Personal Income Taxes

FUTA, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, was written into law in 1939 in response to the Great Depression and, as we discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, it still has great relevance today.

By Joanna Thompson

It's pretty certain that you'll have to pay taxes in April. But did you realize there are some things you need to do before Dec. 31 in order to lower that tax burden?

By Dave Roos

Americans didn't always pay income taxes. When did that start and what was behind the creation of the IRS?

By Dave Roos & Jane McGrath

While many Americans have seen their tax refunds go down under the new tax laws, we have some strategies to increase your tax refund.

By Dave Roos, Patrick J. Kiger & Denise Harrison

Taxpayers in the U.S. were accustomed to taking a personal deduction off their taxes for themselves and their dependents. But the tax reform laws have eliminated that. So, will their taxes go up or down?

By Dave Roos

The most sweeping tax overhaul in decades became law in December 2017. What should U.S. taxpayers do in 2018 to benefit from the tax code changes?

By Dave Roos

You've probably heard the phrase "tax deductions" a hundred times. But what does it mean? And how can you be sure you're taking all the tax deductions you're entitled to?

By John Barrymore

A repeal of the Johnson Amendment would go way beyond separation of church and state.

By John Donovan

Pago en Especie allows artists to meet tax obligations with a piece of art, and the government builds an impressive collection. Win-win!

By Chris Opfer

If you're all about taking money from rich people who don't want to cough up their dough, the Wealth Squad is where it's at.

By John Donovan

So-called sin taxes, excise taxes on things the government deems dangerous, can discourage bad behavior, but can they be too effective?

By Oisin Curran

Whether you pay taxes on eBay sales depends on whether this is a casual hobby or a serious money-maker for you.

By Gerlinda Grimes

You have a shop on Etsy, while your partner owns an online travel agency. Should you both have tax ID numbers?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Here's to you, conscientious citizen. Not only are your energy-efficient home improvements good for the ol' bank account, they're good for the environment, too. You deserve a reward -- or two or three. How do some tax breaks sound?

By Kate Kershner

Although you can't write off home improvements on your taxes, there are several ways you can get tax breaks for home renovations if you follow the guidelines.

By Dave Roos, Patrick J. Kiger & Kate Kershner

If there's anything certain in this world, it's that kids ask tons of questions. Sure, you may know what to say when they ask why dogs bark or why the sky is blue, but when your kids want to know about paying taxes, what should you tell them?

By Kate Kershner

Saving money is not the only reason to consider doing your taxes yourself. Sometimes, you are your own best accountant. Here's why.

By Alia Hoyt

The Health Care Tax Credit expired on Jan. 1, 2014, to make way for the Affordable Care Act. How many people did it help during its 2002-2013 lifetime? There were an awful lot of requirements to meet.

By Alison Cooper

You get two things when you donate to a charity: a feel-good moment and a tax deduction. And donations don't have to take the form of a cash or check. Property and goods and services count, too — sometimes.

By Alison Cooper

If you're not the organized type, your tax returns may be languishing in a forgotten file folder in a closet. But never fear — if you need one for a mortgage or loan application and can't find it, the IRS can help you out. Pretty easily, too.

By Alison Cooper

Nobody wants their business to operate at a loss. But come tax time, you might at least be able to get some help if your business is in the red.

By Susan Sherwood

Applying for a federal tax ID number couldn't be simpler. All you need is a computer, a telephone or access to a post office.

By Susan Sherwood

This might be the scariest phrase in the English language: tax audit. But not every missive you receive from the IRS is going to be bad news.

By Susan Sherwood

Losing your job is extremely tough financially, even with unemployment benefits. Don't get surprised come tax time.

By Susan Sherwood

Sometimes called the Fair Tax, a consumption-based tax is often touted as the answer to the country's tax problems. But could it work?

By Melissa Phipps