Tax Planning
Taxes are a necessary part of life but they don't have to be a burden. This page will provide tips and information to help you reduce the amount of taxes you pay and optimize the deductions and credits available to you.
Using the Right Federal Income Tax Return Form
Taxes are one of the certainties in life, and the IRS doesn’t make filing a tax return the easiest thing in the world. For individuals, there are a number of variants for the same form. You have form 1040, 1040A, and even 1040EZ.
Taxes are one of the certainties in life, and the IRS doesn’t make filing a tax return the easiest thing in the world. For individuals, there are a number of variants for the same form. You have form 1040, 1040A, and even 1040EZ.
How the Housing Bill Can Help You – The Tax Credit for New Home Buyers
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a number of items meant to stimulate the economy, and the tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers may be the most beneficial to individuals.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a number of items meant to stimulate the economy, and the tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers may be the most beneficial to individuals.
IRA Tips for Tax Time
2007 may be gone, but it isn’t too late to make 2007 IRA contributions. Unlike most tax tips that require action to be taken before December 31st, IRAs have an added benefit of being able to make prior year contributions up until April 15th.
2007 may be gone, but it isn’t too late to make 2007 IRA contributions. Unlike most tax tips that require action to be taken before December 31st, IRAs have an added benefit of being able to make prior year contributions up until April 15th.
How to Contact the IRS by Phone, Internet, Mail, or Fax
Have questions on your tax return, refund status, or need help? The IRS makes itself quite accessible. You don’t have to fear the IRS. While nobody wants to talk to them about something like an audit, they are there to help you with your taxes.
Have questions on your tax return, refund status, or need help? The IRS makes itself quite accessible. You don’t have to fear the IRS. While nobody wants to talk to them about something like an audit, they are there to help you with your taxes.
Understanding the Alternative Minimum Tax
If there's one tax you want to avoid, it's the alternative minimum tax, or AMT. Don't wait until tax time to be hit with this surprise and start thinking about it today.
If there's one tax you want to avoid, it's the alternative minimum tax, or AMT. Don't wait until tax time to be hit with this surprise and start thinking about it today.
Get Your Tax Questions Answered by Calling 1-800-829-1040
Are you looking for help with your taxes? Try calling 1-800-829-1040. This is the toll-free number for the IRS tax question line.
Are you looking for help with your taxes? Try calling 1-800-829-1040. This is the toll-free number for the IRS tax question line.
Deciding Wheather or Not You Should Itemize Your Deductions
When it comes to reducing your tax burden, itemizing deductions may be the way to go. The standard deduction is certainly easier, but if you determine that itemizing is right for you, it could lead to substantial savings.
When it comes to reducing your tax burden, itemizing deductions may be the way to go. The standard deduction is certainly easier, but if you determine that itemizing is right for you, it could lead to substantial savings.
Make the Most of Your Income Tax Refund
While it can feel like you’re receiving a windfall, remember that this is just excess money that you paid the government. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, but this money can also provide a great boost to your other financial goals.
While it can feel like you’re receiving a windfall, remember that this is just excess money that you paid the government. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, but this money can also provide a great boost to your other financial goals.
Now’s the Time to Review Your W-4 Tax Exemptions
Regularly reviewing your W-4 exemptions can help ensure you withhold enough for taxes without withholding too much.
Regularly reviewing your W-4 exemptions can help ensure you withhold enough for taxes without withholding too much.
Avoid Tax Refund Anticipation Loans
Resist the urge to get your hands on your refund right away. Instant tax refunds are costly.
Resist the urge to get your hands on your refund right away. Instant tax refunds are costly.
Where Do Your Social Security Taxes Go
If you work, you are probably aware of the Social Security taxes that come out of your paycheck. Since a relatively large portion of your income goes toward this tax, it is important to understand where it actually goes.
If you work, you are probably aware of the Social Security taxes that come out of your paycheck. Since a relatively large portion of your income goes toward this tax, it is important to understand where it actually goes.
Where's My Refund?
Have you filed your tax return and are now awaiting a refund? The IRS makes it easy to check on the status.
Have you filed your tax return and are now awaiting a refund? The IRS makes it easy to check on the status.
What If You Can't Pay the Taxes You Owe?
The realization that you can’t afford to pay your taxes can make you feel uneasy, but don’t worry, there are some actions you can take to remedy the situation.
The realization that you can’t afford to pay your taxes can make you feel uneasy, but don’t worry, there are some actions you can take to remedy the situation.
U.S. Tax Planning
About.com's dedicated tax planning resource.
About.com's dedicated tax planning resource.
The Internal Revenue Service
A resource for tax forms, publications, and news regarding U.S. taxes.
A resource for tax forms, publications, and news regarding U.S. taxes.