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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 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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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.
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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.
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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.
A young woman inspects the clothes she is going 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.
A woman sitting at a table with her laptop open, looking at a calculator in her hand.
You may have to do some math to choose between claiming the standard deduction and itemizing, but it’s worth the effort because you’ll save money on your taxes.
Gray-haired female teacher playing with a group of preschool children.
The child and dependent care credit can help parents recoup some of the steep costs of child care, and a new tax law increased how much this tax credit is worth.
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The adoption tax credit can go a long way to reducing the costs of adopting a child. And now up to $5,000 of this tax credit is refundable.
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Certain windfalls and profits are considered capital gains. Here’s how to determine what you’ll owe.
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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.
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The Section 179 deduction and bonus depreciation both let businesses write off expenses quickly. Here’s what you need to know.
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These 10 tax credits and deductions can help you trim your tax bill and, in some cases, even boost your refund.
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.
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If you want to trim your 2025 tax bill, now is the time to take steps to reduce your taxable income.
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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.
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Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to permanently end taxes on Social Security benefits. High-income earners may not like it.
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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.
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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.
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It’s back-to-school season, and expenses add up fast. These state and federal tax breaks can help.
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A new $1,700 tax credit will be available in 2027 for donations aimed at helping private school students.