The difference between refundable and nonrefundable tax credits matters. You may benefit from filing a return even if your income is low enough to make filing seem unnecessary.

Tax deductions and tax credits – both can lower your taxes, but they work in very different ways, and you don’t get to choose.

Don’t choose a tax professional just based on the initials after someone’s name. Not every certified public accountant specializes in tax.

Keeping the right records throughout the year can help you claim deductions and credits, calculate gains properly and avoid paying more tax than necessary.