Skip to content

Taxes

Taxes are the payments that federal, state, and local governments collect to fund public services. Individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits all deal with them. Congress and state and local lawmakers write the rules, and agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and state revenue departments collect the money, answer questions, and enforce the law.

63articles
5topics
October 9last updated

An independent team explaining how government works

GovFacts is a nonpartisan site that makes government concepts, policies and programs easier to understand and use.

Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.

The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »

All Articles on Taxes

Tax Advantages of 401(k)s

Navigating retirement savings can seem complex, but understanding the tools available is crucial for long-term financial security. The 401(k) plan is one of the…

38 Min Read

Maximizing Your IRA Contributions

Individual Retirement Arrangements, commonly known as IRAs, represent a cornerstone of personal retirement savings strategy in the United States. Established under federal law and…

46 Min Read

Tax Implications When Selling Your Home

Selling a home represents a significant financial milestone for many Americans. Beyond the emotional aspects, the sale involves substantial sums of money and carries…

55 Min Read

How to Get Your Tax Transcript

Need a record of your past tax returns? Getting one from the IRS is simpler than you might think. An IRS tax transcript is…

34 Min Read

Need More Time? Get a Tax Filing Extension

The annual tax deadline, typically April 15th, can approach quickly. Life happens, documents might be missing, or your tax situation could be complex. If…

40 Min Read

Quick Guide to Checking Your Tax Refund Status

Waiting for your tax refund can feel like a long process, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tools to help you track its…

18 Min Read

The Standard Deduction for Federal Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines the standard deduction as a specific dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which individuals are…

30 Min Read

Sources and Locations for IRS Tax Forms

Tax season requires gathering the necessary forms to file your taxes accurately and on time. Finding the right Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms doesn't…

14 Min Read

How to File Your Federal Taxes Online in 2025

Electronic filing has become the standard way Americans submit their federal tax returns. E-filing is faster, more accurate, and more convenient than paper filing,…

22 Min Read