Independent tax information
Plain-English answers to everyday US tax questions
A Tax Man is a free reading resource for individuals and small-business owners who want to understand their federal taxes before they file — deductions, deadlines, quarterly estimated payments, audit triggers and how to pick the right preparer.
Informational only. A Tax Man is not a lender, broker, tax preparer or financial adviser, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS or any government agency.
What you will find here
Deductions & credits
Checklists that explain common deductions and credits, who usually qualifies and which records to keep.
Deadlines
Key federal filing and payment dates for the year, plus what happens if you file or pay late.
Estimated taxes
How quarterly estimated payments work for freelancers, side income and small businesses.
Audit basics
What typically draws IRS attention and how to keep documentation that supports your return.
Choosing a preparer
The difference between CPAs, enrolled agents and other paid preparers, and how to verify credentials.
Calculators
Simple estimators for refunds and quarterly payments to help you plan — not a substitute for a filed return.
Before you hire anyone to do your taxes
- Anyone paid to prepare a federal return must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and sign the return they prepare.
- CPAs, enrolled agents and tax attorneys can represent taxpayers before the IRS on any matter; other preparers have limited or no representation rights.
- The IRS publishes a searchable Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications on irs.gov.
- Be cautious of anyone who bases their fee on the size of your refund or asks you to sign a blank return.
- Low- and moderate-income taxpayers may qualify for free help through the IRS VITA and TCE volunteer programs.
Start with these articles
- 15 Tax Deductions Most People Miss in 2026
- Critical Tax Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss in 2026
- Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments: A Practical Guide
- Common IRS Audit Triggers and How to Avoid Them
- How to Choose a Tax Preparer: CPA vs Enrolled Agent vs PTIN
- How to Choose the Right Tax Professional for Your Situation
- What Documents Do You Need for Tax Preparation?
- Cryptocurrency Tax Guide 2026: What the IRS Expects
About this site
A Tax Man is an independent, informational website about US federal income tax. It publishes plain-English articles, checklists and simple calculators for individuals, families and small-business owners who want to understand their taxes before they file or before they talk to a professional.
Informational only. A Tax Man is not a lender, broker, tax preparer or financial adviser, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS or any government agency. Read the full disclaimer.