Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
139 results in Tax Forms
ClearMaking 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."
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!
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.
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.
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It could be also outdated, too, but I'm not sure.
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?
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?
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!
Tax Teamwork: Instructions for Partnerships Using Form 1065 on Their Federal Tax Returns
They say partnership is hard. Then comes along Form 1065.
How a 1099 Tax Calculator Adds Up to Big Savings for Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals
If you're a freelancer, independent contractor, or vendor who isn't on an employer's payroll, you may receive a 1099 form for income you earned throughout the year. While being self-employed and recei…
I Got a 5071C Letter, Now What?
When the IRS sends you a 5071C letter, that’s a request for you to verify your identity. You’re probably getting one because their fraud detection system flagged your return as a potential case of ide…
How Your Employer Match Contributions Affects 401k Limits
No, your boss's 401k match doesn't count toward your limit. So stop buying pumpkin spice lattes every day and invest in your future.
The Tax Basics of 401k Distributions and Contributions
Here's a round-up of the 401K tax deductions!
What Business Owners and Employers Should Do When The IRS Gives Them a 147c Letter
IRS Letter 147c is an official form of verification issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) that confirms the business or entity's EIN (Employer Identification Number). It's commonly sent to the…
Rejoice, Employers! You Can File Your 1099 Tax Forms Online
The miracle of the Internet Age meets business tax compliance.
The Trusty Guide to Form 1041 for Estates and Trusts
Form 1041 is an IRS income tax form that is used to report and pay income taxes on behalf of a trust or estate. It is also known as the U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. This form must be…
The Right Way to Use Form 8962 to Claim the Premium Tax Credit
Form 8962 is an essential document for those who have received advance payments of the premium tax credit during the year or plan to claim the premium tax credit on their tax return. It helps taxpayer…
Your Opportunity to Explore Education Credits from Form 8863
Form 8863 is an Internal Revenue Service form used to figure and claim education credits. These credits are based on qualified education expenses paid to an eligible postsecondary educational institut…
Know Before You File: The 1099 Reporting Requirements for Business Owners
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all businesses to report certain payment transactions on the Form 1099 series on their tax returns. The 1099 reporting requirements were established to ensu…
The Ins and Outs of IRS Form 1099-MISC, the Income Catch-All Form
A comprehensive overview of the 1099-MISC form.