Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
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Form 982: The Lifeline IRS Form
Did you get any debts canceled or forgiven this year? You may need IRS tax form 982.
President Biden’s SAVE plan is not entirely tax free
Where’s My Refund? Lost in the Mail, If You Don’t Follow the New Mail Forwarding Policy from USPS
Everyone always asks how to contact the IRS, but can the IRS contact you?
Caught In the Net Investment Income Tax? When to File Form 8960
Excited about passive income? So were we, until we got to the NIITy gritty.
How Does Form 8992 Work? Round-the-world Tour of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI)
It's not that kind of guilty, your honor.
The Business End of Form 945: Nonpayroll Payments and the Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax
Gambling with nonpayroll withheld taxes? Grab form 945 instead.
Form 8962 Instructions to Claim the Premium Tax Credit (PTC)
So premium tax credit is not like premium gas. Well, that's a relief.
The Healthy Way to Fill out the 8889 Tax Form for HSAs
With great tax benefits from HSAs come great tax forms, like the 8889 tax form.
Reporting Sales, Capital Gains and Capital Losses With Form 8949
When it comes to reporting sales, capital gains, and capital losses on your tax return, Internal Revenue Service Tax Form 8949 is the go-to form. This form is designed to help individual taxpayers acc…
Declare Your Assets on Form 8938: What Are Specified Foreign Financial Assets and How They're Taxed
Are you a US taxpayer with investment assets in foreign countries or with foreign entities? If so, it's essential to understand how to properly declare these offshore assets to the Internal Revenue Se…
It's Not a Sequel: Form 8865, Return of U.S. Persons to With Respect to Certain Foreign Partnerships
If you're reaching for this form, you're about to file a complicated return. Then again, you're earning worldwide income and an international tax specialist would know the best routes for you to follo…
Form 8824: What Are Like-Kind Exchanges and How Do You Report 1031 Exchanges on Your Tax Return?
If you've ever engaged in a 1031 exchange, it's important to understand how to report this transaction on your federal income tax return. This is where IRS Form 8824 steps in to explain a complex exch…
Self Employed? Take Advantage of These Tax Savings Strategies for Business Owners
Are you self-employed? As a business owner or independent contractor, it’s essential to take advantage of tax savings strategies to maximize your deductions and minimize your tax liability. By impleme…
Earn Extra Credit with Form 8863! Claim Your American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits
You might be thinking about academic credit hours and how to finish the academic period early, but there are other cool credits to consider: The education credits for your federal income tax return.
Tax Debt? Myths and Facts About Owing Money to the Internal Revenue Service
Are you facing tax debts and worried about the consequences? Don't let myths cloud your judgment. Let's debunk some common misconceptions and shed light on the facts about owing money to the Internal…
Schedule 8812: Add This List to Your 1040 to Claim Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents
If the 1040 had kids, schedule 8812 would be the tidy one.
For Your Eyes Only: Using Form 8821 to Give Tax Information Authorization
Facebook has privacy settings. The IRS uses 8821.
Partnership Withholding With Form 8804: The Annual Return for Business Partners
Doing business in the US means you're effectively connected to Uncle Sam.
Which Adoption Expenses Qualify for a Tax Write-off? Finish Form 8839 Right
The beloved musical Annie had a secret song about the adoption tax credit, but what does everyone remember? "Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow." Give us a tax break.
Remote Workers Take a Tax Break: How to Claim the Home Office Tax Deduction with Form 8829
Like the Wellerman sea shanty, this form got real popular during and after the pandemic.
Sharing 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.