Tax guidance and resources

Latest Articles

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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
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  These 9 states have no income tax — that doesn’t always mean you’ll save money

  These 9 states have no income tax, but before you move there, consider other potential costs.

  6 min read Nov 26, 2024
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  Inheritance tax: How it works, and how it differs from estate tax

  Only a handful of states have inheritance taxes, but it’s important to understand how they work and how they differ from estate taxes.

  3 min read Nov 22, 2024
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  How to calculate taxes on an inherited annuity

  Here are key things to know about inherited annuities and how to calculate taxes.

  3 min read Nov 21, 2024