A 1099 form is an IRS information return used to report income you received outside of wages, with multiple versions (like 1099-NEC and 1099-INT) for different income types. It helps the IRS match reported payments to your tax return and reduce underreporting. This article explains the purpose of 1099s, common types, and what to do […]
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What is a W-2 form?
A W-2 form (Wage and Tax Statement) reports your annual wages and the taxes withheld by your employer for the prior year. Employers generally must send it to employees by January 31. This article explains what information is on a W-2 and how it’s used for filing taxes. Understanding the W-2 Form The W-2 form, […]
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What is a tax deduction?
A tax deduction is an eligible expense you subtract from your income to reduce taxable income and potentially pay less tax. For example, deducting $10,000 from $50,000 means you’re taxed on $40,000, not $50,000. This article explains how tax deductions work and why they can lower your tax bill. A tax deduction is an expense […]
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What is a tax credit?
A tax credit reduces your taxes owed dollar-for-dollar, so a $1,000 credit cuts a $3,000 tax bill to $2,000. Unlike a deduction, it lowers the final tax you pay rather than your taxable income. This article explains how tax credits work, key differences from deductions, and common examples. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction […]
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What is a tax penalty?
A tax penalty is an IRS-added charge—often 0.5% per month for late payment or 5% per month for late filing—imposed when you miss tax deadlines or violate reporting rules. It’s added on top of the tax you owe and may also accrue interest until paid. This article explains common IRS penalties, how they’re calculated, and […]
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What is an installment agreement with the IRS?
An IRS installment agreement lets you pay federal tax debt over time through monthly payments—often up to 72 months for streamlined plans. It can help you avoid more aggressive collection actions if you stay current on payments and future filings, though penalties and interest typically continue to accrue. This article explains how IRS installment agreements […]
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What is innocent spouse relief?
Innocent spouse relief can release you from paying additional tax, interest, and penalties on a joint return caused by your spouse’s incorrect items. It applies when you didn’t know (and had no reason to know) about the understatement and it would be unfair to hold you liable. This article explains how it works, who qualifies, […]
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What is an IRS lien?
An IRS lien is a legal claim the government places on your property when you don’t pay federal tax debt after the IRS assesses it and sends a notice and demand for payment. It attaches to real estate, personal property, and financial assets, making it harder to sell or refinance until the debt is resolved. […]
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What is an offer in compromise?
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an IRS program that may allow you to settle federal tax debt for less than the full amount owed, based on your ability to pay. The IRS evaluates your income, expenses, assets, and overall “reasonable collection potential” to decide whether to accept the offer. This article explains how an […]
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What is a tax audit?
A tax audit is an IRS or state revenue agency review of your tax return to verify income, deductions, and credits, and it can result in no change, a refund, or additional tax owed. Audits may be triggered by discrepancies, unusual deductions, third-party reporting mismatches, or random selection, and they can be handled by mail […]
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What is tax evasion?
Tax evasion is the intentional, illegal act of avoiding taxes by underreporting income, inflating deductions, hiding assets, or failing to file required returns. It differs from tax avoidance, which uses lawful strategies to reduce tax liability, and can trigger civil penalties or criminal prosecution depending on the conduct and amount involved. This article explains what […]
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What is racial profiling?
Racial profiling is when police or other authorities target someone for stops, searches, questioning, or surveillance primarily because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than specific evidence. It can occur during traffic stops, airport screening, border enforcement, and everyday policing, and may violate constitutional and civil rights laws depending on the facts. This […]
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