Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
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Use the Advance Child Tax Credit Calculator to See How It All Adds Up
It could be also outdated, too, but I'm not sure.
Advance Premium Tax Credit: How the Federal Government Can Help Individuals Pay for Health Insurance
The APTC does real good for families, but in a very IRS-meets-health insurance kind of way. Talk about two institutions who share a love of paperwork.
The Real Answer: "I'm a Single Parent: How Many Allowances Should I Put on My Form W-4?"
1 or 0? But the answer is, there's an art to doing your taxes.
The Care Credit Calculator: How Uncle Sam Helps Watch Your Kids and Dependents While You Work
Uncle Sam's watching the kids. As in, paying someone to help watch them. So, like most uncles?
What's the Non-Refundable Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for and What Does It Mean for Working Families?
One more reason to love those adorable bundles of tax breaks.
The Civil Side of Retirement: Your Paycheck and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
What the FICA? If I earn $160,201, I don't have to pay into Social Security?
Capital Gains Taxes Really Do Apply to Inherited Property: Here's How and How to Minimize Them
It's sad they passed away, but they left you a house. Selling it may hit you with capital gains, but you can minimize them. What a rollercoaster.
How Can You File Taxes Without a W-2 Form? It's Possible, and Here's How to Do Your Taxes Without a W-2
So the ol' "Dog ate my W-2" excuse won't work?
Big Questions, Small Form: What's Box-D on Form W-2? Where Is It, What's It for, and Can It Be Left Blank?
Is there a name for hypochondria about your tax forms? I've wondered about Box D on W-2, but now, I don't!
Get Your Tax Return Amended: How to File Amended Returns and Check Amended Statuses
The IRS gives you a mulligan?
Employers and Employees: Here's Where to Download a Blank W-4 Form for 2023 Tax Year
If you're asking "where's a blank W4?", then you probably have more questions.
Understanding Which Buttons to Push on Your Earned Income Credit Calculator
Even though it does add numbers, this calculator doesn't work like normal calculators.
How Many Cents Per Mile Can You Claim on Your Tax Return? Well, Your IRS Mileage Rate May Vary
This is where the term "Your mileage may vary" comes in.
Who Qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit, How Do They Qualify and How Much Is the Credit?
Getting paid for getting a paycheck? Yes please.
EITC Schedule: What's the Soonest You Can Expect Your 2023 Earned Income Tax Credit Refund To Arrive?
The IRS has deadlines, too?
Cash in on That Education: Go to School on Educational Tax Credits
Wow, that degree is worth something before you even finish it!
Notice CP12: What This IRS Notice Means, How to Respond to It, and Why You Might Have Gotten a CP12 in the First Place
The CP12 Notice primarily addresses changes made to your e-filed tax return, and it provides information on the adjustments made, your updated income tax balance, and any additional refunds issued.
Tax Teamwork: Instructions for Partnerships Using Form 1065 on Their Federal Tax Returns
They say partnership is hard. Then comes along Form 1065.
What Is Earned Income When It Comes to Filing My Tax Returns?
It sounds like a philosophical question, but really, the IRS just wants the paperwork done right.
Capital Gains and Income: Are You Ready to Realize How Your Gains Affect Your Taxes?
Did you realize this about your capital gains?
Are Union Dues Tax Deductible?
As a member of a labor union, you may be curious to know if union dues are tax deductible. The answer is yes, but there are some caveats.
Incoming! Filing Income Taxes When You Don't Have Any Income to Report Has Real Benefits
You had me at "you might get money if you file, even if you don't have income."
Combat Pay: When It's Tax-free, When It's Not and What the IRS Needs to Know for Your Tax Returns
The irony of tax-free pay is how much paperwork is involved.
The Other Tax Credit for Children: What is the Child Care Tax Credit and How Does It Work?
A credit for taking care of kids. A credit for having kids. Now where's the tax credit for teenagers sass?