The ProPublica Free Tax Guide
Free, Fact-Checked Tax Information. That's All.
ProPublica has reported extensively about taxes, the IRS Free File program and the IRS. Specifically, the ways in which the for-profit tax preparation industry — companies like Intuit (TurboTax), H&R Block and Tax Slayer — has lobbied for the Free File program, then systematically undermined it with evasive search tactics and confusing design. These companies also work to fill search engine results with tax “guides” that sometimes route users to paid products.
How to Track Your Tax Refund in 2023
The IRS offers a few simple ways to track the status of your tax refund. Here’s when and how you can keep an eye on it.
How to File Taxes for Free Without TurboTax
Don’t get tricked into paying to file your taxes this year. Here’s how to find the truly free filing options offered by the IRS Free File program.
How Unemployment Benefits Are Taxed in 2023
Find out how federal and state taxes work for unemployment benefits this tax season.
What to Know About the Earned Income Tax Credit
The EITC is an often misunderstood tax credit, but it can help individuals and families reduce their tax bill when used correctly. We’ve gathered the information and resources you need to better understand the EITC.
When Are Taxes Due?
ProPublica’s free tax guide is back for 2023 with information about when taxes are due and how to get an extension on the filing date if you need one.
What to Know About TurboTax Before You File Your Taxes This Year
Don’t get tricked into paying for tax prep if you don’t have to. Learn how the biggest tax preparation companies have suppressed free filing options for years.
Are Unemployment Benefits Taxed?
Unemployment benefits are subject to both state and federal income taxes, but it’s not always straightforward. Here’s how to avoid a surprise tax bill.
What Forms Do I Need to File My Taxes and Where Can I Get Them?
For 2021, the tax deadline for individuals was extended to May 17. This list highlights the most common tax forms and which ones you might need, depending on your circumstances.
When Are Taxes Due?
In response to another complicated tax year, the IRS has extended the deadline for individual tax filing from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.
Where Is My Tax Refund?
For many Americans, hitting “submit” isn’t the last step in the tax-filing process. Here’s what you need to know about checking your return’s status, reasons it may be delayed and the truth about companies that promise quick cash during tax season.
What Are 2020’s Tax Brackets, and Will I Get Audited?
Knowing your income is just the first step to understanding how much you will be taxed. This guide will help you understand how the U.S. tax system works and where you fit into it.
What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Do I Qualify for It?
The earned income tax credit is meant to reduce the amount that low- and moderate-income Americans have to pay in taxes — and it can sometimes result in a refund. Figuring out whether you qualify can be confusing. This guide can help.
How to File Your State and Federal Taxes for Free in 2021
TurboTax and other tax prep services advertise themselves as “free,” but we found several ways that they tricked people into paying. Here’s our guide to preparing and filing your 2020 taxes without falling into that trap.
The Most Common IRS Tax Forms You’re Likely to Come Across When Filing
For 2020, the tax deadline was extended to July 15. Here’s a guide to the most common tax forms and when they’re used — as well as other things to keep in mind when filing during COVID-19.
What’s the Deal With Coronavirus Stimulus Checks, and How Do I Get One?
The IRS is responsible for dispersing coronavirus stimulus checks to Americans who qualify and has started doing so as of mid-April 2020. But for many people, lots of questions lie between them and their “checks.” Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the New Deadline to File Taxes? A Coronavirus Update.
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. income tax deadline has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020, to allow Americans more time to file their taxes. Here’s everything you need to know about the new deadline.
Where Is My Tax Refund?
For many Americans, hitting “submit” isn’t the last step in the tax filing process. Here’s everything you need to know about checking your return’s status, reasons it may be delayed and the truth about companies that promise quick cash during tax season.
What Are 2019’s Tax Brackets, and Who Gets Audited the Most?
Knowing your income is just the first step to understanding how much you will be taxed. This guide will help you understand how the US tax system works, and where you fit into it.
What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Do I Qualify for It?
The earned income tax credit is meant to reduce the amount that low- to moderate-income Americans have to pay in taxes — and it can sometimes result in a refund. Figuring out whether you qualify can be confusing. This guide can help.
How to File Your State and Federal Taxes for Free in 2020
TurboTax and other tax prep services advertised themselves as “free,” but we found several ways that they tricked people into paying. Here's our guide to preparing and filing your taxes without falling into a trap.
