What tax bracket are you in? How much to withold? What is a FICA? Do I pay estimated taxes? How bad are the penalties? What are all the tax forms? What is a alternative minimum tax? Can I get audited? When to start tax planning?

After the new year, you get a ton of tax forms in the mail that will be used to help you file your tax return. The forms that are sent to you are also sent to the IRS. So be sure to report all the data on the forms on your tax return.

A list of the more common forms:

W-2: This form reports how much money you made the past year at your job and how much tax you already have withheld.

1099-G: This form reports, if any, unemployment compenstation or state tax refunds.

1099-R: This form reports any retirement plan income.

1099-MISC: This form reports any income earned as an independent contractor, collected rent, or received any royalties.

1099-B, 1099-INT, and 1099-DIV: This form reports capital gains, interest income, and dividends respectively.

Jan 31		If you haven't paid your 4th quarter estimated tax , you can opt to file last year's return by Jan 31.
Feb 17		If you claimed exemption from withholding last year, you need to file a new W-4 to continue the exemption.
Apr 15		Taxes are Due
Dec 31		Last day to setup most self-employed retirement accounts.