October 18, 2026
Tax reform changes to the adoption tax credit meant some families didn’t get the new law’s full benefit when they filed this year. Now the IRS is sending them their refunds, which could be as much as $5,000.
BLOG POSTS
U.S. consumers complain about higher prices, but they still are paying them, largely through increased use of credit cards. Sales taxes add to most products’ final retail costs. Here’s a look at where state and local sales taxes stand in mid-2026.
It’s never too early for children to learn solid money lessons. The new Trump Account, which became available on July 4, now offers them a tax-advantaged way to invest.
Fireworks are the stars each July 4th, but the Stars and Stripes get plenty of attention, too, on Independence Day. Here’s a look at Old Glory’s history, along with some patriotic tax tidbits.
Saturday, July 4, still is the official day to celebrate the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. But federal (and some other) workers got Friday, July 3, off to mark Independence Day. And sometimes, some official holiday dates do affect our federal taxes.
July obviously means Fourth of July celebrations in the United States. But this summer month is full of other activities, including some tax-related moves you should consider. Here are six suggestions.
While the IRS appeals a federal court ruling on tax penalties collected during the COVID pandemic, filers who paid them need to go ahead and file for possible tax refunds by July 10.
House fans can help, but an operational air conditioner is better. Federal tax breaks used to help pay for some energy efficient residential HVAC systems. Now that Uncle Sam’s tax credits are gone, some states are stepping in to help their residents chill, literally and economically.
Taxes and You
We all know Benjamin Franklin’s observation that death and taxes are the only two certainties. But what Ben didn’t note was just how much taxes affect us while we’re enjoying our lives. Taxes are a consideration from the day your parents gaze down lovingly at you in your crib, and continue until they converge in Franklin’s famous quote.
Don’t Mess With Taxes, the award-winning blog from tax journalist and author Kay Bell, will help you deal with the many taxes you’ll encounter during that long and happy process, hopefully making taxes less, well, taxing throughout your lifetime.
About Don't Mess With Taxes
Don’t Mess With Taxes is a tax blog written by journalist and author Kay Bell. Although Kay is not a tax professional – she doesn’t prepare taxes for clients for a living – her experience in Washington, D.C., first as a staff member of the tax-writing U.S. House Ways and Means committee and then in the government relations offices for two major Fortune 100 companies, has provided her valuable insight into the tax process. Based on her experiences and continuing tax education, Kay shares her tax observations, tips, and commentary in Don’t Mess With Taxes.
Simplify Your Taxes, Maximize Your Savings
Your Comprehensive Tax Blog
Taxes have been a part of your life since your parents welcomed you into this world. From that beginning as a spanking new tax break for mom and dad, taxes have had an important role in all your major life events, from getting a job, saying “I do,” buying and selling homes, having kids of your own, and even retiring.
Yes, the involvement of the Internal Revenue Service is not welcome when Uncle Sam is collecting your money. But in many ways, the tax code can be your best friend. You just need to know how it applies to your personal circumstances so you can take advantage of it. This comprehensive tax blog, Don’t Mess With Taxes, is here to help you do just that!
Campers are among consumers who can save some tax dollars during Florida’s 4-month outdoor-themed tax holiday. A Labor Day specific tax holiday offers sales tax breaks to Louisiana gun buyers. And Indiana drivers get one more month of a statewide gasoline tax suspension.
September marks the beginning of the fall season. It’s also a great month to make some chill tax moves that could save you some cold tax cash.
Despite challenges posed by leadership issues, funding cuts, and reductions in staff, the Internal Revenue Service received a record $5.3 trillion in revenue in fiscal year 2025.
Record-setting blazes across Nebraska earlier this year burned more than 800,000 acres. Now, the IRS has granted affected Cornhusker State taxpayers relief, including a new Feb. 1, 2027, deadline.
Blog Posts
The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic.
November 6, 2026
You don’t need to take a hot-air balloon ride to see that that inflation also…
TO WRAP UP 2026
It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill.
You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.
Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings.
Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year.
So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)