What It Takes to Buy a Home

Homes are affordable and mortgage rates are low. Are your finances ready for the leap?

How to Finance a Second Home

Thinking about buying a vacation property? Here's what you need to know.

Turning a One-Room Schoolhouse Into a Vacation Home

It took Roz Fitch nearly 20 years to turn her second home into a one-of-a-kind vacation getaway.

Rolling Over a 401(k)

If your income will drop after you retire, then waiting to convert to a Roth IRA could reduce the tax bite.

Payback Time for New-Home-Buyer Tax Credit -- or Maybe Not

If you "flipped" a house for profit, the government would like its money back.

Straight Talk on Taxes

Give everyone a lower tax rate on investment income than on earnings, but make it progressive.

7 Tips to Pay Fewer Taxes

Use flexible spending accounts to escape taxes on essential expenses.

5 Tips to Cut Costs on Your Home

Don't pay more than you have to when it comes to taxes, remodeling and your mortgage.

Tax Rules for Second Homes

Learn how mortgage interest, property taxes, rental property and tax-free profit affects your tax return.

Tax Breaks for Buying a Home

From mortgage interest deductions to closing cost write-offs, find out the tax relief benefits for homeowners.

Tax Planning for Selling Your Home

Simple guidelines for selling a home tax-free

Tax Tips for Freelancers and the Self-Employed

Don't overlook these forms or deductions when filing for self-employed income.

The Most-Overlooked Tax Deductions

Don't let a knowledge gap prevent you from taking advantage of these money-saving tax breaks.

Repaying the Home-Buyer Tax Credit

You might not have to repay this interest-free loan if you sell your house at a loss.

A Balanced Federal Budget? Not without Pain

Businesses and individuals who benefit from tax breaks must surrender some self-interest.

Get a Jump-Start on Your 2011 Tax Bill

Make these moves now to reduce your tax tab.

Maximize Your Tax Refund

We help you uncover all the breaks you might not find on your own.

Going Green Pays Off

Claim an energy tax credit for the home improvements you made last year.

New Rules for Home Improvement Tax Credits

The tax break for energy-efficient home improvements made in 2011 isn't as big as in past years.

When It Pays to Itemize

Wealthier taxpayers win big on 2010 tax returns with unlimited itemized deductions.

Trim Your Tax Tab and Pocket Extra Cash

Retirees can take these steps to minimize their 2010 tax bill.

Deductions for Homeowners

A House Is Just a Home

Unlike carefully selected stocks and bonds, a home should not be regarded as an investment.

Get a Tax Break for Refinancing Again

You may be able to take advantage of an extra deduction.

A Tax Break for Defective Drywall

Homeowners may be able to deduct damages as a casualty loss.

Financial Storm Shelter

An umbrella policy is a cheap way to protect your assets from devastating lawsuits.

Financial Storm Shelter

An umbrella policy is a cheap way to protect your assets from devastating lawsuits.

Second-Chance Tax Savings

If you missed any of these breaks on your 2009 return, you can claim them now.

Property-Tax Deduction and COBRA Subsidy Updates

Legislators didn't extend the COBRA subsidy. But there's still a chance that the property-tax deduction for non-itemizers will be revived.

Tax Breaks for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

You might qualify for a tax credit if you install an eligible central air-conditioning system this year.

Who Pays If a Tree Falls

Kim Lankford fields your questions about homeowners coverage, COBRA eligibility, nondeductible IRA contributions, and first-time home buyer tax credits.

Ways to Cut Your 2010 Tax Bill

Rack up tax savings before you file you return by making the right moves throughout the year.

Tax Breaks for Military Families

Military service is a tough job, but it comes with privileges at tax time.

Tax Help You Can Trust

Kimberly Lankford helps you find a qualified tax preparer and answers your questions on Roth IRAs, 401(k) rollovers and more.

Turning Renovations into Tax Breaks

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges.

Taxes and Home-Sale Losses

If you sell a house that was converted to rental property at a loss, you might qualify for a tax deduction.

Deducting the Roof Over Your Head

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges.

Find Extra Cash By Trimming
Your Tax Bill

You can cut your tax bill for 2009 to the core by taking all of the breaks -- both new and old -- that you deserve.

Unmuddying the Property Tax Deduction

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges.

Tax Breaks for Winterizing Your Home

Uncle Sam will help cover the cost of energy-efficient windows, doors and more.