Tax and immigration guides

What each box on Form W-2 means and which ones you need to estimate your federal and state tax refund.

How to find the federal and state income tax withheld from your pay: W-2, pay stub, 1099 and your payroll app.

What the standard deduction is, how much it is on 2025 returns by filing status, and when itemizing makes sense.

How long an IRS refund takes when you file online or on paper, why some take longer, and how to check its status with the official tool.

Warning signs of scams posing as the IRS — texts, emails, calls and fake websites — and what to do if you get one.

What changes in your taxes when you're paid on a 1099 instead of a W-2: self-employment tax, estimated payments and why it pays to have your agreements in writing.

How much the Child Tax Credit is for 2025 and 2026, what the IRS requires of the child and of you, and what changed with Social Security numbers.

How much the EITC can be for 2025 and 2026 based on your children and income, who qualifies, what happens if you or your children don't have Social Security numbers, and when the refund arrives.

The five IRS filing statuses (single, married filing jointly or separately, head of household and qualifying surviving spouse), what each requires, and how they change your deduction and credits.

What to enter in each step of the 2026 Form W-4 so the right amount is withheld: filing status, two jobs, children, the new deductions, exemption, and when to turn in a new one.

How the tips and overtime deductions work from 2025 to 2028: how much you can deduct, who qualifies, what counts, and where to find your numbers for 2025 and 2026.

What to do if your return shows a balance due: why to file on time anyway, how to pay, IRS payment plans and what they cost, penalties and interest, and how to avoid scams.

The official ways to file for free: IRS-certified volunteers (VITA and TCE), IRS Free File and Fillable Forms, who qualifies and what to bring.

How state taxes work if you live in one state and work in another, or moved during the year: resident, nonresident, the credit for taxes paid to another state, and reciprocal agreements.

What it is, how to get it and how to file with it

How to apply and renew without a gap

What it is, who qualifies and how to renew

Pay, overtime and injuries, whatever your status

Where to find it and how to avoid notario fraud

How to read the Visa Bulletin and your priority date

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Mexico in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Guatemala in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Honduras in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from El Salvador in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Venezuela in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Dominican Republic in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Cuba in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Colombia in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Haiti in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Nicaragua in the U.S., with official sources.

Visa line, TPS, consulates and documents for people from Ecuador in the U.S., with official sources.