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

What if you don’t file taxes?

The consequences of not filing your tax return vary depending on whether you owe a tax bill or are expecting a tax refund.

5 min read

How to set up an IRS payment plan

Setting up a payment plan with the IRS is easy to do in most situations, and it can save you money in the long term.

3 min read

Form 1040-X: File an amended return

If you made a mistake on your tax return, Form 1040-X will help you fix it.

4 min read

Tax credits: How they work

Tax credits can help you save big on your taxes. Here’s how they work and how to qualify.

6 min read

Latest Articles

12 ways to lower your taxable income this year

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure you don’t pay the IRS more than you have to.

2 min read Oct 05, 2021
Tax withholding definition: When and how to adjust your IRS tax withholding

The goal is to have just the right amount withheld – as close as possible to your actual tax liability.

4 min read Sep 23, 2021
2019 tax brackets

For taxes due July 15, 2020, taxpayers fell into one of these brackets.

1 min read Nov 04, 2020
2018 tax brackets

For 2018, taxpayers fell into one of seven brackets.

1 min read Nov 04, 2020
Filing taxes for a deceased person

Here’s what to know if you’re responsible for filing taxes for a deceased spouse, parent or dependent.

5 min read Feb 17, 2020
5 pet-related tax write-offs

In some situations, pet owners can deduct the costs of their furry family members.

5 min read Dec 17, 2019
Shop these sales tax holidays to save on back-to-school shopping

Many states are waiving taxes on clothes, computers and classroom supplies.

2 min read Jul 15, 2019
2017 tax bracket rates

View 2017 IRS income tax brackets for single, married and head of household filings.

1 min read Nov 28, 2018
Only a quarter of workers attribute their bigger paycheck to GOP tax law

Many Americans haven’t noticed a pay hike on the heels of tax reform, Bankrate’s survey finds.

3 min read Mar 05, 2018
IRS rules for claiming a parent as a dependent: 5 factors to consider

Are you caring for an aging parent? If so, you may qualify for some tax relief.

5 min read Mar 01, 2017
W-2 form shows my employer barely withheld taxes. Do they owe me money?

Without pay stubs, you still can check the math on your W-2. Here’s what you can do.

3 min read Jan 31, 2017
Capital loss carryover rules for long-term capital asset loss of $100,000

You can carry over losses on certain capital assets forever, but it’s not simple.

2 min read Apr 05, 2016
State taxes: Illinois

Each state has its own taxation system, usually a combination of income, sales and property taxes.

3 min read Mar 08, 2016
State taxes: Louisiana

Each state has its own taxation system, usually a combination of income, sales and property taxes.

2 min read Mar 08, 2016
State taxes: Arkansas

Each state has its own taxation system, usually a combination of income, sales and property taxes.

3 min read Mar 08, 2016
4 options for your tax refund

You can direct deposit and split your tax refund among as many as 4 accounts.

5 min read Feb 25, 2016
Can I defer passive activity loss to next year if earnings are too high?

You can only deduct real estate losses to offset gains, but there are a couple of exceptions.

2 min read Feb 16, 2016
Capital gains tax loophole on rental property?

You’ll have to pay capital gains on the sale of your rental property. Here’s why.

3 min read Feb 02, 2016
Employee vs. contractor: A tax distinction

Scored a seasonal job? How it’s classified will affect your taxes.

4 min read Nov 04, 2015
What you can do now to protect tax refund

Take action to make it difficult for identity thieves to steal your tax refund.

2 min read Nov 13, 2014