Dear Family,

Welcome back to TaxMama's world of taxes. It's time to get back to work, after a wonderful break!

If you're in California, drop what you're doing and and click here. NOW! http://www.microsoftcalsettlement.com/

Saturday is the filing deadline to claim your part of the Microsoft lawsuit settlement in California. You can get up to $100, even without receipts. The lawsuit is about Microsoft overcharging for their products - read more about it here.

If you're not sure if you've already filed a claim, you have three options -

1) search your files 2) call the claims administrator and listen to a really, really, long message before getting a person, at 1-800-960-5660 or 3) Just fill out another claim form.

I called them and they said you won't be penalized if you file a claim twice - they'll just eliminate the duplicate claim. You don't need to dig up receipts. Just fill in the claim form - and send it in.

Now that I've given you a hundred bucks... how about sharing it? With the tsunami victims? You'll find a link to donate to Red Cross via Amazon. They have assured me that all monies raised will go to the fund. Click here: http://taxmama.com/

Oh, more good news. Ask TaxMama is now being carried by WomensWallStreet.com, along with some really campy columns, like Ask Jane Dough(TM) and others. http://www.womenswallstreet.com/ They're free to join - even if you're a guy. You'll love the variety of information and support they provide.

Meanwhile, I'll be updating the tax calendar this week. It still has information up through Janaury 31, 2005.

And if you're looking for quick, current tax news - CBS.MarketWatch.com has will be adding daily news. And my column is back on a weekly schedule.

No doubt, you've already made and broken many of your new year's resolutions. So I won't bother you with that right now. Let me wait until you feel properly guilty about blowing it. Then, then, I'll strike with new resolutions that you may be able to keep.

Best wishes,

Eva Rosenberg, EA Your TaxMama is watching...out for you.