Saver's Credit 2026: Income Limits, Rates & Form 8880
The 2026 Saver's Credit income limits, full 50/20/10% rate tiers by filing status, who qualifies, how to claim it on Form 8880, and the 2027 Saver's Match.
Tax Guides
Plain-language guides on 2026 federal tax brackets, credits, and deductions — and practical ways to estimate your refund before you file.
EV Tax Credit Ended: What Replaced the $7,500 Credit
The $7,500 EV tax credit ended September 30, 2025. See the two federal incentives that replaced it and what they are actually worth in 2026.
Home Sale Capital Gains Exclusion 2026: $250k/$500k Rule
Keep up to $250k ($500k married) of home-sale gain tax-free in 2026. Ownership and use tests, partial exclusions, and what you owe above the cap.
Roth vs Traditional IRA Tax Impact: 2026 Guide
See the Roth vs traditional IRA tax impact in 2026: the upfront deduction, tax-free withdrawals, contribution limits, income phase-outs, and OBBBA changes.
Tax Credits vs Tax Deductions: 2026 Guide With Examples
Tax credits vs tax deductions explained for 2026, with side-by-side dollar math, refundable vs nonrefundable credits, and the new One Big Beautiful Bill changes.
IRS Audit Triggers 2026: 12 Red Flags to Avoid
What raises your IRS audit risk in 2026, the new OBBBA 1099 thresholds, Form 1099-DA, and a pre-filing checklist to enter clean numbers and lower your risk.
Crypto Taxes & Form 1099-DA 2026: What to Do First
Your first Form 1099-DA shows crypto proceeds but no cost basis. Learn how to compute basis, report on Form 8949 and Schedule D, and avoid a CP2000 notice.
Dependent Care FSA 2026: New $7,500 Limit Explained
The 2026 Dependent Care FSA limit jumps to $7,500 under OBBBA. See the tax math, employer nondiscrimination risk, and how to stack the credit on Form 2441.
Education Tax Credits 2026: AOTC vs LLC Compared
Compare the AOTC and Lifetime Learning Credit for the 2026 tax year. Limits, phase-outs, refundable amounts, the new SSN rule, plus a decision tree and worked examples.
Tax Extension 2026: How to File Form 4868 (and Still Pay on Time)
How to file Form 4868 for a 2026 tax extension, estimate the tax you owe by April 15, and avoid the failure-to-pay penalty plus 7% interest.
Schedule C Business Deductions 2026: The Complete Write-Off List
A line-by-line Schedule C business deductions 2026 guide for self-employed filers, with the new 23% QBI rate, mileage rate, and OBBB changes applied.
The New 1099-NEC $2,000 Threshold for 2026, Explained
The 1099-NEC reporting threshold jumped from $600 to $2,000 for 2026. Here is what it means for contractors, why your income is still taxable, and what to do.
Above-the-Line Charitable Deduction 2026 Guide
Standard-deduction filers can deduct $1,000 ($2,000 MFJ) of cash gifts to public charities in 2026. What qualifies, what's excluded, and the receipts you need.
IRS Free File 2026: Where to File Now
IRS Direct File is gone for 2026. Use this guide to pick the right free filing option in 30 seconds, with eligibility, AGI limits, and provider quirks.
1099-K Threshold 2026: Venmo, PayPal, Cash App
The 2026 federal 1099-K threshold reverts to $20,000 and 200 transactions. See state exceptions, what to do if you got one in error, and Schedule 1 fixes.
SALT Deduction Cap 2026: $40,400 & Who Benefits
The 2026 SALT deduction cap is $40,400 for most filers, with a 30% MAGI phase-down above $505,000. Math, examples, and break-even tables for high-tax states.
Child Tax Credit 2026: $2,200 Amount & Limits
The 2026 Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per child with up to $1,700 refundable. See income limits, SSN rules, Schedule 8812 examples, and how to claim it.
Itemized vs Standard Deduction 2026: What's Best?
Compare the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100/$24,150/$32,200) against itemizing under the new $40,400 SALT cap. Worksheet, scenarios, and break-even rules.
Child & Dependent Care Credit 2026: New 50% Rate
The Child and Dependent Care Credit for 2026 now tops out at 50% thanks to OBBBA. See the full AGI sliding scale, worked examples, and FSA comparison.
How to File Taxes for the First Time in 2026
Filing taxes for the first time? This 2026 step-by-step guide covers documents, free filing options, new OBBB deductions, common mistakes, and what to expect.
Estimated Quarterly Taxes 2026: Dates & How to Pay
Complete guide to 2026 estimated quarterly taxes: due dates, step-by-step calculation, safe harbor rules, OBBB changes, and penalty avoidance.
Auto Loan Interest Tax Deduction 2026: Who Qualifies
Learn who qualifies for the 2026 car loan interest deduction, how the $10,000 limit works, and how to estimate your tax savings.
No Tax on Tips & Overtime 2026: How to Claim
The 2026 tip deduction ($25K) and overtime deduction ($12.5K) can save thousands in federal tax. Learn who qualifies, how they interact, and how to file.
AGI Explained: What It Is & How to Calculate
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is your total income minus above-the-line deductions. Learn how to calculate AGI, what deductions lower it, and why it matters.
Tax Penalties 2026: Avoid Late Filing & Underpayment
Every IRS tax penalty explained with 2026 rates: failure to file (5%), failure to pay (0.5%), underpayment, and accuracy penalties. Examples and relief.
How to Estimate Your Tax Refund in 2026
Learn how to estimate your tax refund before you file. Step-by-step formula, worked example with 2026 brackets, and new OBBBA provisions boosting refunds.
New Tax Deductions for 2026: Complete OBBBA Guide
Every new and enhanced tax deduction for 2026 from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: tips, overtime, car loan interest, seniors, SALT, charitable, and PMI.
EITC 2026: Income Limits, Amounts & Eligibility
2026 EITC income limits, maximum credit amounts, and eligibility rules for every filing status. Includes phase-out tables and worked examples.
Senior Tax Deduction 2026: Who Qualifies & How
The new $6,000 senior tax deduction for 2026 can save retirees up to $24,150 in total deductions. Learn eligibility, phase-out rules, and how to claim it.
Head of Household 2026: Requirements & Who Qualifies
Learn the three Head of Household requirements for 2026, including the considered unmarried rule, qualifying person tests, and how HoH saves you thousands.
Filing Status Guide: How to Choose for 2026
Compare all five IRS filing statuses for 2026, including standard deductions, tax brackets, and a decision flowchart to lower your bill.
Married Filing Jointly vs Separately: 2026 Guide
Compare married filing jointly vs separately for 2026 with updated brackets, standard deductions, SALT caps, and real examples showing which saves more.
Self-Employment Tax 2026: How the 15.3% Rate Works
How the 15.3% self-employment tax works in 2026. Step-by-step calculation, the 92.35% rule, wage base cap, quarterly payments, and ways to reduce your bill.
Capital Gains Tax Rates 2026: Brackets, Rules & Tips
2026 capital gains tax rates and brackets for every filing status. Covers long-term, short-term, NIIT, collectibles, and strategies to lower your bill.
How Much Can You Earn Tax-Free in 2026?
Find out exactly how much income is tax-free in 2026 by filing status. Covers the standard deduction, 0% capital gains, Social Security thresholds, and more.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets: Rates & What Changed
2026 federal tax bracket tables for all filing statuses. See the 7 marginal rates, standard deductions, SALT cap, and changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill.