Capital Gains Taxes: What Investors Actually Pay
Short-term and long-term gains face very different rates.
By David Lindqvist · July 4, 2026
Personal Tax
Practical tax news and guidance for individual filers, families, and retirees.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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