The IRS will grant an automatic extension to anyone who asks. But you still have to estimate what you owe and send the money.
Because the IRS charges taxpayers a hefty fee to use plastic, it's usually not a good deal. If you don't have the cash, other options could cost you less.
A plain vanilla return is usually safer than one that stands out. But if you have deductions that are above average, it's OK to take them.
In your rush to get your return filed on time, watch for these pitfalls. Some can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Make sure you're getting all the deductions you should for your mortgage, charity efforts and work life. But don't raise any red flags.
Identity theft used to steal refunds again tops the list of the most common wrongdoings perpetrated against taxpayers.
Gains from stocks and mutual funds are taxed at a lower rate than regular income. But those aren't the only investments from which you can get the lower capital gains rate.
Working parents can save on their taxes through the child-care tax credit or by using a flexible spending account. Do the math to see which works better for you.
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