EA exam concepts explained the way they actually appear on real tax returns — and where the exam sets its traps. Written by a federally authorized Enrolled Agent for people preparing for the Special Enrollment Examination.
What Is FBAR? FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) is an annual disclosure filed with the U.S. Treasury Department — not the IRS — by U.S. persons who hold foreign financial accounts. If the combined maximum value of all your foreign accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year, you are required to file FinCEN […]
Learn what IRS Form W-9 is, who fills it out, how it connects to 1099 reporting, and how to avoid 24% backup withholding.
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare. Learn tax rates, wage base limits, and how FICA appears on your W-2.
What Is a 1099-INT? Form 1099-INT is the IRS information return used to report interest income paid by banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, and other financial institutions. If you earned interest from a savings account, certificate of deposit (CD), U.S. Treasury securities, or municipal bonds, this is the form that reports it — to both
Learn what Form 1099-MISC reports, key boxes, how it differs from 1099-NEC, and reporting thresholds — explained by an Enrolled Agent.
Learn what Form 1099-DA is, who receives it, and how crypto transactions are reported to the IRS starting in 2026.
Learn what IRS Form W-4 is, how the five-step structure works, and what changed on the 2026 form under the OBBBA.
Learn what Form 1099-K is, who receives it, current reporting thresholds, and how to report it on your tax return.
Learn what a 1099-NEC is, who gets one, how to read it, and how to report the income on your tax return. Includes 2026 threshold update.
Learn how tax credits and deductions differ, which common ones you may qualify for, and how each affects your tax bill.
