Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
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How to File an Amended Tax Return Online Easily
It’s really called the “Where’s My Amended Return Tool”? Well, the IRS isn’t subtle.
Is Child Support Taxable Income or Tax Deductible? No
Child support might be tax neutral, but it's rarely feelings neutral.
How Do I E-File? Electronically Submit Tax Returns, 1099s and More
Even the IRS prefers e-filing, and they love paperwork!
No, There Is No First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit With the IRS
Yeah, the tax credit isn't real. Maybe Santa will bring us one. Oh, wait...
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Unemployment Benefits?
If you're looking up this question, you probably have had your fill of unpleasant surprises.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes? Yes, You Do. And Not Just Because the Law Says So.
Sure, paying taxes doesn't feel patriotic. But it is.
Retired and Filing Taxes: Does My Social Security Count as Income on My Taxes?
You think you're asking a yes-or-no question. Then the IRS answers with a percentage.
Do You Really Have to File Taxes Every Year?
Not to oversell it, but doing your taxes can really pay off.
Does Unemployment Count as Income?
So you got fired and now you're taxed? Believe it or not, there's good news: You have income.
Minor Question: Are Minors Exempt From Tax Withholding?
If minors don't get taxes taken out, can I be 18 again?
How to Check if You Owe the IRS Money (And Smart Ways to Negotiate and Pay Them, Including Installment Plans)
"Do I owe the IRS?" Well, it's always a good idea to check.
Disability Income Can Affect Your Tax Refunds in a Good Way, Depending on Its Origin
"Refund" might be the wrong word for a tax credit, but it's usually good news either way, right?
What Every Parent Needs to Know About the Child Tax Credit (and the Update Portal)
Just because the monthly check is gone, the tax credit isn't.
Making Allowances for Dependents: How Do I Claim a Dependent on My Form W-4 for Tax Year 2023?
Very Important: The allowance on W-4 is not like an allowance from your parents.
Who's Got Control of the Control Number on W2 Forms?
So this is like "quality control" but for my income taxes. Better than "Inspected by No. 12."
Funeral Expenses: Tax Deductible or Not?
Death and taxes might be certain, but funeral expense tax deductions are a little less so.
How to Navigate the (Slightly Simpler) Alternative Tax System: The Alternative Minimum Tax Calculator
There's an alternative to regular taxes? Yeah, paying more.
Which 990 Form Should My Tax-Exempt Organization Use?
You might be exempt from taxes, but no one's exempt from paperwork!
Do Capital Gains Count as Income When I'm Doing My Taxes?
Gains, income, gravy train - it's all the same, isn't it? Not to Uncle Sam.
Math Errors and Missed Deductions: When You Should File an Amended Tax Return and How to Track Yours
What to do when something doesn't add up on your tax refund.
What's The Right Way To Use Tax Form 540, California Resident Income Tax Return
Look! It's the tax form all the movie stars use!
Foreign Accounts and Financial Assets with Form 8938: The Facts on Complying With FATCA
So all those Bond villains with Swiss bank accounts still pay taxes? With this form, yes.
The 2023 Child Tax Credit Payment Schedule: Only Annual Tax Credits (For Now)
If you're looking for a "payment schedule" to your child credit, well, the good news is there still is a child tax credit.
Procrastinate At Your Own Risk: You Can Go to Jail for Not Filing Your Taxes
Yes. It's how they got Al Capone, right? Boy, I hope no one's googling this on a work computer.