Tax guidance, plainly explained

Who the kiddie tax can apply to, the age and unearned income tests, how Form 8615 differs from Form 8814, and the 2026 figures from IRS guidance.

An ITIN expires if it is not used on a federal tax return for three years. Learn who must renew, what goes with Form W-7, and common mistakes.

What an ITIN is, what it does not do, and how to apply with Form W-7. Plain-language basics with links to IRS pages.

Think someone filed a tax return with your Social Security number? Learn the warning signs, first steps, and how an IP PIN helps protect your tax account.

Selling your home at a gain? Learn the Section 121 tests, the $250,000 and $500,000 limits, and when a partial exclusion applies.

How HSA eligibility and HDHP rules work, 2026 contribution limits, Form 8889, Forms 1099-SA and 5498-SA, qualified expenses, and penalties.

How gig workers report 2025 income from Form 1099-NEC: the $600 rule, income without a form, Schedule C, self-employment tax, and records.

Gambling winnings are taxable even when no Form W-2G is issued. Learn what to report, what Form W-2G shows, and when losses can be deducted.

What the main Form W-2 boxes mean, including boxes 1 to 6, box 12 codes, box 13, and box 14, and how to compare your W-2 with pay stubs.

Form 8888 sends part of your federal refund to up to three accounts. Learn which accounts qualify, the rules, and common errors.

If you move, the IRS may send notices to your old address. Form 8822 updates your home mailing address. Learn what to send and how long it takes.

Form 8606 tracks after-tax money in your traditional IRA, called basis. File it for nondeductible contributions, some withdrawals, or Roth conversions.

A custodial parent can sign Form 8332 to let the other parent claim a child. Learn the rules, the signatures, and what to attach.

How Form 4868 extends the time to file, the April 15 deadline, how to estimate and pay, the ways to request it, and interest and penalty basics.

What Form 1099-R reports on pensions, annuities, and IRAs: boxes 1, 2a, 4, and 7, the 10% tax, and where amounts go on Form 1040.

A 529 withdrawal can be tax free for qualified education costs. Form 1099-Q splits the amount into earnings and basis. Learn how to read it.

What Form 1099-K reports, who sends it, and the steps to take before you file. Based on IRS guidance, with examples of sales and personal payments.

What Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV report, the $10 threshold, the boxes to check, and how interest and dividends are taxed. IRS-based basics.

Form 1095-A reports your 2025 Marketplace coverage and feeds Form 8962. Learn what each part shows and what to do if the form is late or wrong.

Have foreign bank accounts? The FBAR is a separate FinCEN report, filed online, not with your tax return. Learn the $10,000 test and due date.

How the earned income tax credit works on a 2025 return: who may qualify, 2025 maximum amounts, the investment income limit, and refund timing.

How divorce affects your return: filing status on December 31, alimony after 2018, child support, retirement accounts, who claims the kids, name changes.

A CP2000 notice means the IRS found income that does not match your return. Learn how to read it, compare your records, and reply by the date listed.

A CP14 notice means the IRS shows a balance due on your account. Learn how to read the due date, pay, ask about a payment plan, and handle a disagreement.

How the child tax credit works on a 2025 return: the $2,200 amount, the refundable part, the income rule, and the other dependent credit.

How the child and dependent care credit works for tax year 2026: Form 2441, qualifying persons, expense limits, employer FSAs, and provider TINs.

Cash gifts need a bank record or a written receipt. Noncash gifts over $500 need Form 8283. Learn what to keep for each gift.

How much capital loss you can deduct each year, the $3,000 ($1,500 if married filing separately) limit, carrying the rest forward, and an example.

When a lender forgives part of a debt, the forgiven amount may be taxable. Learn what Form 1099-C shows, the main exceptions, and how to report it.

Form W-9 gives a payer your taxpayer number. Without a correct number, the payer may withhold 24% as backup withholding. Learn when this applies.

Compare the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit: who qualifies, the limits, the refundable part, and Form 8863.

How the adoption credit limit works, the 2026 income phase-out, the refundable part, carryforwards, and special needs adoptions on Form 8839.

Unemployment benefits are taxable federally. Learn where the amount appears on Form 1099-G, how to choose withholding, and what to plan for.

A credit cuts your tax bill; a deduction cuts taxable income. See a worked example and learn how to compare the two for your own return.

Most tax records should be kept for at least 3 years after you file, and some for longer. Learn the IRS periods and how property records differ.

Head of household can mean a bigger standard deduction. Learn the three IRS tests that decide whether you qualify.

What the IRS says about refund timing, how to use the Where's My Refund tracker, and why some refunds take longer. No promises.

Form W-4 sets how much tax your employer withholds. Learn the five steps, the 90% and 100% safe harbor rules, and how to avoid an April surprise.

U.S. citizens abroad usually must still file. Learn the 2026 foreign earned income exclusion limit, the 330-day test, and the June 15 extension.

Not sure what to bring to your tax appointment? Use this plain-English checklist of federal tax documents to gather first.