tax returns

How to Amend a Tax Return

If you're just now realizing that you missed out on a tax deduction or credit for 2012, don't worry: You can file an amended return for up to three years.

More Than 600,000 Tax Returns Delayed Due to Filing Errors

The IRS said 10%, or more than 600,000, of the 6.6 million returns claiming education credits it has received so far this tax season were improperly filed by tax software providers. As a result, those refunds could be delayed for as long as six weeks.

H&R Block Acknowledges Delays on Some Tax Returns

Last week, shares of H&R Block tumbled after the company reported disappointing earnings. Now the leading tax preparation company says it made a mistake in filing more than 600,000 tax forms this year. That may delay refunds for those customers by up to six weeks.

Picking the Right Tax Preparer (Hint: It's Probably Not Uncle Ed)

The tax code is incredibly complicated, and it changes often, so hiring a skilled pro to help you file your tax return can be a good investment. But even that isn't simple: There are many kinds of tax preparers. Here's how to find the one who's right for you.

Could Itemizing Save You on Taxes? Find Out

Though we all groan about having to pay taxes, the government is nice enough not to tax us on everything we earn. There are two big buckets of deductions the government gives us: The first are called "above the line," and the second are called "below the line," and those are what we'll cover here.

Doing Your Taxes: How to Decide Your Filing Status

If there is one thing to make sure you get right on your taxes, it’s your filing status. It can determine how much you pay in taxes, and it’s one of the things that will definitely land you in an audit if you get it wrong. Take a look at this handy flowchart.

Tax Law Changes You Need to Know About for 2013

Just because the IRS is left scrambling to catch up with the fiscal cliff tax regulations shouldn't stop you from preparing your income tax return. Here are some important changes to the tax code to help you get started.

Will Tax Refunds Go Out on Time? Late AMT Fix Has IRS Scrambling

The fiscal cliff compromise has been signed, clearing up a host of questions about taxes for the near future, and the year that just ended. But the long wait for answers left the IRS in limbo, and that may mean millions of refund checks will be delayed too.

Singer Lauryn Hill Faces Federal Tax Charges

Five-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill has been charged with failing to file income tax returns for several years with the IRS, the U.S. Attorney's office in New Jersey announced Thursday.

Rick Santorum: An Average Guy with Ordinary Taxes

Rick Santorum has rarely shied away from controversy in his political career, but there's no controversy to be found in his taxes. Based on his recently released returns, Santorum appears to have been a conscientious taxpayer, and a fairly normal (if a little wealthy) guy.

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.

Thanks, Mitt and Newt: 12 Tax Tips for the Rest of Us

While the pundits debated the vices and virtues of Mitt Romney's and Newt Gingrich's tax returns, the folks at Kiplinger were scouring them for ideas that could help you. Even if you'll never have a Swiss bank account or own complex foreign assets, these dozen moves could help you lower your IRS bill.

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.

Tax Season Scams: How to Avoid the Fake Refund Cons

Uncle Sam isn't the only one looking to collect from taxpayers this year: A rapidly growing number of Internet scammers are also using the guise of the IRS to siphon money out of consumers' pockets, security experts say.

Euthanasia Activist Grandma Gets Nailed by the IRS

After a plea deal in federal court last week, euthanasia device maker Sharlotte Hydorn, 92, is out of business. But it wasn't the fact that she helped people commit suicide that got her in trouble -- it was failing to pay income tax on the profits from selling the suicide kits.

The Child Care Tax Break Many Parents Overlook

Thanks to confusing and often misunderstood rules surrounding child-care tax breaks, the author has overpaid Uncle Sam to the tune of $1,000, missing out on $200 in tax savings each year for the past half-decade. Read on to avoid her mistake -- unless you enjoy filing mounds of amended returns.

Tax Deadline Looms: Advice for Last-Minute Filers

Americans get three extra days this year to file their income tax returns, but if you've put off doing your taxes, it's time to get organized -- and possibly to get help. Because if you owe Uncle Sam, even if you file for an extension, you'd better have his check in the mail by midnight Monday.

Ambac Sues U.S. Over $700 Million in Tax Returns

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.