If you are vulnerable, tax-preparation software or a tax expert can steer you through the complicated calculations.
Some married couples could boost their tax break by filing separate returns.
Each qualifying child could slash your tax bill by up to $1,000.
You can exclude $2,400 of unemployed benefits from taxes — but it isn’t automatic.
Claim an energy tax credit for the home improvements you made last year.
Totting up your noncash donations can significantly boost your tax break.
And capital-gains rates on winners are as low as 0% for some.
If you bought a new car or truck last year, you can claim a special deduction.
There’s still time to make a 2009 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.
If you don’t claim the Making Work Pay Credit on your tax return, you lose it.
Missing information can slow your tax-return preparation -- and your refund.
Got a boomerang kid at home? Put him to use reducing your tax liability.
An expanded standard deduction will save you money, but itemizing could save your even more.
Use the simplest form to meet your needs and avoid errors.
Not everyone has to file a return, but some low-income workers, retirees and students should file to collect a refund.
Itemizers don’t have to wait until they file their 2010 returns, but some might want to.
You’ll find lots of new deductions, credits and expanded eligibility rules when you prepare your 2009 tax return.
The IRS begins accepting e-filed tax returns for 2009 today. If you've got a refund due, hop to it.
January 15 is the deadline for 2009 estimated tax payments.
You can tap a 529-saving plan to pay for hardware, software and Internet service.
Timing is everything when it comes to college tax credits.
Put away your checkbook and give donate appreciated securities instead.
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.
Focus on shifting income to grown children who qualify for tax-free capital gains.
A sale by year-end could double the amount of profit that is tax-free.
Accelerate deductions to cut taxes? Sounds good, but it could backfire and create a bigger tax bill.
Time your year-end mutual fund purchases to avoid excess taxes.
Use last year’s losses to sop up the taxes on this year’s investment gains.
Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.
Some will pay 0% capital-gains taxes on their 2009 profits.
Don’t wait for next year’s refund. Change your withholding to boost your pay now.
No need to wait until tax-filing season to cash in on the home-buyer credit.
This year’s payroll tax credit could leave you owing money next spring.
It doesn't wrap very well, but putting your kids on the path to retirement security is a gift worth giving.
Demystifying the process of being generous -- and tax wise.
You can skip your distribution this year and save on taxes.
If you have use-it-or-lose-it money disappearing on New Year’s Eve, it's time to spend, spend, spend.
The home-energy tax credit is better than ever.
Max out your contributions while you can; limits won’t increase in 2010.
Put yourself in new wheels and get a sales-tax deduction to boot.