The Taxes Guide
Plain-English answers to the tax questions people actually ask, organized by filing, deductions, paychecks, self-employment, and state and property tax.
33 guides · 5 related calculators
Filing and deadlines
2026 Federal Tax Brackets by Filing Status
The complete 2026 federal income tax brackets for single, married, and head of household filers. How marginal rates work, with examples showing your actual tax.
Do I Have to File Taxes in 2026? Income Rules
Do you need to file taxes in 2026? See income thresholds by filing status, self-employment rules, and how to file for free.
When Does Tax Season Start? 2026 IRS Filing Dates
IRS tax season 2026 starts late January and runs through April 15. Get key dates, what documents to gather, and when to expect your refund.
How Long to Keep Tax Returns: 2026 IRS Retention Guide
Keep tax returns 3 years minimum, 6 if you underreported income, forever for fraud. Complete IRS record-retention guide for 2026 by document type and situation.
What Happens If You Don't File Taxes? (2026)
Not filing taxes triggers a 5%/month penalty, interest, and IRS collection, and you forfeit any refund after 3 years. Here's the full picture.
Where's My Amended Return? IRS Status Guide
Where's my amended return? Check IRS status with the WMAR tool, understand 2026 processing times (8-20 weeks), what each status means, and how to fix delays.
Refunds, paychecks and withholding
Why Is My Tax Refund So Low? (2026)
A smaller tax refund usually means less was withheld, a credit shrank, or you earned more. Here are the common reasons, and why a small refund isn't always bad.
Why Did I Owe State Taxes This Year? (2026)
Owed state taxes instead of getting a refund? The usual causes are under-withholding, moving or working across states, side income, and changed deductions.
Why Is My Paycheck So Low? (2026)
Wondering why your paycheck is so low or taxed so much? Here are 8 common reasons, from withholding and FICA to pre-tax deductions, and how to fix them.
How Is My Bonus Taxed? (2026)
Bonuses are withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, but that's withholding, not your final tax. Learn the two methods and how to keep more of your bonus.
How to Read a Pay Stub: Every Line Explained (2026 Guide)
Complete 2026 pay stub guide, every section from gross to net pay explained: federal withholding, FICA, state tax, deductions, YTD totals, and abbreviations.
What Is FICA? Social Security & Medicare Explained
FICA is the federal payroll tax funding Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). Learn 2026 rates, wage caps, and what self-employed workers pay.
Is Overtime Taxed More? How Overtime Pay Is Really Taxed
Overtime is taxed at the same rate as regular pay. Learn why your overtime paycheck seems smaller and how to fix over-withholding.
Deductions and write-offs
What Is a Tax Write-Off? Deductions Explained
A tax write-off (deduction) reduces your taxable income, not your tax bill directly. Learn standard vs itemized vs business write-offs, with real examples.
Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible? (2026)
Medical expenses are deductible only above 7.5% of your income, and only if you itemize. See what counts, what doesn't, and the tax-free HSA/FSA alternative.
Is Mortgage Interest Tax Deductible? (2026)
Yes, mortgage interest is deductible if you itemize, on up to $750,000 of home loan debt. Learn who actually benefits in 2026 and why most filers no longer do.
Are HOA Fees Tax Deductible?
Are HOA fees tax deductible? Primary residence: NO. Rental property: YES (full deduction). Home office: partial. Full breakdown of HOA tax treatment in 2026.
Is a 529 Plan Tax Deductible?
Is a 529 plan tax deductible? Federal: no contribution deduction, but tax-free growth and withdrawals. State: 30+ offer a deduction or credit. Full 2026 rules.
Is Tithing Tax Deductible?
Is tithing tax deductible? YES, when given to a 501(c)(3) church. Up to 60% of AGI for cash gifts. Requires itemizing and documentation. Full 2026 rules.
Are Attorney Fees Tax Deductible?
Are attorney fees tax deductible? Most personal legal fees: no (since the TCJA). Business legal fees: yes. Discrimination/whistleblower: above-the-line.
Self-employment and business
Self-Employment Tax 2026: Rate & How to Reduce It
Understand the 15.3% self-employment tax, who pays it, how it's calculated, and 7 strategies to legally reduce it. Updated for 2026.
What Is Qualified Business Income (QBI)? (2026)
Qualified Business Income (QBI) lets pass-through business owners deduct up to 20% of profit. Learn who qualifies, the 2026 income limits, and the SSTB rules.
What Is a Tax ID Number? EIN, SSN, ITIN Explained (2026)
Learn what a tax ID number is, the difference between SSN, EIN, and ITIN, how to get an EIN for free, and how to find your existing EIN. Complete 2026 guide.
What Is a K-1 Tax Form? Complete 2026 Guide
Schedule K-1 reports your share of partnership, S-corp, or trust income. Learn what each box means, when you'll receive it, and how it affects your 1040.
Income terms and forms
What Is MAGI? Modified Adjusted Gross Income Explained
MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) sets eligibility for Roth IRA, ACA subsidies, and many tax credits. Learn what's added back and how to calculate it.
How to Find Net Income, Personal & Business Guide
Net income equals total revenue minus all expenses and taxes. Learn to calculate personal net income (take-home pay) and business net income, with examples.
W-4 vs W-2: What's the Difference?
W-4 vs W-2: the W-4 sets your tax withholding when hired; the W-2 reports the year's wages each January. Learn what each form does, with a full breakdown.
W-4 Allowances: What They Were and What Replaced Them (2026)
W-4 allowances no longer exist. Learn what they were, how many people claimed, why the IRS removed them in 2020, and what the current W-4 uses instead.
State and property tax
Does Texas Have State Income Tax? What Texans Pay in 2026
Texas has no state income tax, but Texans pay high sales and property taxes plus federal tax. See the full breakdown and your take-home impact.
What States Have No Sales Tax? Complete 2026 Guide
Five U.S. states have no sales tax: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska. See what they tax instead in 2026.
Property Tax by State: Complete 2026 Guide and Comparison
Compare property tax rates across all 50 states. See the highest and lowest property taxes, average bills, and how rates affect home affordability.
When Are Property Taxes Due? 2026 Schedule by State
Property tax due dates vary widely by state and county. Get the complete 2026 schedule, payment options, and penalty rules for every major US state.
Why Do Property Taxes Go Up? 6 Reasons Explained
Property taxes rise for 6 main reasons: home value gains, mill-rate hikes, lost exemptions, reassessments, new bond measures, and inflation. Learn each.