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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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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.
Woman packing and sorting clothes to donate.
If you want to claim a tax deduction for your donations, you’ll need to place a value on each item. This valuation guide will help.
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The standard deduction is a valuable tax benefit, and one of the easiest to claim. And it got a boost in the 2025 tax law.
Older woman doing her taxes on her laptop at home.
The deadline for filing your 2025 tax return is April 15, 2026, or Oct. 15 with an extension.
Illustration of a map of the U.S. with stacks of money.
Knowing your federal income tax bracket can help you manage your money. Here are the federal tax brackets and income tax rates for 2026, 2025 and 2024.
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Certain windfalls and profits are considered capital gains. Here’s how to determine what you’ll owe.
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.
A family removes items from their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina.
When disaster strikes, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. But the casualty loss deduction can offer much-needed financial relief.
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In many cases, keeping tax records for three years is long enough, but there are a few exceptions.
A couple is deeply involved in their financial planning as they work together, using a laptop, and reviewing various documents.
The AMT, or alternative minimum tax, has its own set of tax rates and rules. Here’s how it works, how to calculate your bill, and the changes coming in 2026.
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With taxes, it can pay to keep things simple. These 5 tax deductions let you trim your tax bill without itemizing.
Illustration showing an envelope with the word unemployment on it starting to catch fire.
Your unemployment benefits generally are taxable at the federal level, but your state may or may not give you a tax break. Here’s what you should know.
Illustration showing a sign with different arrows pointing to single, head of household and married, sitting on top of a stack of tax forms.
Picking the best filing status for your situation — whether that’s single, head of household, married filing jointly or separately, or surviving spouse — can save you money at tax time.
Woman at her laptop calculating finances.
Itemized deductions are IRS-approved expenses that can reduce your tax bill. But claiming the standard deduction instead can mean a lower tax bill for many taxpayers.
Young man using laptop at night.
If your income hits a specified level, you’re required to file a tax return. But it may make sense to file no matter what your income.
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.
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.