Tax Documents Checklist

Are My Alimony Payments Tax Deductible or Taxable Income? A 2026 Guide

Alimony tax rules depend on when your divorce or separation agreement was finalized. This 2026 guide explains when alimony is deductible, when it must be reported as income, and how child support is treated differently.

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How to Verify Your Identity with the IRS: AGI, Self-Select PIN, and IP PIN

AGI or IP Pin for ID

The IRS requires identity verification before an e-filed tax return can be accepted, usually through your prior-year AGI, a Self-Select PIN, or an IRS-issued IP PIN. This guide explains what each option means, when to use it, and how to retrieve the information you need.

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Adopting a Child: What the Adoption Tax Credit Means to You, Updated for 2026

Itemizing versus Standard Deduction

The adoption tax credit can help offset qualified adoption expenses, including agency fees, court costs, attorney fees, travel, and lodging. This updated 2026 guide explains the credit amount, income limits, refundability rules, and how adoptive parents can claim it.

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How the 2018 Tax Reform Bill Simplified the Filing Process, and Where It Stands Today

The 2018 tax reform bill was designed to simplify filing by expanding the standard deduction and reducing the need for many taxpayers to itemize. This guide explains what changed, what became permanent, and how new 2026 tax rules may affect your return.

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The Affordable Care Act and Your Taxes: What to Know in 2026

ACA tax rules changed for 2026 after enhanced premium tax credits expired, affecting subsidy eligibility, repayments, and Marketplace coverage costs. This guide explains how the premium tax credit works, which forms you need, and what to know before filing.

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Trump Accounts: Tax Benefits and What Families Should Know

Trump Account tax benefits include tax-free investment growth until withdrawal and a one-time $1,000 federal deposit for eligible children. This guide explains who qualifies, how contributions work, and how Trump Accounts compare with 529 plans and Roth IRAs.

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How to File an Amended Tax Return: 2026 Update

How to Go About Filing an Amended Tax Return

You may need to file an amended tax return if your original return had a substantive error involving income, deductions, credits, filing status, or dependents. This guide explains when to use Form 1040-X, how long you have to amend, and what to expect after filing.

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The 2018 Tax Reform Bill (Known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”), Updated for 2026

The 2018 tax reform bill (known as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act")

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reshaped individual deductions, business income rules, estate taxes, and other major parts of the tax code. This updated 2026 guide explains where those provisions stand now after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

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How to File a Tax Extension: 2026 Guide

A tax extension gives you until October 15 to file your return, but it does not give you more time to pay taxes owed. This guide explains how to request an extension, avoid penalties, and understand the difference between personal and business deadlines.

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What You Need to Know About Electronic Tax Payments Since the IRS Is Phasing Out Paper Checks

The way the IRS handles tax refunds and payments is changing significantly. The federal government will stop sending paper checks for most federal payments, including tax refunds, by September 30, 2025. This change will affect millions of taxpayers who get their refund checks in the mail. Understanding this can help you prevent delays and make sure you get your refund as soon as possible. Why the IRS is Getting Rid of Paper Checks Under Executive Order 14247, “Modernizing Payments to and From America’s Bank Account,” the federal government is making this modification. The executive order says that federal agencies, like

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