US federal tax basics
Plain-language help with filing, records and IRS letters
Research-based guides and free tools for US taxpayers with a job, side income or self-employment. General information, not tax advice.
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- 5 topics
- 3 tools
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1 to 2 hoursFreeDocuments Needed to File Taxes: A Checklist
15 minutes a monthFreeHow to Organize Tax Records All Year and How Long to Keep Them
About 1 hourFreeStandard Deduction vs Itemizing: How to Decide
A few hours at filing timeFree to $100Filing Taxes With Side Income and a Regular Job
About 1 hour per quarterFree to pay through the IRSQuarterly Estimated Taxes: How They Work and Who Pays
About 30 minutesFreeWhen to Change Your W-4 After a Raise or Job Change
1 to 3 hoursFreeGot an IRS Notice? What to Do Step by Step
A few hours to set upVariesOwe Taxes and Can't Pay in Full? Your IRS Options
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IRSTax Transcript or Return Copy: How to Clarify a Document Request
Tax FilingHow to Choose a US Tax Preparer: Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Tax Planning · FreeHow to Organize Tax Records All Year and How Long to Keep Them
Self-Employment · FreeSide Income Tax Deductions That Actually Matter
Self-Employment · FreeEstimated Tax Payments With Uneven or Seasonal Income
Self-Employment · Free to $100Filing Taxes With Side Income and a Regular Job
IRS · VariesOwe Taxes and Can't Pay in Full? Your IRS Options
Tax Planning · FreeWhen to Change Your W-4 After a Raise or Job Change
IRS · FreeGot an IRS Notice? What to Do Step by Step
Tax Planning · FreeHow to Adjust Your Withholding After a Big Tax Refund
Self-Employment · Free to pay through the IRSQuarterly Estimated Taxes: How They Work and Who Pays
Tax Filing · FreeDocuments Needed to File Taxes: A Checklist
Deductions · FreeStandard Deduction vs Itemizing: How to Decide
Tax Planning · FreeHow to Organize Tax Records All Year and How Long to Keep Them
Self-Employment · FreeSide Income Tax Deductions That Actually Matter
Self-Employment · FreeEstimated Tax Payments With Uneven or Seasonal Income
Self-Employment · Free to $100Filing Taxes With Side Income and a Regular Job
IRS · VariesOwe Taxes and Can't Pay in Full? Your IRS Options
Tax Planning · FreeWhen to Change Your W-4 After a Raise or Job Change
IRS · FreeGot an IRS Notice? What to Do Step by Step
Tax Planning · FreeHow to Adjust Your Withholding After a Big Tax Refund
Self-Employment · Free to pay through the IRSQuarterly Estimated Taxes: How They Work and Who Pays
Tax Filing · FreeDocuments Needed to File Taxes: A Checklist
Deductions · FreeStandard Deduction vs Itemizing: How to Decide
Tools you can use today
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Tax Records and Documents Checklist by SituationA tickable, printable checklist of tax documents to gather for employee, side income, self-employed, investment and homeowner situations. No amounts.Printable Side-Income Record Log (Date, Source, Amount, Expenses)A printable table for recording side income by date, source, amount received and related expenses, so your records support what you report on your return.Estimated Tax Set-Aside Worksheet (Per-Payment and Monthly)Type in an expected annual tax amount from a professional or the IRS worksheet and split it into equal payments and a monthly set-aside. No rates built in.
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