Bankrates 2009 Tax Guide

Taxes

Bankrate's 2009 Tax Guide

By • Bankrate.com

What if your tax refund is wrong?
You got a check that's less, or more, than you expected. Find out why and what to do about it.
Get disaster relief from the IRS
Victims of a presidentially declared disaster can use their tax filing to obtain much-needed cash.
Time's up! It's tax deadline day
No more excuses. Send something to the IRS by the deadline, or face the consequences.
How to prepare for an audit
You got that dreaded Internal Revenue Service letter? Don't panic, just prepare.
Big tax bill? IRS offers payment options
Can't come up with the cash to pay your tax bill? IRS takes your money in different ways.
Tax record-keeping tips
Don't drown under tons of old tax forms. Here are the best ways to organize your records.
Is filing taxes jointly a good idea?
A couple has a choice of filing jointly or separately. Consider both options.
Your online tax-paying options
The IRS would like you to pay electronically. Here's a look at Uncle Sam's e-payment options.
Traditional IRAs work fine for some filers
Is a traditional IRA the best tax savings move? It depends on your financial and tax situation.
Don't overlook tax break of mortgage points
When doing your taxes, don't overlook the points you paid to get a lower mortgage rate.
Putting foreign taxes to domestic use
If you paid foreign taxes, you have a choice as how to use them to cut your U.S. tax bill.
Tracking down your tax refund
Waiting for your IRS check? Try these tips for tracking down your tax cash.
Reporting your investment earnings
Lower earning rates ease the pain of sharing your investment income with the IRS.
When it's OK to tap your IRA
If you need to take money from your IRA, here's when Uncle Sam says it won't cost you extra.
Tax credit for savings made for retirement
For lower-income filers, money put away for retirement could cut today's tax bill.
What are the Roth IRA rules?
Retirement plans get extra attention during tax season. Here's a look at Roth IRA accounts.
Name, ID number must match on taxes
Nonmatching name and Social Security number on a tax return could mean costly problems.
Work from home? Deduct your home office
Both the self-employed and an employee might get a tax deduction for having a home office, but there are rules.
Schedule C vs. C-EZ
Sole proprietors have tax form options when it comes to reporting business income.
American opportunity tax credit
If you have a child in college, the tax code may help you pay for some of the costs.

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