📋 Taxes & Filing
IRS tax filing, W-2, 1099, deductions, credits, and tax-saving strategies.
403(b) vs 401(k) — What's the Difference? (2026 Comparison)
403(b) and 401(k) plans share the same contribution limits but differ in who offers them, investment options, and special rules. See the full comparison.
$50,000 Salary After Taxes — Take-Home Pay by State (2026)
See how much you take home on a $50,000 salary in every U.S. state. Compare federal tax, state tax, FICA, and net pay across all 50 states.
$75,000 Salary After Taxes — Take-Home Pay by State (2026)
How much is $75,000 after taxes in your state? See the full state-by-state breakdown including federal tax, state tax, FICA, and monthly take-home pay.
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) — Who Pays the 3.8% Surcharge?
The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax catches many investors off guard. Learn who owes it, what income triggers it, and strategies to reduce or avoid it.
401(k) Early Withdrawal — Penalties, Exceptions, and Alternatives (2026)
Withdrawing from your 401(k) before 59½ costs a 10% penalty plus income tax. But there are exceptions. Learn the rules, penalty-free options, and smarter alternatives.
401(k) Employer Match — How It Works and Why You Shouldn't Leave Money Behind
Your employer match is free money for retirement. Learn how matching works, vesting schedules, and how to make sure you're getting the full match.
How to Roll Over Your 401(k) When Changing Jobs (2026 Guide)
Leaving your job? Here are your 401(k) options: roll over to an IRA, transfer to new employer's plan, leave it, or cash out. Compare the pros, cons, and tax impact.
Can't Pay Your Taxes? — Here's What to Do (Don't Panic)
If you can't afford your tax bill, you have options. From payment plans to hardship status, here's what to do — and what NOT to do.
Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate — Exclusions, Rates, and How to Reduce It
Selling a home or investment property? Learn how the primary residence exclusion works, what triggers capital gains tax on real estate, and strategies to reduce your bill.
The 4% Rule — How Much Can You Safely Withdraw in Retirement?
The 4% rule says you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one, then adjust for inflation. Learn how it works, its limitations, and modern alternatives.
401(k) Contribution Limits 2026 — Employee, Employer, and Catch-Up
The 2026 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 with catch-up). See all limits including employer match, super catch-up for ages 60-63, and total maximums.
How to Calculate Capital Gains Tax on Stocks — With Examples
Step-by-step guide to calculating capital gains tax when you sell stocks. Covers cost basis methods, wash sale rules, and how dividends affect your tax bill.
$100,000 Salary After Taxes — Take-Home Pay by State (2026)
See your take-home pay on a $100,000 salary in all 50 states. Compare state income tax, total deductions, and monthly net pay for six-figure earners.
1099-NEC vs 1099-MISC — Differences and When You Get Each
The 1099-NEC reports freelance and contractor pay. The 1099-MISC covers rent, prizes, and other payments. See which applies to you and how to file.
15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage — Which Saves You More? (2026)
A 15-year mortgage saves over $150,000 in interest but costs $900+ more per month. Compare payment amounts, total costs, and see which is better for your situation.
Capital Gains Tax Rates 2026 — Short-Term vs Long-Term Brackets
See the 2026 federal capital gains tax rates for short-term and long-term gains. Includes income thresholds by filing status, NIIT surcharge, and state tax considerations.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets — Rates by Filing Status
See the 2026 federal income tax brackets for Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, and Married Filing Separately. Includes standard deduction amounts and how marginal rates work.
How to File Federal Taxes in 2026 (Step-by-Step)
A step-by-step guide to filing your 2025 federal tax return in 2026. Covers free filing options, documents needed, key deadlines, and common mistakes to avoid.
Tax Filing Status Explained — Single, Married, Head of Household
Learn the 5 IRS filing statuses, who qualifies for each, and how your filing status affects your tax brackets, standard deduction, and credits.
IRS Installment Agreement — Short-Term vs Long-Term Plans Compared
Compare IRS short-term (180-day) and long-term (72-month) installment agreements. See setup fees, interest costs, and which plan saves you more.
1099-DA Crypto Reporting — New IRS Broker Rule 2026
Starting 2025, crypto exchanges must report transactions to the IRS on Form 1099-DA. Learn what's reported, how it affects your filing, and what to do with this new form.
Gig Worker Tax Guide — Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and Freelance Taxes
Drive for Uber? Deliver for DoorDash? Freelance on the side? You owe self-employment tax on top of income tax. Here's how to handle quarterly payments, deductions, and your 1099.
IRS Payment Plan Guide 2026 — Options, Costs, and How to Apply
Can't pay your full tax bill? The IRS offers payment plans from 180 days to 72 months. Here's every option, what they cost, and how to apply.
Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategies
Use crypto losses to reduce your tax bill. Learn when to harvest, how to calculate savings, year-end strategies, and the rules for offsetting gains and ordinary income.
Crypto Wash Sale Rule — Does It Apply in 2026?
As of 2026, the wash sale rule does not apply to cryptocurrency. But legislation could change that soon. Learn the current rules and how to benefit while you can.
How to Report Crypto on Your Tax Return (Form 8949)
Step-by-step guide to reporting cryptocurrency on Form 8949 and Schedule D. Covers transaction types, codes, short-term vs long-term reporting, and software options.
DeFi Taxes — Swaps, Liquidity Pools, and Yield Farming
DeFi transactions create multiple taxable events. Learn how the IRS taxes token swaps, liquidity pool deposits/withdrawals, yield farming, and lending on protocols like Uniswap and Aave.
NFT Tax Guide — Buying, Selling, and Creating
NFTs are taxed as property by the IRS. Learn the tax rules for buying, selling, trading, and creating NFTs — including the potential collectibles tax rate of 28%.
Is Crypto Staking Taxable? — IRS Rules Explained
Staking rewards are taxable as ordinary income when you receive them. Learn how the IRS taxes staking, when the tax triggers, and how to calculate your obligation.
Tax Prep Checklist — Everything to Gather Before You File
Don't start your tax return until you have every document. This checklist covers W-2s, 1099s, deduction receipts, and the documents most people forget.
Cost Basis Methods for Crypto — FIFO vs LIFO vs Specific ID
Choosing the right cost basis method for cryptocurrency can save thousands in taxes. Compare FIFO, LIFO, HIFO, and Specific ID with real examples and tax impact.
How to Calculate Crypto Gains and Losses
Learn to calculate capital gains on cryptocurrency sales. Covers cost basis, holding periods, short-term vs long-term rates, and step-by-step examples for Bitcoin and altcoins.
EITC vs CTC — Understanding Both Tax Credits
The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit serve different purposes but overlap for many families. Compare eligibility, amounts, refundability, and who benefits most.
EITC Audit — Why the IRS Targets This Credit
EITC claims are audited at a higher rate than any other tax item. Learn why, what triggers an audit, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you receive a notice.
Is EITC Refundable? — How the Refund Works
The EITC is fully refundable — you get the full credit as a cash refund even if you owe zero in taxes. Learn how this works and how much you could receive.
EITC Investment Income Limit — The $11,600 Cap Explained
Investment income over $11,600 disqualifies you from the entire EITC. Learn what counts as investment income, what doesn't, and strategies to stay under the limit.
How to Claim EITC — Step-by-Step Guide
Walk through the process of claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit on your tax return. Covers Schedule EIC, required documents, common mistakes, and refund timing.
EITC With No Qualifying Children — What You Can Get
Workers without children can still claim up to $632 in EITC for 2026. See the income limits, age requirements, and how to claim this overlooked credit.
How to Pay Estimated Taxes to the IRS — All Payment Methods
Pay your quarterly estimated taxes online, by phone, or by mail. Here's every method with step-by-step instructions and tips for each.
EITC Eligibility Rules — Who Qualifies for the Earned Income Credit?
Not sure if you qualify for the EITC? Walk through each eligibility test — income, filing status, children, residency, and investment income — with clear examples.
State vs Federal Tax — How They Work Together
Federal and state income taxes are separate systems that stack on top of each other. Here's how they interact, what you can deduct, and your combined rate.
Do I Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes? — Quick Eligibility Check
Not everyone needs to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Use this quick check to find out if you do — and what happens if you don't.
Earned Income Tax Credit 2026 — Amounts and Income Limits
The 2026 EITC is worth up to $7,830 for families with 3+ children. See income limits by filing status, maximum credit amounts, and who qualifies.
TCJA Sunset and Child Tax Credit — What Could Change in 2026
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions are set to expire. If Congress doesn't act, the Child Tax Credit could drop from $2,000 to $1,000 per child. Here's what's at stake.
Remote Work and State Taxes — Which State Taxes Your Income?
Working remotely from a different state than your employer? You may owe taxes in two states. Here's how remote work state tax rules work in 2026.
Safe Harbor Rule — How to Avoid Estimated Tax Underpayment Penalties
The safe harbor rule lets you avoid IRS underpayment penalties by paying 100% (or 110%) of last year's tax. Here's exactly how it works.
Child Tax Credit for Divorced Parents — Who Gets the Credit?
When parents are divorced or separated, only one can claim the Child Tax Credit. Learn the custodial parent rule, Form 8332, and how to handle split custody situations.
State Tax on Retirement Income 2026 — By State Breakdown
Some states tax all retirement income. Others exempt Social Security, pensions, or both. See how each state treats your retirement money.
Quarterly Taxes for Freelancers — Step-by-Step Guide
A freelancer-specific guide to quarterly estimated taxes. Covers self-employment tax, deductions, payment schedule, and the most common mistakes.
How to Claim Child Tax Credit on Your Tax Return
Step-by-step guide to claiming the Child Tax Credit on your 2026 tax return. Covers Schedule 8812, qualifying child rules, required documents, and common mistakes to avoid.
Highest and Lowest Tax States 2026 — Total Tax Burden Compared
State income tax is only part of the picture. Compare the total tax burden (income + property + sales) across all 50 states.
Estimated Tax Penalty — How to Avoid Underpayment in 2026
The IRS charges roughly 8% interest on underpaid estimated taxes. Learn how the penalty is calculated and three ways to avoid it completely.
CTC vs EITC — Can You Claim Both Credits?
Yes, you can claim the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit on the same return. Learn how they work together and how much you could get in combined credits.
State Tax After Moving — Which State Do I File In?
If you moved to a new state during the year, you may owe taxes in both. Here's how to file, what each state taxes, and how to avoid double taxation.
How to Calculate Estimated Tax Payments — Step-by-Step
Walk through the calculation for quarterly estimated taxes. Includes income tax, self-employment tax, deductions, credits, and the safe harbor method.
Other Dependent Credit 2026 — $500 for Non-Child Dependents
The $500 Other Dependent Credit covers dependents who don't qualify for the Child Tax Credit — older teens, elderly parents, and other relatives. See who qualifies.
Flat Tax vs Progressive Tax States — Which System Is Better?
Thirteen states use a flat income tax rate. The rest use progressive brackets. Compare both systems and see how they affect different income levels.
When Are Quarterly Taxes Due? — 2026 Deadlines and Calendar
Mark these four quarterly estimated tax payment deadlines for 2026. Miss one and you'll owe an underpayment penalty.
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) — The Refundable Portion Explained
The ACTC lets you get up to $1,700 per child as a tax refund even if you owe zero federal tax. Learn eligibility rules, how it's calculated, and who benefits most.
Child Tax Credit Income Phase-Out — When Your Credit Shrinks
The Child Tax Credit starts to decrease at $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). Learn exactly how the phase-out works and how much you lose per $1,000 of income.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments — Complete Guide for 2026
If you owe $1,000+ in taxes not covered by withholding, you need quarterly estimated payments. Here's how they work, when they're due, and how to calculate them.
Commission vs Bonus — How Each Is Taxed Differently
Commissions and bonuses are both supplemental wages, but they're earned and paid differently. Here's how the IRS treats each and what it means for your paycheck.
Stock Bonus vs Cash Bonus — Tax Comparison and Which Is Better
Stock bonuses (RSUs) and cash bonuses are taxed differently. Compare the tax treatment, vesting, and long-term value of each.
Year-End Bonus Tax Planning — Minimize the Hit Before December 31
Got a year-end bonus coming? These tax-planning moves before December 31 can save hundreds to thousands in taxes on your bonus.
Are Sign-On Bonuses Taxed? — What to Know Before Accepting
Sign-on bonuses are fully taxable as supplemental wages. Here's how they're withheld, what happens if you leave early, and how to plan for the tax hit.
How to Reduce Tax on Your Bonus — 6 Legal Strategies
You can't avoid taxes on your bonus, but you can reduce the impact. These six strategies help you keep more of your bonus income legally.
Bonus Withholding Methods — Percentage vs Aggregate Explained
Your employer uses one of two methods to withhold taxes on bonuses. The aggregate method often takes more. Here's how each works and why it matters.
Bonus Tax Rate 22% — Why Your Bonus Feels Like It's Taxed More
The 22% bonus withholding rate isn't a tax rate — it's a withholding estimate. Here's why it exists and what your actual bonus tax rate is.
How Bonuses Are Taxed in 2026 — The Real Rate Explained
Your bonus isn't taxed at a special rate. It's withheld at 22% but taxed at your regular rate. Here's how bonus taxation actually works.