Tax Tips Archive

Trim Taxes by Boosting
Retirement Savings

Max out your contributions while you can; limits won’t increase in 2010.

Review Your Year-End Tax Plans

Making the right moves now can save you plenty.

Tax Breaks for Heroes

Make all your tax credits and deductions count; you deserve them all and more.

Kids and Taxes

Don't miss these child-related tax breaks.

Tax Relief for Midwest Disaster Areas

If you lived in a federally declared disaster area in 2008, or helped someone who did, you may qualify for certain tax breaks.

Foreclosure and Your Tax Bill

You may qualify for tax relief. Here's how to get it.

Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed

Know what forms to file and what strategies will save you money.

Tax Breaks for Going Green

Certain hybrid cars and home improvements qualify for a tax credit.

Prepare to Prove Your Generosity

Any amount you claim as a charitable deduction on your 2008 tax return needs a paper trail.

Tax Breaks for Investors

You can carry over last year's losses to off-set taxes in years to come.

Unemployed But Not Untaxed

Don't be surprised at tax time; prepare for unemployment taxes.

Second Chance for a Tax Rebate

If you missed out on last year's tax rebate or did not receive the full amount because your income was too high, you may get another chance.

Tax Savings Without Itemizing

All taxpayers benefit from these above-the-line deductions.

Tax Credit for New Homebuyers May Get Better

The credit was originally designed as a loan one had to pay back. That may no longer be the case.

Don't Miss These Education Tax Breaks

College students in the Midwestern disaster area may qualify for additional benefits.

Dodging the AMT

Fewer taxpayers will be affected this year.

Tax Breaks for New Cars

Put yourself in new wheels and get a sales-tax deduction to boot.

Time for an IRA Distribution?

You must take a distribution this year, but you can skip it in 2009.

Home Foreclosures and Taxes

A temporary provision excludes forgiven mortgage debt from income taxes.

New Rules on Home-Sale Profits

Two groups of homeowners face new rules on tax-free profits when they sell their property.

Benefit Right Now from New Tax Credits

Don't wait for next year's refund. Change your deductions to boost your pay.

New Tax Breaks for Homeowners

Whether you are a first-time buyer or have lived in your house for years, don't overlook these new tax breaks.

Beware the AMT

Should you accelerate deductions to cut taxes? It depends -- you could end up with a bigger tax bill.

IRA Strategies for Market Declines

Shrunken IRA balances mean a smaller tax bill when you convert to a Roth IRA.

Understanding the Gift Tax

If you don't use your $12,000 annual exclusion by December 31, you lose it.

Why Your Kids Need a Roth IRA

Looking for the perfect gift for your children? Open a Roth for them, and start them on the road to retirement security.

Put Away Your Check Book

Instead, donate appreciated securities to your favorite charity.

Tax-free Capital Gains Are Here

Some taxpayers will pay no capital gains taxes on their 2008 returns.

New Kiddie Tax Rules for 2008

Rethink strategies for shifting income to family members in lower tax brackets.

Trim Taxes with Flex Accounts

Cut next year’s taxes by signing up for a flexible spending account today.

Don't Buy a Tax Bill

Time your year-end mutual fund purchases to avoid excess taxes through dividend distributions.

Winning With Losers

Unloading a losing investment before year-end will allow you to offset taxable gains or other income.

Max Out Your Retirement Savings

For most people, the best way to cut your tax bill today is to maximize your retirement savings for tomorrow.

Be Generous

Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.

Go Green But Don’t Rush

Planning to make energy-saving improvements to your home? Wait until 2009 and score a tax credit.

Rush to Close

If you are about to seal the deal on a new home, closing on your mortgage by December 31 could earn you a big deduction on your 2008 return.

Boost Your Sales Tax Deduction

If you deduct state sales taxes rather than income taxes on your federal return, buying a car can boost your deduction.

Need More Time?

You can push the deadline for filing your tax return back to October 15.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Forgetting to sign your tax form or writing the wrong Social Security number can create headaches.

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