Tax guides
How US taxes work for 2026, with the real numbers behind each one. Read the guide, then run your own numbers in the calculator it links to.
How Federal Income Tax Works
Tax brackets, the standard deduction, and how your taxable income turns into a tax bill.
How State Income Tax Works
The three state tax models, plus a full state-by-state rate reference table.
Understanding Tax Brackets
Why you don't pay one flat rate on your whole income, walked through with real numbers.
FICA Explained: Social Security and Medicare Tax
The 6.2% and 1.45% payroll taxes taken from every paycheck, and who pays more.
What Is a W-4 and How Paycheck Withholding Works
Why withholding is an estimate, what the W-4 form controls, and what a refund really means.
401(k) Contributions and Your Taxes
Traditional vs. Roth contributions, 2026 limits, and how pre-tax savings lower your tax bill.
No Tax on Overtime Explained
What counts, the $12,500 cap, the income phase-out, and who qualifies from 2025 through 2028.
Self-Employment Tax Explained
The 15.3% tax on 1099 and freelance profit, the 92.35% rule, and the half you can deduct.
Capital Gains Tax Explained
Short-term vs. long-term, the 0%, 15% and 20% rates, and the home sale exclusion.
How Property Tax Works
Assessed value, mill levies, exemptions and escrow, with typical rates by state.