Tax Tips

A multi-agency law enforcement effort has swept up more than 70 alleged tax fraudsters. Federal officials say the initial National Tax Enforcement Surge exposed efforts to cheat taxpayers of $490 million.

The Social Security Administration has announced that retirees will get bigger checks in 2027. And higher-earning workers will pay tax on more of their income to help support future federal retirement benefits. Here’s a look at the cost-of-living tax implications in all these instances.

Time is almost up for taxpayers who got an extension to file their annual tax returns. The Oct. 15 deadline is this Thursday.

A new Government Accountability Office report says that tax fraud likely costs the U.S. Treasury anywhere from $116 billion to $304 billion a year. It has some suggestions as to how the IRS can help reduce these losses.

Reconciling expenses is a challenge for many senior citizens. Some on original Medicare are getting a bit of help this week thanks to an unexpected $90 payment from Uncle Sam. The question now: Is it taxable income?

Senate Finance Committee Democrats have written the IRS’ CEO asking him to nix the agency’s proposed Form 1040 citizenship and work authorization question.

We all need a helping hand now and then. The volunteer tax help programs VITA and TCE do that each tax season for those who can’t afford to pay a professional preparer.

When tornadoes or other major disasters strike, the IRS usually provides affected taxpayers tax relief. That generally includes new, later deadlines, even for tax returns on extension.

Data centers and AI obviously are connected. They also share some tax issues. And in this weekend’s Saturday Shout Outs, celebrities are in the tax mix, too.

October traditionally is the scariest month, and not just because of Halloween. Millions of tax procrastinators face the Oct. 15 deadline to file their extended tax return. Get tips on doing that, along with four other tax moves to make this October.

Spooky October is here, but there’s no need to be afraid of taxes. This month’s tax tips can help ease your tax fears while keeping Uncle Sam from getting so much of your money.

In addition to electing lawmakers on Nov. 3, voters across the United States will see some policy questions on their ballots. The results could affect their state and local taxes.

State and federal taxes account for a large part of the price of beer. Will the levies impact your beverage enjoyment at Oktoberfests across the United States this fall? Read on to learn more about your state’s beer tax.

Being an employee or a contractor has implications for workers and businesses. Here’s how Uncle Sam determines the appropriate role, and what that means for both workers’ and companies’ tax responsibilities.

The U.S. agricultural sector is facing many challenges, including extremely hot and dry weather. The IRS is helping with the climate issue, providing tax relief to some drought-stricken farmers and ranchers.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been a thorn in the side of both Trump administrations. The president, however, gets to pick the leader of the watchdog office. Some say that choice should belong only to Congress.

The Internal Revenue Service wants to add a citizenship and work authorization status question to our tax year 2026 Form 1040. The inquiry, an apparent attempt to further involve the federal tax agency in the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement efforts, is likely to face legal challenges from tax privacy advocates.

Every year, the Internal Revenue Service misses some legally due taxes. The agency also has let us know the amount of the annual revenue shortfall, popularly known as the Tax Gap. Until now.

How is the Internal Revenue Service doing in going paperless? The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) recently looked into the agency’s digital first efforts. Its report offers a snapshot of IRS progress and the challenges it still faces in moving to mostly electronic transactions.

Authorizing a tax representative usually means you don’t have to be present at meetings with the IRS. However, Texas CPAs say the agency is improperly demanding taxpayers attend civil examinations anyway.

A pending Tax Court ruling on interest the IRS charged on unpaid taxes during the COVID pandemic could affect “a potentially very large number of taxpayers.” Here’s a look at the case, and how the IRS generally handles interest charges.

Sept. 15 is Tax Day again for those who must pay estimated taxes. That’s the deadline for the current tax year’s third quarterly payment.

You can honor the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, on Friday’s Patriot Day (or any day) by donating to or volunteering with nonprofit groups. Associated tax breaks might even save you enough so that you can give even more to your favorite causes.

Retirees, and members of Congress, are growing more concerned about Social Security’s financial viability. Some GOP members are even considering wage base changes, a tax hike they previously resisted.

Movies are great escapes. But some of the best focus on a place we’re often eager to leave, our jobs. Here are some worthy workplace flicks. Some even have tax connections.

As more people own digital assets, crooks are cooking up new tax-themed schemes to steal the holdings and more. The latest is a fake IRS Digital Asset Compliance Portal.

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.

September brings us two autumnal arrival dates, along with plenty of chill tax tasks that could save you cold cash.

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.

Tax professionals can help you deal with Internal Revenue Service inquiries, as long as you officially authorize them to do so. Here are your third party tax representative options and how to invoke them.

If only finding, and paying for, child care was as easy as stacking youngster’s blocks. At least the tax code offers some help in covering these expenses, with two child care options expanded this year.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been slow to develop, but other major storms have wreaked havoc across the United States. Here are the hard-hit places where the IRS has granted taxpayers relief, such as extended tax deadlines.

Tax documentation is necessary for many financial transactions, such as applying for a mortgage. The IRS’ new digital compliance report should make the process easier.

If you got overtime pay, you might be able to claim a tax deduction for it. The IRS has new and updated answers about this One Big Beautiful Bill’s OT tax break.

State sales tax rates hit a new national average high this summer. Consumer spending fell. Coincidence? Probably. But the convergence also underscored the pressures on U.S. consumers…and political candidates as we head into November’s elections.

School, at all levels, is back in session. In addition to classroom studies, students and their families need to do some homework on how tax breaks can help them cover educational costs.

Teachers regularly spend their own money to make sure that their students have a positive educational experience. Many of these educators qualify for the educator expenses tax deduction, which has been expanded for the 2026 tax year.

Bettors place around $30 billion on National Football League games each season. As the NFL’s 2026 preseason games start this week, remember that gambling winnings are taxable income.

Your business probably depends on computers. The IRS wants you to use that device to establish a Business Taxpayer Account (BTA). The online business tax option recently got some upgrades.

Fall classes are about to start. Sales tax holidays can help you save on supplies. Here are the remaining events in a dozen states this August.

August brings us the sunsetting of summer. But amid the season’s waning days, taking care of some tax tasks can be beneficial. Here are five tax moves to consider this August.

Summer is winding down, and parents are focusing on getting their young students ready for the resumption of school. But August also is a great month to make some money-saving tax moves.

With fall semesters looming, August is prime back-to-school sales tax holiday season. Three states wrap up July and welcome August with tax-free events. Another continues its holiday into the coming month. And 12 have new tax-free events throughout August.

Sometimes it takes a whistleblower to bring tax evasion to light. These informants, tax and otherwise, will be celebrated on National Whistleblower Day, July 30. If you know of tax evasion, you can join the whistleblower ranks and possibly be rewarded.

Selling your home can net you a nice chunk of non-taxable profit as long as you meet the Internal Revenue Code rules.

Wildfires are among the catastrophes across the United States that have disrupted, or worse, the lives of millions. If you want to help those dealing with a disaster, make sure you give to legitimate organizations and not to scammers looking to cash in on other’s misfortunes.

Fans of Spain’s national team were thrilled with the World Cup final. So were U.S. homeowners whose short-term rentals of their residences during the tournament produced nice and tax-free income.

The quiet-so-far 2026 hurricane season looks to be ramping up a bit. Gulf of Mexico residents need to prepare now for Bertha, which could be strong enough to be named as soon as Monday, July 20.

If you use your vehicle for business, medical, moving, or charitable purposes, you might be able to deduct that driving. And for the last half of 2026, the IRS has hiked the standard tax deduction rates for most of those miles.

The Internal Revenue Service is phasing in a new automatic process to provide penalty relief for taxpayers with a history of filing and paying on time. Eligible taxpayers will no longer need to ask for the relief, meaning potentially millions more filers won’t end up paying extra to Uncle Sam.

Three Texas tax pros are headed to federal prison for filing false federal returns. Investigators say some clients knew of the scheme, but others did not. The case highlights why it’s important to ensure a tax preparer is reputable. Read on for tips on hiring a trustworthy tax pro.

Backpacks, like these at my local H-E-B grocery store, are a necessity for today’s students. They also are tax-free here in Texas if you buy them during the state’s back-to-school tax holiday.

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.

July is when we celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain. And while taxes were a spark, we’re never totally free of them. But these tax tips can help lower them.

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.

A new International Olympic Committee $140 million fund will dispense grants of up to $10,000 to eligible athletes. Added money shouldn’t pose a tax problem for many U.S. Olympians, thanks to a 2016 tax law change.

Some IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers will be open one final Saturday on June 27. The offices won’t have a flashy “Open” sign, but agents will welcome taxpayers who can’t make weekday meetings.

An Internal Revenue Service watchdog found the agency recently received billions in unidentified payments. Modernized operations will reduce unaccounted-for amounts. Taxpayers can help, too, by taking advantage of various IRS electronic options.

Tropical Storm Arthur as it moved toward the Texas cost on June 17. Its deadly landfall underscores the need to prepare for hurricanes and all natural disasters.

Many young people take food service jobs during the summer. It’s a good way to learn about the working world. Regardless of your age, seasonal income also has tax implications.

June 15 is Tax Day for millions of U.S. taxpayers. Those living and working abroad must file their 1040s. And those who owe estimated tax must make this year’s second payment.

Inflation is a double-edged sword for retirees. Cost-of-living increases will bump up Social Security payments next year. But some could face tax on those bigger benefits.

While some put prediction markets on par with psychic readings, millions disagree, buying contracts on anything, including sports outcomes. A gaming trade group says that’s no more than illegal, unregulated sports betting. And that it costs states needed tax revenue.

Definitely take a break this June. But taxes don’t take vacations. So, you also should make time for some tax tasks. Some will keep you out of tax trouble. Others could mean tax savings.

Hurricane damage is a constant threat to U.S. coastal communities during the annual June 1 through Nov. 30 tropical storm season. But as the storms move inland, landlocked areas also face risks. Get ready before one strikes, or even forms in the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico.

Ah, June. We’ve been waiting for you! No school. Vacations. Taxes. Yep, taxes. They don’t take any time off any time of the year. But these June tax tips can help, possibly saving you enough to extend your holiday.

Medical costs keep increasing, including insurance. A high-deductible plan, along with a tax-favored health savings account, could be the Rx, especially with the 2027 inflation adjustments.

Trump Accounts were designed to help young people get better returns on savings than the usual child’s piggy bank deposits. The tax-favored investment vehicle also now has its own app for easier access and management.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers that are open on some Saturdays won’t have flashy signs like this. But their services will be available to taxpayers who can’t make weekday meetings. The next special weekend open day is May 30.

Emotions have always run high at spelling bees, as this Norman Rockwell painting shows. While this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee competitors are facing off, it’s good time to brush up on tax terminology.

It’s graduation season. If you’ve got some high school or college graduates in your life and you don’t know what to get them, don’t despair. Here are seven financial gifts, some with tax benefits that the recipients (and in some cases, you, too) will appreciate.

You and your local property appraiser probably have different views of your home. You can appeal a real estate appraisal you believe is incorrect. Doing so could help lower your final property tax bill.

Gas taxes are a top concern of drivers right now. But if you’re pumping the fuel into a rental vehicle, that’s just one of many taxes you’ll face. Half your rental car bill may be taxes and fees, according to research by a tax policy group.

High gasoline prices have prompted talk of gas tax holidays, at both the federal and state levels. But the suspension of fuel excise taxes likely wouldn’t help drivers that much.

COVID was a major disruption in many parts of our lives, including taxes. Many Americans paid IRS penalties or interest during the 3½-year pandemic period. Now a federal court says those charges weren’t valid, meaning taxpayers could get the money back if they file a claim by July 10.

Children are expensive. So are higher education costs. But often these expenses coincide. Tax breaks can help both parents, students, and parents who are or were students.

May’s merriment may not seem synonymous with taxes, but this month is a great time to make some IRS-inspired moves. These three could get your 2026 tax situation on a money-saving track.

Owners of successful small businesses have to deal with a lot of challenges. Tax scams are a major threat. The latest schemes are again a focus during National Small Business Week 2026.

The Internal Revenue Service has sent more than 830,000 taxpayers a notice asking for their bank information so that their refunds can be directly deposited. But scammers also are sending out a fake IRS notice, seeking people’s bank data for nefarious purposes.

Welcome to the May 2026 collection of Tax Tips. I can’t guarantee they’ll make your tax tasks this month merry, but they could make them a bit easier and save you some money.

Saving for retirement is key to enjoying truly golden years. The Trump administration has officially launched a new savings option, dubbed the Trump IRA, for workers who don’t have a workplace retirement plan.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, it doesn’t matter where in the world you earn your money. The IRS gets some of it. But it also offers tax breaks, like added housing allowances for expensive overseas locales.

Artificial intelligence advocates say the technology can help the Internal Revenue Service find and collect from tax cheats. But those wary of AI say that will happen only if the agency has enough well-trained personnel to ensure the system is used responsibly.

When you owe taxes but can’t pay your bill in full, the Internal Revenue Service offers a variety of debt settlement options. Now, the agency has a new online Tax Debt Help tool to help you determine which of its payment options works best for you.

You’ve filed your taxes. Now it’s time to take care of your tax records. Here’s a look at what tax documents to keep and for how long.

Summer is the main tax holiday season, but Missouri and Texas are offering special early sales tax savings to their shoppers. Exemptions for Energy Star and emergency prep items are on the lists.

The annual April 15 federal tax return filing deadline doesn’t apply to all U.S. taxpayers. Tax Day is June 15 for taxpayers living and working abroad, including military personnel posted outside the United States or Puerto Rico. Residents of major natural disaster areas also get more time to file, and in some cases pay what they owe.

It’s crunch day for millions of taxpayers. In addition to finishing their current tax return, many have other April 15 tax tasks to complete. It all adds up in dollars and time.

If you’ve put off your tax filing until the very last minute, don’t panic. You still have (a little) time to finish. But get to work on that return or filing extension request. Now!

If you owe taxes, paying Uncle Sam electronically is a fast and easy way to go. Most who e-pay the Internal Revenue Service do so via credit or debit card. But there are other electronic ways to pay your tax bill. Here are six options.

As Tax Day nears, scammers are in high gear. Crooks are using fake tax-related email, texts, and phone calls to try to steal your tax and financial data. Don’t fall for any of it!

Owe the IRS, but don’t have the money? A payment plan could be the answer. The Internal Revenue Service offers a variety of ways to pay your tax bill over time.

The annual Tax Day filing deadline is fast approaching. You can get more time to file by requesting an extension. Just be sure to pay what you owe. Here’s how to do both.

The key April 15 tasks are filing your return and paying any due tax. But there are some other tax responsibilities that must meet the Tax Day deadline.