Topic: TurboTax

Five challenges for the IRS's new capital gains reporting rules

The new rules for reporting capital gains is a laudable aim, but the IRS faces a number of challenges to make this initiative work.

Tax Day: How easy filing makes the tax code complicated

Our current insanely complex tax rules are made possible by technology. Yes, computer software makes filing easier, but that may be the problem.

Rick Perry's flat tax plan: Would you have to do your taxes twice?

People could opt for flat tax rate of 20 percent or stick with the current tax system. The Rick Perry plan offers choice, but people might need to do two calculations to tell which is best, some say.

Roth IRA: Am I saving too much for retirement?

Roth IRA is important, but aren't there other things to save for, too? Question No. 1 of the reader mailbag takes a look at the Roth IRA dilemma.

Lost $30,000 in stock market. Should I reinvest?

First foray into stock market led to a 90 percent loss. What's a better way to invest in the stock market? Question No. 1 in this reader mailbag.

Tax day 2011: Last-minute tips to keep the Internal Revenue Service away

Here are nine tips that tax experts (and the friendly Internal Revenue Service itself) offer to help keep you from getting audited, owing a penalty, paying more than you really owe, or having to file an amended return because of a mistake.

Tax advice from a computer: Do you need tax software? Five questions to ask.

Tax advice comes in many forms: from IRS forms, accountants, and tax preparers. So do you need a computer to fill out your forms? Most low- and middle-class Americans qualify to use tax software for free. But if you have to pay for it, is the software worth it? Here are a five questions to help you decide:

Minivans a good family-car buy?

Minivans aren't cheap, but they may be worth it for your family (Question #4). Also in today's Reader's Mailbag: saving for school (#1), splitting mortgage payments (#6), and finding a credit union (#8).

Complex IRS forms no big deal, you say? Take this quiz.

How much did you pay in taxes? Most Americans don't know, which is one hidden cost of complex IRS forms.

Reader Mailbag: The Nascent Musician

Will the Simple Return end April 15 tax agony?

Thousands of Californians will use the program, which provides taxpayers with filled-in statements.