Tax Prep & Filing

Tax-Saving Secrets

New deductions and credits can slash your 2009 tax bill.

Financial Spring Cleaning

Time to get rid of the clutter and possibly make -- or save -- money while doing so.

Watch Out for Tax-Refund Scams

Don't let identity thieves trick you into divulging personal information.

A Tax Win for Downsizing Firms

Laid off workers also gain in a stunning district court decision.

Tax-Relief Hype

"Pennies on the dollar" pitches usually aren't worth a nickel.

How to Track the Status of Your Refund

You rushed to file your return so you could get a refund quickly. Here's how to find out when you'll get your money.

Deductible Versus Nondeductible IRA Contributions

The type of contribution you make affects your tax bill when you withdraw the money or convert the account to a Roth.

How to Hire a Tax Pro

Follow these steps to find the right person to prepare your return.

Ask the Editors: Real-Life Taxes Questions and Guidance

Kiplinger editors provide answers to readers' real-life questions about taxes.

Fund an IRA, Cut Your Taxes

There�s still time to make a 2009 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.

New Credit, New Paperwork

If you don�t claim the Making Work Pay Credit on your tax return, you lose it.

Tracking Down a Lost W-2

Missing information can slow your tax-return preparation -- and your refund.

When It Pays to Itemize

An expanded standard deduction will save you money, but itemizing could save your even more.

When There's No 1099 to be Had

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges.

Still Waiting for Tax Documents to Arrive?

Follow these steps if you haven't received your W-2, 1099 or other tax documents yet -- or if the statements you got had mistakes.

Who Needs to File a Tax Return?

Not everyone has to file a return, but some low-income workers, retirees and students should file to collect a refund.

The Tax Man Cracks Down

Uncle Sam is desperate for cash and taking an especially close look at the biggest fish.

Beware Refund-Anticipation Loans

There are other ways to get cash fast without the high interest rates and fees.

Unmuddying the Property Tax Deduction

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges.

How to Find a Good Tax Adviser

Here's how to make sure that the person preparing your return is legitimate.

Tax Breaks for Almost Everyone

You�ll find lots of new deductions, credits and expanded eligibility rules when you prepare your 2009 tax return.

Ready to File Your Taxes?
The Government Awaits

The IRS begins accepting e-filed tax returns for 2009 today. If you've got a refund due, hop to it.

Create a Digital Archive of Tax Documents

Eliminate the boxes of paper records by following these steps.

A Head Start on Your Taxes

Getting organized is the key to filing an accurate tax return.

The Kiplinger Taxopedia:
What's Deductible?

From property taxes to student-loan interest to child-care expenses, find all your tax deductions in our encyclopedias that have been crammed with the information you need to file your tax return ... and hold your tax bill to the legal minimum.

Business Expense Tax Deductions

Last Chance to Avoid
Underpayment Penalty

January 15 is the deadline for 2009 estimated tax payments.

How to Adjust Your Withholding

Fatten your paycheck now. Uncle Sam will take a smaller tax bite each month and still owe you in the spring.

Benefit from New Tax Credits Now

Don�t wait for next year�s refund. Change your withholding to boost your pay now.

The Alternative Minimum Tax Trap

How you could be a victim, too.

Most Popular Kiplinger Guidance of 2009

Don't fall behind. Prosper from Kiplinger's most valuable guidance of 2009, as measured by the number of your fellow readers already benefiting from it all.