Deadlines Looming

03.31.05
• California Tax Amnesty ends
04.15.05
• Personal Income Taxes Due (Form 1040)
• Partnership Tax Returns Due (Form 1065)
• Trust Tax Returns Due (Form 1041)
• Or get first extension
• First estimated payment for 2005 due

Remember - you can use EFTPS to make the payments!

Taxmama's Quick Links to Online Filing




Dear Family,

Well this was an interesting and exciting week.

We tried out the iPowerworld conference system. Lots of you were there - thank you so much for joining me. Feedback was totally enthusiastic - even after I lost audio and my microphone went dead. (Way too many files open on my computer...)

Because you're all such good sports, no one left while I tried re-booting, then just switched computers.

But since I couldn't finish the visual presentation (my data was on the other computer) and couldn't show you the resources and links - we're doing it again next Wednesday - please, come join us!

If you come in early, you'll be able to network with people from around the world. We had guests from London, Vancouver and someplace in Australia, in addition to folks right here in America.

Incidentally, we'll be conducting these complimentary sessions every other week. The next session will be about how to use IRS's free online payment system.

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel's report to IRS just came out. These folks are private citizens, like you and me, who volunteer untold hours to identify specific problems in our tax system and recommend improvements or corrections. You'll find a link to their report in this week's IRS News, below.

I really want to applaud them for all the time and dedication and hard work they do. Most people don't even realize that private citizens can have a say in the tax process. But we can. And they're recruiting for this year. Thanks TAP! You did GREAT!

Right about now, you want in-depth tax news and information as you get ready to either finish your tax return, or prepare to do your extensions, you'll find a Tax Survival Guide on MarketWatch.com

You'll find quick links to the best online filing services I could find and the best software.

If you've been worried about filing your tax return online, stop worrying. After all, even when you use a professional tax preparer, they're transmiting your tax returns electronically. So, what difference does it make if you do it or they do? The only thing is - you must be sure to use an online service whose software is accurate, and whose transmission lines are secure. And I can only think of three companies I trust - TaxBrain and TurboTax.

[Sorry, I didn't include H&R Block this year, because someone reported a glitch in their program to me and I couldn't get H&R Block to respond. They just said, tell the person to call customer service. Well, that's not an answer when someone finds a program error. ]

To select the company that's best for you? Call up their phone-based customer service department. If you can reach a live person, that's a good starting point, don't you think?

And remember, if you have anything beyond a simple return, spend a few bucks and get a tax pro to, at least, review it before you file.

Today's Money Funnies reflects the solemnity of this holiday weekend. I pray you'll enjoy it.

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

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President Bush and Social Security
If you want to express your own opinion on Social Security to President Bush and your legislator's, please feel free to use the link at the bottom of this letter.