Filing your first tax return
Key dates, the forms you need, whether your parents can claim you, free ways to file, getting a refund, and state returns.
Got a letter from the IRS? What to do
How to read an IRS notice, meet the deadline, spot scams, set up a payment plan, and find help.
Side hustle taxes: what to set aside
What taxes apply to side income, self-employment tax, how much to set aside, quarterly estimated payments, record keeping and 1099 forms.
What you can write off as a small business or freelancer
The ordinary and necessary test, common deductions, home office rules, what isn’t deductible, keeping records, and avoiding bad advice.
How to fill out a W-4 at a new job
What the W-4 does, which steps to fill, when to use the IRS estimator, why not to claim exempt, and updating it later.
Why is my paycheck smaller than my salary?
Where your money goes: gross vs net pay, federal and state taxes, Social Security and Medicare, benefits, 401(k) and your W-4.
Someone stole your identity: what to do first
Freeze your credit, report to IdentityTheft.gov, close fake accounts, check your credit reports and protect your tax return.