Tax guidance, plainly explained

Back pay from a settlement or judgment is included in income. Learn what an award can cover, how it is reported, and what records to keep.

The Alaska Permanent Fund dividend is taxable federal income. Learn where it goes on Schedule 1 and what document the state sends you.

A stock loss can be disallowed if you buy the same stock within 30 days. Learn the 61-day window, how the loss carries over, and how to report it.

An IRS audit reviews your return and records. Learn how returns are selected, how you are notified, and the rights in Publication 1.

People age 65 and older may claim an extra $6,000 deduction for 2025 through 2028. Learn who qualifies, how income limits work, and where to report it.

Farmers report farm income and expenses on Schedule F. Learn the cash and accrual methods, where the net profit goes, and which lines matter most.

Schedule B reports interest and ordinary dividends when totals pass $1,500 or a special rule applies. Learn its parts and the foreign account questions.

Schedule 8812 figures the child tax credit, the credit for other dependents, and the additional child tax credit. Learn the lines and the limits.

Schedule 3 lists credits that do not fit on the main form, plus some payments. Learn its two parts, the main lines, and where each total goes.

Schedule 2 reports taxes beyond regular income tax, such as self-employment tax, Additional Medicare Tax, and HSA taxes. See what each line covers.

Schedule 1 lists income beyond your W-2 and the adjustments that lower income. Learn its two parts and the lines people use most.

Self-employed or own a pass-through business? Learn how the qualified business income deduction works, its 20% limit, and when to use Form 8995.

Some business and rental losses are limited in the year they occur. Learn passive activity rules, the $25,000 rental allowance, and Form 8582.

An offer in compromise can settle a tax debt for less than the full amount. Learn the basic eligibility rules and the three IRS grounds.

The 2025 car loan interest deduction goes on Schedule 1-A, Part IV. Learn the loan tests, the new-vehicle rules, the $10,000 cap and the VIN.

Higher-income filers may owe a 3.8% tax on investment income. Learn which income counts, which does not, and how Form 8960 works.

Active-duty members may deduct or exclude moving costs for a military order and permanent change of station. Learn the rules and how to report them.

On a joint return, each spouse can owe the full tax. Form 8857 asks for relief in some cases. Learn the four types of relief.

Property you inherit usually gets a basis set at its value on the date of death. Learn how that value is found, why it matters, and what records to keep.

If you pay a nanny or house cleaner, you may owe household employment taxes. Learn the 2025 $2,800 test, FUTA rules, and Schedule H.

Gifted property often keeps the donor's basis for gains. Learn the fair market value rule for losses, the gift tax add-on, and the records to request.

Form 9465 asks the IRS for a monthly payment plan. Learn what the form asks for, how direct debit works, and how to avoid default.

Form 8995-A computes the QBI deduction when 2025 taxable income is above the threshold. Learn the wage limits and the service business rule.

Form 8990 limits how much business interest you can deduct in a year. Learn who must file, the exclusions, and the $31 million gross receipts test.

Form 8962 reconciles the premium tax credit for 2025. Learn who must file, how it uses Form 1095-A, and where net credit and repayment go.

Form 8958 splits income and tax between spouses who file separately in a community property state. Learn who files it and how the columns work.

Form 8949 lists each stock or crypto sale. Learn the check boxes A through L, the eight columns, and how totals reach Schedule D.

Form 8941 helps eligible small employers claim a credit for health insurance premiums. Learn the 2025 size and wage tests and where it goes.

Form 8938 reports foreign financial assets once they pass a threshold. Learn the 2025 thresholds, the penalty, and how it differs from the FBAR.

Form 8936 claims the clean vehicle credits. Learn the September 30, 2025 cutoff, what counts as acquired, and where business use goes.

Form 8919 reports Social Security and Medicare tax on pay from a firm that treated you as a contractor. Learn who must file and how it is figured.

Form 8915-F reports retirement withdrawals taken after a federally declared disaster. Learn the $22,000 limit, 3-year spread, and repayment rules.

Form 8911 claims the credit for EV chargers and other refueling property. Learn the rates, the June 30, 2026 cutoff, and the census tract rule.

Form 8898 tells the IRS when you start or end bona fide residence in a U.S. territory. See who must file, the $75,000 test and the penalty.

Form 8889 reports HSA contributions, withdrawals, and the HSA deduction for 2025. Learn who must file and what each part covers.

If the IRS reduced or disallowed the EITC or a child credit, Form 8862 may be required. Learn when to file it and the waiting periods.

Form 8859 claims a carryforward of the DC first-time homebuyer credit from 2024. Learn the lines, the 2024 limits, and where the amount goes.

Form 8853 reports Archer MSA contributions and withdrawals. Learn who can contribute, the 2025 HDHP limits, and the 20% additional tax.

Form 8846 gives certain employers a credit for social security and Medicare tax paid on employee tips. Learn who files it for 2025.

Some visa holders must file Form 8843 to explain days they exclude from the substantial presence test. Learn who files and what to report.