Tax Tips

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.

Some taxpayers intentionally push the filing envelope. Others simply make claims that have long caught the IRS’ eye. Here are 11 instances that could be red flags for a tax auditor.

The longest-ever government shutdown mainly affected Department of Homeland Security agencies, including airport security check staff. As it appears to finally be winding down, Tax Day for affected federal workers is pushed from April 15 to May 15.

April brings not only spring showers for thirsty flowers, but also several tax tasks. Here are six April tax moves to consider.

It’s April, the month that’s the traditional home of Tax Day. But in addition to the annual filing of tax returns, there are plenty more tax-related tasks to take care of this month.

Celebrating a birthday is fun. It also can mean tax tasks for older partiers who must take a required minimum distribution, or RMD, from a tax-deferred retirement account. One of those deadlines is April 1.

When brackets come up in March, sports fans immediately think NCAA college basketball tournament. But we tax folks know each spring is all about tax brackets and what they mean for our annual tax bill.

You’ve got most of the tax material you need to file, but a few are missing. Here’s how to track down that info so you can file on time.

If you didn’t file a tax year 2022 return back in 2023 and were due a refund, time is running out for you to get your money. April 15, 2026, is the deadline to submit that old filing to the Internal Revenue Service and claim your cash.

Taxes are confusing and frustrating. That’s why we all sometimes make filing mistakes. Here are 11 tax-filing errors to be aware of so you don’t make them.

Don’t cheat yourself this Tax Day by overlooking tax deductions and credits that could cut what you owe Uncle Sam.

Getting your paycheck tax withholding amount just right pays off at tax-filing time and throughout the year with your pre-filing cash flow. The IRS’ newly updated tax withholding estimator can help.

An executive order mandating Uncle Sam primarily make electronic financial transactions has caused tax refund delays for more than 800,000 taxpayers (so far) this filing season.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) don’t help with filing, but offer guidance on other federal tax matters. This year, the IRS is again expanding TAC weekday hours and opening some centers on select Saturdays.

Tax filing season is also peak time for tax scams. Be on the lookout for and avoid falling victim to the IRS’ 2026 list of Dirty Dozen tax scams.

Free is always welcome. That’s especially true at tax time, when taxpayers look for no-cost help to prepare and file their returns. Here are some free tax filing options.

Here are some March tax moves that can work for both tax lions aggressively attacking their returns, as well as tax lambs who prefer a more docile approach.

Taxes are all about the numbers. And in the By the Numbers feature, we track some of the notable digits that could affect our filings.

Most taxpayers, at both the federal and state levels, get tax refunds every year. But this filing season, five states have been particularly slow in sending residents’ their refunds.

March is the last full month of the annual high tax season. Here are tax tips to help your get your return done by April 15 Tax Day.

Saving now can make for a better retirement later. The Trump administration is proposing a new retirement vehicle. But the existing Saver’s Credit could help you this tax filing season.

The almost two dozen above-the-line tax deductions get some company this filing season. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act added four below-the-line deductions. And in all cases, the tax breaks are available to eligible taxpayers regardless of whether they itemize or claim the standard deduction.

It’s always disconcerting to find a letter from the Internal Revenue Service in your snail mailbox. But don’t panic. That’s just one of the 10 steps to successfully handle any IRS notices you might get.

Taxes are confusing. But what if you can’t afford a tax professional to help you file? The people who staff VITA and TCE sites across the United States could be your low- or no-cost tax preparation answer.

The only thing worse than waiting for telephone help is waiting for IRS tax help. Avoid the delay and hold music by using the IRS.gov assistance options, including those available with an individual taxpayer online account.

Married couples share almost everything, including taxes. For most, sharing taxes by filing a joint return is the best tax strategy. Here are six ways married filing jointly can pay off for wedded pairs.

California gets a fiscal boon from the jock taxes owed by Super Bowl LX teams. But this nonresident tax, which other states also collect, applies to more than just athletes.

Bettors are expected to place a record $1.76 billion in legal wagers on Sunday’s NFL championship game. Any of those Super Bowl bets that pay off are taxable income.

Sure, February is home to Valentine’s Day, but millions of Americans’ thoughts turn not to love, but taxes. This shortest month is a big one for taxpayers. Here are 3 tax moves to help with your return filing and tax refund.

The IRS has its own version of Groundhog Day for taxpayers who must correct prior erroneous filings. It’s called filing an amended tax return using Form 1040-X.

February is for tax lovers. OK, from the tax perspective, it’s really more for lovers of “let’s just be done with tax filing” this month. And even though it’s the shortest month, there’s a lot you can do to cut your tax bill.

Larger families do get more from the Earned Income Tax Credit. But this valuable tax break also is available to eligible single taxpayers. If you qualify, claim the EITC!

Nobody likes filing a tax return, so why should someone who isn’t legally required to file go ahead and send the IRS a Form 1040? The #1 reason is because it might get you a tax refund. Check it and five other situations where filing, even if you don’t have to, can pay off.

Do you have to file a tax return? Probably. Not much is out of IRS’ reach. But in some cases, Uncle Sam lets folks off the tax-filing hook. Here’s a look at what determines whether you must file a Form 1040.

Meg White via Giphy When the hubby and I lived in the Washington, D.C. area, we became big fans of the Washington Capitals. We eventually bought season tickets, and the National Hockey League’s team’s location back then in suburban Maryland, where we had moved, made getting to and from the games easy. One of my favorite Capitals’ ad campaigns asked if we sometimes felt like screaming. They encouraged potential new (or ticket upgrading) fans to buy game packages and come yell their hearts out at the arena. I don’t know about you, but way back then, and even more so…

Taking your time often is a good idea when it comes to tax filing. A slower, more deliberate approach to your 1040 can help ensure it is completed and filed correctly.

Tramell Tillman shows off his award-winning acting (and dancing skills) as Seth Milchick in “Severance.” In real life, Tillman also provides some solid social media tax advice.

You’re ready to file your Form 1040, but don’t do it until you’ve received all your official tax statements. Here’s a look at the myriad tax documents, most of which you should receive by the end of January, that will help you file a complete and accurate return.

You don’t have to be a fortune teller to know that sometimes the best tax move is to file your return early. Here are 7 reasons why it’s good to get your Form 1040 to the IRS as soon as possible.

Take a close look at your 2025 tax return. New tax laws created by the One Big Beautiful Bill could provide you with added savings this filing season. Here are 8 to check out.

If you get income that’s not subject to withholding, you must cover the tax due by making estimated tax payments. The last one for the 2025 tax year is due Jan. 15, 2026. Yes, that is Thursday.

If you used IRS’ Free File last year to complete your federal taxes, then it’s tax déjà vu time. The same eight tax software companies are back for the 2026 tax season. You can use Free File if your 2025 income was $89,000 or less.

The 2026 tax filing season begins Jan. 9 for Free File eligible taxpayers. The full start is Jan. 29, the day the IRS will start processing our 2025 tax year returns.

These snow-obscured signs aren’t much help, but the ol’ blog, basking unseasonably warm January temperatures here in Central Texas, has some tax guideposts to help to help welcome the new 2026 tax year. (Photo by Christina & Peter)

Happy New 2026, a year that brings us more than one, and in some cases not so beautiful, retroactive changes to our 2025 taxes. Plus, some of the those tax breaks that politicians hope will popular are temporary. So, buckle up. It’s time again for taxes!

Whoa up there, cowboy. We’re not there yet. Brett Eldredge via Giphy   I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you want more tax tips. But as the animated fellow above notes, we’re not there — there being December 2026 — yet. Rest assured that once the calendar page flips to Dec. 1, this page will resemble a tax version of Santa’s sack. At this point in the year, the focus will be on year-end moves that can help you save on this year’s taxes. And yes, you can click on all the other tax tip page links…

Whoa up there, cowboy. We’re not there yet. Brett Eldredge via Giphy   I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you want more tax tips. But as the animated fellow above notes, we’re not there — there being November 2026 — yet. Rest assured that once the calendar page flips to Nov. 1, this page will start filling up with tax information that mostly will focus on post-filing followups. But since our 2026 taxes are still accruing, you’ll also find tips on moves to trim that amount. You can thank me later. Okay, bad Turkey Day reference. But…

Whoa up there, cowboy. We’re not there yet. Brett Eldredge via Giphy   I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you want more tax tips. But as the animated fellow above notes, we’re not there — there being October 2026 — yet. Rest assured that once the calendar page flips to Oct. 1, this page will start filling up with tax information to help folks who filed for an extension meet the Oct. 15 due date. But there also will be moves that all of us can make to cut our current year tax bill. And yes, you…

Whoa up there, cowboy. We’re not there yet. Brett Eldredge via Giphy   I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you want more tax tips. But as the animated fellow above notes, we’re not there — there being September 2026 — yet. Rest assured that once the calendar page flips to Sept. 1, this page will start filling up with tax information to help folks who got extensions file their 2025 tax returns, as well moves that all of us can make to save on this year’s taxes. And yes, you can click on all the other tax…

Whoa up there, cowboy. We’re not there yet. Brett Eldredge via Giphy   I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you want more tax tips. But as the animated fellow above notes, we’re not there — there being August 2026 — yet. Rest assured that once the calendar page flips to Aug. 1, this page will start filling up with tax information to help you file your 2025 tax return, as well as make moves to save on this year’s taxes. And yes, you can click on all the other tax tip page links that are listed below…

Whoa up there, cowboy. We’re not there yet. Brett Eldredge via Giphy   I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you want more tax tips. But as the animated fellow above notes, we’re not there — there being July 2026 — yet. Rest assured that once the calendar page flips to July 1, light your sparklers! This page will start filling up with tax information to help you file your 2025 tax return, as well as make moves to save on this year’s taxes. And yes, you can click on all the other tax tip page links that…

If you use your car for business travel, your standard mileage deduction rate will increase 2.5 cents per mile in 2026. Other rates, however, will be lower next year.

Mom often is the best doctor. But sometimes, we must turn to professional physicians and treatments. FSA money can help in these cases, as long as you didn’t lose the funds because you didn’t use them in time.

There’s not much of 2025 left, but you still might be able to make some moves by Dec. 31 that could reduce this year’s tax bill.

Many of us donate old clothes and household goods at year’s end. For some, the charitable gifts can be a tax deduction. But you must follow IRS rules to claim the tax break, including properly valuing your donations.

If you’re planning on parking a new car with a big red bow in your driveway this Christmas, the latest tax reform bill has an added present for you. You might be able to deduct up to $10,000 in loan interest.

Nobody bats 1000 when it comes to picking stocks, but that could be good tax news. If some of your assets paid off this year, you can reduce those taxable gains by using tax-loss harvesting.

If your retirement goal is the same as mine – do so as soon as possible! – then you need to add as much to your tax-favored retirement plans now. There’s a Dec. 31 deadline for some contributions.

Holiday shopping online is easy, for shoppers and scammers. Be careful in your online deal searches, as crooks can use the personal info they steal now to file false tax returns claiming fraudulent tax refunds.

Changes are coming in 2026 to charitable tax deductions that could affect your 2025 donation decisions. Check them out to find ways to make charitable gifts pay off now and next year.

Being sick sucks. Having to pay a lot of out-of-pocket medical expenses can make you feel even worse. But if you have a lot of medical and dental costs, you might be able to put them to itemized tax deduction use.

Retiring the way you want is easier when you save well before your golden years. Here’s how much you can put this, and next, year in tax-favored retirement plans.

Ensure your tax cornucopia runneth over by getting your tax ducks, uh, turkeys in a row this November. Moves this month include examining if the new $40K SALT cap will make itemizing worthwhile, and looking into home energy improvements.

Residents of parts, and in some cases, all of these states dealt with real-life scares earlier this year. This post-Halloween weekend, they are facing a Nov. 3 disaster-delayed tax filing due date.

You moved to France for a new job (and more!), and discovered the IRS was a hitchhiker. But there are some tax provisions to help offset your worldwide tax bill. Here are the 2026 inflation adjustments.

Millions of Americans receive Social Security benefits. But plenty also pay tax on that money, at both the federal and state levels. Nine states join Uncle Sam in taxing at least some of the federal retirement benefits.

Running the numbers is important for everyone, but critical for older folks who rely on Social Security benefits, and the annual cost-of-living increase, to cover much of their living expenses.

The Alternative Minimum Tax, known as the AMT, used to work like an ATM for Uncle Sam. Inflation adjustments helped eased the bite, but tax law changes in 2026 could force more filers into the AMT’s clutches.

Letting your money work for you via investments gets a boost next year, with wider capital gains tax brackets. Also affected by the annual inflation bumps are estate planning, gifts you give before you go, and youngsters’ investment earnings.

Medical costs seem to go up every year (or more often!). But the IRS’ annual inflation adjustments to tax-related health care provisions might be able to help you feel better at filing time.