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Start here · Free resource center for newcomers

Just arrived in the U.S.? Let's make it simple.

Plain-words guides, simple calculators and tips to protect yourself — in English, Portuguese and Spanish. And whenever you'd rather have experts do it for you, we're one click away.

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1 · Forms without fear

The forms everyone hands you — explained

W-4

Your first U.S. job: how much tax comes out of every paycheck.

Step-by-step guide →

W-9 & 1099

Working for yourself? What a client asks before paying you — and W-2 vs 1099.

Step-by-step guide →

Your pay stub

What every line and deduction on your paycheck means.

Read the guide →

SSN, ITIN or EIN?

Which number you need, what it's for and how to apply.

Read the guide →

Rather not do it alone? We'll fill it out with you, step by step.

Get help with my forms

2 · Simple calculators

How much house can I afford?

Move the numbers and see an estimate right away.

Your estimate

A home price around

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Monthly home payment

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Loan amount

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Estimate only, using common lender guidelines (up to 28% of income for housing and 36% for all debts, 30-year loan, about 20% of the payment set aside for property taxes and insurance). It is not a loan offer or approval.

Did you know? Lenders usually ask for your last two tax returns. Taxes filed and in order make your approval easier.

Get my taxes ready

Do I need to file taxes?

A 5-question quiz.

Do I need to file an FBAR?

Add up your accounts abroad.

1099 tax set-aside

How much to save each month.

3 · Life in the U.S.

Your first steps, without the confusion

Build credit from zero

How credit scores work, and how to start — even with an ITIN.

Open a bank account

What to bring and which questions to ask.

Buying your first home

The steps, what the bank asks for, and why your taxes matter.

Keep your papers organized

What to save during the year so tax time is easy.

4 · Protect yourself

Scam alert: how to protect yourself as a newcomer

Scammers often target people who just arrived. Knowing these signs keeps you and your family safe.

The IRS never calls or texts for payment

And it never asks for gift cards, crypto or wire transfers. The IRS writes by mail first.

A "notary" is not a lawyer

In the U.S., a notary public can't handle your immigration case. Only a licensed attorney or an accredited representative can.

Watch out for "ghost preparers"

A real preparer signs your return and has a PTIN. Your refund should go to your account, never theirs.

Keep your SSN private

Never send your full SSN or ITIN by WhatsApp, text or email — only through a secure link.

Too good to be true? It usually is

Fake jobs, rentals that ask for a deposit before you visit, and "guaranteed" refunds.

Got a suspicious letter or call?

Send it to us — we'll check
Download the free scam checklist (PDF) →

Prefer to have experts do it for you?

See your price in 2 minutes, or talk to our team now — in your language.

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