Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2014 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Having a baby is an exciting life event, but it also comes with significant expenses—many of which start during pregnancy. The good news is that certain pregnancy-related medical costs may be tax-deductible, helping you ease the financial burden. However, not all expenses qualify. Understanding which maternity costs you can and can’t deduct will help you keep better records and maximize your potential tax savings.

At any given time, about 1% of US workers are probably experiencing a wage garnishment. Wage garnishment can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders, especially if you're trying to regain financial stability. Many people wonder if switching jobs will put an end to their wage garnishment or if there are other ways to stop it. Let’s break it down into simple terms so you can understand your options and take action.

As the calendar winds down and the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on your financial health. Tax planning is a vital part of securing your financial future, and strategic tax planning can unlock significant benefits. Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a business owner, taking the right steps now can lead to substantial savings and peace of mind.

If you’re dealing with tax issues, you may have heard the term “tax levy” mentioned as one of the possible actions the IRS can take to collect unpaid taxes. But what exactly is a tax levy, and what types should you be aware of? Let’s walk through the basics so you’ll know what to expect and, more importantly, how to protect yourself.

If you’re facing a visit or call from an IRS Revenue Officer, you might feel a mix of confusion and stress. After all, most of us never expect to deal directly with the IRS, let alone with one of their Revenue Officers. But it can happen to anyone, especially if you have overdue tax debts, haven’t filed tax returns, or are dealing with payroll tax issues. So, let’s walk through some tips to help you manage this situation calmly and effectively.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2011 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

If you're behind on your taxes, you've likely heard the term "tax levy" thrown around—but what does it actually mean, and how could it impact you?

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2012 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

If you're facing an IRS wage garnishment, you're not alone. A recent study by Northwestern and MIT estimates that 1% of workers, or 1 in 100, may be experiencing a wage garnishment during any given pay period. It's important for you to understand what is true and what is false about wage garnishments so that you can take whatever steps are necessary to stop wage garnishments. If you know the truth, you are one step closer to being able to stop IRS wage garnishments. Here are 11 common myths...

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2012 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Charitable giving is one of the most common tax deductions for individuals. But some business owners may not know that they can use these same deductions to lower their taxable corporate income. The IRS offers significant tax savings for employers who take advantage of charitable deductions during the tax year, including these five tax write-offs.