Tax guidance and resources

Latest Articles

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  Free tax filing with IRS Direct File: What you need to know

  The IRS Direct File program, which lets you prepare and file your federal return for free, is expanding to 24 states for the 2025 tax season.

  4 min read Dec 20, 2024
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  Capital gains tax on real estate and selling your home

  Home sales may incur capital gains taxes. Here’s how to keep as much profit in your pocket as possible.

  7 min read Dec 20, 2024
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  How long to keep tax returns and other IRS records

  In many cases, keeping tax records for three years is sufficient, but there are exceptions.

  3 min read Dec 20, 2024
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  Marginal tax rate: What it is and how to find yours

  The marginal tax rate is the highest income tax rate you’ll pay on your income. Because the U.S. has a progressive tax system, different tiers of your income are taxed at different rates. The marginal [...]

  5 min read Dec 18, 2024
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  7 tips to prepare for next year’s taxes now

  Now’s the time to start preparing for the upcoming tax filing season. Here are 7 tips to get you on track.

  4 min read Dec 18, 2024
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  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 above-the-line deductions.

  3 min read Dec 17, 2024
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  The average tax refund each year, and how tax refunds work

  The average tax refund in 2024 was $3,004, up 0.9 percent from the previous year.

  2 min read Dec 13, 2024
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  State and local tax (SALT) deduction: What it is and how it works

  The SALT deduction lets taxpayers deduct the money they spend on state and local taxes.

  3 min read Dec 12, 2024
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  TaxSlayer review 2025 (tax year 2024)

  TaxSlayer offers low-cost tax software, even for people with complex tax situations.

  3 min read Dec 11, 2024
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  H&R Block review 2025 (tax year 2024)

  H&R Block is the best bet for those who qualify for the free edition or those who want in-person expert help.

  3 min read Dec 11, 2024
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  TurboTax review 2025 (tax year 2024)

  TurboTax offers comprehensive yet easy-to-follow tax filing software, but at a higher price than competitors.

  4 min read Dec 11, 2024
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  7 expenses you shouldn’t claim as a tax deduction (but you can write off related costs)

  The IRS is strict about what you can and can’t deduct to trim your tax bill.

  3 min read Dec 09, 2024
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  What will happen to Social Security under Trump’s tax plan?

  Trump’s plan to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits would help current beneficiaries, but future recipients may be hurt by the move.

  2 min read Dec 03, 2024
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  Do I have to file taxes?

  If your income hits a specified level, you’re required to file a tax return.

  5 min read Dec 03, 2024
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  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.

  3 min read Nov 29, 2024
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  What is gross income? How it works and why it’s important

  Gross income is used to determine how much you have to pay toward federal and state income taxes.

  3 min read Nov 29, 2024
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  Short-term capital gains tax rates, and how to reduce your taxes

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

  3 min read Nov 27, 2024
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  Short-term vs. long-term capital gains: How to trim your tax bill

  The federal government encourages Americans to invest, but Uncle Sam wants a cut of any profits. Capital gains are the financial profit you earn when you sell an asset like a home, business or stocks and [...]

  4 min read Nov 27, 2024
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  Where’s my refund? How to track your tax refund

  It’s easy to track the status of your tax refund online.

  4 min read Nov 27, 2024
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  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 Nov 26, 2024