Tax Planning: U.S. - By Category

Find a Tax Preparer

Finding the right tax preparer for you can seem like a daunting challenge. Here are some easy guides to help you find a tax preparer who's right for you, plus helpful tips on working with your tax preparer, how to organize your tax documents, and how to protect yourself from unscrupulous preparers.

Lower Your Taxes

Learn about how the tax system works, discover the best tax strategies, and develop a solid plan for reducing your income taxes.

Tax Debts

Tax debt can be stressful to deal with. Here's some helpful tips on setting up payment plans, requesting affordable installment agreements, reducing your tax debts through an Offer in Compromise, or discharging your tax debts through bankruptcy.

File Your Own Taxes

Everything you need to know to prepare your federal tax return.

Tax Software & Books

Find tax preparation software and books that are right for you. Objective, unbiased reviews based on thorough product testing.

Capital Gains Tax Guide

Capital gains are the profits earned on an investment in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or collectibles. Find helpful tax laws in plain english for figuring your capital gain, calculating your tax, and minizing the capital gains tax.

Filing Status

Determining your filing status impacts the rest of your tax return. Tips for choosing your correct filing status.

Get Tax Help

Solve your IRS tax troubles with handy guides to surviving an audit, filing back taxes, taking advantage of state tax amnesty programs, and paying off your tax debts.

Claiming Dependents

Who's a dependent and who isn't? Find out now.

Deductions & Credits

Deductions lower your taxable income, and credits lower your taxes.

Business Taxes

Business taxation resources for C-corporations, S-corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, trusts, estates, and sole proprietors.

The Internal Revenue Service

Resources for contacting the Internal Revenue Service, finding information on the IRS Web site, and how to handle tax audits and owing taxes.

Retirement and Taxes

You can save for retirement using several tax-favored savings plans. And taxpayers already in retirement can reduce or eliminate their tax bill using time-tested planning strategies.

State Taxes

State and local governments require that people file tax returns, just like the federal government. Each state has its own rules for regarding income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes. Here's some helpful tips and resources about state and local taxes.