Joy Taylor
Editor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter
Prior to joining Kiplinger in 2010, Joy worked as a tax attorney in Washington, D.C., for 15 years. She earned an accounting degree and a JD from the University of Houston, and a master's degree in tax law from New York University. After years of working in big law firms, Joy saw the light and now puts all of her education and legal experience to use in writing about taxes for the Tax Letter and Kiplinger.com.
Now’s the Time for Estate Tax Planning
Financial Planning
Now’s the Time for Estate Tax Planning
There's a wealth of opportunity with IRS interest rates at an all-time low and the federal estate and gift tax exemption at an historic high.
September 18, 2020
Tax Tip: How to Deduct Property Damage Caused by Hurricane Sally
Tax Breaks
Tax Tip: How to Deduct Property Damage Caused by Hurricane Sally
Get the maximum tax deduction for property losses resulting from Hurricane Sally or other natural disasters.
September 17, 2020
Tax Tip: How to Deduct Property Damage Caused by Hurricane Laura
Tax Breaks
Tax Tip: How to Deduct Property Damage Caused by Hurricane Laura
Get the maximum tax deduction for property losses resulting from Hurricane Laura or other natural disasters.
August 31, 2020
The Lowdown on Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2020 and Beyond
Financial Planning
The Lowdown on Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2020 and Beyond
Rates for long-term capital gains are based on set income thresholds that are adjusted annually for inflation.
August 11, 2020
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20 IRS Audit Red Flags
tax returns
20 IRS Audit Red Flags
There's no sure way to avoid an IRS audit, but these red flags could increase your chances of drawing unwanted attention from the IRS.
July 1, 2020
10 IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees
retirement
10 IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees
Watch out: These things can increase the chances that the IRS will give your tax return a closer look.
July 1, 2020
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
tax law
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
Americans are facing a long list of tax changes for the 2020 tax year...and it's never too early to start thinking about next year's return.
June 22, 2020
The Employee Retention Tax Credit Helps Keep Workers Working
taxes
The Employee Retention Tax Credit Helps Keep Workers Working
The credit is worth up to $5,000 per paid employee for businesses financially harmed by the coronavirus pandemic that continue to keep employees on th…
May 19, 2020
7 CARES Act Tax Breaks for Businesses
Tax Breaks
7 CARES Act Tax Breaks for Businesses
No matter what business you're in, there's probably at least one CARES Act tax breaks that can improve your bottom line and help you stay afloat.
April 8, 2020
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When Will You Get Your Stimulus Check?
spending
When Will You Get Your Stimulus Check?
The official government response is that people will start getting money in just a few weeks. But don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
April 3, 2020
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Retirees, No Tax Deduction for Hobby Losses
retirement
Retirees, No Tax Deduction for Hobby Losses
Business losses are generally deductible on Schedule C of your federal tax return. But there’s a double-edged sword on the taxation of hobby losses.
March 6, 2020
A New Tax Break for Rental Income
retirement
A New Tax Break for Rental Income
Self-employed individuals and owners of S corporations, partnerships and LLCs can now write off 20% of their qualified business income.
March 5, 2020
15 Nice-Try Tax Breaks Rejected by the IRS
taxes
15 Nice-Try Tax Breaks Rejected by the IRS
Everyone wants to lower their tax bill—but sometimes people try a little too hard.
February 3, 2020
14 Nice-Try Tax Breaks Rejected by the IRS
taxes
14 Nice-Try Tax Breaks Rejected by the IRS
Over the years, taxpayers have concocted a lot of zany arguments to justify their tax breaks.
February 3, 2020
15 Tax Breaks You Won't Believe Are Real
tax deductions
15 Tax Breaks You Won't Believe Are Real
As you struggle with your tax return, trying to come up with some extra deductions to pump up your refund or reduce what you owe, don't you sometimes …
January 31, 2020
How 10 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
retirement
How 10 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
When you're planning for retirement, it's fun to contemplate all the cruises, rounds of golf and restaurant meals you have ahead of you.
January 27, 2020
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How 11 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
retirement
How 11 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
When you’re planning for retirement, it’s fun to contemplate all the cruises, rounds of golf and restaurant meals you have ahead of you.
January 27, 2020
Tax Tip: Write Off Losses Caused by Natural Disasters
Tax Breaks
Tax Tip: Write Off Losses Caused by Natural Disasters
Understand IRS rules to get the maximum tax relief for property losses resulting from floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes and more.
September 26, 2019
Watch Out for Tax Audit Red Flags
retirement
Watch Out for Tax Audit Red Flags
How to be prepared in case the IRS questions your tax return.
May 3, 2019
9 IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees
taxes
9 IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees
In 2017, the Internal Revenue Service audited only 0.60% of all individual tax returns, and the vast majority of these exams were conducted by mail.
December 6, 2018
26 Ways the New Tax Law Will Affect Your Wallet
tax law
26 Ways the New Tax Law Will Affect Your Wallet
The new year starts with a new tax law affecting every taxpayer in the land.
August 8, 2018
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What the New Tax Law Means for Small Businesses
business
What the New Tax Law Means for Small Businesses
The most sweeping tax overhaul in three decades brings lots of good cheer for businesses, ranging from a lower corporate tax rate to big tax savings f…
May 17, 2018
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Self-Employed? Avoid These Audit Red Flags on Your Tax Return
business
Self-Employed? Avoid These Audit Red Flags on Your Tax Return
Being in business for yourself can be exciting, lucrative – and a great way to draw the attention of the Internal Revenue Service’s audit division.
December 12, 2017
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect Businesses
business
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect Businesses
Corporations would enjoy a lower flat tax rate while individual owners of pass-throughs would also see a lower rate, but with more complex terms.
November 6, 2017
IRS Audit Red Flags: The Dirty Dozen
taxes
IRS Audit Red Flags: The Dirty Dozen
Here are twelve hot spots on your return that can raise the chances of scrutiny by the IRS.
January 25, 2015
Same-Sex Couple? Know Your State Tax Filing Status
taxes
Same-Sex Couple? Know Your State Tax Filing Status
The question of how gay couples should file their state returns remains fast-moving.
March 4, 2014
How Do Your Tax Deductions Stack Up?
taxes
How Do Your Tax Deductions Stack Up?
Do you know how you compare with your fellow taxpayers when it comes to the deductions you take? We have the answer.
August 6, 2013