Tax Tips & Guides
Free guides to help you understand your taxes and keep more of your money.
For educational purposes only. These guides provide general tax information, not personalized advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
📚 Tax Basics
Start here if you're new to taxes or want to understand the fundamentals.
Tax Brackets Explained
How the 2025 federal tax brackets work and what rates apply to your income.
Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate
Why your tax bracket isn't the rate you actually pay—and how to calculate your real rate.
Filing Status Explained
Single, Married, Head of Household—which one should you choose and why it matters.
Standard vs Itemized Deductions
When to take the standard deduction vs itemizing—and how to decide.
💰 Deductions That Lower Your Taxable Income
Deductions reduce your taxable income, which means you pay taxes on a smaller amount.
Extra Deduction for Seniors & Blind
If you're 65+ or legally blind, you qualify for an additional standard deduction.
Student Loan Interest Deduction
Deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest—even if you don't itemize.
Traditional IRA Deduction
How contributing to a Traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income.
HSA Tax Benefits
The triple tax advantage of Health Savings Accounts.
401(k) Contributions
How 401(k) contributions lower your taxes now (Traditional) or later (Roth).
🎯 Tax Credits (Dollar-for-Dollar Savings)
Credits are even better than deductions—they reduce your tax bill directly, dollar for dollar.
Child Tax Credit
Up to $2,000 per child under 17. Learn the requirements and income limits.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable credit worth up to $7,830 for low-to-moderate income workers.
Education Tax Credits
American Opportunity Credit vs Lifetime Learning Credit—which is better for you?
Dependent Care Credit
Get a credit for childcare or dependent care expenses while you work.
📈 Investment & Capital Gains
How your investment profits are taxed and strategies to minimize the bite.
💼 Self-Employment & Freelancers
Special rules, deductions, and tax strategies for people who work for themselves.
Self-Employment Tax Explained
The 15.3% tax freelancers pay for Social Security and Medicare.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
When you need to pay quarterly and how to calculate your payments.
Safe Harbor Rules
How to avoid underpayment penalties using the safe harbor rules.
QBI Deduction (20% Pass-Through)
The Qualified Business Income deduction can save self-employed filers up to 20%.
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction
Deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums if you're self-employed.
SEP IRA for Self-Employed
Contribute up to $69,000 to a SEP IRA and reduce your taxable income.
🎯 Tax Guides by Industry
Specific tax guides for creators, freelancers, and gig workers.
YouTube Tax Guide
AdSense, sponsorships, Super Chat — how YouTuber income is taxed.
TikTok Tax Guide
Creator Fund, LIVE gifts, brand deals — TikTok creator taxes explained.
Influencer Tax Guide
Brand deals, affiliate income, and why gifted products are taxable.
Amazon Influencer Tax Guide
Storefront commissions, shoppable videos, bounties, and onsite earnings.
1099 Tax Guide
Independent contractor taxes — 1099-NEC vs 1099-K explained.
Freelancer Tax Guide
Deductions, quarterly payments, and retirement for freelancers.
Uber & Lyft Tax Guide
Rideshare driver taxes and the all-important mileage deduction.
Etsy Seller Tax Guide
Shop taxes including COGS, shipping, fees, and hobby vs business rules.
DoorDash Tax Guide
Delivery driver taxes, mileage tracking, and multi-app earnings.
Ready to Calculate Your Taxes?
Use our free calculators to estimate your tax liability.