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Tax guidance and resources

Looking for advice on lowering your federal or state taxes? You’ve come to the right place. Plus, get news and advice related to tax brackets, property taxes, estate taxes and more.

Explore tax basics

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Do I have to file taxes? Here’s how to figure out if you should file a tax return

Taxes
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Donation value guide: Calculate the value of your donated items for your taxes

Taxes
What is the long-term capital gains tax?

What is the long-term capital gains tax?

Investing
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Standard deduction vs. itemized deduction: Pros, cons and how to decide

Taxes

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What to know about the tax impacts of personal loans
A U.S. IRS Form 1040 tax return alongside a pen and calculator
Reviewing your 2022 taxes and wondering about your tax bracket? Bankrate can help.
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How much do Americans depend on their tax refunds? A lot, according to a new Bankrate survey.
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If you owe money to the IRS, you may want to consider taking out a personal loan.
Tax Form 1040 Filing on Office Desk
Reviewing your 2021 taxes and have questions about your tax bracket? Bankrate can help.
Tax Form 1040 For Year 2020
There are seven tax brackets for most ordinary income for the 2020 tax year: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%.
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For taxes due July 15, 2020, taxpayers fell into one of these brackets.
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For 2018, taxpayers fell into one of seven brackets.
Small-business owner doing inventory in his boutique.
The Section 179 deduction and bonus depreciation both let businesses write off expenses quickly. Here’s what you need to know.
Man sitting at home, at his laptop, working on his finances.
These 10 tax credits and deductions can help you trim your tax bill and, in some cases, even boost your refund.
A family removes items from their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina.
When disaster strikes, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. But the casualty loss deduction can offer much-needed financial relief.
Serious woman working on laptop.
In many cases, keeping tax records for three years is long enough, but there are a few exceptions.
A couple is deeply involved in their financial planning as they work together, using a laptop, and reviewing various documents.
The AMT, or alternative minimum tax, has its own set of tax rates and rules. Here’s how it works, how to calculate your bill, and the changes coming in 2026.
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With taxes, it can pay to keep things simple. These 5 tax deductions let you trim your tax bill without itemizing.
Illustration showing an envelope with the word unemployment on it starting to catch fire.
Your unemployment benefits generally are taxable at the federal level, but your state may or may not give you a tax break. Here’s what you should know.
Illustration showing a sign with different arrows pointing to single, head of household and married, sitting on top of a stack of tax forms.
Picking the best filing status for your situation — whether that’s single, head of household, married filing jointly or separately, or surviving spouse — can save you money at tax time.
Pennsylvania Welcomes You road sign at the state border.
A growing number of states are moving to a flat tax system to collect income taxes. That can be good news for taxpayers, but there are potential downsides.
The entrance to a Social Security office in Houston, Texas.
Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to permanently end taxes on Social Security benefits. High-income earners may not like it.
Hairdresser working on a client's hair in a salon.
New tax breaks on tip income and overtime pay go into effect this year. Event planners, hairdressers, handymen and Uber drivers are among those who qualify for no tax on tips.
Illustration of a clock with a post-it note on it that says "tax time!"
The Oct. 15 tax deadline is coming up fast for anyone who filed an extension. Here are 4 tips to help you get ready to file your tax return.
Mother picking up small daughter from school, embracing in front school building.
It’s back-to-school season, and expenses add up fast. These state and federal tax breaks can help.
Girl with braided hair writing in book while sitting at desk with students in classroom.
A new $1,700 tax credit will be available in 2027 for donations aimed at helping private school students.
Flower shop owner using digital tablet at counter.
The “big, beautiful bill” changed the reporting thresholds for 1099-Ks. Here’s what you should know if you get paid through Venmo, PayPal, Cash App or another payment app.
Illustration that shows a state highway sign with the words "income tax" and dollars floating in the sky around it.
Here are the 5 states with the highest income tax rates, and the 5 states with the lowest.