Taxes Articles

Learn how to lower your income tax and avoid estate tax - all while building wealth.

The number of unmarried couples is on the rise, but your relationship may or may not be given the same benefits as married couples.

The 2010 estate tax lapse could be costly to your family if it keeps you from planning.

Find out how to avoid the most common tax filing mistakes and audit triggers, so you can deduct with a clear conscience.

Forgetting these forms can cost you your refund.

Surprise! You may owe more than you think.

It's important to understand where that money coming out of your paycheck goes and why - after all, you earned it.

The IRS calls them "frivolous" arguments. Make one and you could get hit with big civil penalties and even criminal charges.

Find out what's making news in the world of finance this week.

Taxes are often a deterrent from investing and saving. These financial practices will bring you no tax grief.

Thanks to tax crooks and "creative accountants", tax codes have been designed to eliminate loopholes and catch those who try to skirt their annual payments to the government.

Like-kind exchanges can mean a much lower tax bill on real estate for savvy investors.

Tax rates are going up, so it pays to find sources of income that the tax collector can't touch. Here are 20 of them.

When you add direct and indirect taxes together, your real tax rate is much more than you expected.

We clarify some rules that often puzzle taxpayers.

These schemes can lead to fines - and even jail time - for both the scammer and his victims.

Tax time can be intimidating - but knowing these tips can ease the process and get you a hefty return.

Read these tips to find financial (and wedded) bliss, and put some cash in your pockets.

Be sure to double check your federal income tax return for these common mistakes that could cost you time and money.

These states impose no income tax on residents, but will putting down new roots really save you money?

Taxpayers should be wary when a new "temporary tax" is introduced. Sometimes these temporary taxes are anything but.

These are some of the most common tax write-offs that you can't really claim.

With all of the new tax changes this year, the IRS won't be able to take quite as much from you.

Think your taxes are high? Take a look at what some of these major industries are faced with

Don't make yourself a target - steer clear of these attention-grabbing tax-filing practices.

Being generous has never been more (financially) rewarding!

When you get a refund, you’ve essentially lent your money to the government, interest-free. Find out how to keep your money working in your favor, year-round.

You know you're paying a big chunk of your income to taxes. But where is it going?

They're arriving in the mail now. Don't ignore them, or you could be buying trouble with the IRS.

Real estate swaps grow popular, but traps are many. Beware new rules on vacation homes.

These five famous Americans tried to dodge the taxman and got caught. Find out who they were and what they owed.

Delivering a new baby also delivers a $1,000 child tax credit - and that's just the start!

The receipts you cram into your wallet could be replaced with cash come tax season.

Divorce is a rough transition. Make the tax changes as easy as possible with these tips.

Thanks to fewer restrictions, it's now easier than ever to convert your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.

Being a landlord can be taxing, especially when you want to sell. Find out how to reduce your burden.

Here's how to keep Uncle Sam from claiming your small side business is really a hobby.

We look at what investors should be keeping in mind - and on their radars – as we enter the next phase of the economic recovery.

But new standards won't help taxpayers this filing season.

Some countries have begun charging a flat tax rate instead of the gradual tax system of the Western world.

Unusual - and even humorous - things that people can do to get a break on their income taxes.

The IRS sets a high bar for spouses angling to divorce themselves from their partners' back tax bills.

If you follow these methods for calculating estimated tax payments, you could minimize your chances of incurring penalties.

Learn how this money-making dream can become a nightmare.

The new Roth IRA rules present some interesting opportunities - for the right people.

These tips will reduce your anxiety and can lower your 2009 tax bill.

A few tax credits can greatly increase the amount of money you get back on your return.

From community-based services to free software, there are many free resources to help with your taxes.

The FCC is considering a tax hike to subsidize internet access in rural areas.

It's been a tough year for the broad economy, but the fact that we've emerged from the brink of economic collapse gives us plenty to be grateful for.

Many are choosing to work longer in order to rebuild their nest eggs, but despite the extra income, there are drawbacks.

If you're trying to determine whether you should throw out your life insurance policy along with your business suits, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Life changes make it time to rewrite your plan's designations.

You don't need an MBA to learn how to save money and invest in your future.

New taxes, property values, appraisals, community changes and nearby abandoned foreclosures can all lower your home's value. Take proactive steps to protect it.

Stretch your donation dollars this holiday season by giving to an efficient nonprofit organization.

Before you run out and buy gifts for others, make sure you give yourself a gift by wrapping up all the tax breaks you possibly can.

Know what you're in for before jumping into the home remodeling game.

Where you incorporate your small business will affect your tax rates and overall costs. Where is it the most economical?

The current recession is having a large impact on the rich.

A greener home can mean more green in your pocket this tax season.

If you have property to sell and want to avoid capital gains tax, a Section 1031 exchange may be the answer.

If you can't pay your taxes, know that the IRS has many avenues for collecting what you owe.

The idea that only the rich will be taxed for healthcare is as suspect as the idea that healthcare quality won't change.

Find out how to work the system to get the highest total benefits the law allows.

Contrary to popular belief, inheriting assets isn't always a good thing. Find out what to do if you want to disclaim them.

These tax-free zones might sound appealing, but the consequences often aren't.

The $8,000 tax credit might be the push you need to buy your first house, but there are some things you need to know first.

Know the options you have for your insured property if and when a disaster strikes.

For those who encounter this tax, it can be costly. Find out how to navigate this complicated tax arrangement.

Half of Americans lose their nest eggs when they switch careers. Learn why you should avoid this trap.

Thinking of buying a home? We look at the initial and ongoing costs as well as the so-called benefits.

Find out how to stop chasing the market and start leading it.

The first global concert raised millions of dollars to help the poor in Ethiopia.

Find out why 25 U.S. states currently confiscate unused gift card balances.

While Madoff's victims hope he dies in jail, other notorious fraudsters still have future careers ahead of them.

Revenue Act of July 1, 1862 created the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Take advantage of the federal and state money being offered to apply for an FHA mortgage and get the cash you need to go to closing.

Appealing an unfavorable or unfair tax ruling may be your last chance to save your finances.

On this day in 1943, the Current Tax Payment Act was signed into law.

There is an alternative to letting your cottage sit empty all year, but turning a profit won't be easy.

Home buyers with low down payments may get stuck with higher mortgage payments. Find out what you get for the extra money.

The auditor's review isn't always the last word. Many taxpayers who are audited can successfully appeal their audits and save thousands of dollars.

Don't let these simple errors take the luster off your golden years.

Debt settlement sounds like a free lunch, but it has tax consequences.

Child care costs can be a shock to new and expecting parents, but are some programs in place to help with the first few years.

401(k)s, pensions and profit-sharing plans can be a source of cash, but there are consequences to this option.

If tax rules and regulations are Greek to you, read on to learn how to decipher them.

You give to benefit others, but there can be perks for you too.

Yields in excess of 10% aren't rare, but these unique investments need to be chosen very carefully.

Maximize your Social Security benefits by choosing when you retire.

Find out why moving to a less expensive city may not reduce your expenses.

Find out what's new in the world of IRAs and how you can get more bang for your buck.

Find out if you qualify for the assistance offered to hurricane survivors by the U.S. government.

Tax loss carry-forwards can help reduce the tax burden of owning a profitable fund.

These savings vehicles may be better than college saving funds for some families.

Thanks to a special tax code clause, you can surrender a variable annuity without paying income tax.