Articles Index
Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
You must fill out Treasury Department Form 90-22.1 every year if you own, or have an interest in, any foreign bank accounts. I'll tell you what you need to know in order to fill out TD F 90-22.1 accurately and confidently.
Gathering Your Tax Documents
Before you prepare your own taxes, or visit your local tax preparer, gather all the documents you need to prepare a complete tax return.
Tax Form 1040 Essentials
Tips and resources for preparing the Form 1040 tax return.
Form 1040A
Tips for preparing your 1040A short form tax return accurately and completely from the About.com Guide to Tax Planning.
Federal Tax Forms
Find tax forms to prepare your personal income taxes. The most common tax forms are arranged in an easy-to-find format. From your About.com Guide to Tax Planning.
Personal Exemptions
Taxpayers are entitled to claim one personal exemption for themselves and each dependent.
Standard Deduction or Itemized Deductions
Make the most of your tax deductions. Take the larger of your standard deduction or your itemized deductions. Tips for figuring your tax liability.
Tax Payments
How to report various tax payments on your Form 1040 lines 64 through 71.
Refund or Amount You Owe
How to figure your tax refund or balance due on Form 1040 lines 72 through 76. Plus tips on getting your refund safely and quickly, or how to pay off your tax bill quickly over a few months.
Finishing Up Your Tax Return
After you finished calculating your 2004 taxes, use these easy-to-follow steps to finishup you return.
Self-Employment Tax
How to calculate your self-employment tax on Schedule SE using the short method or long method.
Unreported Tip Income and Additional Taxes
Instructions for preparing Form 4137 and Form 1040 Line 59. Plus strategies for protecting yourself against erroneous allocated tips, and what to expect from the IRS when you have allocated tips.
Other Taxes You May Owe
Other taxes you may owe include the self-employment tax, additional taxes on unreported tips, additional taxes on the early withdrawal of retirement funds, the advance earned income credit, and household employment taxes. Just like tax credits reward certain activities, additional taxes increase the cost of various activities. The most common additional taxes are for early withdrawal of retirement savings before age 59-1/2 and self-employment taxes for independent contractors and freelancers.
Tax Credits
Claiming tax credits is an important step in reducing your taxes. Find out about the tax credits you may qualify for.
Should I E-File or Paper File?
E-file is fast and safe, paper filing is low-key. Find out which is best for you, or if you are required to file on paper.
Ok, I chose to prepare my own taxes, what supplies do I need?
Start preparing your taxes with a handy checklist of things you need before you begin.
Should I Use an Accountant or Go It Alone?
Tax accountants offer convenience and expertise. Doing it yourself puts you in full control. Find out how to prepare your own taxes at the About.com Guide to US Tax Planning.
Income
How to report various types of income on your Form 1040.