tax planning
2021 Child Tax Credit Calculator
2021 Child Tax Credit Calculator
Find out how much money you'll get each month under the child tax credit rules for 2021. Payments will start July 15.
June 18, 2021
18 States With Scary Death Taxes
18 States With Scary Death Taxes
Federal estate taxes are no longer a problem for all but the extremely wealthy, but several states have their own estate taxes and inheritance taxes t…
June 17, 2021
Taxes on Unemployment Benefits: A State-by-State Guide
Taxes on Unemployment Benefits: A State-by-State Guide
Don't be surprised by an unexpected state tax bill on your unemployment benefits. Know where unemployment compensation is taxable and where it isn't.
June 17, 2021
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
Failing to consider state and local taxes before moving your family to another state could cost you thousands of dollars each year.
June 17, 2021
33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
33 States with No Estate Taxes or Inheritance Taxes
Even with the federal exemption from death taxes raised, retirees should pay more attention to estate taxes and inheritance taxes levied by states.
June 16, 2021
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Why You Need a Roth IRA
Why You Need a Roth IRA
With this indispensable savings tool, your money grows tax-free, you can invest in almost anything and you get several cool perks.
June 14, 2021
Child Care Credit Expanded for 2021 (Up to $8,000 Available!)
Child Care Credit Expanded for 2021 (Up to $8,000 Available!)
For this year only (so far), families with young children can get a bigger tax credit for childcare expenses. And more families will qualify for the c…
June 12, 2021
Is Deferring Taxes the Best Thing for Your Retirement Savings?
Is Deferring Taxes the Best Thing for Your Retirement Savings?
The tax bill that you’re putting off on your traditional IRA or 401(k) may be higher than you think, especially since it’s looking likely that tax rat…
June 3, 2021
Marriage and Taxes: What You Need to Know
Marriage and Taxes: What You Need to Know
Most couples will owe less in federal taxes by filing jointly, but sometimes it pays to go it alone.
May 27, 2021
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
You may have dreamed of a tax-free retirement, but if you live in these 13 states, your Social Security benefits are subject to a state tax. That's on…
May 26, 2021
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
Unfortunately, some states aren't very generous when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time.
May 26, 2021
8 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
8 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Since this year's tax deadline was pushed back to May 17, many people just recently filed their tax return. That means there are a lot of tax refunds …
May 21, 2021
9 Ways to Cut Crypto Taxes Down to the Bone
9 Ways to Cut Crypto Taxes Down to the Bone
Once you know how cryptocurrency is taxed, you can focus on strategies to minimize how much crypto tax you’ll have to pay the IRS.
May 20, 2021
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
COVID-19 has made us appreciate driving our cars more, but filling up the tank will cost you more in these states.
May 19, 2021
Monthly Payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit Will Begin July 15
Monthly Payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit Will Begin July 15
The IRS says it's on schedule to start sending monthly child tax credit payments this summer.
May 17, 2021
Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filing
Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filing
As you scramble to beat today's tax return filing deadline, here are some pointers to bring your stress level down.
May 17, 2021
Families with Dependent Care FSAs Get Good News from the IRS
Families with Dependent Care FSAs Get Good News from the IRS
You'll still get a tax break if you carried over unused amounts from your dependent care flexible spending account from 2020 to 2021.
May 10, 2021
Taxes, Taxes and More Taxes
Taxes, Taxes and More Taxes
In light of the recent proposals by President Biden and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen, here’s what could be coming and some ideas on how t…
May 4, 2021
Why Today’s Retirees Need to Pursue Tax-Minimization Strategies
Why Today’s Retirees Need to Pursue Tax-Minimization Strategies
IRAs are the name of the game for today’s retirees. While they come with helpful tax breaks for savers, pulling money out in retirement comes with maj…
May 4, 2021
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class
Your retirement contributions could be the key to a lower tax bill.
May 3, 2021
3 Reasons Not to Fear the Biden Tax Hikes
3 Reasons Not to Fear the Biden Tax Hikes
A lot of people are getting all worked up over President Biden's plan to raise taxes. Here are some reasons to chill.
May 3, 2021
Kentucky Derby: Tax Tips for Gambling Winnings and Losses
Kentucky Derby: Tax Tips for Gambling Winnings and Losses
If you picked the right horse and won some money on the Kentucky Derby, don't forget that the IRS wants a cut of your winnings.
May 2, 2021
7 Ways Biden Plans to Tax the Rich (And Maybe Some Not-So-Rich People)
7 Ways Biden Plans to Tax the Rich (And Maybe Some Not-So-Rich People)
How would wealthier Americans pay more in taxes under President Biden's American Families Plan? Let us count the ways.
April 30, 2021
More Monthly Child Credit Payments, Higher Child Care Credit, and Other Tax Breaks in Biden's Latest Plan
More Monthly Child Credit Payments, Higher Child Care Credit, and Other Tax Breaks in Biden's Latest Plan
President Biden's American Families Plan extends several popular tax credits that benefit low-income and middle-class families.
April 29, 2021
Biden Hopes to Eliminate Stepped-Up Basis for Millionaires
Biden Hopes to Eliminate Stepped-Up Basis for Millionaires
As part of his American Families Plan, President Biden wants to change the way capital assets are taxed when you die.
April 28, 2021