tax advice

When you're dealing with the soulless bureaucracy that is the Internal Revenue Service, it helps to have a little extra "soul" on your side. And Anita Majors, the Singing Tax Lady, can provide it.

It's no secret that the IRS is ramping up the number of audits in an attempt to close the "tax gap." That's the term the IRS is using to account for the difference between the taxes it believes it should have collected and what it actually managed to collect. For 2001 (the last year for which data...

Tax-resolution scams are on the rise as unethical companies peddling tax-relief services prey on people who owe back taxes. Here's what you need to know before you sign up for any tax-resolution services. Even better, here's why you should avoid most such firms.

After a year's reprieve, if you are more than 70 1/2 in 2010, you have to ante up a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) and pay Uncle Sam his due.You'll also owe an RMD if you inherited a taxable IRA, no matter what your age. Last year, because even Uncle realized...

As Tax Day winds to a close and I came back from schlepping my check to the post office, I vowed that next year I'm going to be so organized that my taxes will be totally finished by the end of January and I won't owe a thing, because I will have calculated my obligation down to the penny in...

There's less than one month to go before April 15. In your rush to get in your tax returns, beware of phishing, hiding income, and going all crazy on your charitable deductions. If you're relying on a professional, check his credentials, as shady preparers can ring up huge tax bills for you. These...

For those who follow the Lunar calender, Feb. 14 ushered in the Year of the Tiger. That means 2010 will be a year of great social and personal upheaval. Get a handle on financial affairs, at least, by tackling your taxes now. WalletPop experts are on hand to answer your questions about Roth IRA...

Calculating taxes has become so complicated that it's not surprising many of us turn to professionals for help. According to the IRS' national tax advocate, more than 80% of individual taxpayers pay others to prepare their taxes. But that still means we have to get our paperwork together. With...

It's already December 1st! Time to trim the tree and start thinking about your taxes! Perfect timing, because today TurboTax launched TurboTax 2011 online and it's in retail stores as well. So, you're wondering what's new with TurboTax 2011? Here are just a few highlights: TurboTax 2011 now...

Ever met anyone who thought he didn't have to pay income taxes? Maybe he tried to argue taxes are unconstitutional and there are legitimate ways to avoid paying them. Don't believe it. Wesley Snipes believed it, and found himself in quite a bit of legal trouble. He's been acquitted of the most...