
Taxes, 401(k) plans and IRAs can be difficult to understand. And Americans don’t spend enough time doing their taxes — on average, just 12 hours along with $230 to file the paperwork, according IRS estimates — to get the best bang for their buck. You may already have a 401(k) through your employer, but it’s important to understand its role in your retirement. By learning the fundaments of your taxes and your retirement-savings options, you can make better decisions for your financial future.