Tips on filing your taxes

A tax extension gives you more time to file your tax return, but they’re not for everyone. Make sure you know what an extension does—and does not—do for you.

Knowing your 2027 tax deadlines ahead of time can help you file with confidence, avoid IRS penalties, or even get your refund faster. Here's everything you need to know about filing your 2026 tax return, from the April 15 due date to extensions, quarterly payments, and more.

Want to make filing your taxes as easy as possible in 2027? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the tax timeline, including when taxes are due, tax season begins and ends, you can expect your federal and state refund, and more.

We know life gets complicated. If you cannot file your taxes by the deadline, here’s what you need to know about filing extensions, what the penalties and fees are for failure to file and failure to pay, and how you can get yourself back on track.

Do you think you need more time with your current tax return? Check out this video to learn what an extension is, and why you might consider filing Form 4868 ahead of Tax Day.

If you missed this year’s tax filing deadline, here are some practical steps and valuable information on how to make your way through the situation with the least amount of stress, penalties, and fees.

Tax return mistakes happen more often than you might think. It’s typically not a big deal, because most mistakes can be fixed by filing an amended tax return. Don’t miss this video where Mark Steber shares everything you need to know about how amending a tax return can not only fix mistakes, but could get you more money in your pocket.

The IRS may not require you to file taxes, so why file a return if you don’t have to? It could be in your best interest to file anyway, and may even mean money back!

Do minors need to file a tax return? In this guide, we'll explain when minors are required to file, how much income triggers a tax return, and what to do if a minor earns money from a job or investments. Understanding these rules can help you avoid surprises and keep your family's tax situation on track.

Wondering if you’ll need to file a tax return in 2027? That depends on many different factors, including your income, age, and filing status. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Are you ineligible for a Social Security number (SSN) but still required to file your federal tax return? In this article, we’ll dive into what an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is, how to apply for one, how to make sure your ITIN is still active, and how to renew it.

Do you work in a different state than where you live? Are you a U.S. citizen living abroad? Or have you moved to a different state in the middle of a tax year? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about filing your taxes.

Three out of four taxpayers get a tax refund every year and have done so for nearly decades. So, why do millions of people wait to file their tax return until April? Watch this video to get the top reasons. Also, find out the benefits of not waiting until Tax Day to file your federal income tax return.

There are many things that impact a tax return and refund size. One of the biggest and easiest to understand is your tax filing status selection. You won’t want to miss this video where Mark Steber, our Chief Tax Officer, breaks down the five different filing status options and how they impact your taxes.

The head of household filing status can be used if you’re unmarried and support someone, such as a child or relative. This status comes with various advantages—you could save on your taxes—but you must meet the criteria for it. Continue reading to find out eligibility, the standard deduction for head of household, and more.

Tax filing status is important. It determines many things, including your standard deduction and tax bracket, but it’s not always simple to decide which one to choose. In this piece, we will cover the married filing jointly status, including what it is, who qualifies for it, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and more.

Your filing status is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle when it comes to filing your taxes and how big (or small) your tax refund may turn out to be. We’ll cover the married filing separately filing status in this article, and go into the ins and outs of what it is, why people decide to use this filing status, and potential pros and cons.

Losing a spouse or partner is one of the most difficult things you can experience in your life. The IRS offers a filing status if this happens to you or someone you know and can be helpful during a difficult time. In this article, we will cover what this status is, what the eligibility criteria are, why your filing status is important, and beyond.

As tax time nears, you may be wondering what your filing status may be. We’ll explore the single filing status in this article, focusing on how to choose your correct filing status, the advantages and disadvantages of filing single, the tax rates, brackets, and standard deduction for single and the other filing statuses, plus other facets of this tax topic.

Do you need to make estimated tax payments in 2026? In this guide, we'll explain what estimated tax payments are, who needs to pay them, how to calculate your payments, and the best ways to stay on top of your tax obligations throughout the year.

Many taxpayers think their tax refund amount is set by the IRS, other government agencies, or just by chance. In reality, tax refund amounts are more in your control than you might realize. Don’t miss this video where we break down how a W-4 Form impacts your tax refund and how the taxes you pay in withholding money from your paycheck impact your tax return.

Tax time can often be stressful, and the tax deadline is a day many people dread. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. One of the best things you can do to reduce tax- time stress, keep more of your hard-earned money, and possibly even get a bigger refund is to do a mid-year tax checkup.

It’s always good to think about what may be needed when you file your taxes. Continue reading to find out about the IRS Form 1040, what credits and deductions you may want to consider, what mistakes to avoid when filing your taxes, and more.

Good record keeping isn't just good practice. It's proof if the IRS ever asks questions. In this article, we cover what you need to know to save yourself from a major headache down the road, including which tax records to keep and for how long.

Have you received all your tax documents? Are you ready to file your federal income tax return? It’s important to review documentation, especially income-related ones like your W-2 Form, to make sure they’re correct before you file your return. You don’t want to miss this video where we break down what a W-2 is, and all the options included in Box 12.

With more people taking part in the gig economy, knowing how to make estimated tax payments is more crucial than ever. Keep reading to find out about who needs to make these payments, how to calculate them, due dates, and strategies for landing on accurate quarterly tax payments.

State and federal income taxes vary greatly from each other. Read on to learn about the difference and how it impacts you.

Have you heard about the $6,000 tax deduction for seniors 65 and older? In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the deduction, including who qualifies, income phase-out limits, and more.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces many new changes you need to be aware of, from an increased standard deduction to new temporary deductions for overtime pay and tips. This same Bill also made changes that begin with the 2026 tax year. Learn about the key changes introduced in this tax bill and how to prepare for the 2026 tax season.

The standard deduction is up for all filing statuses for 2026. See the new amount for your filing status, what's changed for dependents and seniors, and how to decide if itemizing could save you more.

Your tax rate and 2026 tax bracket depend on your taxable income and filing status. They determine how much you may need to pay in taxes. In this article, we’ll break down the 2026 federal tax brackets, how IRS income tax brackets work, and some strategies to lower your taxable income and possibly get a bigger tax refund. 

One of the questions tax professionals get most is: What is Adjusted Gross Income? This is a term you’ll see throughout personal income taxes, and it’s critical in determining how much money you’ll get back—or pay—when tax time rolls around. Read more to find out all about what AGI is, how AGI is calculated, what MAGI is, and which credits or deductions may be available to you, depending on your AGI.

The IRS taxes various kinds of income. You may have heard the terms “earned income” and “unearned income” before and wondered what the differences are. In this article, we’ll discuss what these are, how these are taxed, how to report them on your tax return and more.

Unravel the complexities of taxable income and discover strategies to optimize your tax savings. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of taxable income, from basic definitions to strategies for reducing taxable income.

Win or lose, it’s important to know how gambling can impact your tax situation. In this article, we cover which winnings are taxable, when you’ll get Form W-2G or 1099, when losses may be deductible, how to report wins and losses on your return, and more.

Understanding MAGI is essential for maximizing your tax benefits and ensuring you qualify for valuable credits and deductions. In this article, we’ll dive into what MAGI is, what it’s used for, how to calculate yours, and more.

Looking to optimize your tax planning strategy? Knowing your marginal and effective tax rates can help. In this guide, we'll break down what these terms mean, how to calculate your marginal and effective tax rates, and why these rates matter for making smart financial decisions.

Wondering about 2025 tax brackets and how they’ll affect your tax? In this article, we’ll break down how to determine the tax bracket you’re in, the new bracket thresholds for 2025, tips to reduce your taxable income, and common tax credits you may qualify for.

The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living. The federal estate tax applies to property conveyed to others (except for a spouse) after a person’s death. Both the gift tax and the estate tax apply to individuals giving the asset (the donor). Throughout our lives, we often give family and friends gifts. But sending a $100 gift card for a birthday is quite different than gifting someone a house or handing over a large sum. These larger gifts may mean that the gift giver (donor) may have to pay taxes. The IRS becomes involved when a gift donor goes over certain thresholds, called the annual gift tax exclusion and the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. Read on to find out about what these limits are, how to report the gift tax as a donor , and more.

We all have heard about Social Security and seen it taken out of our paychecks, but what is it exactly? Read on to find out how you pay into the system, when and how Social Security benefits are taxed, what the max Social Security wage limit is, and why it was put into place.