How we write the articles

At Polifinus, our mission is to help people in the United States make better decisions about money and benefits for their daily lives. That means our journalism must always be accurate, independent, fair, and transparent. The standards below guide how we report, write, edit, illustrate, and correct our work.

Quick Version

• Accuracy first. Verify every fact with official sources.
• Independence and freedom from bias. Disclose and manage conflicts of interest.
• Fairness. Represent viewpoints proportionally and avoid loaded language.
• Transparency. Show our sources, data, methods, and corrections.
• Accountability. Correct mistakes quickly and visibly.

To achieve these goals, we apply the following rules:

1) Accuracy & Verification

• We prioritize primary sources (e.g., IRS, SSA, state tax departments, court documents, regulations) over secondary reporting. Figures, amounts, deadlines, and eligibility criteria are verified directly with the issuing authority.
• Every article undergoes a data review before publication, focusing on numbers, dates, and definitions that affect readers’ decisions.
• Quotations are transcribed verbatim and placed in context. We avoid paraphrasing that changes meaning.

2) Sourcing & Attribution

• We strive to keep information on the record. When anonymity is granted, we explain why (e.g., risk of retaliation) and confirm the source’s direct knowledge.
• We link to original material (laws, forms, bulletins, data portals) so readers can verify.
• We do not publish claims we cannot substantiate. If a claim is material but unverified, we label it and continue reporting.
• We avoid single‑source stories on consequential topics. If urgency requires initial publication, we update as corroboration arrives.

3) Independence, Conflicts & Integrity

• Editorial decisions are independent of advertisers, affiliates, or sponsors. Commercial relationships do not determine what we cover or our conclusions.
• Potential conflicts (financial holdings, close relationships, prior employment) must be disclosed to editors and managed or recused when appropriate.
• We never accept gifts, fees, or favors that could compromise—or appear to compromise—our independence.

4) Fairness, Balance & Language

• We represent relevant viewpoints proportionally to the evidence.
• Headlines and social posts must reflect the article accurately—no clickbait.
• We avoid loaded or biased language and use clear, precise English for eligibility rules, taxes, and benefits.

5) Use of Artificial Intelligence

• AI tools may assist with research, transcription, outlining, or reviews. Humans report, write, and edit the final copy.
• We do not publish AI‑generated data without verification. All content is cross‑checked against primary sources.
• We clearly label any synthetic visuals or media, and we do not use generated imagery in breaking news or sensitive contexts unless editorially justified.
• We do not upload confidential material into tools that could expose it to third parties.

6) Plagiarism & Fabrication

• We do not fabricate quotes, sources, or data. We do not plagiarize. When we build on others’ work, we attribute and link.

7) Photos, Video & Graphics

• Images are not altered in ways that change the meaning of the scene. Acceptable edits include cropping, exposure, color balance, and scan cleanup. Composites or illustrative manipulations are labeled as such.
• Captions identify the source, date, and context. When using provided material, we label the provider.

8) Corrections, Clarifications & Updates

• If we make a mistake, we correct it quickly and openly. Corrections show what changed and when.
• For evolving stories (e.g., new IRS guidance), we add update notes with date and time.
• Readers can report issues at [email protected].

9) Transparency: Methods, Links & Author Pages

• We show our work: links to statutes, forms, official FAQs, data, and interviews.
• Each author has a page listing their experience and credentials.
• Where affiliate links appear, we disclose our policy and how it affects (or does not affect) coverage.

10) Editorial vs. Advertising & Affiliates

• Sponsored or branded content is clearly labeled and kept separate from journalism.
• Editorial staff do not receive commissions tied to the tone or outcome of coverage.
• Product recommendations (if any) are based on transparent criteria, not payment.

11) Safety, Privacy & Sensitivity

• We take extra care with minors, victims, and vulnerable people. We omit or reduce details when harm is likely or required by law.
• We respect legal and privacy restrictions while advocating for public access to information.

12) Social Media & Off‑Platform Publishing

• Staff must uphold these standards on social media. Personal accounts should not compromise independence or fairness.
• We verify user‑generated content before publication and secure rights, or rely on fair use only when applicable.

13) Embargoes, “Off the Record,” and Source Agreements

• We honor embargoes we accept.
• We clarify ground rules before interviews. “Off the record” and similar agreements require mutual understanding and editorial approval in sensitive cases.

14) Diversity of Sources & Accessibility

• We seek diverse voices across geography, demographics, and perspectives.
• We write in accessible language and provide step‑by‑step guides for complex processes (applications, appeals, deadlines).

15) Review & Oversight

• Editors conduct periodic reviews of randomly selected articles to check sourcing quality, links, headlines, and updates.
• This page is reviewed at least once per year or after major regulatory changes.

Contact Us

Questions about our standards: [email protected]. For corrections, please write to the same address.

Appendix: What We Mean by “Primary Sources”

• Federal: IRS, SSA, CMS, Treasury, FTC, CFPB, Department of Labor, Census, BLS, Federal Register, Congress.gov.
• State & Local: official tax/benefit portals, revenue departments, unemployment offices, municipal records, DMVs.
• Court & Legal: PACER, state court records, attorney general advisories.
• Data: agency data portals, APIs, and verifiable files.

These standards are inspired by best practices across global newsrooms. We have adapted them to serve Polifinus readers in U.S. personal‑finance and public‑benefit coverage.