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By the Numbers 2018

The new tax year started off with a bang. We finally got, regardless of whether we wanted it, some major changes to the tax code.

Numbers via 123BFNow comes the fun part, deciphering all the changes, determining what impact they'll have on our taxes and figuring out what we can do to ease any adverse effects.

That's going to take a while, especially since we still have to file our 2017 tax returns using, for the most part, the old tax laws.

All this means that we're going to be awash in lots and lots of tax-related numbers.

The good thing about all these figures, though, is that they provide plenty of fodder for the 2018 version of By the Numbers.

This is the eighth year 2017 for this numerical tradition here at the ol' blog.

And in keeping with the numeric posts of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, I'll select a new figure.

The figures will range from tax rate percentages to dollar amounts to titles of tax legislation to raw numbers and much, much more. Basically, I'll choose any and every thing that has even a remote tax connection to be featured.

Again as in past years, I'll try to get the relevant figures up each weekend. But sometimes stuff happens, meaning the number goes up early or, more usually, late.

Regardless of the timing, you can always find a link to the new number on the ol' blog's home page under the multicolored numbers box (pictured on this page, too!), as well as on this special page. The newest post each week will go at the top of the list.

So welcome 2018. Let's get to counting!

  • W-4
    IRS issues new W-4 for 2019 tax year withholding (Dec. 30, 2018)
  • 800,000
    Tax and financial lessons from the government shutdown (Dec. 23, 2018)
  • 200,000
    Tesla buyers' tax break will be reduced in 2019 — if the federal tax credit is continued (Dec. 16, 2018)
  • 10
    10 unusual but allowable FSA expenditures (Dec. 9, 2018)
  • 1,660
    IRS opens an Instagram account (Dec. 2, 2018)
  • 92 percent
    IRS warns of email tax transcript scam containing malware (Nov. 25, 2018)
  • 2019
    2019 income tax rates and brackets adjusted for inflation (Nov. 15, 2018)
  • Nov. 11
    Remembering, on 11-11 and always, our veterans' sacrifices (Nov. 11, 2018)
  • 1 hour
    Celebrating standard tax deductions as we turn our clocks back to Standard Time (Nov. 4, 2018)
  • 11 percent
    Tax cuts + Trump ≠ midterm positives for GOP (Oct. 28, 2018)
  • 10 
    States that are tax lucky for lottery winners
    (Oct. 21, 2018)
  • 3
    Some Hurricane Florence and Michael taxpayers get more time to file Oct. 15 tax extensions (Oct. 14, 2018)
  • 16
    Few reports of private tax debt collection abuses, but IRS watchdog suggests improved oversight (Oct. 7, 2018)
  • 6
    Delusional tax protester deemed competent to face tax evasion sentencing (Sept. 30, 2018)
  • Sept. 28
    Hiding taxable money offshore? You've got until Sept. 28 to come clean via IRS' 'amnesty' program (Sept. 23, 2018)
  • 64-33
    Charles Rettig is approved as new IRS Commissioner (Sept. 16, 2018)
  • 44.4 percent
    GOP law means 75 million won't owe any 2018 income tax (Sept. 9, 2018)
  • 700
    Taxpayer Advocate argues for revised tax-related passport revocation process (Sept. 2, 2018)
  • 1 
    China considers tax break to encourage larger families (Aug. 26, 2018) 
  • Proposition 13
    California's property tax limits benefit real estate heirs (Aug. 19, 2018) 
  • $1,598,798,442
    Amazon's total tax breaks so far are nearly $1.6 billion (Aug. 12, 2018)
  • 8 
    8 cool tax moves to make during summer's last blast (Aug. 5, 2018)
  • 4.1 percent
    4.1% GDP is tied to tax cuts and tariffs (July 29, 2018)
  • $1,750 and $2,400 and $3,200
    Some combat-injured vets due tax refunds topping $3,000 (July 22, 2018) 
  • 5
    National Ice Cream Day is even better in the 5 states without a sales tax (July 15, 2018) 
  • 89 percent 
    Paying taxes is patriotic, say poll respondents (July 6, 2018)
  • 50 percent
    IRS commissioner nominee finally appears before Senate panel, but Trump property questions remain (July 1, 2018)
  • 34 percent
    Public support of GOP's new tax law has slipped (June 24, 2018)
  • 72 million
    5 tax tips for dads on Father's Day 2018 (June 17, 2018) 
  • 0.49 percent
    Auto tariffs could cost low-income earners tax cut money (June 10, 2018)
  • $1 billion 
    SCOTUS to decide billions in e-sales tax collections (June 3, 2018)
  • 40 percent
    Beer excise taxes across the United States (May 27, 2018) 
  • 41.7 cents
    California gas tax is target of ballot measure repeal effort (May 20, 2018)
  • 43.5 million
    3 Mother's Day tax gifts (May 11, 2018)
  • Line 20 Schedule A
    No federal tax help for Volcano Kilauea damage…yet (May 06, 2018) 
  • May 4
    W&M members demand IRS explain Tax Day system failure (April 29, 2018)
  • April 19
    How did you celebrate Tax Freedom Day on April 19 (April 21, 2018)
  • 17
    17 last-minute tax filing tips (April 15, 2018)
  • 40 percent
    Cardi B speaks, colorfully, for all of us about taxes (April 8, 2018)
  • 52 percent
    GOP tax cuts aren't showing up yet in most paychecks (March 31, 2018)
  • $1.3 trillion
    A look at some tax provisions in the FY18 spending bill (March 24, 2018)
  • 31 
    SCOTUS' online sales tax ruling might not be the final word (March 18, 2018) 
  • 1 hour
    DST and tax-deductible donations can help save wildlife (March 11, 2018) 
  • 20 percent
    Oscars' box-office bump helps increase tax revenue, too (March 4, 2018)
  • $29 billion 
    Buffett's Berkshire gets $29 billion boost from GOP tax bill (Feb. 25, 2018)
  • 10
    Know, and make sure IRS follows, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (Feb. 17, 2018)
  • 2,200
    IRS criminal agents had another good year (Feb. 11, 2018)
  • $207.16
    Hungry for some football watching food? Your Super Bowl party budget better include party snack taxes (Feb. 3, 2018)
  • Article 37
    Former Patriots QB could be big Super Bowl LII tax winner (Jan. 28, 2018)
  • $51,001
    Shutdown won't halt passports, but big IRS bill could (Jan. 21, 2018)
  • $7.4 million
    Pharma Bro's Nazi code breaking Enigma machine auctioned to pay New York tax bill
     (Jan. 14, 2018)
  • $211 million
    Mega Millions winner gets tax lucky, but professional gamblers lose a bit under new tax law (Jan. 6, 2018)
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Today's Tax Tip

  • IRS paying billions in late refund interest — If you're waiting for your IRS refund, there's not much that can help ease your frustration. But if Uncle Sam takes more than 45 days, you could at least get a bit of interest added to your delayed tax cash. So far, the agency has paid $3.3 billion in such interest amounts. And the amount could grow, since on July 1 the quarterly adjustment to the interest rate goes up a percentage point. (May 20, 2022)

  • Tax Tip; click pencil for all tax tip links

  • The 2022 Tax Tips offer ways to file your annual return, along with post-filing advice, important tax news and, of course, ways to cut your current tax year bill. You'll find the monthly assemblages on their own respective pages: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Remember, tax tasks and tips don't stop after you file your annual return!

COVID-19 & Taxes

  • COVID-19
    Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
    on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
    These three Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
    March-July 2020,
    August-December 2020,
    January-December 2021, and
    January-… 2022
    You can find medical coronavirus resource links further down this column.

All About Kay

  • OK, some about Kay
    Open sign
    Kay Bell — Native Texan (the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.

My Other Accounts

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Tick ... Tick ... Tick

  • Tax Season 2022 continues!

    Tax Day 2022 is finally over … unless you're one of the millions who have more time to file — looking at you taxpayers abroad and those in major disaster areas — or you got an extension to file your 2021 tax year return. That's fine. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service appreciates some of us spreading out our filings, especially when we and the agency still are dealing with all the complications of COVID-19 and taxes.

    That's why the ol' blog's focus now is on all y'all still working on returns. But I haven't forgotten my organized taxpayer readers, who are already looking for ways to reduce their 2022 tax year bills. Yep, that amount is adding up, but there are moves you can make. The monthly tips and reminders a little further down this column can help everyone, regardless of which tax year you're working on.

    Those on extension should keep a keen eye on the countdown clock below. It will help you track the days tick, tick, ticking off toward that absolutely final fall filing due date of Oct. 17. Yep, it's a few days later this year.
    Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.


Time for Tax Tasks


  • monthly tax moves


  • May has arrived!
    That exclamation mark is sincere and deserved. You've got to love a month that starts with a celebration.

    May Pole Dance via GIPHY


    After the May Day dances are done, the commemorative days just keep coming. There are well-known ones, like Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day, as well as some more obscure ones, like Visit Your Relatives Day, National Smile Day, and my favorite, Eat What You Want Day.

    But even with all these (and more!) celebrations, there's still time to make some money-saving May tax moves. Let's get to it!

    May 1: While May Day isn't a big holiday in the United States, globally the first day of May is a time for celebrating workers' contributions. But that can apply here, too, in connection with some employment-related tax tasks. If you got a big refund or owed more tax than you expected when you filed (or got an extension) last month, today's the perfect time to do paycheck check-up to determine how you should adjust your withholding.

    May 5: ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

    Feliz Cinco de Mayo

    Fiestas are back this year, as more of us have been taken advantage of COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Still, be careful out there celebrating this Mexican holiday (and no, it's NOT Mexican Independence Day) that tends to spur more festivities here north of the border. Party responsibly, both when it come to the lingering pandemic and imbibing your favorite adult beverage, likely a margarita, which included the cost of state and federal alcohol taxes. Your state tax collector also will raise a glass to your fiscal contribution, since during the pandemic, sin taxes were a revenue bright spot for many states.

    May 8: Happy Mother's Day!

    Happy Mother's Day

    If you're just this year making up for pandemic paused family visits, give your mom a longer hug on her special day. Love, flowers, and the best of health and happiness to every mother, from the new ones just discovering the joys, tax and otherwise, of new parenthood to those gracefully maneuvering their Golden Years while getting some tax-advantaged help from their families.

    May 10: Eateries are still recovering from the challenges of operating during a national health crisis. Restaurants closed, then opened, then closed again. Others relied on and have stuck with take-out and deliveries. Whether you're dining in or still getting food brought to your house, remember to tip your server or delivery person.

    restaurant check tip iStock
    If a tip isn't included in your food delivery charge, click the image above to calculate how much to tip the person who brought it to you.

    As for servers who now are back on the job, remember that your tips are taxable income. If you worked at least some of March at a job where you got gratuities, you need to account for them today if they came to at least $20 last month. Use Form 4070 to report your tips today to your employer.

    May 16: Before the seasonal shift into summer, take care of spring tax cleaning. Give away clothing and household goods you no longer use. Your philanthropy could provide you a charitable tax deduction.

    May 23: Kick spring cleaning up a notch. Go beyond housekeeping and house clearing and make those home repairs you've been putting off. Many home improvements, including landscaping, could pay off in by increasing your home's basis, which means your profit for tax purposes will be smaller and stay under the amount that's tax-free when you eventually sell your home.

    May 27: If you're heading out early for the long Memorial Day weekend that traditionally kicks off summer, be sure to plan for added costs, like the price of getting to your holiday destination. Most of us will hit the highways, so even though gasoline prices have come down a bit, they still will take a bite of our travel budgets. Sorry, it's not enough to get Congress to create a federal gas tax holiday. And if you're renting your home to incoming tourists, be sure to pay the state and/or local taxes added to short-term home rentals.

    May 30: As you honor military personnel this Memorial Day who made the ultimate sacrifice, don't forget about their families. There are some tax considerations offered survivors of lost soldiers, sailors, and air crew.

    Small Business Tax Calendar: Important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to know. You can get more tax calendar information at the IRS' online calendar page and view the full year's important business and individual tax dates in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

  • Don't forget your state taxes!
    Forty-three states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the seven states without an income levy, you still face other state (and local) taxes.

    State Tax Departments provides links to your state's Web page. The companion page, Tax Tidbits, is the compilation of blurbs about each state's tax laws. And for more state tax news, check out all our state tax bloggings.

Tax Forms

  • Tax Forms
    Thanks to our increased use of tax preparers and computer software, many of us don't see our tax forms until we sign and file them. But knowing what's on these documents, either in paper or digital form, and why the IRS wants it is key to understanding our tax system. And knowledge definitely is power, especially when it comes to tax savings. Find this valuable information in the ol' blog's special Talking Tax Forms page.

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I gotta tell ya ...

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    I am not a professional tax preparer.
    The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies and regulations. It is provided for your private, noncommercial, educational and informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation of any specific tax action(s) you should or should not take. Similarly, mentions of products or services are not endorsements. In other words, my ramblings on the ol' blog are free advice and you know what they say about getting what you pay for. That's why when it comes to filing your taxes, I urge you to get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from an accountant, Enrolled Agent or other qualified tax preparer who is familiar with your individual tax circumstances.

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Tell it to the Hill

  • DMWT Politics Posts
  • While it's easy to rail at the IRS, for the most part we can thank — or blame — our tax laws on Congress and the White House. So if you have an issue with tax legislation or want a tax bill passed, you need to let your federal legislators and the White House occupant know of your concerns. You can find out who in Washington, D.C., to contact (and how), as well as get information on your local lawmakers for matters, tax or otherwise, closer to home, at USA Gov.

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