Jacob Dayan
CPA
Jacob Dayan is a tax professional at IRS.com with expertise in U.S. federal and state tax law. Their articles are written to help taxpayers understand complex tax topics in plain English.
Articles
Tax Benefits for Buying a Car
Buying a car can come with some surprising tax perks, depending on how and why you purchase it. This article covers the tax benefits of buying a car, from potential deductions for business use to cred…
IRS Rejected Return: 6 Common Reasons and Fixes
“Filing taxes can be stressful” is the understatement of a lifetime, but it’s also true that the last thing anyone wants is to have their return rejected by the IRS. An IRS rejected return means that…
The Tax Penalty for No Health Insurance
Health insurance is an essential aspect of financial and medical security for many Americans. However, for those who choose to go without health insurance, there may be financial consequences dependin…
Tax Write Off for Donations to Goodwill
Donating to Goodwill is a great way to give back to the community while also benefiting from potential tax savings. The IRS allows taxpayers to claim a tax write off for donations to Goodwill and othe…
Backup Withholding: What It Is and Who Has to Pay It
Backup withholding is one of those tax mechanisms that can seem deceptively simple: Normally, it’s used by the IRS to ensure that individuals and businesses report and pay the appropriate taxes on cer…
State Income Tax Rates in the U.S.
State income tax rates vary widely across the U.S., from states with no income tax at all to those with steep progressive rates. This article breaks down how state income taxes work, compares flat vs.
Understanding Back Taxes: What They Are and How to Handle Them
Back taxes are unpaid taxes that were not paid by their due date. They can accumulate over time due to various reasons, such as financial difficulties, misunderstandings about tax obligations, or simp…
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve their homes' energy efficiency. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is a valuable…
Defining the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI)
For many, the QBI deduction is a crucial tool in managing tax costs, but it can also be complex to understand. Knowing how the deduction works, who qualifies, and what limitations exist can help busin…
What is the Fresh Start Program And How Can it Benefit You?
The Fresh Start Program is an initiative by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) designed to help taxpayers struggling with unpaid taxes. Originally launched in 2011 and expanded over the years, this pr…
The Inheritance Tax: What You Should Know and What To Do About It
Inheritance tax is an important consideration for individuals who receive assets from a deceased person’s estate. While the United States does not have a federal tax for inheritances per se, several s…
Can I Claim My Girlfriend as a Dependent?
When tax season rolls around, many people start looking for ways to maximize their deductions and reduce their taxable income. One common question that comes up is: can I claim my girlfriend as a depe…