The Tax Credits Millions of Filers Overlook
Credits cut your bill dollar-for-dollar, yet many go unclaimed each year.
By Elena Fitzgerald · June 27, 2026
Elena Fitzgerald
Personal Finance Editor
Elena Fitzgerald edits personal-tax and household-finance coverage, translating IRS rules into plain guidance for individual filers, families, and retirees.
Latest by Elena
'Where's My Refund?' Gets an Upgrade at the IRS
The tracking tool now shows clearer status messages and works earlier in the season.
By Elena Fitzgerald · June 25, 2026
How to Claim the Child Tax Credit on Your Return
Eligibility, income limits, and the refundable portion, explained clearly.
By Elena Fitzgerald · June 21, 2026
How Charitable Donations Affect Your Taxes
Deductions require itemizing and good records — cash and goods both count.
By Elena Fitzgerald · June 17, 2026
Free Tax Help: Inside the IRS VITA and TCE Programs
Volunteers prepare returns at no cost for lower-income filers, seniors, and others.
By Elena Fitzgerald · June 10, 2026
When Medical Expenses Become Tax-Deductible
Costs above a share of income can lower your bill if you itemize.
By Elena Fitzgerald · June 3, 2026
Who Counts as a Dependent for Taxes?
Claiming a child or relative unlocks credits — if they meet IRS tests.
By Elena Fitzgerald · May 22, 2026
The Earned Income Tax Credit: Who Qualifies and How Much
One of the largest anti-poverty programs runs through the tax return.
By Elena Fitzgerald · May 10, 2026
The Student Loan Interest Deduction, Explained
Borrowers may deduct interest even without itemizing, within income limits.
By Elena Fitzgerald · May 10, 2026
When Will Your Refund Arrive? Inside the IRS Refund Timeline
Most refunds go out within 21 days, but credits, paper returns, and reviews can slow the clock.
By Elena Fitzgerald · April 11, 2026
529 College Savings Plans and Their Tax Perks
Tax-free growth for education costs comes with new flexibility to roll over funds.
By Elena Fitzgerald · April 6, 2026
Required Minimum Distributions: Rules Retirees Can't Ignore
The age to start RMDs has changed, and missing one carries a penalty.
By Elena Fitzgerald · April 4, 2026
The HSA: The Most Tax-Advantaged Account You Might Be Ignoring
Health savings accounts offer a rare triple tax break for eligible savers.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 25, 2026
Behind on Taxes? IRS Penalty Relief Options Explained
First-time abatement and reasonable-cause relief can erase penalties for eligible filers.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 24, 2026
IRS Sets New Standard Mileage Rate for the Year
The per-mile figure for business driving shifts with fuel and vehicle costs.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 24, 2026
How to Get Your IRS Tax Transcript — and Why You Might Need One
Lenders, colleges, and filers often require the free record of your account.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 21, 2026
Choosing the Right Filing Status Can Save You Money
Single, married, or head of household — the label changes your tax math.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 17, 2026
Traditional vs. Roth: How Retirement Accounts Are Taxed
The choice between paying taxes now or later shapes decades of saving.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 10, 2026
Filing Taxes for the First Time? A Step-by-Step Roadmap
From gathering documents to choosing a filing status, here's how to start with confidence.
By Elena Fitzgerald · March 1, 2026
IRS Modernization: How a Tech Overhaul Aims to Fix Service
Multiyear funding targets phones, paper backlogs, and aging systems.
By Elena Fitzgerald · February 28, 2026
Driving, Delivering, Freelancing? A Gig Worker's Tax Guide
Side income is taxable, and the rules differ from a regular paycheck.
By Elena Fitzgerald · February 11, 2026
Standard vs. Itemized Deduction: How to Choose
For most filers the standard deduction wins, but big expenses can tip the math.
By Elena Fitzgerald · February 3, 2026
Getting Your W-4 Right: How to Fix Your Tax Withholding
Too much or too little withheld can mean a surprise bill — or an interest-free loan to the IRS.
By Elena Fitzgerald · February 2, 2026
The Most Common Tax-Filing Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them
Simple errors delay refunds and invite IRS notices.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 31, 2026
Who Actually Gets Audited? IRS Data Shows the Real Odds
Audit rates remain low overall, but they vary sharply by income and return type.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 26, 2026
What 'Progressive' Really Means in the U.S. Tax System
The idea that higher incomes face higher rates has real nuances.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 25, 2026
IRS Identity Protection PIN: A Free Shield Against Tax Fraud
The six-digit code blocks fraudulent returns filed in your name — and anyone can now enroll.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 23, 2026
Selling Your Home? The Big Tax Break You Should Know
Homeowners can exclude large gains from the sale of a primary residence.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 21, 2026
Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rate: The Difference That Matters
One number is your top rate; the other is what you actually pay.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 19, 2026
Got a Tax Refund? Smart Ways to Put It to Work
A lump sum is a chance to cut debt, build savings, or invest.
By Elena Fitzgerald · January 16, 2026