Tax articles
395 plain-English guides to U.S. federal taxes, newest first.
36 results in Tax Deductions
ClearForm 4684: Reporting Casualty and Theft Losses in 2025
When disaster strikes (whether from a storm, fire, theft, or another unexpected event) the emotional and financial toll can be huge. If you've experienced a significant loss and you're trying to recov…
1099 Deductions: The Ultimate Guide for Independent Contractors and Freelancers
Being your own boss comes with many perks, sure, but it can also make you feel like a lone ship adrift at sea, especially when it comes to taxes. As an independent contractor, you don’t have the conve…
Are Political Donations Tax Deductible?
Election season brings out the patriot in all of us, but while you might want to support your candidate, party, or political organization of choice with your wallet, you need to remember how the IRS l…
How Do I Prove Gambling Losses On My Taxes?
Gambling is full of thrills and excitement, at least for those who enjoy it. What it also comes with is tons of financial implications, and that includes your taxes. If you’ve incurred in any gambling…
Car Donation Tax Deduction: A Comprehensive Guide for U.S. Taxpayers
No matter how committed you are to a cause, if someone told you “hey, donate your car!” you’d probably have some choice words for them. Well, what if we told you that you can get a pretty substantial…
IRS Publication 502: Yes, You Can Deduct Your Medical and Dental Expenses on Your Tax Return
If you've never heard of the medical expense deduction, you might be in for a treat.
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…
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.
Charitable Contributions: Is Money Raised Through GoFundMe Taxable?
Yeah, GoFundMe isn't like Free Parking on Monopoly.
Is Child Support Taxable Income or Tax Deductible? No
Child support might be tax neutral, but it's rarely feelings neutral.
No, There Is No First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit With the IRS
Yeah, the tax credit isn't real. Maybe Santa will bring us one. Oh, wait...
What Every Parent Needs to Know About the Child Tax Credit (and the Update Portal)
Just because the monthly check is gone, the tax credit isn't.
Funeral Expenses: Tax Deductible or Not?
Death and taxes might be certain, but funeral expense tax deductions are a little less so.
The 2023 Child Tax Credit Payment Schedule: Only Annual Tax Credits (For Now)
If you're looking for a "payment schedule" to your child credit, well, the good news is there still is a child tax credit.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.