Tax Help in Plain English

Clear answers to real-life tax questions. No jargon, no confusion โ€” just straightforward explanations written for real people.

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Tax Guides & Articles

Clear answers to real-life tax questions.

Browse our library of easy-to-understand tax guides. No jargon, no confusing forms โ€” just straightforward explanations written for real people, not accountants.

โ€ขW-2 vs 1099 income
โ€ขDeductions and credits you might be missing
โ€ขFiling as married, single, or head of household
โ€ขSide hustle, freelance, and small business taxes
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Tax Calculators & Tools

Run the numbers before you file.

Use free calculators and tools to estimate your refund, see how life changes impact your taxes, and make smarter decisions before you file.

โ€ขEstimated refund calculator
โ€ขPaycheck tax withholding estimator
โ€ขSelf-employed tax calculator
โ€ขCapital gains / investment tax estimator
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Tax Glossary

Confused by tax terms? Our glossary explains AGI, deductions, credits, and more in plain English โ€” no jargon, just clear definitions.

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AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)

Your total income minus certain adjustments

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Standard Deduction

Fixed amount that reduces your taxable income

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Tax Credits

Direct reductions in the tax you owe

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Taxable Income

Amount of income subject to tax after deductions

How it works

Find answers. Understand your options. File with confidence.

1

Search or browse

Start by searching your question or browsing our tax guides by topic, life event, or state.

2

Understand your situation

Read clear explanations with examples that match real-life situations โ€” not just legal definitions.

3

Run the numbers

Use our calculators and tools to estimate your refund, see what you might owe, and avoid surprises.

Note: We don't file your taxes for you โ€” we help you understand them, so you can file anywhere with confidence.

Built for real people, not tax experts

Whether you file on your own, use software, or work with a tax professional, helpmedotaxes.com helps you understand what's going on behind the scenes.

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Everyday employees (W-2)

Understand your paycheck, withholdings, and what affects your refund.

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Side hustlers & freelancers (1099)

Learn what you can deduct, how quarterly taxes work, and how to avoid penalties.

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Small business owners

Get clarity on expenses, write-offs, and what records you actually need to keep.

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Retirees & Investors

Understand how Social Security, pensions, RMDs, capital gains, and investment income affect your taxes.

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Parents & Families

Learn about the Child Tax Credit, childcare deductions, education credits, and head-of-household rules.

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Homeowners

See how mortgage interest, property taxes, and home improvements impact your return.

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Anyone who wants tax clarity

If taxes stress you out, you're in the right place.