Our research shows that many individuals (and even firms!) do not interact with tax systems in the optimal way. Taxpayers are often unaware of the deductions and credits they legally qualify for, many fail to take advantage of legal tax incentives to save for retirement, and many are unsure whether they must file tax returns and how their tax liability is calculated.
To help our community better interact with tax systems, we designed a series of Tax Literacy brochures. These documents provide detailed, accessible, and up-to-date summaries of the most relevant issues on a given topic. Each brochure is thoroughly researched and provides references to the official IRS resources.
Disclaimer: While we take every precaution possible to ensure the information provided is accurate, tax rules are extremely nuanced and complex. Please consult a licensed tax preparer/accountant for personalized advice. All documents are for information purposes only. If you see an error, please email tazhitda@ucsb.edu.
A guide for students on whether to file taxes, how to file taxes, and what all those tax terms mean. Topics covered: who must and who should file taxes and why (including international students); common types of student income and their tax consequences (including gig work); tax deductions and tax credits that can be claimed by students; tax liability calculation process; tax-advantaged savings strategies; tax credits for students with children.
Guide for tax residents (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students who lived in the U.S. for more than 5 years)
Guide for tax nonresidents (international students who lived in the U.S. for 5 years or fewer)
Tax-Optimized Savings Strategies
A guide for UC faculty and staff on tax-optimal savings strategies. Topics covered: differences between IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and Roth accounts; backdoor and mega backdoor Roth strategies; saving for college and home purchases.
Preparing for Your First "Real" Tax Return
A guide for graduating seniors on how to prepare for their first real tax year. Topics covered: the basics of tax-filing; tax-optimal investment strategies; health savings accounts; work-related deductions and credits; home buying. Coming soon!
In addition to brochures, we hold public lectures on tax-related topics. These events are held for UCSB students, faculty and staff, as well as the community at large. Our goal is to help taxpayers make better tax-related decisions. Please see the Events page to learn about upcoming and past events.
If you have a tax-related question but do not see relevant resources on this page, please contact Prof Alisa Tazhitdinova (tazhitda@ucsb.edu). We will do our best to amend existing brochures or create new ones to address your questions.
