Americans Better at Paying Credit-Card Debt on Time
The rate of decline for national credit card delinquencies in the first quarter fell 19 percent compared to the prior quarter.
income tax
The 10 Biggest Things Your Income Taxes Pay For
Now that tax season is over, it's natural to wonder exactly where the hard-earned dollars you paid in income tax over the past year actually went.
What Happens When You Don't File Your Taxes
What happens to Americans who either forget or flat out refuse to file their taxes?
5 Tax Credits You Can't Afford to Miss
By cutting your tax bill dollar-for-dollar, tax credits are a can't-miss way to pay less to the IRS. Here are five tax credits you need to know about.
The Pros and Cons of Getting a Tax Extension
Getting a six-month extension to file your taxes is easy to do and gives you some clear advantages if you're feeling crunched on time.
Court's Marriage Ruling Could Save Same-Sex Couples Big Money
If the Supreme Court overturns the federal Defense of Marriage Act, some married same-sex couples could save $8,000 or more in income tax.
The Early Tax Deadline You Can't Afford to Miss
For a select group of retirement savers, there's a deadline looming -- and missing it could cost you a huge amount of money.
Fewer U.S. Taxpayers Expecting Refunds This Year
Fewer Americans are expecting the financial boost of a tax refund this year, an American Express survey shows.
Looking for Your Tax Refund? So Are Scammers
Tax refund fraud has skyrocketed in recent years. Don't let scammers get their hands on your refund check. Here's how to protect yourself.
Tips to Help You Finish Your 2012 Tax Return Now
If you've been putting off the onerous task of finishing your tax returns, these tips for filing your 2012 return will help you breathe easier.
Happy 100th Birthday, Income Tax!
On Sunday, the 16th Amendment -- the one that laid the groundwork for a permanent federal income tax -- celebrated its 100th birthday. Needless to say, not everybody was lining up to celebrate. But perhaps they should have been.
Obamacare Taxes: How the Changes Will Impact Your Income
Obamacare, aka the Affordable Care Act, has created its share of controversy among both supporters and opponents. Expect the arguments to get even louder once taxpayers start having to pay for it. In just a couple of months, two tax increases tied to Obamacare will take effect.
Safety Net Success Stories: Four Former 47%-ers Speak Out
At some point in your life, were you a 47%-er? On the heels of a leaked videotape in which GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke harshly of those who pay no federal income tax, some now-successful Americans have been stepping up publicly to answer this question in the affirmative.
Fiscal Cliff: What Really Happens If We Go Over It
It's still unclear what lawmakers will do to address $7 trillion in looming tax increases and spending cuts. If they do nothing by Dec. 31, here's what will happen.
Pop Quiz! Who's Winning the Tax Game (and By How Much)?
To get a handle on our nation's economic problems, it helps to start with the facts. But not all of them are as obvious as you'd think, so we're compiling some of the most surprising for our readers. Think you know all the answers? Take our quiz and see.
These Little-Noticed Tax Hikes Are Raiding Your Wallet
In a tough economy, the last thing many people can afford is for the government to take more of their money. Yet at least in some places, recent tax increases have already taken a big bite out of taxpayers' wallets, and the worst may be yet to come.
How Thousands of Wealthy People Pay No Taxes (It's Totally Legal)
Debate all you like about whether the rich pay their fair share in taxes, but this is certain: Some high earners pay no taxes at all. A recent IRS study found that 35,000 U.S. taxpayers earning $200,000 or more paid no income tax in 2009. Curious how they pulled it off? Read on...
How Cuts to State Taxes Could Hit Voters in the Wallet
Several states are currently weighing plans to phase out state income tax; the aftermath of similar policies in other states suggests that these initiatives could carry a very high price for some of the country's poorest citizens.
10 Everyday Things You're Probably Paying Too Much For
Given the way capitalism works, we're all bound to overpay sometimes. The key is to avoid making it a habit. Here are 10 common things you're most likely paying too much for, and tips for keeping more of that cash in your pocket.
Can't Pay Your Taxes? 6 Tips for Filers Who Owe Too Much
What should you do if you owe the IRS a big bill on Tax Day but don't have the ability to pay it right now? Don't despair. Here are a few smart options that can help.
Why Facebook Is Paying These People's Tax Bills
When the Facebook IPO arrives, many of its employees are almost certain to hit it rich -- and they're getting an extra benefit no one would have expected: The company will pay the taxes on their stock profits. Crazy? Recent history says not. Here's why:
How State Taxes Put a Bigger Pinch on the Poor
True, 47% of Americans pay no federal income tax. But, as a recent study points out, when all the other taxes we pay are factored in, the poor often pay a far greater percentage of their income in taxes than the rich.
Don't Get Audited! The IRS's Dirty Dozen Red Flags
Even if you have nothing to hide, an IRS audit is no picnic. But have you ever wondered why some tax returns get intense scrutiny while most sail through the review process? Here are 12 red flags that could increase your chances of drawing unwanted IRS attention.
The 10 Worst States to Retire In: They're Frosty and Costly
TopRetirements.com has named the 10 worst states in which to retire based in factors such as taxes and climate. Every retirement is unique, but before you end up living out your golden years chilly and underfunded, check out this list.
Tax Refunds Are Shrinking -- and That's Good News
2011 wasn't a good year for those expecting big checks from the IRS. Not only were fewer refunds delivered, but the average refund was smaller. That's no surprise in this economy, but it's also a sign that Americans are getting smarter about how we handle our taxes.
GOP Candidates: Whose Tax Plan Is Best for You?
From Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan to Ron Paul's proposal to nix the income tax, the GOP presidential candidates have floated a range of ideas for jump-starting the U.S. economy. But will any of them jump-start your home's economics?
A Peek Inside the IRS's Suggestion Box
In the complicated, confusing, and confounding world of taxes, we citizens have a little-known ally within the IRS: the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, Nina Olson. Olson welcomes your thoughts via a suggestion box on tax reform. So far, she's received roughly 1,500 submissions, and she's still asking for more.
Free Money! Make Pretax Deductions Work for You
You can't clip coupons or bargain shop for many of your biggest household expenses -- but what if there was a way to get a discount? There is: You can often take pretax deductions from your paycheck and allocate it for basic expenses like child care, transportation and tuition.
