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Tax Tips Archive
AMT, the Tax We Love to Hate
If you are vulnerable, tax-preparation software or a tax expert can steer you through the complicated calculations.
The Challenge of Deducting
Medical Expenses
Some married couples could boost their tax break by filing separate returns.
Take Credit for Your Kids
Each qualifying child could slash your tax bill by up to $1,000.
Tax Breaks for Job Hunters
You can exclude $2,400 of unemployed benefits from taxes — but it isn’t automatic.
Going Green Pays Off
Claim an energy tax credit for the home improvements you made last year.
Only Itemizers Can Deduct
Charitable Contributions
Totting up your noncash donations can significantly boost your tax break.
Tax Breaks Ease the Pain
Of Investment Losses
And capital-gains rates on winners are as low as 0% for some.
Tax Break for New Wheels
If you bought a new car or truck last year, you can claim a special deduction.
Fund an IRA, Cut Your Taxes
There’s still time to make a 2009 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.
New Credit, New Paperwork
If you don’t claim the Making Work Pay Credit on your tax return, you lose it.
Tracking Down a Lost W-2
Missing information can slow your tax-return preparation -- and your refund.
Tax Rules for Claiming Dependents
Got a boomerang kid at home? Put him to use reducing your tax liability.
When It Pays to Itemize
An expanded standard deduction will save you money, but itemizing could save your even more.
Which Tax Form to Use
Use the simplest form to meet your needs and avoid errors.
Who Needs to File a Tax Return?
Not everyone has to file a return, but some low-income workers, retirees and students should file to collect a refund.
Giving to Haiti?
There's a Tax Benefit, Too
Itemizers don’t have to wait until they file their 2010 returns, but some might want to.
Tax Breaks for Almost Everyone
You’ll find lots of new deductions, credits and expanded eligibility rules when you prepare your 2009 tax return.
Ready to File Your Taxes?
The Government Awaits
The IRS begins accepting e-filed tax returns for 2009 today. If you've got a refund due, hop to it.
Last Chance to Avoid
Underpayment Penalty
January 15 is the deadline for 2009 estimated tax payments.
Buy a Computer with College Money
You can tap a 529-saving plan to pay for hardware, software and Internet service.
Delaying a Tuition Payment Could
Put Money in Your Pocket
Timing is everything when it comes to college tax credits.
Charities: Give Stocks Instead
Put away your checkbook and give donate appreciated securities instead.
FAQs on the Death of the Estate Tax
Before you dance on the grave of the “death tax,” remember the immortal words of Mark Twain: The report of my death was an exaggeration. We expect the federal estate tax to be resurrected retroactively. But in the meantime, confusion will surely reign.
Adjust Strategies for Gift Giving in Light of the Revised Kiddie-Tax Rules
Focus on shifting income to grown children who qualify for tax-free capital gains.
Home-Sale Profit Rules for Widows
And Widowers
A sale by year-end could double the amount of profit that is tax-free.
Playing with Deductions?
Beware the AMT
Accelerate deductions to cut taxes? Sounds good, but it could backfire and create a bigger tax bill.
Don't Buy a Tax Bill
Time your year-end mutual fund purchases to avoid excess taxes.
Winning With Losers
Use last year’s losses to sop up the taxes on this year’s investment gains.
Tax Breaks for the Generous
Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.
Tax-Free Capital Gains Redux
Some will pay 0% capital-gains taxes on their 2009 profits.
Benefit from New Tax Credits Now
Don’t wait for next year’s refund. Change your withholding to boost your pay now.
A Year-End Gift for Home Buyers
No need to wait until tax-filing season to cash in on the home-buyer credit.
Check Your Withholding
This year’s payroll tax credit could leave you owing money next spring.
Why Your Kids Need a Roth IRA
It doesn't wrap very well, but putting your kids on the path to retirement security is a gift worth giving.
The Gift Tax: Use It or Lose It
Demystifying the process of being generous -- and tax wise.
To Tap or Not to Tap Your IRA
You can skip your distribution this year and save on taxes.
Clean Out Your Flex Account
If you have use-it-or-lose-it money disappearing on New Year’s Eve, it's time to spend, spend, spend.
It Pays to Go Green
The home-energy tax credit is better than ever.
Trim Taxes by Boosting
Retirement Savings
Max out your contributions while you can; limits won’t increase in 2010.
Tax Breaks for New Cars
Put yourself in new wheels and get a sales-tax deduction to boot.
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