Do you know that if you sell your home and make a profit, the gain may not be taxable? That’s just one key tax rule that you should know. Here are ten facts to keep in mind if you sell your home this year. If you have a capital gain on the sale of your… Read More

Ah, summertime! Warm days, rest and recreation and…tax scams. Thieves don’t stop victimizing unsuspecting taxpayers with their scams after April 15. Identity theft, phone and phishing scams happen year-round. Those three top the IRS’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of tax scams this year. Here’s some important information you should know about these common tax scams: Identity… Read More

Whether you like to play the ponies, roll the dice or pull the slots, your gambling winnings are taxable. You must report all your gambling income on your tax return. If you’re a casual gambler, odds are good that these basic tax tips can help you at tax time next year: Gambling income.  Gambling income… Read More

Each year the IRS mails millions of notices. Here’s what you should do if you receive a notice from the IRS: Don’t ignore it. You can respond to most IRS notices quickly and easily. And it’s important that you reply promptly. IRS notices usually deal with a specific issue about your tax return or tax… Read More

Taxes may not be high on your summer wedding plan checklist. But you should be aware of the tax issues that come along with marriage. Here are some basic tips that can help keep those issues to a minimum: Name change.  The names and Social Security numbers on your tax return must match your Social… Read More

Many parents pay for childcare or day camps in the summer while they work. If this applies to you, your costs may qualify for a federal tax credit that can lower your taxes. Here are 10 facts that you should know about the Child and Dependent Care Credit: Your expenses must be for the care… Read More

Would you choose direct deposit this year if you knew it’s the most popular way to get a federal tax refund? What if you learned it’s safe and easy, and combined with e-file, the fastest way to get a tax refund? The fact is almost 84 million taxpayers chose direct deposit in 2013. Still not… Read More

Are you looking for a hard and fast rule about what income is taxable and what income is not taxable? The fact is that all income is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it. Taxable income includes money you receive, such as wages and tips. It can also include noncash income from property or services.… Read More

Millions of American workers have received their W-2s (or will receive them soon, since January 31 was the deadline to send them), and they are the primary income reporting tool for most 1040 filers. They can be received in person, electronically or by mail. In addition to taxes, the W-2 also is used to determine… Read More