Understand US Taxes. File Your Return with Confidence.
Plain-English guides, real bracket math, and clear answers for US taxpayers.
I need help with my federal return
View all guides →Which form to file?
1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR — find yours
W-2 vs 1099
Employee vs contractor income explained
How to file a return
Step-by-step guide to filing Form 1040
Missed the deadline?
Extensions, penalties, and late filing options
Track your refund
Where's My Refund — step by step
Understanding 1040
Line-by-line breakdown of Form 1040
I am a...
View all guides →Salaried / W-2 Employee
Form 1040, W-2, withholding, credits
Freelancer / 1099 Contractor
Schedule C, self-employment tax, quarterly payments
Investor / Trader
Capital gains, Schedule D, wash-sale rules
Rental Income
Schedule E, depreciation, passive activity
Crypto / Foreign Income
Digital assets, FBAR, FATCA, FEIE
Reduce Your Tax Bill — Deductions & Credits
View all deductions →Standard
Flat deduction for most single filers and married couples
Up to $14,600 (Single 2024)
Mortgage
Deduct interest on home loans up to $750K
Up to $750K loan cap
Charitable
Cash and non-cash donations to qualified orgs
Up to 60% of AGI (cash)
Student Loan
Above-the-line deduction for student loan interest
Up to $2,500/year
HSA
Health Savings Account contributions are pre-tax
Up to $4,150 (Single 2024)
Tax-Advantaged Accounts You Should Know
View all accounts →401(k)
Employer-sponsored retirement savings plan
Pre-tax contributions, $23,000 limit (2024)
Roth IRA
After-tax retirement account with tax-free growth
Tax-free withdrawals in retirement, $7,000 limit
HSA
Health Savings Account for medical expenses
Triple tax advantage — contribute, grow, withdraw tax-free
529 College Savings
Tax-advantaged education savings plan
Tax-free growth for qualified education expenses
ABLE Account
Tax-advantaged savings for individuals with disabilities
Up to $18,000/year, does not affect federal benefits