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Tax guidance and resources

Looking for advice on lowering your federal or state taxes? You’ve come to the right place. Plus, get news and advice related to tax brackets, property taxes, estate taxes and more.

Explore tax basics

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Do I have to file taxes? Here’s how to figure out if you should file a tax return

Taxes
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Donation value guide: Calculate the value of your donated items for your 2025 and 2026 taxes

Taxes
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What is the long-term capital gains tax? Here are the rates for 2025-2026

Investing
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Standard deduction vs. itemized deduction: Pros, cons and how to decide

Taxes

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Latest articles

The average tax refund each year, and how refunds work
The average tax refund in 2025 was $3,167, but refunds are expected to jump higher in 2026. Here’s what you need to know.
Young woman working on laptop at home.
If your income hits a specific level, you need to file a tax return. But it may make sense to file even if you’re not required to, so you can claim your tax refund.
How tax credits work, and how to qualify
Tax credits can help you save big on your taxes. Here’s how they work and how to qualify.
Father and young son with skateboard walking down the street.
The child tax credit can cut your tax bill by $2,200 per child, and up to $1,700 may be refundable to you. Here’s who qualifies for this valuable tax credit.
It pays to know the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains.
Roth IRA tax rules you should know
There are a lot of reasons to love Roth IRAs, but the tax rules governing them are complex. Here’s what you should know.
Young woman sits at her home office working on her finances.
Your adjusted gross income, or AGI, is your gross income minus a handful of items. Here’s how it works and why it matters.
How to file taxes for free
There are a handful of free options for filing your tax return, and many of them offer guided support to help you do it right.
How to adjust how much is withheld from your paycheck for taxes
If you got a big tax bill or refund, consider adjusting how much money is withheld from your paycheck for taxes.
A checklist of tax documents
Don’t miss these important tax statements, which will arrive via email or snail mail.
How to set up a payment plan with the IRS
Setting up a payment plan with the IRS is easy to do in most situations, and it can save you money in the long term.
How to file a Form 1040-X to correct a mistake on your tax return
If you made a mistake on your tax return, Form 1040-X will help you fix it.
Underpayment penalty: What it is, how to avoid it
You may get hit with an IRS underpayment penalty if you don’t pay enough in taxes throughout the year. Here’s how to avoid it.
Earned income tax credit: What it is, how to claim it
This popular tax break can be worth up to $8,046 for some families in 2025, but it can be tricky to claim.
Home office deduction: Who's eligible and how it works
The home office tax deduction can trim your tax bill, if you qualify for it.
Is it better to file as married filing separately or married filing jointly
Should you file your taxes as “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately?” Here’s how to decide.
A couple looks over their financial paperwork with a calculator and their laptop open in front of them.
If you want to trim your 2025 tax bill, now is the time to take steps to reduce your taxable income.
Mother with children waiting near electric car charging at sunset.
The valuable electric vehicle tax credit for new and used EVs is about to end. Here’s what you should do now if you want to qualify.
Pennsylvania Welcomes You road sign at the state border.
A growing number of states are moving to a flat tax system to collect income taxes. That can be good news for taxpayers, but there are potential downsides.
The entrance to a Social Security office in Houston, Texas.
Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to permanently end taxes on Social Security benefits. High-income earners may not like it.
Hairdresser working on a client's hair in a salon.
New tax breaks on tip income and overtime pay go into effect this year. Event planners, hairdressers, handymen and Uber drivers are among those who qualify for no tax on tips.
Illustration of a clock with a post-it note on it that says "tax time!"
The Oct. 15 tax deadline is coming up fast for anyone who filed an extension. Here are 4 tips to help you get ready to file your tax return.
Mother picking up small daughter from school, embracing in front school building.
It’s back-to-school season, and expenses add up fast. These state and federal tax breaks can help.
Girl with braided hair writing in book while sitting at desk with students in classroom.
A new $1,700 tax credit will be available in 2027 for donations aimed at helping private school students.