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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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If you need help with a tax debt or dispute, creating an estate plan, starting a business, or another legal question related to taxes, a tax attorney might be able to help.
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Most refunds are sent out within 21 days. If you’re wondering where your tax refund is, you can track it online.
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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.
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Tax fraud can come with hefty penalties and fines, even jail time. Tax evasion is a type of fraud. But tax avoidance is legal.
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Learn about tax deductions and credits for student loans and higher education expenses
Al Capone on the day of his release from jail, Chicago, 1939.
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.
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.
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Value-added tax (VAT) is not unlike sales tax, but there are key differences. Many countries impose a VAT instead of sales tax.
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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.
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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.