Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
139 results in Tax Forms
ClearSharing Is Taxable: Form 8621 for American Expatriates Who Own Shares in Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs)
International taxation can get as hard to follow as a Mission: Impossible plot.
Asset Acquisition Statements With Form 8594 Explained: Selling or Buying Businesses
The difference between selling furniture in a building and a furniture store is Form 8594.
Tax Form 8582 Instructions: How to File Passive Activity Loss Limitations With the IRS
Losing money sucks. Having to tell the IRS about it might be embarrassing and a smart tax strategy.
Only One Parent Can Claim Their Child for Taxes: Form 8332 and Custodial Parent Claiming
Form 8332 is of those tax forms that deserves its own country song.
The Low-down on Form 8396, the Mortgage Interest Credit Certificate from Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam sent this form to help pay for your first home because, let's face it, that bathroom needs remodeling.
Need More Time to File Your Small Business Tax Return? Send Form 7004 to Request a Business Tax Extension
It's IRS language for "Can I get six more months to do my homework?"
Form 8082: What Does an Administrative Adjustment Request Do for a Business?
Ever start a story with "What had happened was..."? This is that in corporate taxes.
The Ins and Outs of Form 656, Offer in Compromise
If you wanna make 'em an offer they can't refuse, use Form 656 and all the right documents.
How to Report Transactions With Foreign Trusts and Certain Foreign Gifts Using Form 3250
Trust is a two-way street, unless the IRS defines it with trust grantor rules in the US tax code.
The 411 on Form 2441, Claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit
Want to write summer camp off your taxes? Get the tax ID number on that ropes course!
How to Expats Should Use Form 2555 to Exclude Foreign Income on Tax Returns
The official way expats say, "Hey, Uncle Sam, gimme a break."
Form 3520-A: Your Foreign Trust's Reporting Requirements with the Internal Revenue Service
If your foreign trust sends money to a U.S. citizen. here's how you let the IRS know.
Form 4361 Allows Ministers to Opt out of Social Security and Medicare
Huh, I never thought about how social security gets in the way of a vow of poverty.
What Was the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) 2 and Why Did I Get It?
Remember when the government mailed everyone money? Good times.
Reporting Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans With US Tax Form 5329
Break the rules on your 401k? This form is how you tell the IRS "I'll pay the penalty but I'm not trying to break the law."
U.S. Tax Form 56 and Fiduciary Relationship Concerns: Does This Matter Concern You?
A tax form with just two numbers? Not a cause for concern.
State Withholding on W2: U.S. Wage and Tax Statement
The W-2 Form (AKA Wage and Tax Statement) is how you, as an employee, report your income for the previous tax year, along with all the wages your employer withheld for tax purposes.
What Is Form 2210? The Underpayment Penalty And Who Must File It
They're not called "Guessimated" Tax Payments for a reason. Check your tax math!
What The Failure to Pay Penalty Means and What to Do About It
And you thought that librarian was harsh about late fees.
How IRS Affidavit Form 14039 Can Protect You From Identity Theft
I mean, I wish my tax refund were big enough that I could be a target of tax refund theft.
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.
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.
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.
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.