A guide to your options
Tax credits & savings
A tax credit, a deduction, and a refund are not the same thing. These guides explain how to identify the tax year and records that matter, and where to get help preparing an accurate return.
Choose the question that fits
Where to begin
Find your next step
14 guidesIRS Denied Your EITC or Child Tax Credit? How to Answer the Notice
CP11 or CP12: 60 days to get the credit back just by asking. CP2000 or CP75: 30 days to answer with proof. Notice of deficiency: 90 days for Tax Court.
$6,000 Senior Deduction: Who Gets It and How the Phase-Out Works
65 by Dec. 31 with a valid SSN: $6,000 off taxable income for 2025-2028, minus 6% of MAGI over $75,000 ($150,000 joint). Claim it on Schedule 1-A.
Dependent Care FSA and Child Care Credit: Which Expenses?
Learn which care costs remain eligible for a tax credit after FSA benefits, how 2025 and 2026 differ, and how to reconcile them on Form 2441.
AOTC vs. Lifetime Learning Credit: Which Fits Your Costs?
Compare education tax credits, identify qualified expenses after scholarships, and check the 2026 SSN change before completing Form 8863.
Can't Pay Your Taxes? IRS Payment Plans and Hardship Help
Compare IRS payment plans with hardship relief, check online eligibility, and prepare a realistic request without confusing delay with tax forgiveness.
Child Tax Credit: How to Check and Claim the Credit
Check Child Tax Credit rules, distinguish the credit from its refundable portion, and prepare the dependent information and Schedule 8812 for your return.
Earned Income Tax Credit: Check Eligibility and Claim It
Check earned income, qualifying children, filing status, and tax-year limits before claiming the EITC, then use official IRS tools or free preparation help.
Free Tax Preparation: Find VITA, TCE, or IRS Free File
Find legitimate free tax preparation, check whether a local VITA or TCE site handles your return, and prepare the documents needed for an appointment.
Saver's Credit Ends in 2026: Saver's Match Starts in 2027
Compare the final 2026 retirement Saver's Credit with the 2027 Saver's Match: income tests, contribution deadlines, tax limits, and receiving-account preparation.
California Property Tax Postponement 2026: Senior Guide
California seniors 62+ can postpone property taxes in 2026. See the income limit, 5% interest, lien rules, and the Oct 1-Feb 10 deadline to apply.
Foster Youth Tax Credit: 2025 Rules for Filing in 2026
Check California FYTC age and foster-care rules for 2025. Claim Form 3514, choose a verification route, and follow up on a missing refund.
Young Child Tax Credit: 2025 Rules for Filing in 2026
Claim California YCTC for a child under 6 in 2025. Check the zero-income exception, Form 3514, free filing, and a missing or adjusted refund.
California Renters Credit 2026: Income Limits and How to Claim
California's renter's credit is $60 or $120. See the 2025 and 2026 income limits, who qualifies and how to claim it on Form 540 or 540 2EZ.
CalEITC in 2026: Claim the Credit for Tax Year 2025
Claim 2025 CalEITC on a California return filed in 2026. Check income, children and ITIN rules, free filing options, and refund follow-up.