https://fileustaxes.com/blog/Plain-language tax guidance: expat filing, freelance and small-business income, and what's required at tax time.en-ushttps://fileustaxes.com/blog/what-is-agi-adjusted-gross-income/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/what-is-agi-adjusted-gross-income/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTAGI is your total income minus certain adjustments. See where it sits on Form 1040, how it is figured, and why many credits check it.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/traditional-ira-deduction-basics/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/traditional-ira-deduction-basics/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTA traditional IRA contribution may lower your taxable income. Learn how contributing differs from deducting, and which rules limit the deduction.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/state-vs-federal-return/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/state-vs-federal-return/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTA federal return goes to the IRS and a state return goes to your state's tax agency. Learn why they differ and where to check your rules.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/qualifying-child-vs-qualifying-relative/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/qualifying-child-vs-qualifying-relative/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTThe IRS sorts dependents into two groups, and each group has its own tests. Learn the rules for each, with links to IRS pages.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/itin-basics/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/itin-basics/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTWhat an ITIN is, what it does not do, and how to apply with Form W-7. Plain-language basics with links to IRS pages.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/american-opportunity-vs-lifetime-learning-credit/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/american-opportunity-vs-lifetime-learning-credit/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTCompare the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit: who qualifies, the limits, the refundable part, and Form 8863.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/unemployment-benefits-taxable/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/unemployment-benefits-taxable/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTUnemployment benefits are taxable federally. Learn where the amount appears on Form 1099-G, how to choose withholding, and what to plan for.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/tax-credit-vs-tax-deduction/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/tax-credit-vs-tax-deduction/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTA 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.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/how-long-to-keep-tax-records/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/how-long-to-keep-tax-records/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTMost 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.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/head-of-household-who-qualifies/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/head-of-household-who-qualifies/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTHead of household can mean a bigger standard deduction. Learn the three IRS tests that decide whether you qualify.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/where-is-my-refund-irs-timeline/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/where-is-my-refund-irs-timeline/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTWhat the IRS says about refund timing, how to use the Where's My Refund tracker, and why some refunds take longer. No promises.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/what-is-form-w-4-and-the-april-surprise/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/what-is-form-w-4-and-the-april-surprise/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTForm 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.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/us-citizen-living-abroad-file-and-feie/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/us-citizen-living-abroad-file-and-feie/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTU.S. citizens abroad usually must still file. Learn the 2026 foreign earned income exclusion limit, the 330-day test, and the June 15 extension.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/tax-appointment-document-checklist/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/tax-appointment-document-checklist/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTNot sure what to bring to your tax appointment? Use this plain-English checklist of federal tax documents to gather first.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/student-education-credits-and-1098-t/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/student-education-credits-and-1098-t/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTForm 1098-T, education credits, and student loan interest for 2026 returns, with a worked example and a checklist to keep your paperwork tidy.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/stock-and-crypto-sales-on-your-return/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/stock-and-crypto-sales-on-your-return/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHow stock and crypto sales are reported: holding periods, 2026 long-term rates, the $3,000 loss limit, Form 8949, and Schedule D, with an example.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/standard-deduction-or-itemizing/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/standard-deduction-or-itemizing/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTStandard deduction or itemizing? Learn the 2026 amounts, see a worked example, and use a simple four-step check to pick the larger deduction.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/single-member-llc-on-your-personal-return/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/single-member-llc-on-your-personal-return/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTA single-member LLC usually doesn't file its own federal return. Learn how profit lands on Schedule C, what self-employment tax is, and what to track.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/quarterly-estimated-taxes-for-freelancers/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/quarterly-estimated-taxes-for-freelancers/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTFreelance or gig income often means estimated tax payments. Learn the 2026 due dates, the $1,000 rule, and the safe-harbor math with an example.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/married-filing-jointly-or-separately/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/married-filing-jointly-or-separately/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTMarried filing jointly or separately? Compare the 2026 standard deductions, credit limits, and Social Security rules, then use a worked example to decide.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/late-filing-and-unpaid-tax-what-happens/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/late-filing-and-unpaid-tax-what-happens/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTFiling late costs more than paying late. Learn the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, how Form 4868 helps, and your payment plan options.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/home-office-deduction-for-the-self-employed/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/home-office-deduction-for-the-self-employed/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTWho qualifies for the home office deduction? Learn the exclusive and regular use test, the $5-per-square-foot simplified method, and a worked example.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/got-an-irs-notice-what-to-do-first/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/got-an-irs-notice-what-to-do-first/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGot an IRS letter? Read it, find the due date, check it against your return, and respond on time. Here is the first-steps plan, without the panic.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/gig-driver-mileage-and-expense-records/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/gig-driver-mileage-and-expense-records/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTWhat a mileage log must show, the 2026 business rates (72.5 cents, then 76 cents), and which parking, toll, and expense receipts to keep as a gig driver.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/florida-retirement-income-federal-taxability/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/florida-retirement-income-federal-taxability/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHow much of your Social Security and pension is federally taxable? Learn the base amounts, the 50% and 85% rules, and see a worked example.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/fix-mistake-on-filed-return-form-1040-x/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/fix-mistake-on-filed-return-form-1040-x/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTFound an error after filing? Learn when to use Form 1040-X, the refund deadlines, how to fill in the columns, and how long processing takes.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/earned-income-tax-credit-why-people-miss-it/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/earned-income-tax-credit-why-people-miss-it/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTThe Earned Income Tax Credit can be worth up to $8,231 for 2026. Learn the income limits, the no-child rules, and why eligible workers skip it.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/do-i-have-to-file-with-little-income/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/do-i-have-to-file-with-little-income/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTLow income doesn't always mean no return. Learn the federal filing thresholds, the self-employment $400 rule, and when filing still pays.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/child-tax-credit-who-qualifies/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/child-tax-credit-who-qualifies/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTThe Child Tax Credit can be worth up to $2,200 per child for tax year 2026. Learn the age, residency, and Social Security number rules, with an example.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/1099-nec-instead-of-w-2/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/1099-nec-instead-of-w-2/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGot a 1099-NEC instead of a W-2? Learn how the income is taxed, why no tax is withheld, and what to set aside before the filing deadline.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/expat-filing-faq/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/expat-filing-faq/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTMoving overseas doesn't end your US filing duty. Here's what the IRS actually requires of Americans abroad, and the forms that usually come with it.https://fileustaxes.com/blog/schedule-c-basics/https://fileustaxes.com/blog/schedule-c-basics/Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTIf money came in and you weren't someone's W-2 employee for it, Schedule C is probably where it lands. Here's what that actually means at tax time.