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

A number of tax breaks that might be dear to you have expired.

A Tax Tip that Could Save Your Life. Really!

Are you rushing to file your 2011 taxes? Be careful.

IRS Offers "Fresh Start" for Unemployed

A new tax break for those in need.

Payback Time for New-Home-Buyer Tax Credit -- or Maybe Not

If you "flipped" a house for profit, the government would like its money back.

Live Chat with Kevin McCormally: Tax Filing Tips

I'll be online Thursday, March 1 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm ET to answer your questions.

7 Tips for Filing Your 2011 Taxes

Every filing year's a little different. Let us help you pinpoint savings.

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

Learn from two GOP candidates' tax returns.

Congress Returns to Battle Over Payroll Tax Cut

We expect that Congress will extend the payroll tax cut, which is set to expire at the end of February, through the end of 2012. But what if it doesn't? How much would gridlock cost you every payday?

Charities: Give Stocks Instead

Put away your checkbook and donate appreciated securities instead.

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"...

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.

Empty Your Flexible Spending Account

Cut next year’s taxes by signing up for a flexible spending account today.

Last Chance for Home Energy Tax Credit

Go green and earn some green before year-end.

Don't Buy a Tax Bill with a Mutual Fund

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

Trim Taxes by Boosting Retirement Savings

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

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.

AMT, the Tax We Love to Hate

Millions of taxpayers will be snared by the alternative minimum tax in 2011. Find out if you’re one of them -- and what to do about it.

Hurricane Damage? You Might Qualify for Tax Breaks

When insurance is tapped out -- or not there -- Uncle Sam offers help to those hit by storms.

How Your Tax Dollars Are Spent

A new taxpayer receipt tool shows you where your money is going.

Government Shutdown Would Delay Tax Refunds

Another reason to fix your withholding.

IRS Eases Tax Debt Policies

But the IRS Taxpayer Advocate says new tax-lien leniency doesn't go far enough.

Ways to Check on Your Tax Refund

What's Taxable, What's Not

Not everything you got is fair game for the tax man.

Tax Breaks for College Expenses

You may qualify for a tax credit or deduction to ease the pain of paying for college—or paying back your student loan.

What to Do if You Can't Pay Your Taxes?

File your return on time anyway to minimize the penalties.

Tax-Free Capital Gains for Some

Taxpayers in the two lowest brackets will pay no tax on their 2010 capital gains.

Taxes When Mom or Dad Depends on You

Even modest retirement income can thwart your attempt to claim a parent as a dependent.

Going Green Pays Off

Claim an energy tax credit for the home improvements you made last year.

Fund an IRA, Cut Your Taxes

There’s still time to make a 2010 IRA contribution and lower your tax bill.

Take Credit for Your Kids

Each qualifying child could slash your tax bill by up to $1,000.

Tax Breaks for Boomerang Kids

Claiming an adult child as a dependent -- or deducting his or her health expenses -- can cut your tax bill.

The Challenge of Deducting
Medical Expenses

Some married couples could boost their tax break by filing separate returns.

Ready, Set, File: The IRS Awaits

Attention all itemizers: The IRS is ready to receive your 2010 tax return.

Time to Consider E-Filing Taxes

Printed tax forms are no longer mailed to taxpayers.

Tracking Down a Lost W-2

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

Which Tax Form to Use

Use the simplest form to meet your needs and avoid errors.

Only Itemizers Can Deduct Charitable Contributions

Totting up your noncash donations can significantly boost your tax break.

Lock In Your Payroll Tax Cut

If you don’t claim the Making Work Pay Credit on your tax return, you lose it.

When It Pays to Itemize

Wealthier taxpayers win big on 2010 tax returns with unlimited itemized deductions.

Congress' Delay Will Delay Tax Refunds, Too

For the millions of Americans who itemize deductions, that refund check may come later this spring.

Tax Deal: What's In It for You?

Your tax rates won’t go up next year and for most, a bigger paycheck.

Last-Minute Tax Savings for 2010

Act now to capture expiring tax breaks and beat year-end deadlines.

Fewer Alternative Minimum Tax Victims Expected for 2010

If Congress approves a compromise tax deal, more than 20 million Americans will avoid being snared by the stealth tax.

Cash In on Expiring Tax Breaks for Education Savings

Buy a computer or pay private K-through-12 tuition with pretax money while you still can.

Rush to Close on Mortgages and Refinancing

Closing on your mortgage or refinancing an existing loan by December 31 could earn you a big deduction on your 2010 return.

Deadline Nears for Spreading Tax on Roth Conversion

If you want to take advantage of a one-time option to spread your tax bill over two years, you must convert to a Roth IRA by year-end.

What Will Congress Do to Your Taxes?

Last-minute action -- or inaction -- may affect your year-end tax moves.

Did 'The Boss' Trump The Ben?

George Steinbrenner’s death may seem untimely to family and friends (and Yankee fans), but it may be extremely timely when it comes to the federal estate tax.

More Time to Qualify for the Home Buyer Credit

Congress has extended the deadline for closing the deal on home purchases made by April 30.

A Second Chance at Tax Savings

You've got about three years to amend your return, so go back and make sure you got everything you deserve.

Easing the Tax-Filing Crunch

An extension gives you more time to compile your tax records -- but you still have to pay what you owe.

FAQs on the Death of the Estate Tax

If Congress continues to do nothing about the federal estate tax, the levy will be back with a vengeance in 2011.

You Can’t Hide From the IRS

But some unemployed taxpayers may catch a break under the IRS’s new, more flexible program to settle tax debts for less than owed.

Tax Breaks Ease the Pain
Of Investment Losses

And capital-gains rates on winners are as low as 0% for some.

Tax Break for New Wheels

If you bought a new car or truck last year, you can claim a special deduction.

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.

Giving to Haiti?
There's a Tax Benefit, Too

Itemizers don’t have to wait until they file their 2010 returns, but some might want to.

Last Chance to Avoid
Underpayment Penalty

January 15 is the deadline for 2009 estimated tax payments.

Buy a Computer with College Money

You can tap a 529-saving plan to pay for hardware, software and Internet service.

Delaying a Tuition Payment Could
Put Money in Your Pocket

Timing is everything when it comes to college tax credits.

Adjust Strategies for Gift Giving in Light of the Revised Kiddie-Tax Rules

Focus on shifting income to grown children who qualify for tax-free capital gains.

Home-Sale Profit Rules for Widows
And Widowers

A sale by year-end could double the amount of profit that is tax-free.

Benefit from New Tax Credits Now

Don’t wait for next year’s refund. Change your withholding to boost your pay now.

A Year-End Gift for Home Buyers

No need to wait until tax-filing season to cash in on the home-buyer credit.

Why Your Kids Need a Roth IRA

It doesn't wrap very well, but putting your kids on the path to retirement security is a gift worth giving.

Tax Breaks for New Cars

Put yourself in new wheels and get a sales-tax deduction to boot.

Review Your Year-End Tax Plans

Making the right moves now can save you plenty.

Buy a Computer with College Money

A new tax break lets you tap 529-plan savings.

Tax Breaks for Heroes

Make all your tax credits and deductions count; you deserve them all and more.

Kids and Taxes

Don't miss these child-related tax breaks.

Tax Relief for Midwest Disaster Areas

If you lived in a federally declared disaster area in 2008, or helped someone who did, you may qualify for certain tax breaks.

Foreclosure and Your Tax Bill

You may qualify for tax relief. Here's how to get it.

Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed

Know what forms to file and what strategies will save you money.

Tax Breaks for Going Green

Certain hybrid cars and home improvements qualify for a tax credit.

Prepare to Prove Your Generosity

Any amount you claim as a charitable deduction on your 2008 tax return needs a paper trail.

Tax Breaks for Investors

You can carry over last year's losses to off-set taxes in years to come.

Unemployed But Not Untaxed

Don't be surprised at tax time; prepare for unemployment taxes.

Second Chance for a Tax Rebate

If you missed out on last year's tax rebate or did not receive the full amount because your income was too high, you may get another chance.

Tax Savings Without Itemizing

All taxpayers benefit from these above-the-line deductions.

Tax Credit for New Homebuyers May Get Better

The credit was originally designed as a loan one had to pay back. That may no longer be the case.

Don't Miss These Education Tax Breaks

College students in the Midwestern disaster area may qualify for additional benefits.

Dodging the AMT

Fewer taxpayers will be affected this year.

Inflation Adjustments Could Cut Your Tax Bill

Cash In on Tax Credits for Hybrid Cars

The right new car will save you money on gasoline and taxes.

Time for an IRA Distribution?

You must take a distribution this year, but you can skip it in 2009.

Home Foreclosures and Taxes

A temporary provision excludes forgiven mortgage debt from income taxes.

New Rules on Home-Sale Profits

Two groups of homeowners face new rules on tax-free profits when they sell their property.

Benefit Right Now from New Tax Credits

Don't wait for next year's refund. Change your deductions to boost your pay.

New Tax Breaks for Homeowners

Whether you are a first-time buyer or have lived in your house for years, don't overlook these new tax breaks.

Beware the AMT

Should you accelerate deductions to cut taxes? It depends -- you could end up with a bigger tax bill.

IRA Strategies for Market Declines

Shrunken IRA balances mean a smaller tax bill when you convert to a Roth IRA.

Understanding the Gift Tax

If you don't use your $12,000 annual exclusion by December 31, you lose it.

Why Your Kids Need a Roth IRA

Looking for the perfect gift for your children? Open a Roth for them, and start them on the road to retirement security.

Put Away Your Check Book

Instead, donate appreciated securities to your favorite charity.

Tax-free Capital Gains Are Here

Some taxpayers will pay no capital gains taxes on their 2008 returns.

New Kiddie Tax Rules for 2008

Rethink strategies for shifting income to family members in lower tax brackets.

Trim Taxes with Flex Accounts

Cut next year’s taxes by signing up for a flexible spending account today.

Don't Buy a Tax Bill

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

Winning With Losers

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

Max Out Your Retirement Savings

For most people, the best way to cut your tax bill today is to maximize your retirement savings for tomorrow.

Be Generous

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

Go Green But Don’t Rush

Planning to make energy-saving improvements to your home? Wait until 2009 and score a tax credit.

Rush to Close

If you are about to seal the deal on a new home, closing on your mortgage by December 31 could earn you a big deduction on your 2008 return.

Boost Your Sales Tax Deduction

If you deduct state sales taxes rather than income taxes on your federal return, buying a car can boost your deduction.

Need More Time?

You can push the deadline for filing your tax return back to October 15.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Forgetting to sign your tax form or writing the wrong Social Security number can create headaches.

Procrastination Doesn't Pay

Waiting until the last minute to file your tax return won't lower your odds of being audited.

Reporting Capital Gains

Make sure you take all the necessary steps when adding up your capital gains so you don't overpay.

The IRS Installment Plan

The government's plan is a good option if you can't pay what you owe with your 2007 return.

Paying the Piper

If you owe the IRS, there are several ways to settle your bill.

Don't Overpay Social Security Tax

Too much money might have been withheld from your pay if you had more than one job and your combined income exceeded $97,500.

Quick Home Sales Not Always Taxable

You might not have to share with the IRS part of the profit on the sale of a home you lived in less than two years.

When to Report a Home Sale

You might not have to let Uncle Sam know that you sold your house.

Take Home-Office Deductions

Don't let fear of an audit prevent you from writing off legitimate expenses you paid for a business in your house.

Caught by the AMT

No one wants to fall prey to the alternative minimum tax, but this silly attempt to sidestep it could actually cost you more money.

Writing off Worthless Stock

You can deduct a loss on a worthless security without selling it.

Too Rich for a 401(k)?

If you are a highly compensated employee and your employer returned some of the money you contributed to a 401(k), you'll have to report that as income on your tax return.

Don't Be Modest About Generosity

If you donated your time to a charitable organization, don't overlook deductions for out-of-pocket expenses you paid while volunteering.

Taxing Social Security Benefits

Don't pay tax on one dime more of your Social Security benefits than you have to.

Savings for Non-Itemizers

Taking the standard deduction saves you money as well as time.

Don't Worry About an Audit

Few taxpayers face the scrutiny of the IRS.

Savings for Serial Refinancers

Usually, you can write-off un-deducted mortgage points on a refinancing in the year the loan is paid off with a subsequent refinancing.

Does Your Child Owe Taxes?

Whether your son or daughter has to file a tax return depends on income, not age.

Angel of Death Tax Break

If you inherit property, you usually don't have to pay taxes on any of the profit earned in the hands of the previous owner.

A Break for Teen Workers

If you earned money from an after-school or summer job, you can open an IRA -- maybe you can convince your parents to come up with the cash.

An Offer You Can Refuse

Although parents are sometimes allowed to report their child's income on their tax return, they might find they'll pay more to do so.

A Special Deduction

Don't miss this easily overlooked deduction: estate taxes paid on an inherited traditional IRA.