Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
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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.
The Basics of the Foreign Tax Credit: What It's For, How to Claim It, and What Else an Expat Needs to Know
Like she was made to live in a faux-inspirational Hallmark movie, Kate Michell loves Italian wine, flirts with Italian men, savors the Italian sunrise — and has to file both Italian income taxes and A…
Explain Form 2439: When Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains Are Good News for Shareholders
Every 1099-DIV means you owe some new taxes. Well, this is the opposite.
Completing IRS Form 433D for Your Direct Debit Installment Agreement
A form for direct debit. Does the IRS have a form for taking Apple Pay?
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!
Your Guide to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: How It Works and Which U.S. Expatriates It Applies To
Landing that dream job overseas doesn't mean paying both taxes - but it doesn't mean you can skip.
What The Failure to Pay Penalty Means and What to Do About It
And you thought that librarian was harsh about late fees.
Qualified Dividends vs. Nonqualified Dividends: How Are They Taxed?
It's a battle! Qualified vs nonqualified dividends. If you're looking for the thrill of the day trader, expect a bit of a tax hangover.
The 1040 Is Already Easy: Why There Is No 1040 EZ for 2023
EZ come, EZ go.
Charitable Contributions: Is Money Raised Through GoFundMe Taxable?
Yeah, GoFundMe isn't like Free Parking on Monopoly.
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.
When You're Filling out Your W-4, How Many Exemptions and Allowances Should You Claim?
Withhold taxes now or owe taxes next April?