SATCOM, Defense, and Telecom solve essential performance challenges while enabling a much greener footprint. Visit us at: www.sivers-semiconductors.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected orders, the timing and scale of the customer’s production ramp, deliveries, market development and revenue potential. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the customer’s production plans, end-market demand and Sivers’ manufacturing capacity, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Sivers undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Media Contact
Tyler Weiland 
Shelton Group
+1-972-571-7834
tweiland@sheltongroup.com

Company Contact
Heine Thorsgaard
CFO 
ir@sivers-semiconductors.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sivers-semiconductors/r/strategic-lidar-customer-initiates-production-orders-with-sivers-semiconductors,c4411825

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategic-lidar-customer-initiates-production-orders-with-sivers-semiconductors-302913506.html

SOURCE Sivers Semiconductors

Continue Reading

Technology

Segway Powersports Returns to EICMA for Fifth Year with Model Year 2027 Lineup and New Off-Road Innovations

Published

on

By

MILAN, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Powersports is heading back to EICMA for fifth appearance, with new off-road innovations that reflect its “Fear No Place” philosophy. On November 3, the brand will unveil its Model Year 2027 (MY2027) lineup at a product launch in Milan. From upgraded ATVs to the debut of its new flagship two-row UTV and next-generation of iFUN system connected technology, the preview promises exciting developments in design, performance and the riding experience.

Segway Powersports will occupy approximately 880 square meters at EICMA 2026, setting the stage for its upcoming product launch:

Location: Hall 14, Booth I06Launch Date & Time: November 3 at 3:30 p.m. (Milan local time)

For Segway Powersports, off-road riding has always been about more than reaching a destination. It’s about taking on unfamiliar terrain with confidence and discovering new possibilities along the way. As Segway’s professional-grade, high-performance powersports line for global markets, the brand is built around the qualities riders depend on when conditions get tough: strong performance, reliable durability and confident handling.

Expertise, the pursuit of excellence and a spirit of exploration are at the heart of Segway Powersports. Together, these values shape the brand’s “Fear No Place” philosophy and its drive to push riding capabilities further. EICMA offers another opportunity to bring that philosophy into sharper focus and strengthen the brand’s identity in the global powersports market.

Beyond performance, Segway Powersports is forging a distinct visual identity anchored by Rider Red——its signature color-paired with the dedicated Segway Powersports logo. Consistently applied across vehicle designs and brand materials, the color creates a bold, instantly recognizable brand presence.

At this year’s EICMA, the MY2027 lineup will take center stage. Fresh designs, stronger performance and a more engaging riding experience are the key upgrades to look forward to.  Meanwhile, the new flagship two-row UTV will make its Milan debut with an all-weather cabin comfort concept.

Smart connectivity will be another highlight. The next-generation connect system iFUN will make interactions between riders and their vehicles smarter and more intuitive.

With the upcoming launch, Segway Powersports aims to offer a more complete off-road lineup for a wider range of terrains and riding needs. From trail adventures and outings with companions to practical tasks, the expanded range gives riders more ways to make the most of every journey.

The Segway Powersports booth will also feature a special highlight: a race-prepared vehicle that claimed second place in the SSV class at the 2026 European Bajas Championship. Visitors can get a closer look at the race vehicle and a taste of competitive off-road racing.

Media, dealers, partners and consumers are invited to follow the Segway Powersports product launch on November 3 at 3:30 p.m. (Milan local time) in Hall 14, Booth I06 and discover what’s next for Segway Powersports.

About Segway Powersports

Segway Powersports is Segway’s professional-grade, high-performance powersports line for global markets. Guided by expertise, the pursuit of excellence and a spirit of exploration, the brand develops off-road vehicles that combine powerful performance, strong torque, reliable durability and responsive handling. Built for diverse and demanding terrain, its vehicles give riders the confidence to take on new challenges, reflecting the brand’s “Fear No Place” philosophy.

Contact: media@powersports.segway.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/segway-powersports-returns-to-eicma-for-fifth-year-with-model-year-2027-lineup-and-new-off-road-innovations-302913508.html

Continue Reading

Technology

ShaMaran Announces Investment in Iraq and Contemplated Bond Issuance

Published

on

By

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd. (“ShaMaran” or the “Company”) (Euronext Growth Oslo: SNM) (Nasdaq First North Stockholm: SNM) announces the expansion of the Company’s strategic collaboration with HKN Energy (“HKN”) into Federal Iraq. Building on their joint ventures across the Atrush and Sarsang oil fields in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, HKN and ShaMaran are extending their cooperation into Federal Iraq through the Hamrin oil development and production contract (“DPC”). PDF Version 

As part of this expansion, ShaMaran will have a 25% shareholding in HKN Hamrin Ltd. (the “Hamrin JV”), the joint venture company holding 100% of the Hamrin DPC. HKN, as the operator of the field, will leverage its operational expertise and established relationship with ShaMaran to advance a major long-term development program.

The Hamrin field is a large discovered and producing oil field previously operated by North Oil Company, an Iraqi state-owned oil company. HKN and ShaMaran will further develop the field with the aim of increasing production above the current 20 Mbopd to maximize recovery over the 25-year term of the DPC. The operator’s and management’s current estimate of remaining gross reserves and resources is in the range of 500 million to one billion barrels. The initial phase of development will target lifting field production to approximately 60 Mbopd by 2028. Further phases of development could target more than doubling those initial production levels, with currently estimated capex for later phases in the range of $2-3 per incremental barrel.

Garrett Soden, Chief Executive Officer of ShaMaran, commented, “The Hamrin investment is a natural extension of our cooperation with HKN, the operator of our two existing assets in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Hamrin field in Federal Iraq is complementary to our existing Kurdistan production and reserves profile, and we expect material synergies from having the same team operate all three assets. Together with HKN, we are committed to increasing Hamrin production to create significant value for Iraq and our shareholders.”

The Hamrin JV farm-in consideration comprises a $35 million carry by ShaMaran of HKN’s share of initial costs in the Hamrin co-venture, with a further $15 million payable out of future cash flow once ShaMaran has recovered its initial investment and carry in full.

Financing – Contemplated Bond Issuance

Elvis Pellumbi, Chief Financial Officer of ShaMaran, commented, “On the back of the attractive Hamrin investment, we are looking to raise a new bond to better reflect the improved credit profile of our expanded asset portfolio, fund Hamrin growth capex and reduce interest costs. We see increased near-term cash flow from our existing assets due to the tri-party export agreement coupled with an enhanced long-term outlook from the addition of future Hamrin cash flows.”

ShaMaran has mandated Pareto Securities AS to be sole bookrunner and manager for a contemplated bond of up to $200 million in order to refinance its existing 2029 bond (ISIN NO0011057622) that has approximately $144 million currently outstanding. The proceeds from the new bond will be used to fund ShaMaran’s share of the Hamrin investment and for general corporate purposes. The Company will host fixed income investor meetings, and a bond issuance may follow subject to market conditions and acceptable terms. It is the Company’s intention to exercise the applicable call option in the existing bond upon successful issuance of the contemplated new bond.

ShaMaran to combine with Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. (“Gulf Keystone”)

ShaMaran and Gulf Keystone today announced that they have signed a merger agreement and a combination agreement to combine their businesses and create a platform for growth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Federal Iraq (the “Transaction”). A copy of the press release can be found at www.shamaranpetroleum.com.

About ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd.

ShaMaran is an independent oil and gas company with non-operated stakes in three fields in Iraq. The Company indirectly holds a 50% working interest in the Atrush Block and an 18% working interest in the Sarsang Block, both in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Company will also hold a 25% interest in the Hamrin JV, which holds the Hamrin DPC in Federal Iraq. The Company is listed in Oslo on Euronext Growth and in Stockholm on Nasdaq First North (ticker “SNM”). ShaMaran is part of the Lundin Group of Companies.

Elvis Pellumbi, CFO, +41 22 560 8600, info@shamaranpetroleum.com, www.shamaranpetroleum.com

This information is information that ShaMaran Petroleum Ltd. is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact person set out above, at 8:00 CET on October 20, 2026.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The Company’s certified advisor on Nasdaq First North Growth Market is FNCA Sweden AB.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “will”, “expected”, “planned” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of certain future events. Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shamaran-announces-investment-in-iraq-and-contemplated-bond-issuance-302913246.html

Continue Reading

Trending