Taxes, made simple.

Taxes can feel overwhelming, confusing, and incredibly time-consuming — it is easy to get lost in all the paperwork and fine print. That is exactly why we are stepping in. Our goal is to bring clarity, simplicity, and real peace of mind to a process that so often feels anything but simple.

This page is here to give you the facts, break things down in a way that actually makes sense, and help make tax season feel manageable again.

The basics of taxes.

Taxes are mandatory contributions to the government used to fund public services. They generally fall into three basic categories: taxes on what you earn, taxes on what you buy, and taxes on what you own. 

Taxes on What You Earn

These come from your income and wages.

  • Income Taxes: Federal and state taxes taken from your salary and other earnings. The U.S. uses a progressive system — higher income = higher rate on part of that income.

  • Payroll Taxes (FICA): Taken from your paycheck to fund Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).

  • Capital Gains Taxes: Tax on profit from selling investments. Short-term gains are taxed like income; long-term gains get lower rates.

Taxes on What You Buy

These are added to the cost of goods and services.

  • Sales Tax: Added at checkout; varies by state and city.

  • Excise Tax: Built into the price of items like gas, alcohol, and tobacco.

  • Tariffs: Taxes on imported goods.

Taxes on What You Own

Taxes are based on the value of your property.

  • Real Estate Taxes: Annual tax on homes and land.

  • Personal Property Taxes: In some areas, taxes are imposed on vehicles, boats, or business equipment.

  • Estate & Gift Taxes: Taxes on transferring large amounts of wealth, usually affecting only high-value estates.

 

Breaking down the details.

U.S. income tax is based on your filing status and uses a progressive tax bracket system applied to your taxable income (gross income minus deductions). Personal exemptions are currently suspended.

1. Filing Status
Your filing status affects your standard deduction and which tax brackets apply. The five statuses are:

  • Single: Unmarried or legally separated individuals.

  • Married Filing Jointly (MFJ): Married couples combine income and deductions; this often lowers tax liability.

  • Married Filing Separately (MFS): Married couples report income and deductions individually.

  • Head of Household (HOH): Unmarried individuals supporting a qualifying dependent.

  • Qualifying Surviving Spouse: Widows/widowers may use MFJ brackets for up to two years after a spouse’s death.

2. Tax Brackets
The U.S. uses seven rates: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Only the portion of income in each bracket is taxed at that rate, not your entire income. Bracket ranges are adjusted annually for inflation and vary by filing status.

3. Deductions and Exemptions
Deductions lower your taxable income. You can take the standard deduction (fixed amount) or itemize eligible expenses — whichever gives the bigger reduction. Personal exemptions are suspended through 2025.

  • 2024 Standard Deduction Examples: Single = $14,600, MFJ = $29,200

  • Additional amounts available if you are 65+ or blind.

Coming soon - Professional tax preparation.

Stay tuned for this tax season and how we can help you and your loved ones.