The president’s State of the Union address on January 24, 2012, contained several tax mentions:For tax “fairness”: A promise to enforce the so-called “Buffett rule” so that wealthy exec...

Republicans vying for the presidential nomination have released their tax returns showing their effective tax rates. The effective tax rate is the percentage of taxable income that was paid in taxes. ...

The IRS’s Free File program (www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html) for 2011 returns is now in full swing. If your adjusted gross income for 2011 was less than $57,000, you can choose from ...

Each year, the National Taxpayer Advocate is required to provide a report to Congress. The report identifies problems and issues and suggests ways in which they can be fixed. The report for 2011, whic...

If someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return in order to receive a tax refund, what can you do? The IRS now has a guide for taxpayers in this situation.Respond imme...

If you employ someone in your home, such as a housekeeper, nanny, or health care aide, your obligations do not end with paying wages. There are some important payroll tax responsibilities you are requ...

The IRS has been encouraging taxpayers to file their income tax returns electronically. This benefits both the government (it's cheaper than processing paper returns) and individuals (refunds are sent...

Certain payors are required to issue information returns to help you prepare your tax return. Here is a handy schedule of when to expect the information. If you fail to receive information you're expe...

Soon, you'll be focusing on your 2011 tax return. But before you do, start thinking ahead to 2012 so you can take advantage of opportunities for this year. Here are some of the changes to know so that...

529 plans are a way to save for higher education on a tax-advantaged basis. Every state offers its own plan; some states have more than one plan. Rules vary from state to state so it's wise to compare...

Fulbright Awards for teaching, lecturing, or research are taxable unless you can claim the foreign earned income exclusion. This exclusion ($92,900 in 2011) applies only if you are abroad for a certai...

No. The refund is a return of your own money that you used to pay taxes. However, if the refund includes interest, the interest is taxable....

No. Income limits for converting to a Roth IRA were permanently eliminated in 2010. However, income limits continue to apply for the purpose of making annual contributions to a Roth IRA....

Yes. The cost of making improvements to your home to accommodate a disability is a deductible medical expense. If you itemize deductions and medical costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, th...

It depends. The entire cost of nursing homes, convalescent homes, and similar facilities is deductible if confinement is primarily for the purpose of medical treatment. If the main reason is not medic...