How to Structure a Portfolio for Tax Efficiency
As portfolios grow, account balances shift, and tax laws change, the optimal placement of individual assets changes too.
Taxes
Market Realist has the latest news and updates on taxes including income tax, property tax, and estate tax, and how to file.
Don’t Be Surprised if Your Tax Refund Feels Smaller This Year
Tax refunds were expected to jump up this year as a result of President Trump's tax cuts, but the refunds are smaller than many expected.
Your 2026 Tax Refund Could Be at Risk if You Default on Student Loans
Student loan borrowers in default are worried that they might not get a tax refund in 2026 if they still owe a balance on their loans.
TurboTax Actually Still Has a Free Edition — But It’s Very Limited
While TurboTax opted out of the Free File Program, which is a partnership between the IRS and tax preparers, it still offers a free filing service.
NY Tax Refund Typo Leaves Thousands With Reduced Refunds, or Owing More
A New York tax form typo cut refunds and led to surprise tax bills for over 50,000 filers in 2026. Find out who is impacted and what to do.
Tax Refund Checks Got Bigger in 2026, but There’s a Catch
Tax refund checks appear to be higher on average in 2026 than they were in 2025, but they are also lower than some projections.
How a Clinton-Era Tax Law Still Helps Business Owners Legally Eliminate Taxes
President Clinton's ESOP, or Employee Stock Ownership Plan, laid the groundwork for one of the most powerful tax strategies available to private business owners today.
Checks Are in the Mail for $141 Million TurboTax Settlement — Who Qualifies?
Checks are being mailed to taxpayers eligible to receive restitution in a $141 million TurboTax settlement. Are you a possible recipient? Find out!
Choosing a Tax Preparer: 15 Tips to Help You Hire the Best Tax Professional
The first thing you should do when choosing a tax preparer to file your taxes is check their credentials. Here's what else CPAs recommend.
Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion — Know the Difference, Avoid the Consequences
The key difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is legality. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, while tax evasion isn't. Learn more here.
The Inside Scoop on Tax Preparers' Salaries: How Much Do They Pocket?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average yearly salary of tax preparers is $51,080. But where do tax preparers make the most?
New EV Tax Credit Sparks Excitement Among Electric Car Enthusiasts
The new EV tax credit was part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden in 2022. It gives EV buyers up to $7,500 in tax credits.
Severance Pay and Taxes: What Employees Must Know to Avoid Financial Surprises
Severance pay is a compensation package some employers provide employees upon termination of employment. Is severance taxable income?
Surprised by Your Tax Bill? Why You're Paying More Taxes This Year
You may owe taxes this year because you received unemployment benefits, a bonus, or you no longer qualify for certain tax credits and deductions.
Take Control of Your Taxes: How to Set Up a Payment Plan With the IRS
If you can't pay your owed taxes all at once, you may be able to set up a monthly payment plan with the IRS. Get the details on how to set it up here.
Most States Allow You to Pay State Taxes Online — Follow These Simple Steps
We've unlocked the ultimate tax hack. You can pay your state taxes online. Follow these easy steps to pay your state taxes online.
Pay Taxes Like a Pro: The Best Credit Cards to Pay Your 2023 Tax Bill Revealed
Looking for the best credit cards to pay taxes with in 2023? Discover the top credit card picks that will help you pay smarter and save big!
Looking for a Tax Break? Tax-Free Savings Accounts Will Help You Save More Money
Nothing is certain but death and taxes. If you're looking to avoid paying taxes on a savings account, you need to consider a tax-advantage account.
Lost Your Tax Docs? You Can File Back Taxes Without Records
Taxes can feel intimidating, and might be even scarier if you're trying to file taxes without records. Here's how to file back taxes without records.
If You Accidentally File You Taxes Twice, These Consequences Will Follow
Someone who attempts to file taxes twice will receive an error code from the IRS, but no fine will be assessed. Here's what happens next.
If You Can't Afford to Pay Your Taxes, Here's What You Should Do
Surprised by the amount of money you owe in federal and state taxes? You aren't alone. Here's what to do if you can't afford to pay your taxes.
The IRS Accepted Your Tax Return — When Will You Get Your Refund?
If your tax return is accepted by the IRS, it means your return has passed initial inspection. But that doesn't mean your refund was approved yet.
You Can Pay Federal Taxes With a Credit Card, but There Are Some Drawbacks
You can pay your federal taxes with credit card, however, there are some drawbacks to doing so. Find out what these are and how to do it.
Here's What Happens If You Miss the Tax Filing Deadline by One Day
The IRS may impose penalties if you file your taxes a day late, but there are exceptions. The IRS also offers penalty waivers to some taxpayers.
What Is SUI Tax? An Easy Way to Understand State Unemployment Insurance
The money workers receive in unemployment benefits comes from the SUI tax and FUTA tax their employers pay. What is SUI tax? Let's get into it.
Fewer EVs Now Qualify for the Full EV Tax Credit — Shop Wisely
Which EVs qualify for the full EV tax credit? Not all EVs meet requirements for a $7,500 tax credit, but here are some that do. We've got the details.
These Tax Day Freebies and "1040" Deals Are a Sweet Treat
Check out the tax day freebies available near you. From BOGO deals to other discounts, these tax day specials take the sting out of filing taxes.
Don't Let These 15 Large Tax Deductions and Credits for 2023 Slip Away
The child tax credit and gambling loss deduction are only two of the many tax deductions and credits that can reduce your tax bill. What are some others?
How Far Back Will the IRS Go for Unfiled Taxes? You'd Be Surprised
The IRS can go as far back as it would like for unfiled tax returns. In some cases, a statute of limitations may be imposed. Learn more here.
Multiple Funeral Expenses Are Tax Deductible — Which Costs Can Be Written Off?
Funeral expenses can't be deducted on an individual taxpayer's return. However, when certain criteria is met, you may be able to deduct funeral costs.
Here's What Happens If You Get Audited and Don't Have Receipts
Sometimes people get audited during tax season, but no worries, it happens. But what happens if you don’t have receipts? Here's what we know.
What States Impose Sales Tax on Groceries? Here's What We Know
Food prices have skyrocketed in the last few years. Plus some states also impose a grocery tax. What states tax groceries? Here's what we know.
Maximizing Savings: How to Claim Summer Camp Expenses on Your Taxes
Summer break is almost here and while you may have already signed the kids up for summer camp, you may be wondering if summer camp is tax deductible.
What’s an “IRS TREAS 310” Tax Refund, and Why Did You Get One?
You may have noticed an "IRS TREAS 310" tax refund in your account. Here's what "IRS TREAS 310" means and why you received the deposit.
Venmo Transactions Are Taxed If They Meet a Certain Threshold
People using third-party payment processing services like Venmo may have to pay taxes on certain transactions. Get all the details here.
Did You Get a Deposit From TPG Products? Here's the Likely Reason
Some tax filers have reported seeing a deposit from TPG Products and want to know why this appeared. Here's what we know about the deposit.
Amish and Mennonite Communities Pay Certain Taxes but are Exempt From Others
Both the Amish and Mennonite communities pay their taxes just like every U.S. citizen. Here's all the info to debunk any tax myths.
What Is the 'Yankee Tax'? South Carolina Lawmakers Consider Newcomer Fees
What is the 'Yankee Tax' bill South Carolina lawmakers have proposed? What does it mean for people planning to move to the Palmetto State?
You Won a Lawsuit, but Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Settlements?
If you won a court case, you may wonder if you have to pay taxes on the settlement. Let's see if settlements are exempt from taxes.
15 Tax Day Memes Everyone (Even You) Can Totally Relate To
Tax season is here whether you like it or not. But don't fret. We've got 15 tax day memes even the most serious of people will find funny.
State Stimulus Payments Aren't Taxable in 17 States – Here's Which Ones
If you live in one of 17 states that doled out general welfare and disaster relief payments, do you have to pay income on your 2022 tax return?
If Your Income Is $40K, Here's How Much of a Tax Refund You Can Expect
The average tax refund for a $40,000 income may be less than you'd expect this year, thanks to several deductions ending. Here's what we know.
So, You're on Long-Term Disability — Is It Taxable?
Is long-term disability taxable? Payments received for disability may be taxable. We'll break it down for you. It's important to know what's taxable.
Are Personal Loans Tax Deductible? Everything You Need to Know
With tax season rapidly approaching, there are questions about how personal loans factor into the process. Are personal loans tax deductible?
What Is an Ad Valorem Tax? Let's See If It Applies to You
If you own property, you need to know what ad valorem tax is, and the difference between ad valorem tax and property tax. We've got answers for you.
What Are Back Taxes and What You Need to Know to Get Rid of Them
If you owe back taxes, you want to know how to pay and get rid of them, and whether they can be forgiven by the IRS. Read on for helpful answers.
Many Will Receive Smaller Tax Refunds in 2023 — Here Are the Top Reasons Why
Because many tax laws and credits reverted back to 2019 guidelines or were eliminated, taxpayers are likely to receive smaller tax refunds in 2023.
A 1031 Exchange Could Help You on Taxes — See If It's Right for You
What is a tax-deferred exchange? A 1031 exchange, as it's also called, enables real estate investors to defer taxes on a property sale.
What Is SDI Tax and Who Has to Pay It? Details on Short-Term Disability Program
What is SDI tax? The SDI tax, or State Disability Insurance tax, is what funds short-term disability programs. The SDI label is only used in California.
Many Workers Rely on Tips — Are Tips Taxable Income?
Are tips taxed? If you're a restaurant worker or someone who receives tips from customers, the IRS expects you to report that income.