The prime home selling season is in full bloom around the country. And depending on your area and situation, it may be a good time to sell. Mortgage interest rates are down and the National Association of Realtors reports that home sales are up over last year. If you selling and are eligible for the federal home sale tax break, the profit from selling your principal residence can be free from federal income taxes. Here are the general rules, as well as some special exceptions.

The Boston Marathon bombings have brought the issue of terrorism insurance into the spotlight again. Businesses that suffered losses as a result of the attacks may be reimbursed if they have the special coverage, but a recent report found that an estimated 40 percent do not. Here are the basics of terrorism insurance for businesses and individuals, including when the coverage kicks in, what is excluded and how the federal government helps share the burden of losses.

The IRS has made changes in its Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP), which allows employers to reclassify independent contractors as employees at a lower tax cost. More businesses are now eligible. A deadline is coming up on June 30 for employers who want to apply for the VCSP but didn’t file the required 1099 forms for affected workers. Here are the details of the program, along with how the discounted taxes are calculated and possible unforeseen implications of participating.