Search or filter the library below. Every entry explains who qualifies, roughly what it's worth, and what records to keep.
For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,750 (single) or $31,500 (married filing jointly). Itemize only if mortgage interest, SALT (capped at $10,000), and charitable gifts add up to more.
Worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with a refundable portion. Phases out gradually above $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married) in modified AGI.
Self-employed filers can use the simplified method ($5/sq ft, up to 300 sq ft) or the regular method based on actual expenses and the percentage of the home used exclusively for business.
Deduct business driving using the IRS standard mileage rate, or track actual vehicle costs. A simple mileage log with date, purpose and odometer readings is your best evidence.
A refundable credit for low-to-moderate income workers, with the amount scaling by income and number of qualifying children. Often overlooked by first-time filers.
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income dollar-for-dollar, up to the annual IRS limit. A useful lever late in the year if you're close to a bracket edge.
Head of Household status offers a larger standard deduction and wider brackets than Single for unmarried filers who cover more than half the cost of a home for a qualifying dependent.
Deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest paid during the year, even if you don't itemize — subject to income phase-out limits.
Health Savings Account contributions are pre-tax, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free — available with a high-deductible health plan.
The American Opportunity Credit covers up to $2,500 per student for the first four years of college; the Lifetime Learning Credit applies more broadly at a lower rate.
Form 4868 buys six extra months to file — not to pay. Estimate and pay what you owe by the April deadline to avoid late-payment penalties and interest.
Owners of pass-through businesses — sole proprietorships, partnerships, S-corps — may deduct up to 20% of qualified business income, subject to income and industry limits.
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JAN – JUN
Adjust W-4 withholding, confirm retirement contribution rates, and start a mileage or expense log.
JUL – OCT
Project income, estimate whether you'll itemize, and consider tax-loss harvesting in taxable accounts.
NOV – DEC
Max out retirement contributions, bunch charitable gifts, and confirm HSA/FSA balances before year-end.