Capital Gains Taxes: What Investors Actually Pay
Short-term and long-term gains face very different rates.
By David Lindqvist · July 4, 2026
Tax News
The latest U.S. tax news, IRS updates, federal and state policy developments, and plain-language analysis from the Income Tax Centre newsroom.
Why Investment Income Is Often Taxed Less Than Wages
The gap between capital gains and ordinary rates fuels a fairness debate.
By David Lindqvist · July 2, 2026
Could Filing Taxes Get Simpler? The Push for Return-Free Systems
Advocates say the IRS could pre-fill returns; critics warn of trade-offs.
By Diane Kennedy · June 29, 2026
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 a Bigger Standard Deduction Reshaped American Taxes
Fewer filers itemize now, changing incentives for giving and borrowing.
By David Lindqvist · June 26, 2026
'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
IRS Raises Standard Deduction for Inflation: Here's What Changes
Annual inflation adjustments lift the standard deduction and reshape who itemizes.
By Marcus Whitfield · June 21, 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
Self-Employment Tax: The Bill Freelancers Don't Expect
Working for yourself means covering both halves of Social Security and Medicare.
By Raymond Ortega · 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
Key Provisions of the 2017 Tax Law Are Set to Expire
Lower individual rates and a larger standard deduction sunset without action from Congress.
By Diane Kennedy · June 8, 2026
What Is Adjusted Gross Income — and Why It Controls Your Taxes
AGI is the pivot point for deductions, credits, and eligibility rules.
By David Lindqvist · June 8, 2026
The Future of Filing: Will Doing Your Taxes Ever Be Easy?
Technology, politics, and industry interests all shape what comes next.
By David Lindqvist · June 8, 2026
Are Tariffs a Tax? How Import Duties Reach Your Wallet
Economists debate who ultimately pays when the government taxes imports.
By David Lindqvist · June 7, 2026
IRS Adjusts Tax Brackets for Inflation, Easing 'Bracket Creep'
Wider income bands mean many workers keep more of a raise before moving up a bracket.
By Marcus Whitfield · June 6, 2026
The $10,000 SALT Cap Remains a Political Flashpoint
The limit on state and local tax deductions divides high-tax and low-tax states.
By Diane Kennedy · June 6, 2026
Capital Gains Tax Proposals and What They Would Change
Debates over rates and the step-up in basis could reshape how investments are taxed.
By David Lindqvist · June 4, 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
The Marriage Penalty and Bonus, Explained
How the tax code rewards some couples and quietly costs others.
By Diane Kennedy · May 27, 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
LLC vs. S-Corp: How Your Business Structure Affects Taxes
The right entity choice can change how much self-employment tax you owe.
By Raymond Ortega · May 22, 2026
How Congress Uses the Tax Code to Push Retirement Saving
Recent laws expanded 401(k) and IRA rules to nudge Americans to save more.
By Diane Kennedy · May 21, 2026
The Tax Credits Small Businesses Frequently Miss
From hiring to retirement plans, credits can beat deductions dollar-for-dollar.
By Raymond Ortega · May 18, 2026
How Capital Gains Taxes Work, Start to Finish
Buying, holding, and selling assets each carry tax consequences.
By Raymond Ortega · May 17, 2026
How Inflation Quietly Changes Your Tax Bill
Indexed brackets help, but not every part of the code keeps pace.
By David Lindqvist · May 15, 2026
IRS Expands Direct File as Free Filing Reaches More States
The government's own free filing tool grows, offering an alternative to paid software.
By Marcus Whitfield · May 13, 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
Writing Off a Business Vehicle: Mileage vs. Actual Costs
Two methods, two very different outcomes at tax time.
By Raymond Ortega · May 10, 2026
City and Local Income Taxes: The Levies Beyond the State
Some municipalities add their own income tax on residents and workers.
By Sandra Boyd · May 10, 2026
IRS Opens Tax Filing Season: What Every Filer Needs to Know
The agency begins accepting returns as taxpayers weigh new thresholds, refund timing, and free-file options.
By Marcus Whitfield · May 9, 2026
What Counts as Taxable Income — and What Doesn't
Not every dollar you receive is taxed, and the exceptions surprise people.
By Raymond Ortega · May 5, 2026
The 'Tax Gap': Why Hundreds of Billions Go Uncollected
The difference between taxes owed and paid drives debates over enforcement funding.
By Diane Kennedy · May 4, 2026
States Cut and Raise Tax Rates: A Shifting Map
A wave of rate changes reshapes what residents owe from coast to coast.
By Sandra Boyd · April 30, 2026
The 20% Qualified Business Income Deduction, Explained
A major break for pass-through businesses comes with limits and phase-outs.
By Diane Kennedy · April 26, 2026
Small Business Taxes 101: What Every Owner Should Know
From estimated payments to deductions, the essentials of staying compliant.
By Raymond Ortega · April 25, 2026
Sales Tax Nexus: The Rule That Trips Up Online Sellers
Selling across state lines can create tax duties far from home.
By Raymond Ortega · April 25, 2026
How U.S. Taxes Compare With Other Wealthy Nations
Total tax burden and mix look different across developed economies.
By David Lindqvist · April 25, 2026
IRS Warns of Rising Tax Scams: How to Spot the Fakes
Impersonators use phone, text, and email to steal money and identities during filing season.
By Marcus Whitfield · April 21, 2026
IRS Online Account Adds Tools to Manage Taxes Year-Round
Taxpayers can now view balances, payment plans, and notices in one digital dashboard.
By Marcus Whitfield · April 19, 2026
How the Tax Code Treats Startup Costs
New businesses can deduct or amortize the price of getting off the ground.
By Raymond Ortega · April 19, 2026
Corporate Tax Rate Back in the Spotlight
Proposals to raise or preserve the 21% rate carry big revenue and investment stakes.
By Diane Kennedy · April 18, 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
Why a Big Tax Refund Isn't the Win It Feels Like
A large refund means you lent the government money at zero interest.
By Diane Kennedy · April 5, 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
Can't Pay Your Tax Bill? IRS Payment Plans, Explained
Short-term and long-term installment agreements spread the cost and limit collection action.
By Marcus Whitfield · April 1, 2026
Who Actually Pays Federal Income Tax? A Look at the Data
IRS figures reveal how the burden is distributed across incomes.
By David Lindqvist · March 29, 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
State Sales Taxes: Why the Rate Changes at the Checkout
Combined state and local rates vary widely — and so do what's taxed.
By Diane Kennedy · March 24, 2026
Working Remotely Across State Lines? Beware the Tax Bill
Where you live and where you work can both claim a slice of your income.
By Sandra Boyd · March 22, 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
Wealth Tax Proposals: How They Would Work and Why They're Contested
Taxing net worth rather than income raises legal and practical questions.
By David Lindqvist · 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
The States With No Income Tax — and the Trade-Offs
Nine states skip a wage tax, but the money comes from somewhere.
By Diane Kennedy · March 15, 2026
Is Your State Tax Refund Taxable? It Depends
Federal rules decide whether last year's state refund counts as income.
By Sandra Boyd · March 14, 2026
Deduction vs. Credit: Why the Difference Is Worth Real Money
A credit cuts your bill directly; a deduction only lowers taxable income.
By David Lindqvist · March 13, 2026
Clean Energy Tax Credits: A Policy Built Into Your Return
Federal credits for EVs, solar, and efficiency reshape household and business decisions.
By Diane Kennedy · March 11, 2026
Deductible Business Expenses: What Counts and What Doesn't
Ordinary and necessary costs cut taxable income — with good records.
By Raymond Ortega · March 11, 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
Tax Credits as Hidden Spending: The 'Tax Expenditure' Debate
Breaks in the code function like government programs — worth hundreds of billions.
By David Lindqvist · March 7, 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
IRS Phases In New 1099-K Threshold for Payment Apps
Sellers on Venmo, PayPal, and marketplaces face lower reporting limits after repeated delays.
By Marcus Whitfield · February 27, 2026
The Child Tax Credit Debate: What's on the Table
Lawmakers spar over the size, refundability, and reach of a major family benefit.
By David Lindqvist · February 25, 2026
Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Small Business, Simplified
Four payments a year keep the self-employed penalty-free.
By Diane Kennedy · February 16, 2026
IRS Reminds Freelancers of Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines
Missing the four annual payment dates can trigger penalties even if you get a refund.
By Marcus Whitfield · February 15, 2026
The Federal Gas Tax Hasn't Risen in Decades. Now What?
A flat per-gallon levy funds highways but buys less every year as costs climb.
By Diane Kennedy · February 15, 2026
Property Taxes by State: Where Homeowners Pay Most
Effective rates swing dramatically depending on where you own.
By Sandra Boyd · February 14, 2026
1099 vs. W-2: Why Worker Classification Matters for Taxes
Getting it wrong can mean back taxes and penalties for businesses.
By Raymond Ortega · February 12, 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
The Home Office Deduction: Who Qualifies and How to Claim It
Employees generally can't, but the self-employed often can.
By Diane Kennedy · February 10, 2026
For Many Workers, Payroll Tax Beats Income Tax
A large share of households pay more in payroll than income tax.
By David Lindqvist · February 5, 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
The Estate Tax Exemption Is Scheduled to Fall by Half
Without new law, the amount shielded from estate tax drops sharply after 2025.
By Diane Kennedy · February 2, 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
Hiring Your First Employee? The Tax Duties That Follow
Payroll taxes, withholding, and filings come with every hire.
By Raymond Ortega · January 30, 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
Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation: Big Write-Offs for Equipment
Businesses can deduct the cost of assets faster — within annual limits.
By Diane Kennedy · January 26, 2026
IRS Works Through Return Backlog as Processing Speeds Improve
Funding and hiring have cut wait times, though paper returns remain the slow lane.
By Marcus Whitfield · January 25, 2026
Are Taxes Driving Americans to Move? What the Data Shows
Migration between high- and low-tax states fuels a long-running debate.
By Sandra Boyd · January 25, 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
The Tax Terms Everyone Should Understand
A plain-English glossary of the words that show up on your return.
By Raymond Ortega · 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
The Hidden Cost of a Complicated Tax Code
Americans spend billions of hours and dollars just to comply.
By Diane Kennedy · January 20, 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
Carbon Tax Proposals Return to the Policy Conversation
Pricing emissions is pitched as climate policy and revenue source alike.
By David Lindqvist · January 14, 2026
Gas Taxes by State: Why Prices at the Pump Differ
State fuel levies fund roads and vary by tens of cents per gallon.
By Diane Kennedy · January 14, 2026
Filed a Mistake? How IRS Amended Returns Work
Form 1040-X lets you correct errors, and the process is now partly electronic.
By Marcus Whitfield · January 13, 2026
Payroll Taxes: The FICA Line on Your Pay Stub, Decoded
Social Security and Medicare taxes fund programs you'll likely use.
By Raymond Ortega · January 11, 2026
The States That Still Tax Estates and Inheritances
A dozen states add their own death taxes on top of federal rules.
By Sandra Boyd · January 10, 2026
Recordkeeping for Taxes: What Businesses Must Save and for How Long
Good records survive audits and unlock every deduction you've earned.
By Raymond Ortega · January 9, 2026
How Tax Brackets Really Work (You're Not Taxed at One Rate)
A common myth about 'moving up a bracket' costs people peace of mind for no reason.
By David Lindqvist · January 6, 2026
Withholding, Explained: Why Taxes Come Out of Every Paycheck
The pay-as-you-go system shapes your refund or balance due.
By David Lindqvist · January 6, 2026