Tax news and advice - USATODAY.com
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Cat food and tanning oil? 6 crazy tax deductions the IRS approved
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Cat food and tanning oil? 6 crazy tax deductions the IRS approvedMany Americans get creative with deductions to reduce their tax bill. Here are six the IRS approved and four that didn’t pass the smell test. - Money
What was the average refund this tax season?
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What was the average refund this tax season?More Americans received a tax refund this year but the checks were smaller. The average refund was $2,725, down $55 from a year ago. - Columnist
8 ways to spring clean your finances
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8 ways to spring clean your financesYou’ve filed your taxes and now it’s time to make good on your promise to “spring clean” your finances. - Money
How to prepare for your taxes next year
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How to prepare for your taxes next yearIf you're not happy with your tax outcome this year, here are the steps to take to make sure next year isn't a repeat. - News
5 things to know on tax day
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5 things to know on tax dayIt's the last day to file your 2018 taxes before getting into hot water with the IRS. If you’ve procrastinated, here's what you need to know. - Money
5 things to know on tax day
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5 things to know on tax dayIt's the last day to file your 2018 taxes before getting into hot water with the IRS. If you’ve procrastinated, here's what you need to know. - Money
You cut a check to the IRS. What's it pay for?
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You cut a check to the IRS. What's it pay for?On Tax Day, you may be wondering where do all those hard-earned tax dollars go? Here's where. - Money
5 things to know on tax day
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5 things to know on tax dayIt's the last day to file your 2018 taxes before getting into hot water with the IRS. If you’ve procrastinated, here's what you need to know. - News
5 things to know on tax day
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5 things to know on tax dayIt's the last day to file your 2018 taxes before getting into hot water with the IRS. If you’ve procrastinated, here's what you need to know. - Money
Another tax complication is coming this year
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Another tax complication is coming this yearThe IRS is changing how you adjust your paycheck withholdings, and it won’t be easy. - Money
Where to mail your federal tax return
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Where to mail your federal tax returnThere’s no one IRS address. The one you use depends on where you’re filing from. Here’s where to send yours. - Money
Is it better to get no tax refunds at all?
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Is it better to get no tax refunds at all?Tax refunds can feel like winning the lottery but experts contend refunds are like giving a no-interest loan to the government. - Money
How to pay your tax bill
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How to pay your tax billIf you owe the federal government this tax season, you have several options to pay your tax bill, both now and later. Here's what to know. - Money
Gig worker? Here's why tax season will be harder
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Gig worker? Here's why tax season will be harderFewer gig workers get a tax refund and more owe money vs. traditional workers. That's because their income isn't withheld by employers all year. - Money
Cat food and tanning oil? 6 crazy tax deductions the IRS approved
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Cat food and tanning oil? 6 crazy tax deductions the IRS approvedMany Americans get creative with deductions to reduce their tax bill. Here are six the IRS approved and four that didn’t pass the smell test. - Money
Congress blocking IRS from making taxes easy
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Congress blocking IRS from making taxes easyFor-profit tax preparation industry wants to limit how much the IRS can do when it comes to creating a free electronic tax filing system. - Money
How do I file a tax extension for 2019?
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How do I file a tax extension for 2019?If you haven't filed yet and are feeling pressed for time, you may want to consider getting an extension. Here's how to get the extra time you need. - Money
Behind on taxes? Here's how to get an extension
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Behind on taxes? Here's how to get an extensionMost taxpayers have until April 15 to file their taxes. But you can file for a six-month extension if you need more time. - Columnist
Want to cut taxes? Make these smart investments
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Want to cut taxes? Make these smart investmentsThis time of year, it's natural to think of tax-shaving strategies. Various types of investments can help lower your bill. - Columnist
Your kids could be key to a bigger tax break
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Your kids could be key to a bigger tax breakThe tax overhaul cuts out the personal exemption and could hurt some families with children in high school or college. But tax credits can help. - Money
Tax refunds are top reason for confusion
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Tax refunds are top reason for confusionH&R Block is fielding a surge of questions this year both from its customer. One of the biggest reasons why? Unexpected changes in their tax refunds. - Money
Planning retirement? Here are errors to avoid
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Planning retirement? Here are errors to avoidRetirement planning mistakes, especially Social Security, 401(k) and IRA blunders, can be costly. Here are some errors that you can fix, thought. - Money
What to do if you owe taxes to the IRS
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What to do if you owe taxes to the IRSIf you owe the IRS money this tax season, you several ways to pay your tax bill, both now and later. Here's what to know. - Money
How to use bigger paycheck if you avoid tax refunds
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How to use bigger paycheck if you avoid tax refundsDo you want to forgo a tax refund next year by adjusting your withholdings? You need a plan for that extra money in each paycheck. - Columnist
How student debt can shrink or boost tax refunds
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How student debt can shrink or boost tax refundsThose who have defaulted on federal student loans may see tax refunds seized. Others get a break by deducting interest paid on student loans. - Money
Betting on March Madness? What to know for taxes
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Betting on March Madness? What to know for taxesMarch Madness means a lot of gambling, legal and behind the scenes. Here's how the basketball tournament intersects with tax rules. - Money
Looking for a tax break? Here are 5 strategies
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Looking for a tax break? Here are 5 strategiesHere are 5 key accounts that help lower tax burdens either now or during a life transition, financial experts say. - Money
Tax refunds are up for this group of filers
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Tax refunds are up for this group of filersThe tax refund story is mixed. Some are seeing bigger refunds, while homeowners in high tax states report paying taxes, instead of getting refunds. - Money
7 ways you could trigger an IRS tax audit
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7 ways you could trigger an IRS tax auditIf you get too generous with your calculations, you may need to back up your tax return. Here's what could trigger an IRS audit. - Local
7 ways you could trigger an IRS tax audit
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7 ways you could trigger an IRS tax auditIf you get too generous with your calculations, you may need to back up your tax return. Here's what could trigger an IRS audit. - News
7 ways you could trigger an IRS tax audit
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7 ways you could trigger an IRS tax auditIf you get too generous with your calculations, you may need to back up your tax return. Here's what could trigger an IRS audit. - Money
Tax fraud crackdown may snare you, too
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Tax fraud crackdown may snare you, tooWhile the IRS efforts to reduce tax refund fraud have been successful, legitimate taxpayers have been caught up in the process, delaying refunds. - Money
Tax refunds are now $4 larger so far
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Tax refunds are now $4 larger so farThe average tax refund issued so far rose to $3,008, up 0.1 percent from $3,004 at the same time last year. - Money
Watch for these 4 tax breaks. They could return
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Watch for these 4 tax breaks. They could returnJust ahead of the April 15 tax deadline, the future of key tax breaks that could boost your refund remains in limbo. - Money
What's your tax refund? They're bigger in 2019
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What's your tax refund? They're bigger in 2019The average 2019 tax refund issued so far rose to $3,068, up 0.7 percent from $3,036 at the same time last year. - Money
How long should I keep my tax returns?
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How long should I keep my tax returns?How long you should keep tax returns and supporting documents depends on your tax situation and when the audit period of limitations runs out.
