Year-round tax planning strategies to minimize your tax burden legally.
Glen Secor's Nolo title is the one-book crash course on the tax side of running a small business — entity structure, retirement plans, and audit-proof records.
Michael Meyer EA's guide walks through the current IRS treatment of crypto — from basic cost basis and Form 8949 to staking, DeFi, NFTs, and the 2025 reporting changes.
Traditional 401k and IRA contributions reduce your taxable income now. Roth accounts grow tax-free. Here is how to use both for maximum tax savings.
Over 30 states offer income tax deductions for 529 plan contributions. Federal law allows tax-free withdrawals for education expenses. See what your state offers.
From maximizing retirement contributions to harvesting losses, these 12 legal strategies can significantly reduce what you owe the IRS.
Taxpayers earning over $250,000 face additional taxes including the NIIT, Additional Medicare Tax, and Pease limitations. These strategies help high earners legally minimize their tax burden.
Bunching donations, donor-advised funds, and qualified charitable distributions can maximize your tax benefit from charitable giving before December 31.
Cannot pay your full tax bill? The IRS offers installment agreements for balances under $50,000 with monthly payments. Learn how to apply and what interest rates to expect.
SECURE Act 2.0 raised the RMD age, created Roth employer matches, and added emergency savings provisions. Here are the changes that affect your retirement taxes in 2026.
The third quarterly estimated tax payment is due September 15. Here is how to recalculate your payments based on your actual year-to-date income.
Roth accounts, HSAs, municipal bonds, and life insurance are all sources of tax-free retirement income. Here is how to build a tax-efficient retirement plan.
Placing tax-inefficient investments in tax-advantaged accounts and tax-efficient ones in taxable accounts can save thousands annually. Learn the asset location strategy and implementation.
The safe harbor rule protects you from underpayment penalties if you pay 100% of last year tax liability or 90% of current year. Learn how to calculate and when each rule applies.
Unemployment benefits are taxable income. Severance, COBRA, and 401k rollovers also have tax implications. Here is how to navigate taxes after losing a job.
Non-spouse beneficiaries must empty inherited IRAs within 10 years under current rules. Annual RMDs may also apply. Understand the distribution requirements to avoid penalties.
Income too high for a direct Roth contribution? The backdoor Roth IRA lets high earners access tax-free growth. Here is the step-by-step process.
From retirement contributions to charitable giving, these year-end tax moves can save thousands. Most must be completed by December 31.
Self-employed workers and those with significant non-wage income must make quarterly estimated tax payments. Learn how to calculate your payments, due dates, and how to avoid penalties.
If you owe $1,000 or more in taxes, the IRS expects quarterly payments. Missing them triggers penalties. Here is the payment schedule and how to calculate.
Missed a quarterly estimated tax payment? The IRS charges interest-based penalties. Use our guide to calculate your penalty and learn strategies to minimize it.
The Roth conversion ladder lets early retirees access retirement funds penalty-free before age 59.5. Convert traditional IRA funds and wait five years for tax-free withdrawals.
The second quarterly estimated tax payment is due June 15. Here is how to calculate what you owe and avoid underpayment penalties from the IRS.
Pensions provide guaranteed income taxed as ordinary income. 401k plans offer contribution flexibility with tax-deferred growth. Compare how each affects your retirement taxes.
You have until April 15, 2027 to make HSA contributions for 2026. But contributing before December 31 gives you the full tax benefit this year.
The 2026 401k contribution limit lets you shelter significant income from taxes. If you have not maxed out, here is how to catch up before year end.
A new baby means new tax benefits including the Child Tax Credit, dependent care FSA, and potential filing status changes. Here is what new parents should know.
The IRS safe harbor rules let you avoid underpayment penalties by paying 100% of last year tax or 90% of this year tax. Here is how to use this to your advantage.
Converting traditional IRA funds to Roth during a low-income year can save significant taxes long-term. Here is how to evaluate if a conversion makes sense.
Traditional IRA contributions reduce your 2026 taxable income. You actually have until April 15, 2027, but contributing now ensures you do not forget.
Getting married changes your tax situation significantly. From filing status to withholding adjustments, here is what newlyweds need to know.
529 college savings plans offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for education expenses. Some states also give a deduction on contributions. Here is how they work.
High earners can still contribute to a Roth IRA using the backdoor strategy. Learn the exact steps, pro-rata rule pitfalls, and whether the mega backdoor Roth is right for you.
Donating appreciated stock, using donor-advised funds, and bunching charitable gifts can multiply your tax savings compared to cash donations. Learn the smartest ways to give.
December is your last chance to reduce your 2026 tax bill. This checklist covers retirement contributions, charitable giving, tax-loss harvesting, and other year-end moves that save money.
W-2 employees use withholding while self-employed workers make estimated payments. Mixing both income types creates complexity. Learn how to avoid underpayment penalties either way.
