Tax Planning

Thanks Mitt and Newt: A Dozen Tax Tips for the Rest of Us

Learn from two GOP candidates' tax returns.

9 Popular Tax Breaks You Can No Longer Count on in 2012

Lawmakers may have extended the payroll tax holiday for two months, but they let a number of tax breaks that might be dear to you expire.

8 Smart Estate Planning Steps to Die the Right Way

Excuse #1: You're not going to die.
Excuse #2: You've been too busy.
Excuse #3: You can't stand thinking about a future that doesn't include you.

Last-minute Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed and Moonlighters

Buy new office equipment before year-end to qualify for extra tax breaks.

Deadline Nears for Mandatory IRA Distributions

But you can direct up to $100,000 of your annual distribution to charity.

The Gift Tax: Use It or Lose It

Make people happy while you're still around to hear "thank you"...

How Taxes Work for Different Exchange-Traded Investments

The structure of each type of exchange-traded product determines how your earnings are taxed.

Winning With Losers

Unloading a losing investment before year-end will allow you to offset taxable gains or other income.

Tax Breaks for the Generous

Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.

Don't Buy a Tax Bill with a Mutual Fund

Time your year-end mutual fund purchases to avoid excess taxes.

Year-End Tax Moves for 2011

Grab these breaks while you can. Federal budget pressures could eliminate some of them.

Tax Rules for Home Sales

Here's what you need to know if you sell a house that a parent gave you while he or she was still living.

Trim Taxes by Boosting Retirement Savings

Max out your contributions while you can and prepare to save a bit more next year.

Prepare for the Retirement Tax Bite

When the time comes to tap your tax-deferred retirement accounts, Uncle Sam will be waiting for his share.

5 Alternative Ways to Give to Charity

You still can help your favorite cause even if you don't have deep pockets.

Tax Savvy Moves Retirees Should Make Before the New Year

Take these steps to trim your 2011 tax tab.

Penalty-Proof Your Tax Return

Adjust your tax withholding now to boost your take-home pay or to avoid underpayment penalties when you file your 2011 tax return.

How to Tap Your 401(k) or IRA Penalty-Free

There are exceptions to the rules that require you to keep money in retirement accounts until age 59½.

How the Gift Tax Works

Uncle Sam wants to know about your generosity if you give more than a certain amount.

Quick Fixes for Your Financial Tasks

You can tackle plenty of money matters in just a few minutes. Here's how.

A Tax Credit for Retirement Savers

Uncle Sam offers an incentive for lower-income taxpayers to contribute to retirement-savings plans.

2012 Retirement Account Contribution Limits

You'll be able to stash a little more in your 401(k), 403(b) or Thrift Savings Plan next year. And income limits to deduct IRA contributions will rise.