tax returns

Let's face it: For many taxpayers, Tax Day is a major source of stress. Worries over whether you can file your return on time, pay what you owe and avoid an audit can rattle even the calmest of nerves and cause you to make a mistake. Mistakes on your tax return can cause a delay in processing your...

Every year about this time, taxpayers all over the country stare at piles of receipts, old tax returns and checkbooks and wonder: How long do I have to keep this stuff? The length of time you should keep your tax records depends on a number of factors, including the action, expense or event the...

So you know you have to file a federal income tax return. Once you get to the IRS website to file your return, though, things can get a bit confusing. There are so many choices for forms, it's hard to figure out which one to use. Here's a rundown of the federal income tax forms 1040 to help you...

With January nearly over and 1099s and W-2s arriving in the mail, it's time to get serious about those tax returns. Before you fire up the software or the mobile app or talk to your accountant, Kathy Pickering, executive director of H&R Block's Tax Institute, offers seven tips to help manage...

With Christmas trees up and holiday music playing 24/7, April 18 seems a world away. But it's never too early to start planning and getting your paperwork together for Income Tax time, say the experts. Besides making the most of your flexible spending account and taking advantage of changes with...

Filing your taxes doesn't have to break the bank. You can take advantage of a number of free filing and assistance options available this season: Paper Returns. If you're a taxpayer with a simple return -- or just a traditionalist at heart -- you can complete a paper return. Beginning in 2011,...

Ambac Financial Group, which Monday declared bankruptcy, is suing the U.S. for attempting to seize $700 million in tax refunds. The bond insurer warns that seizing the refunds could ruin its chances of reorganizing.

"Worried about an IRS audit? Avoid what's called a red flag. That's something the IRS always looks for. For example, say you have some money left in your bank account after paying taxes. That's a red flag." -- Jay Leno While Leno might not have it exactly right, he is on to something: The IRS...

It's about the time when employees start wondering where their W-2s and other tax items are. Your employer has until February 2 to get your W-2 into the mail to you, so you should have your forms by the end of next week. If you don't receive your W-2 by then, what do you do? There are some specific...

It's a common practice to recommend that taxpayers keep their tax filing information for three or seven years. A taxpayer has up to three years after the due date of a tax return to file an amended return if new information or corrections come about. The IRS also has three years after the due date...