Table of contents

10 topics, start to finish

Read them in order for a full picture, or jump to whichever question you have right now.

1. 01Why Taxes Exist and Who Collects ThemThree layers of government, three different sets of rules.5 min
2. 02Who Has to File — and Who Should AnywayNot filing and not owing are two different things.5 min
3. 03Filing Status and DependentsOne checkbox changes your brackets, your deduction, and your credits.5 min
4. 04The Forms You Will Actually SeeEvery form in your mailbox was also sent to the government.6 min
5. 05How a Return Is Built, Line by LineIncome in, adjustments out, deductions out, rates applied, credits and payments subtracted.6 min
6. 06Deadlines, Extensions, and Paying What You OweAn extension buys time to file, never time to pay.5 min
7. 07Records, Notices, and AuditsMost letters are a question, not an accusation.5 min
8. 08Getting Help — and Avoiding Bad HelpYou sign the return, so you own what is on it.4 min
9. 09Choosing the Right Accounting MethodWhen income counts can matter as much as how much it is.5 min
10. 10Ten Things to Do Before Year EndDecember 31 closes most of the doors.6 min