Practical tax questions, FAFSA and college planning, and the conversations behind the numbers. Explore the full articles below.
Tax Planning
Updated
Adjust Your W-4 Withholding: When and How
A second job, marriage, baby, or layoff can change your withholding. Learn when to update Form W-4, what each step does, and how to check your paystub.
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Backdoor Roth IRA: How It Works and the Pro Rata Rule
A backdoor Roth can create a tax bill when you have other IRAs. Understand the pro rata rule, Form 8606, and conversion timing before moving your money.
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Rental Property Deductions: What Landlords Can Deduct
Common rental property deductions, records to keep, and why repairs, improvements, depreciation, and passive losses need different treatment on your return.
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Business
Published
What Counts as a Business Expense on Schedule C?
A simple way to think about which costs belong on Schedule C, and which ones do not.
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S Corporation vs. Sole Proprietor: When Can the Switch Save Tax?
How an S corporation election changes the way your profit is taxed, and why it is not right for everyone.
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Quarterly Estimated Taxes: How to Figure Them and Pay Them
A plain-English guide to estimated payments for the self-employed, with a simple way to get close.
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Bookkeeping Habits That Make Tax Time Calm
Seven small habits that keep your records ready so tax time is quick, calm and accurate.
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What Records to Keep for a Home Office, a Vehicle and Equipment
A simple checklist of the records that back up your biggest self-employed deductions.
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FAFSA / College
Updated
FAFSA 101: How Your Student Aid Index Is Calculated
How the FAFSA uses your tax return, which year counts, what assets are reported, and what to ask the school about your Student Aid Index and aid offer.
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Are You Ready for College Costs? Start Five Years Out
Early college-cost planning gives families time to compare school prices, borrowing, savings, and the tax years behind the FAFSA before decisions are due.
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Roth or Traditional 401(k)? College Aid Considerations
Compare Roth and pretax 401(k) contributions before college. Learn how AGI, retirement add-backs, and school rules can affect your financial-aid review.
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Already in College? You Can Still Plan for Financial Aid
Freshman year does not lock in future aid. Review later FAFSA years, changed family circumstances, and transfer options before ruling out college planning.
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Talking to Your Teen About College Costs
College costs can strain family conversations. James Maguire shares lessons from tax work and explains how to put borrowing and family finances in context.
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When Your Child Has a Dream School You Cannot Afford
Keep a dream school and the family budget in the same conversation. Compare real costs, ask useful questions, and consider options before committing.
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Tax Planning and College Aid: What Changes the Picture
Tax deductions and college aid use different calculations. See what changes your FAFSA income, what does not, and why large headline aid promises mislead.
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Mariner tax questions
Updated
Mariner Taxes: State Income Tax and Unemployment
Review state income tax on qualifying mariner wages, separate unemployment claim rules, and the records to gather with a tax preparer who understands sailing.
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Older guides, kept for reference.
Prior-year reference: 2025 tax changes
This guide covers tax year 2025. For the following year, see what’s new for 2026.