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Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Game Show Winnings and Prizes?
The short answer: yes, even if it's not in cash. Here's more on how taxes work for game show winnings and prizes.
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Explore all of NerdWallet's taxes content, including articles on brackets and rates, planning and strategy, credits and deductions and navigating tax trouble.
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401(k) Taxes on Contributions and Withdrawals in 2025-2026
Contributing to a traditional 401(k) could reduce your tax bill now, but you’ll likely pay tax when you withdraw the money in retirement.
Tax-Free and Nontaxable Income: What Qualifies
All income is taxable unless the IRS explicitly says it's not.
12 Tips for Lowering Your Tax Bill
Here are a dozen simple maneuvers that could slash what you owe to the IRS.
IRS Standard Mileage Rates and Rules for 2026
The IRS allows qualified taxpayers to deduct vehicle mileage related to business, charity, medical or moving purposes — but there are several important rules to know.
Senior Tax Deduction: What It Is, Who Qualifies
Not to be confused with the additional standard deduction for seniors, the new senior tax deduction allows qualified filers to shelter even more of their income from taxes.
Saver’s Credit: What It Is and How It Works
The saver's credit helps eligible taxpayers offset the cost of saving for retirement.
2025 State Income Tax Rates and How They Work
In addition to federal income tax, most states also collect state income tax. State income tax typically works one of three ways: a progressive tax, a flat tax or none at all.
Crypto Tax Guide: 2026 Rates and Rules
Yes, you likely have to pay crypto taxes. Profits from crypto are subject to capital gains taxes, just like stocks.
Virginia State Income Tax: Rates and Brackets for 2025-2026
Virginia has a progressive tax structure, with four rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. Learn about who pays Virginia state tax and when.
If Your Refund’s Late, the IRS Might Owe You Interest
Generally, if the IRS doesn’t issue your refund within 45 days of the tax deadline, the agency owes you interest.
Property Tax Deduction: Rules, How It Works
Property taxes can be deductible. To take advantage, you'll need to find your tax records and itemize using Schedule A.
1040 Form: What It Is, How to Fill One Out in 2026
Here's what you need to know about Form 1040: the mother of all tax forms.
Back Taxes: How to File Past-Due Tax Returns
Back taxes are unpaid taxes from the current year or previous years. Filing and paying off a past-due return can help you to get current with the IRS.
Where’s My Amended Return? How to Track the Status
You can use the IRS' "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool or call the IRS to track the status.
Latest IRS Scams: How to Spot Them and Fight Back
Scammers are especially active during tax filing season, but it pays to be vigilant year-round.
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2025 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates
The 2025 federal income tax rates range from 10% to 37% and apply to taxes due by April of this year. Find out which bracket you're in.
2026 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates
The IRS adjusts the federal tax brackets annually to keep pace with inflation. The 2026 tax brackets apply to taxes filed in 2027.
Analysis: What AI Gets Right (and Very Wrong) About Taxes
AI excels at tax law recall, but it struggles to grasp the nuances and quirks of humans.
Senior Tax Deduction: What It Is, Who Qualifies
Not to be confused with the additional standard deduction for seniors, the new senior tax deduction allows qualified filers to shelter even more of their income from taxes.
Free File Tax Program Remains Woefully Underused
Only 2% of federal income tax returns were filed through Free File, despite 70% of filers qualifying.
Data: Taxpayers Missing Out on Chance to File for Free
Despite 70% of taxpayers qualifying for Free File, less than 1.9% used the service in fiscal year 2023.
Taxable Income: Definition, How to Calculate It
Most forms of income count as taxable — but not all. Here’s how to calculate yours and some ways to reduce your liability.
1099 vs. W-2: Breaking Down the Differences
The 1099 vs. W-2 divide involves differences in job duties and tax implications. Here’s what to know, whether you’re a worker or an employer.
What Is Gross Income? Example and How to Calculate It
Gross income is a tally of all your earnings pre-tax. Here's how to figure it and how it differs from net income and adjusted gross income.
When Can I File My Taxes? Start Date, How Tax Season Works
Tax season — which runs from late January to mid-April — is a period when the IRS begins reviewing tax returns, but you may not have to wait until then to file.
What Is a Marginal Tax Rate? Definition and Calculator
The tax rate you pay on the highest portion of your taxable income is known as your marginal tax rate. Here’s how to determine it.
Underpayment Penalty: What It Is, How to Avoid It
Taxpayers who don’t pay their full tax bill by the filing deadline are subject to a 7% underpayment interest fee, among other penalties.
Married Filing Jointly: Advantages, Tax Credits and Who Qualifies
Filing a joint tax return is the most popular choice for married taxpayers, and it can often come with the most benefits.
Texas Sales Tax: Rates, Calculator, Who Pays
In Texas, the state sales tax is 6.25%, but local taxes of up to 2% can also be tacked onto purchases.
What Is the Premium Tax Credit? How It Works, Calculator for 2026
The premium tax credit is a refundable credit that helps some taxpayers afford health insurance premiums. The advance PTC lowers the premiums themselves.
How to Find an IRS Office Near You
You can use the online Taxpayer Assistance Center locator to find an IRS tax office near you.
Data: Americans Waste Billions to File Tax Returns
NerdWallet 2024 Tax Report
Most Americans will file taxes this year, but most don't know all of their filing options, including Free File.
What Is Backup Withholding?
Backup withholding is a tax on certain nonpayroll income. Learn more about how it works, which payments it applies to and how to stop it.
Kiddie Tax: Definition, How It Works in 2025 and 2026, Examples
Under the kiddie tax, a child's investment income over a certain amount is taxed at the parent or guardian’s tax rate.
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