Editorial Standards

Rules we describe are traced to primary sources: IRS publications, HUD and FHA guidance, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac selling guides, CFPB guidance, and named published survey data. Where a rule depends on a threshold or dollar limit, we state the figure, the tax year or effective date it applies to, and link the source document.

Secondary commentary is not used as the basis for a stated rule. Where sources disagree, we say so instead of picking one silently.

Illustrations in articles are produced by the same calculation engines that run the site's calculators, not by hand. Each example states its inputs so you can reproduce it. Engine changes are versioned, and every result surface stamps the engine version used. The Methodology page documents the formulas, assumptions, rounding and known limitations.

• Tax articles state the tax year they describe and carry a review date.
• Mortgage-program rules state the program and the effective date of the rule.
• Tax and program content is reviewed at least annually and whenever the underlying rule changes.
• Tax content is general education. It is not tax advice and does not determine eligibility.

• Any published rate states its source, the exact data date and the time it was last verified.
• Benchmark survey averages are labelled as benchmarks, never as an available or personalised offer.
• An expired rate is never presented as current, today's rate, available now or best available.

We only display a reviewer's name and credentials where that person actually reviewed the piece. We do not claim CPA, attorney, loan-officer or financial-adviser review unless the named professional performed it, and we do not display an unverified credential as verified.

AI tools may assist with drafting, structuring and editing. AI output is not published as fact without human verification against primary sources, AI is not used to produce individualised financial, tax or legal advice, and AI is not used to generate rate data, reviews or testimonials.

We do not sell leads and we do not accept payment for favourable coverage. Sponsored content is labelled and visually separated from editorial content, and affiliate relationships are disclosed next to the related content. See the Advertiser Disclosure page.

Errors are corrected promptly and noted on the article. Our Corrections Policy explains how we log, classify and publish them.