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.

Taxes Basics

Standard deduction in 2024 and 2025

The standard deduction is a valuable tax benefit, and one of the easiest to claim. And it got a boost in the new tax law.

6 min read

2024-2025 tax brackets

Knowing your federal income tax bracket can help you manage your money better. Here are the federal tax brackets and income tax rates for 2025 and 2024.

9 min read

What is your marginal tax rate?

In a progressive tax system like ours, more than one tax rate applies to your income. Your marginal rate is your top tax rate.

5 min read

How estimated tax payments work

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to make estimated tax payments. Here’s how to figure out how much you owe and when it’s due.

4 min read

Latest Articles

What is adjusted gross income (AGI) and why does it matter?

Your adjusted gross income, or AGI, is your gross income minus a handful of items. Here’s how it works and why it matters.

4 min read Jun 23, 2025
Tax fraud: What it is and what you should know to avoid scams

Tax fraud can come with hefty penalties and fines, even jail time. Tax evasion is a type of fraud. But tax avoidance is legal.

3 min read Jun 23, 2025
How to qualify for student loan interest deduction

Learn about tax deductions and credits for student loans and higher education expenses

7 min read Jun 23, 2025
Tax evasion is illegal, but tax avoidance? That’s smart financial planning — here’s what you should know

Al Capone may be the face of tax evasion and all that can go wrong if you purposefully don’t pay your taxes. But tax avoidance is legal, and even encouraged by financial experts.

4 min read Jun 20, 2025
Gross income: Definition, why it matters and how to calculate it

Gross income is your total pay, before deductions or taxes are taken out. It plays a big role in some key personal finance calculations.

4 min read Jun 17, 2025
Value-added tax (VAT): What it is and how it works

Value-added tax (VAT) is not unlike sales tax, but there are key differences. Many countries impose a VAT instead of sales tax.

5 min read Jun 17, 2025
Taxes on mutual funds: How they work and 4 strategies to minimize what you owe

Mutual fund taxes can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know.

5 min read Jun 16, 2025
LLCs and taxes: Here’s how to file taxes for an LLC

If your business is an LLC, you’ll need to pick the tax-filing status that suits your business best.

5 min read Jun 16, 2025
What is an LLC, and how does it work?

An LLC can reduce the legal liability of its members, among other benefits, but there are some disadvantages to consider, too.

4 min read Jun 16, 2025
Sales tax deduction: How it works, who is eligible and how to claim it

Here’s how the sales tax deduction works, what purchases are eligible and how to claim it.

5 min read Jun 13, 2025
Gift tax: The exclusion limit for 2025, how it works and who has to pay

The gift tax prevents large tax-free transfers of wealth. But few taxpayers owe this tax, thanks to the annual and lifetime exemptions.

5 min read Jun 13, 2025
5 tax breaks for dads to help celebrate Father’s Day

There are many tax breaks that may apply for fathers, from claiming dependents, saving for your child’s education or looking to lower your taxable income.

4 min read Jun 13, 2025
Hurricane-related tax relief: 4 tips to help you weather the financial aftermath

Hurricanes can cause immense destruction, but these tax benefits can help alleviate some of the financial costs.

5 min read Jun 10, 2025
Marginal vs. effective tax rate: How they differ and how to calculate each rate

Knowing the difference between your marginal and effective tax rate can help you manage your money better.

4 min read Jun 10, 2025
Gross vs. net income: What you need to know to manage your finances

Knowing the difference between gross and net income can help you better manage your financial situation.

4 min read Jun 06, 2025
Taxpayer identification number (TIN): What it is and how to find it

A TIN is a nine-digit number used to identify taxpayers. If you need to file taxes, you’ll need a TIN.

2 min read Jun 06, 2025
What is FICA tax? Here’s what you need to know about payroll taxes

FICA tax, also known as payroll tax, is what almost all workers have to pay for Social Security and Medicare.

4 min read Jun 05, 2025
W-4 form: How to fill it out in 2025

The W-4 form determines how much in taxes is withheld from your paychecks, which in turn helps you manage your tax refund, or tax bill.

8 min read Jun 03, 2025
Short-term capital gains tax: What it is, what the rates are and how to reduce your taxes

Paying attention to short-term capital gains tax rates can help you save money in the long run.

4 min read Jun 02, 2025
Roth IRA rules you should know during tax season — and all year long

There are a lot of reasons to love Roth IRAs, but the tax rules governing them are complex. Here’s what you should know.

7 min read May 31, 2025