In this lesson, delve into the essentials of computing taxes and leveraging credits to optimize final tax liabilities with Nick Palazzolo, CPA. Nick breaks down the intricacies of marginal tax rates and the differences between refundable and non-refundable credits, along with determining eligibility for various tax benefits. He sets out clear objectives starting with strategies to avoid penalties through minimum federal estimated tax payments. From there, the journey continues to calculating tax liability based on taxable income and understanding how deductions and credits impact the bottom line on a 1040 tax form. While tackling these challenging topics, Nick keeps the focus on practical application, ensuring that familiarity with tax forms accompanies robust conceptual knowledge for success in taxation.