In these rough times you probably want to stick to your job. But maybe there's room for salary negotiations? Or: are you on a job hunt? And you want to know whether the payment is fair? We can help you find the answers to the questions that drive your important career decisions.

Find out about your pay: compare your earnings against what other people get for the same job in the same state with our free, independent Salary Calculator. In return, to keep our Calculator updated, share your Salary and Job Information and fill out our anonymous Salary Survey.

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(image source: Flickr.com: Geoff LMV)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will cut taxes for 97% of all households in 2009, raising their after-tax income by an average of 2%. The biggest gains will go to people with the lowest incomes. They will see their after-tax income jump by an average 4.7%. Nearly half of the gain will come from the “Making Work Pay” credit — which is up to $400 for individuals and $800 for couples. It means that from April 1st a typical family will start taking home at least $65 more every month. The credit is phased out for higher-income taxpayers - individuals who have an adjusted gross income of between $75,000 and $95,000, and married couples filing jointly who make between $150,000 and $190,000 – many of them will see little or no change in their paychecks. Sources: Tax Policy Center and AP.

If you didn't get the stimulus payment last year, or didn't get the full amount, claim the 2008 Stimulus Payment - up to $600 for an individual or $1200 for a couple filing jointly - based on your 2008 income. You may also qualify if you had a newborn or ceased being a dependent in 2008. Find more information in the next link: Recovery Rebate Credit.

Thursday, October 15 2009 is the finale deadline for filing your 2008 income tax return, unless you file an extension with form 4868 until October 15, 2009. Click on Income Tax 2008 to read more about the 2008 individual income tax rates, deductions and exemptions. 

Unemployment benefits are taxable on federal and most state tax returns. Be aware of that if you were laid off in 2008, otherwise the tax season could be very frustrating for you. If you've lost your job consider having federal and state income taxes withheld at a 10% rate, or avoid a big lump-sum tax bill by paying quarterly estimated taxes on your unemployment income. Job search or relocation for a new job may bring a gift from the IRS: tax deductions. Read more in the next links about: 10% Tax Withholding, Paying Quarterly estimated Taxes, IRS Unemployment Forms, Deductions concerning a new job. See also: Income Tax rates 2008.

Need Income Tax Forms? Starting January 16, 2009 you can file your Federal Income Tax 2008 by using the IRS Free File to prepare and e-file your taxes online. You can download the most requested forms as well on the IRS-site by clicking on this link: Federal Income Tax Forms. For online filing your State Tax click on this link: State Internet filling. You can download State Tax Forums on the same page.