Tax Tips

April 5, 2013

Tax Day Freebies and Deals

Several establishments will be offering special deals on or around April 15.

See More On: Saving Money | Smart Buying | Tax Prep & Filing

March 12, 2013

10 Tax Breaks for Investors

Remember, it’s not just how much you make but how much you keep. With these investments and strategies, you get to keep more.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Tax Breaks

March 5, 2013

2013 Tax Planning Gets Easier

Congress ties up loose ends, but high earners pay more.

See More On: Family Finances | Tax Breaks | Tax Planning

March 5, 2013

Tax Tips for Your 2012 Return

If you've been putting off the onerous task of finishing your tax returns, these tactics will help you breathe easier.

See More On: Family Finances | Health Care & Insurance | Roth IRAs

March 5, 2013

How to Properly Claim Deductions for Noncash Donations

A quick picture with your phone could be cheap insurance at audit time.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Planning | Tax Prep & Filing

February 5, 2013

How to Figure Your Cost Basis If You Sold Stock in 2012

We'll help you decode the new 1099-B form from your broker.

See More On: Tax Planning

February 1, 2013

Fund an IRA, Cut Your Taxes

There's still time to make a 2012 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.

See More On: IRAs | Roth IRAs | Saving for Retirement

January 3, 2013

Protect Your Paycheck

Now that the payroll tax holiday has been sacrificed to the fiscal-cliff gods, taxpayers are left to their own devices to prevent a cut in take-home pay.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Tax Breaks

January 2, 2013

Prepare for Tax-Return Filing Delays

Organize your records and file when the IRS gives the all-clear.

See More On: Tax Planning | Tax Prep & Filing

December 27, 2012

Charities: Give Stocks Instead

Put away your checkbook and donate appreciated securities instead.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

November 1, 2012

Storm Damage? You Might Qualify for Tax Breaks

When insurance is tapped out -- or not there -- Uncle Sam offers help to those hit by storms.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Home Insurance

July 6, 2012

The Threat to Next Year's Tax Refunds

How to protect your pocketbook NOW — by adjusting your withholding.

See More On: Tax Planning

June 11, 2012

Turning Your Stock-Market Lemons into Lemonade

The wise investor doesn't leave tax strategy until the end of the year.

See More On: Tax Planning | Stocks & Bonds

April 26, 2012

9 Popular Tax Breaks You Can No Longer Count on in 2012

A number of tax breaks that might be dear to you have expired.

See More On: Tax Planning | Tax Breaks | Business Costs & Regulation

April 12, 2012

A Tax Tip that Could Save Your Life. Really!

Are you rushing to file your 2011 taxes? Be careful.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing | Tax Breaks | Tax Planning

April 11, 2012

IRS Offers "Fresh Start" for Unemployed

A new tax break for those in need.

See More On: Tax Breaks

April 10, 2012

Payback Time for New-Home-Buyer Tax Credit -- or Maybe Not

If you "flipped" a house for profit, the government would like its money back.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Prep & Filing

February 24, 2012

7 Tips for Filing Your 2011 Taxes

Every filing year's a little different. Let us help you pinpoint savings.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Prep & Filing

January 26, 2012

Thanks Mitt and Newt: A Dozen Tax Tips for the Rest of Us

Learn from two GOP candidates' tax returns.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Planning | Politics

December 23, 2011

Last-minute Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed and Moonlighters

Buy new office equipment before year-end to qualify for extra tax breaks.

See More On: Tax Planning | Small Business

December 16, 2011

Deadline Nears for Mandatory IRA Distributions

But you can direct up to $100,000 of your annual distribution to charity.

See More On: Making Your Money Last | Saving for Retirement | Tax Breaks

December 12, 2011

The Gift Tax: Use It or Lose It

Make people happy while you're still around to hear "thank you"...

See More On: Estate Planning | Tax Breaks | Tax Planning

December 8, 2011

Winning With Losers

Unloading a losing investment before year-end will allow you to offset taxable gains or other income.

See More On: Tax Planning

December 6, 2011

Tax Breaks for the Generous

Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.

See More On: Estate Planning | Tax Planning

December 6, 2011

Empty Your Flexible Spending Account

Cut next year’s taxes by signing up for a flexible spending account today.

See More On: Tax Breaks

December 4, 2011

Last Chance for Home Energy Tax Credit

Go green and earn some green before year-end.

See More On: Home Remodeling & Maintenance | Tax Breaks

December 1, 2011

Don't Buy a Tax Bill with a Mutual Fund

Time your year-end mutual fund purchases to avoid excess taxes.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Tax Planning

November 22, 2011

Trim Taxes by Boosting Retirement Savings

Max out your contributions while you can and prepare to save a bit more next year.

See More On: Saving for Retirement | Tax Planning

November 14, 2011

Penalty-Proof Your Tax Return

Adjust your tax withholding now to boost your take-home pay or to avoid underpayment penalties when you file your 2011 tax return.

See More On: Tax Planning

November 9, 2011

AMT, the Tax We Love to Hate

Millions of taxpayers will be snared by the alternative minimum tax in 2011. Find out if you’re one of them -- and what to do about it.

See More On: Tax Breaks

April 20, 2011

How Your Tax Dollars Are Spent

A new taxpayer receipt tool shows you where your money is going.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing | Tax Planning

April 6, 2011

Government Shutdown Would Delay Tax Refunds

Another reason to fix your withholding.

See More On: Tax Planning | Tax Prep & Filing | Business Costs & Regulation

March 28, 2011

IRS Eases Tax Debt Policies

But the IRS Taxpayer Advocate says new tax-lien leniency doesn't go far enough.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 11, 2011

Ways to Check on Your Tax Refund

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 9, 2011

What's Taxable, What's Not

Not everything you got is fair game for the tax man.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 7, 2011

Tax Breaks for College Expenses

You may qualify for a tax credit or deduction to ease the pain of paying for college—or paying back your student loan.

See More On: College Rankings | Paying for College | Tax Breaks

March 6, 2011

What to Do if You Can't Pay Your Taxes?

File your return on time anyway to minimize the penalties.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 3, 2011

Tax-Free Capital Gains for Some

Taxpayers in the two lowest brackets will pay no tax on their 2010 capital gains.

See More On: Tax Planning | Tax Breaks

March 2, 2011

Taxes When Mom or Dad Depends on You

Even modest retirement income can thwart your attempt to claim a parent as a dependent.

See More On: Caregiving | Tax Breaks | Tax Prep & Filing

February 25, 2011

Going Green Pays Off

Claim an energy tax credit for the home improvements you made last year.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Tax Breaks

February 23, 2011

Take Credit for Your Kids

Each qualifying child could slash your tax bill by up to $1,000.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Caregiving

February 22, 2011

Tax Breaks for Boomerang Kids

Claiming an adult child as a dependent -- or deducting his or her health expenses -- can cut your tax bill.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 18, 2011

The Challenge of Deducting
Medical Expenses

Some married couples could boost their tax break by filing separate returns.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Prep & Filing

February 14, 2011

Ready, Set, File: The IRS Awaits

Attention all itemizers: The IRS is ready to receive your 2010 tax return.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 13, 2011

Time to Consider E-Filing Taxes

Printed tax forms are no longer mailed to taxpayers.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 13, 2011

Tracking Down a Lost W-2

Missing information can slow your tax-return preparation -- and your refund.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 12, 2011

Which Tax Form to Use

Use the simplest form to meet your needs and avoid errors.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 11, 2011

Only Itemizers Can Deduct Charitable Contributions

Totting up your noncash donations can significantly boost your tax break.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 11, 2011

Lock In Your Payroll Tax Cut

If you don’t claim the Making Work Pay Credit on your tax return, you lose it.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 11, 2011

When It Pays to Itemize

Wealthier taxpayers win big on 2010 tax returns with unlimited itemized deductions.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing | Tax Breaks

December 23, 2010

Congress' Delay Will Delay Tax Refunds, Too

For the millions of Americans who itemize deductions, that refund check may come later this spring.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing | Tax Planning

December 16, 2010

Tax Deal: What's In It for You?

Your tax rates won’t go up next year and for most, a bigger paycheck.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Planning | Business Costs & Regulation

December 10, 2010

Last-Minute Tax Savings for 2010

Act now to capture expiring tax breaks and beat year-end deadlines.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Tax Planning | Tax Prep & Filing

December 10, 2010

Fewer Alternative Minimum Tax Victims Expected for 2010

If Congress approves a compromise tax deal, more than 20 million Americans will avoid being snared by the stealth tax.

See More On: Tax Planning

November 17, 2010

Cash In on Expiring Tax Breaks for Education Savings

Buy a computer or pay private K-through-12 tuition with pretax money while you still can.

See More On: Paying for College | Tax Breaks

November 16, 2010

Rush to Close on Mortgages and Refinancing

Closing on your mortgage or refinancing an existing loan by December 31 could earn you a big deduction on your 2010 return.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Tax Breaks

November 12, 2010

Deadline Nears for Spreading Tax on Roth Conversion

If you want to take advantage of a one-time option to spread your tax bill over two years, you must convert to a Roth IRA by year-end.

See More On: Saving for Retirement

September 6, 2010

What Will Congress Do to Your Taxes?

Last-minute action -- or inaction -- may affect your year-end tax moves.

See More On: Tax Planning | Business Costs & Regulation

July 14, 2010

Did 'The Boss' Trump The Ben?

George Steinbrenner’s death may seem untimely to family and friends (and Yankee fans), but it may be extremely timely when it comes to the federal estate tax.

See More On: Tax Planning

July 6, 2010

More Time to Qualify for the Home Buyer Credit

Congress has extended the deadline for closing the deal on home purchases made by April 30.

See More On: Tax Breaks

May 12, 2010

A Second Chance at Tax Savings

You've got about three years to amend your return, so go back and make sure you got everything you deserve.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

April 7, 2010

Easing the Tax-Filing Crunch

An extension gives you more time to compile your tax records -- but you still have to pay what you owe.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

April 1, 2010

FAQs on the Death of the Estate Tax

If Congress continues to do nothing about the federal estate tax, the levy will be back with a vengeance in 2011.

See More On: Estate Planning

March 31, 2010

You Can’t Hide From the IRS

But some unemployed taxpayers may catch a break under the IRS’s new, more flexible program to settle tax debts for less than owed.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 25, 2010

Tax Breaks Ease the Pain
Of Investment Losses

And capital-gains rates on winners are as low as 0% for some.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 24, 2010

Tax Break for New Wheels

If you bought a new car or truck last year, you can claim a special deduction.

See More On: Buying & Leasing a Car | Tax Breaks

February 2, 2010

Who Needs to File a Tax Return?

Not everyone has to file a return, but some low-income workers, retirees and students should file to collect a refund.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

January 2010

Last Chance to Avoid
Underpayment Penalty

January 15 is the deadline for 2009 estimated tax payments.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

December 22, 2009

Delaying a Tuition Payment Could
Put Money in Your Pocket

Timing is everything when it comes to college tax credits.

See More On: College Rankings | Tax Planning

December 18, 2009

Adjust Strategies for Gift Giving in Light of the Revised Kiddie-Tax Rules

Focus on shifting income to grown children who qualify for tax-free capital gains.

See More On: Tax Breaks | Estate Planning

December 17, 2009

Home-Sale Profit Rules for Widows
And Widowers

A sale by year-end could double the amount of profit that is tax-free.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Tax Breaks

December 3, 2009

Benefit from New Tax Credits Now

Don’t wait for next year’s refund. Change your withholding to boost your pay now.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Tax Breaks | Tax Prep & Filing

December 2, 2009

A Year-End Gift for Home Buyers

No need to wait until tax-filing season to cash in on the home-buyer credit.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Tax Breaks | Tax Planning

December 2009

Why Your Kids Need a Roth IRA

It doesn't wrap very well, but putting your kids on the path to retirement security is a gift worth giving.

See More On: Saving for Retirement

November 18, 2009

Tax Breaks for New Cars

Put yourself in new wheels and get a sales-tax deduction to boot.

See More On: Buying & Leasing a Car | Tax Breaks

November 17, 2009

Review Your Year-End Tax Plans

Making the right moves now can save you plenty.

See More On: Tax Planning | Tax Breaks

March 2, 2009

Buy a Computer with College Money

A new tax break lets you tap 529-plan savings.

See More On: College Rankings | Tax Breaks

February 27, 2009

Tax Breaks for Heroes

Make all your tax credits and deductions count; you deserve them all and more.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 25, 2009

Tax Relief for Midwest Disaster Areas

If you lived in a federally declared disaster area in 2008, or helped someone who did, you may qualify for certain tax breaks.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 24, 2009

Foreclosure and Your Tax Bill

You may qualify for tax relief. Here's how to get it.

See More On: Tax Planning

February 19, 2009

Prepare to Prove Your Generosity

Any amount you claim as a charitable deduction on your 2008 tax return needs a paper trail.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 18, 2009

Tax Breaks for Investors

You can carry over last year's losses to off-set taxes in years to come.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 17, 2009

Unemployed But Not Untaxed

Don't be surprised at tax time; prepare for unemployment taxes.

See More On: Tax Planning

February 13, 2009

Tax Savings Without Itemizing

All taxpayers benefit from these above-the-line deductions.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

February 12, 2009

Tax Credit for New Homebuyers May Get Better

The credit was originally designed as a loan one had to pay back. That may no longer be the case.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 11, 2009

Don't Miss These Education Tax Breaks

College students in the Midwestern disaster area may qualify for additional benefits.

See More On: Tax Breaks

January 2009

Cash In on Tax Credits for Hybrid Cars

The right new car will save you money on gasoline and taxes.

See More On: Buying & Leasing a Car

December 19, 2008

Time for an IRA Distribution?

You must take a distribution this year, but you can skip it in 2009.

See More On: IRAs

December 18, 2008

Home Foreclosures and Taxes

A temporary provision excludes forgiven mortgage debt from income taxes.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

December 17, 2008

New Rules on Home-Sale Profits

Two groups of homeowners face new rules on tax-free profits when they sell their property.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

December 12, 2008

Beware the AMT

Should you accelerate deductions to cut taxes? It depends -- you could end up with a bigger tax bill.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

December 11, 2008

IRA Strategies for Market Declines

Shrunken IRA balances mean a smaller tax bill when you convert to a Roth IRA.

See More On: IRAs

December 10, 2008

Understanding the Gift Tax

If you don't use your $12,000 annual exclusion by December 31, you lose it.

See More On: Tax Breaks

December 8, 2008

Put Away Your Check Book

Instead, donate appreciated securities to your favorite charity.

See More On: Tax Breaks

December 5, 2008

Tax-free Capital Gains Are Here

Some taxpayers will pay no capital gains taxes on their 2008 returns.

See More On: Tax Planning

November 28, 2008

Max Out Your Retirement Savings

For most people, the best way to cut your tax bill today is to maximize your retirement savings for tomorrow.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

November 27, 2008

Be Generous

Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

April 15, 2008

Need More Time?

You can push the deadline for filing your tax return back to October 15.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

April 10, 2008

Reporting Capital Gains

Make sure you take all the necessary steps when adding up your capital gains so you don't overpay.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

April 7, 2008

Paying the Piper

If you owe the IRS, there are several ways to settle your bill.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

April 2, 2008

When to Report a Home Sale

You might not have to let Uncle Sam know that you sold your house.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 27, 2008

Too Rich for a 401(k)?

If you are a highly compensated employee and your employer returned some of the money you contributed to a 401(k), you'll have to report that as income on your tax return.

See More On: 401(k)s

March 20, 2008

Savings for Serial Refinancers

Usually, you can write-off un-deducted mortgage points on a refinancing in the year the loan is paid off with a subsequent refinancing.

See More On: Mortgages & Refinancing

March 15, 2008

A Special Deduction

Don't miss this easily overlooked deduction: estate taxes paid on an inherited traditional IRA.

See More On: Tax Breaks

March 10, 2008

Reporting Lawsuit Settlements

Whether you have to pay taxes on a settlements from a investor class-action lawsuit depends on why you got the money.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

December 12, 2007

Tax Tip No. 8: Fund a Kid's Roth IRA

Give your children financial security this Christmas.

See More On: Roth IRAs

December 7, 2007

Tax Tip No. 5: Boost State Sales Tax Deductions

If you plan to deduct state sales tax instead of state income tax for 2007, this may be the last year you can choose to do so.

See More On: Tax Breaks

December 19, 2006

Ten Ways to Lower Your Tax Bill

There are several steps you can take now to save money come April.

See More On: Tax Breaks

December 13, 2006

Lower Your Taxes by Thinking Green

Outfitting your home with new storm doors and windows or buying a gas-efficient hybrid car can help you score tax credits.

See More On: Tax Breaks

April 17, 2006

Instant Gratification

Don't wait until 2009 for your next tax refund. Adjust your withholding, and get more money now.

See More On: Tax Planning

April 3, 2006

Finding Your Home's Tax Basis

Yikes! You made more than half a million dollars in home sale profit! Here's how to hold down the tax bill.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 28, 2006

Immune to the Underpayment Penalty

Do you owe the IRS money? Even if you failed to pay enough tax throughout the year, you may not have to pay the penalty if you fit one of these exceptions.

See More On: Tax Prep & Filing

March 6, 2006

Write off Moving Expenses

Let Uncle Sam pay for part of your move if you relocated for a job.

See More On: Tax Breaks

February 24, 2006

Warning for Mutual Fund Investors

Don't be among the millions of investors who pay too much tax on mutual fund profits.

See More On: Mutual Funds