Taxes

Buy munis, book losses, avoid marriage, consider a Roth conversion now and get your Lasik eye surgery next year.

If your tax bill is bigger than you'd hoped, there are few ways you can reduce it next year.

U.S. tax policies don't just affect our own economy - many times, the entire world is influenced.

A tax pro answers questions she hears most often and quashes some myths.

Education bills may not be as stressful as you think - these student tax breaks can help!

Find out how to keep the IRS from getting under your skin and avoid other frustrating tax scenarios.

We look at how U.S. taxes have changed since their inception.

This strategy of moving your tax deductable payments and donations to the following year could mean hundreds more on your return.

Their salaries depend on people paying taxes, but these politicians avoided paying taxes themselves.

The real estate market has changed dramatically in the last few years - don't get caught in the cold.

There are many people and companies that can file your taxes. Find out what each has to offer, and which is right for you.

Federal subsidies, low interest rates, falling home prices - many are about to come to an end. Find out how to get on board before these benefits run out.

It's not ideal, but there are times when it can make sense to use your IRA or 401(k) for a down payment.

Finding out you owe when you expected a refund is a nasty shock. Find out how to cope.

This credit expires April 30, but you can still cash in, and buying a house isn't the only way to do it.

Six reasons why many taxpayers can save money and time by claiming the standard deduction.

Besides creating ongoing income and capital appreciation, real estate provides deductions that can reduce the income tax on your profits.

Options and restricted stock are a great perk--if you don't get caught in a tax trap. Here's what you need to know.

When you're done cleaning out the garage, consider putting some shine on your financial affairs.

Shopping blues: Top tax 12%. Chicago's 10.25% highest big-city rate. More Internet tax fights loom.

With some preparation, you can save your heirs from paying a hefty estate tax. Here are some tips.

Find out what to do when your kid is ready for higher education, but you aren't.

These software programs and applications can help you prepare and get through tax season. Find out what they have to offer.

If you qualify, you can file your taxes for free online. Find out how to do it, and whether it's worth the effort.

Bank consolidations, stock options, and 1099-R changes could create problems. Here's how to stay out of the IRS' crosshairs.

The number of taxes that we now consider a given did not always exist. Find out how they arose.

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.

While refusing a gift may seem a little absurd to many, there are several good reasons that an individual might want to do so. Suppose you inherit a $500,000 IRA and a $500,000 CD from your deceased uncle. If the IRA account puts your total estate over the applicable estate tax exclusion amount, you ...

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

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

Forgetting these forms can cost you your refund.

Surprise! You may owe more than you think.

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.

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

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.

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

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?