US Tax & Finance Guides
Plain English guides to US federal tax, retirement, self-employment and financial planning. Updated for 2025 IRS rates.
2025 Federal Tax Brackets: All Filing Statuses Explained
Complete guide to 2025 IRS federal income tax brackets for single, married filing jointly, married filing separately and head of household.
How Much Tax Do I Pay on a $75,000 Salary in 2025?
Complete breakdown of federal tax, Social Security and Medicare on a $75,000 salary. See your take-home pay monthly and bi-weekly.
Self-Employment Tax 2025: How Much Do Freelancers Pay?
How self-employment tax works, the 15.3% rate, Schedule SE, and strategies to reduce your SE tax bill as a freelancer or independent contractor.
401(k) Contribution Limits 2025: How Much Can You Save?
Current 401(k) contribution limits for 2025 including employee limits, catch-up contributions, employer matching and total contribution caps.
Capital Gains Tax Rates 2025: Short-Term vs Long-Term
Federal capital gains tax rates for 2025. How short-term and long-term rates differ, the 0% bracket, and strategies to minimize capital gains tax.
When to Claim Social Security: Age 62 vs 67 vs 70
How your Social Security benefit changes based on when you claim. The financial impact of claiming early at 62, at full retirement age, or waiting until 70.
Standard Deduction 2025: How Much Is It and Should You Itemize?
2025 standard deduction amounts for all filing statuses. When it makes sense to itemize deductions instead and what you can deduct.
12 Legal Ways to Reduce Your Taxable Income in 2025
Proven strategies to lower your federal tax bill legally. From 401(k) contributions to HSA accounts, deductions and credits that save thousands.
1099 Taxes Explained: What Independent Contractors Need to Know
How 1099 taxes work for independent contractors and freelancers. Self-employment tax, quarterly payments, deductions and how to file.
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which Is Better for You in 2025?
Compare Roth and Traditional IRA side by side. Contribution limits, tax treatment, income limits, and which one saves you more money.
Child Tax Credit 2025: How Much Do You Get and Who Qualifies?
Current child tax credit amount, eligibility rules, income phase-outs, and how to claim it on your 2025 tax return.
FICA Tax Explained: Social Security and Medicare Tax Rates 2025
What FICA tax is, how much you pay, the Social Security wage base, Medicare surtax, and how FICA differs from income tax.
How Much Tax on a $100,000 Salary? Complete 2025 Breakdown
Federal tax, FICA and state tax breakdown on a $100,000 salary. What you actually take home in every state.
States With No Income Tax 2025: The Complete List
All 9 US states with no state income tax. How much you save, other taxes to consider, and whether moving to a tax-free state is worth it.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes: Who Pays, How Much, and When
Complete guide to quarterly estimated tax payments. Who needs to pay, how to calculate, deadlines, and penalties for underpayment.
Mortgage Interest Deduction 2025: How It Works and How Much You Save
How to claim the mortgage interest deduction, limits on deductible interest, and whether it actually saves you money after the standard deduction.
Side Hustle Taxes: Do I Need to Pay Tax on Extra Income?
When you need to pay tax on side hustle income, how to report it, self-employment tax rules, and deductions you can claim.
Tax on $50,000 Salary: 2025 Federal and State Breakdown
How much federal tax, FICA and state tax you pay on a $50,000 salary. Monthly and bi-weekly take-home pay for every filing status.
How to Fill Out a W-4 Form in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to the W-4 form. How to fill it out correctly so you do not overwithhold or underwithhold federal income tax from your paycheck.
HSA Tax Benefits 2025: The Triple Tax Advantage Explained
How Health Savings Accounts work, contribution limits for 2025, the triple tax benefit, and why HSAs are one of the best tax-advantaged accounts.