Tax guides & resources
Clear answers for real tax questions.
Free, plain-language guides from LOJ Solution to help you prepare, ask better questions, and walk into tax season with confidence.
Featured guide
How to Choose a Tax Preparer You Can Trust
The questions to ask, the red flags to avoid, and what the IRS recommends before you hire anyone to prepare your return.
Read the guideHow to Prepare for Your Tax Consultation
What to think through before your first call, what to gather later, and what never to send in a first inquiry.
5 min read
Multi-stateMulti-State Taxes: A Plain-Language Guide
Resident, part-year, and nonresident returns explained, plus what commuters, remote workers, and movers should know.
7 min read
StudentsCollege Student Taxes: What to Know Before You File
Do you need to file, who claims the education credit, and what Form 1098-T is for, explained in plain language.
6 min read
Small businessSmall Business Tax Basics for the Self-Employed
Self-employment tax, Schedule C, quarterly estimated payments, and the records that make tax season easier.
6 min read
Free Tax Document Checklist
A printable list of the documents most returns need, grouped by situation.
Interactive & printable
Official sources
Go straight to the source.
For refund status and official rules, use government websites. Never share sensitive information with anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the IRS.
Where’s My Refund? (opens an official website in a new tab)
Check the status of a filed federal return directly with the IRS.
Education credits (opens an official website in a new tab)
Official answers about the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits.
Small business tax center (opens an official website in a new tab)
IRS guidance for small businesses and self-employed taxpayers.
New Jersey Division of Taxation (opens an official website in a new tab)
State forms, guidance, and refund status for New Jersey filers.
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