The Daily Money: Identity theft victims face a long wait for refunds

Good morning! It’s Daniel de Visé with your Daily Money.

Thousands of unfortunate taxpayers who are the victims of identity theft are waiting up to two years to receive their federal income tax refunds, according to a new report from the National Taxpayer Advocate.

Unfortunately, the situation appears to be getting worse, not better, at the IRS when it comes to clearing up ID theft cases and sending refunds to those who need them.

The rent or mortgage must get paid, groceries need to be bought, the car must get fixed, and the charges on high-rate credit cards all keep piling up. But the tax refund is nowhere to be found for many victims, Susan Tompor reports.

Here's how the process has bogged down.

Six Flags and Cedar Fair are about to merge

Regional theme park giants Six Flags and Cedar Fair are expected to close their merger on Monday, Eve Chen reports.

The proposed merger will form one of the largest theme park businesses in North America. Together, Cedar Fair and Six Flags currently control dozens of theme parks, water parks, and resort properties across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Here’s what longtime Six Flags and Cedar Fair guests should know.

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🍔 Today's Menu 🍔

As the temperature outside continues to heat up, so have the fast food value menu wars.

Between McDonald's newly introduced $5 value meal and Taco Bell's new limited-time Luxe Cravings Box, there is no shortage of summer deals, Mary Walrath-Holdridge reports. As fast-food giants race to win customers back after skyrocketing prices turned them away, consumers seem to be reaping the benefit − at least for now.

The summertime sales cover breakfast, lunch, dinner and then some, all for easily under $10 per person.

Wondering where you can catch some of the best deals? We've got you covered.

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.

Daniel de Visé covers personal finance for USA Today.