Tax Guide: IRS, rules, laws, changes, help, tips, filing, refund - Tucson News Now

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Tips to make next year's taxes less stressful

Most of us approach taxes as something to put off thinking about until absolutely necessary. However, with a bit of forethought and preparation, you can make next year's taxes go much more smoothly.

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How to safeguard your tax returns from identity theft

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Identity thieves are sophisticated and may get your information despite your best efforts. That doesn't mean, however, that common sense precautions don't work.

Our favorite income tax apps for iPad

The big deadline to file your income taxes with the IRS is Tuesday, April 17. Though it's still a bit limited, the tax app selection for iPad is better than any other platform.

Does online tax software really save you money?

Both online tax software and tax professionals have their own set of advantages, but which one is actually better for your bottom line?

What does filing as head of household mean for your taxes?

In order to file as head of household, you must meet several requirements. Find out whether being head of household comes with any tax benefits.

Use your tax refund wisely

Eight smart ways to spend that bonus paycheck

Mortgage and home tax deductions

What federal tax deductions can you take for a mortgage and other home ownership expenses?

6 steps to take if you can't pay your taxes

If you owe money this year, and lack enough money in reserves to pay the entire debt, you can take many steps to stay on Uncle Sam's good side.

The new tax rules explained

Congress and President Obama may have avoided the fiscal cliff, but that does not mean taxpayers escaped tax increases.

IRS plans January 30th tax season opening for 1040 filers

Following the tax law changes made under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the IRSit plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30.

House joins Senate to OK bill that avoids fiscal cliff

The House of Representatives settled on an 11th-hour agreement that averted widespread tax increases and spending cuts that were set to kick in Jan. 1.

10 ways to use your tax refund to improve your finances

10 ways to use your income tax refund to get out of debt, build a brighter future.

Fiscal cliff: Mortgage deduction is safe for most

Should you be worried that Congress will take away your mortgage interest deduction as part of the "fiscal cliff" negotiations? For the great majority of homeowners, the answer is "no."

Tax Tip: Where's my refund?

Looking for your tax refund? The IRS has the answer for where it is, along with a host of other refund-related questions.

How to get an extension on your taxes

There are times that, no matter how hard you try, you just can't get your taxes filed on time. If that's the case, then you will need to file for an extension.

5 tax security strategies for small business

Tax time is prime time for cybercrooks, with all that financial data filed online. Here's how to protect your company's sensitive data.

Start preparing now for upcoming tax season

Leaving tax prep to a last-minute cram session could disrupt your business in the spring. To avoid a crunch, you should prepare for tax deadlines well in advance.

General tax & IRS informationGeneral tax & IRS informationMore>>
Mortgage and home tax deductions
Mortgage and home tax deductions
What federal tax deductions can you take for a mortgage and other home ownership expenses?
What federal tax deductions can you take for a mortgage and other home ownership expenses?
The new tax rules explained
The new tax rules explained
Congress and President Obama may have avoided the fiscal cliff, but that does not mean taxpayers escaped tax increases.
Congress and President Obama may have avoided the fiscal cliff, but that does not mean taxpayers escaped tax increases.
IRS plans January 30th tax season opening for 1040 filers
IRS plans January 30th tax season opening
Following the tax law changes made under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the IRSit plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30.
Following the tax law changes made under the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the IRSit plans to open the 2013 filing season and begin processing individual income tax returns on Jan. 30.
Tax Tip: Where's my refund?
Where's my tax refund?
Looking for your tax refund? The IRS has the answer for where it is, along with a host of other refund-related questions.
How to get an extension on your taxes
How to get an extension on your taxes
There are times that, no matter how hard you try, you just can't get your taxes filed on time. If that's the case, then you will need to file for an extension.
Eight important tax questions for hobbyists
Eight important tax questions for hobbyists
Hobbies, such as woodworking, stamp collecting and scrapbooking, are often done for pleasure, but can result in a profit, and there may be tax implications.
Understanding IRS guidance: A brief primer
Understanding IRS guidance: A brief primer
For anyone not familiar with the inner workings of tax administration, the array of IRS guidance may seem, well, a little puzzling at first glance. Here's some help.
Find your nearest IRS office
Find your nearest IRS office
Related tax links
Related tax links
Want more? Check out these additional links for more information.
Want more? Check out these additional links for more information.
Top Tax Return Mistakes
Top Tax Return Mistakes
A tip from the IRS... avoid these mistakes for a speedier return.
A tip from the IRS... avoid these mistakes for a speedier return.

Tax season cautionsTax season cautionsMore>>
Online scams that impersonate the IRS
Online scams that impersonate the IRS
Consumers should protect themselves against online identity theft and other scams that increase during and linger after the filing season.
13 tips everyone should know about identity theft
13 tips everyone should know about identity theft
Identity theft often starts when someone's personal information is stolen or lost. These are the IRS' top tips to help you avoid becoming the victim of an identity thief.
Taxpayers cautioned about bogus 'IRS' web sites
Taxpayers cautioned about bogus 'IRS' web sites
The Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to be wary of unofficial Web sites that may take on the appearance of the official government Web site at www.irs.gov.
5 tax security strategies for small business
5 tax security strategies for small business
Tax time is prime time for cybercrooks, with all that financial data filed online. Here's how to protect your company's sensitive data.
Be wary of anti-tax evasion schemes
Be wary of anti-tax evasion schemes
Since shortly after the federal income tax was enacted in 1913, some individuals and groups have encouraged others not to comply with the law. Here is how to rebuff their arguments.
Since shortly after the federal income tax was enacted in 1913, some individuals and groups have encouraged others not to comply with the law. Here is how to rebuff their arguments.
Uncle Sam wants you to help nab tax cheats
Uncle Sam wants you to help nab tax cheats
The IRS has outlined how informants can report violations of the tax law and possibly claim a reward based on what is owed by the tax cheat.
The IRS has outlined how informants can report violations of the tax law and possibly claim a reward based on what is owed by the tax cheat. (The rewards, by the way, may be taxable.)
IRS lists four more frivolous tax claims to avoid
IRS lists four more frivolous tax claims to avoid
The IRS has added four items to the list of frivolous tax claims. Taxpayers filing returns with frivolous claims face fines up to $5,000.
Understanding IRS guidance: A brief primer
Understanding IRS guidance: A brief primer
For anyone not familiar with the inner workings of tax administration, the array of IRS guidance may seem, well, a little puzzling at first glance. Here's some help.
More Tax Tips
Tax Tips Archive

File and pay onlineFile and pay onlineMore>>
e-file or Free File with the IRS
e-file or Free File with the IRS
e-file lets you easily file an accurate tax return or get an extension.
e-file lets you easily file an accurate tax return or get an extension.
e-file providers
e-file providers
Electronic payment options
Electronic payment options
The IRS' Frequently Asked Questions
The IRS' Frequently Asked Questions
The IRS has an extensive Frequently Asked Questions section to help you find the information you need.

Download tax formsMore>>
Federal tax forms & publications
Federal tax forms & publications
Print federal forms and other information.
Print federal forms and other information.
IRS offers free, comprehensive tax guide
IRS offers free, comprehensive tax guide
Are you facing a lot of questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place - Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.
Download Publication 17 (PDF)
Download Publication 17 (PDF)
Are you facing a lot of questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place - Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.
State tax forms
State tax forms
Find your nearest IRS office
Find your nearest IRS office

MoneyMore>>
What's on a consumer credit report?
What's on a consumer credit report?
While most people realize that their personal creditworthiness is tracked on something called a credit report, few know much about it or their scoring system.
While most people realize that their personal creditworthiness is tracked on something called a credit report, few know much about it or their scoring system.
3 super-cheap marketing tactics
3 super-cheap marketing tactics
The following strategies and tools can be a great starting point for cash-strapped CEOs looking to kickstart their marketing programs on the cheap.
The following strategies and tools can be a great starting point for cash-strapped CEOs looking to kickstart their marketing programs on the cheap.
Why you need a will
Why you need a will
Wills are not only for the wealthy or the old. Every adult should have one.
Wills are not only for the wealthy or the old. Every adult should have one.
6 things you think add value to your home - but really don't
6 things you think add value to your home - but really don't
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
7 ways Washington may affect small business this year
7 ways Washington may affect small business this year
Never mind about the IRS shenanigans. Here's what you should be watching in Washington.
Never mind about the IRS shenanigans. Here's what you should be watching in Washington.

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