Ask TaxMama Issue 666 – Happy Chanukah

https://taxmama.wpengine.com/art/holidays/chanukah.gifThere’s a party at the IRS today. Yup, they have parties, too. Ted Meyer, currently a territory manager in Los Angeles is retiring after over 3 decades of service. Although I am sure we’re all happy for him, I have to admit that I am sad to see him, and so many other veteran IRS folks retiring or moving on this year – and next. (See MarketWatch story about IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman’s accomplishments.) Over the last 15 – 20 years or so, some very taxpayer-friendly things have been happening at the IRS. And people like Ted have been instrumental in making the IRS interactions more humane.

Other IRS veterans at lower levels are also retiring. With the hefty budget cuts hitting many of the departments and programs, it’s getting harder and harder to do their jobs properly. New people are coming on board – some who were trained by these veterans, others will walk in green. With so many of the people who have the experience, expertise and wisdom leaving, the new staff and managers won’t have the valuable guidance they will desperately need. I must admit that I am apprehensive about the future. And pray that the positive changes we’ve seen in the decade or two won’t be lost in the shuffle.

Moving on to more cheerful topics…In honor of the beginning of the holiday season, this week’s Money Funnies is about Noah, and what great lessons we can learn from him and his craft.

This week’s IRS News is about charitable giving. IRS provides some tips for this “Season of Giving.
This week’s MarketWatch column talks about 6 tax issues to watch in 2013.

This week’s Equifax Blog  talks about what happens to your taxes if Congress does nothing this year.  And what happens if you still haven’t filed. What the End of the Bush Tax Cuts Means for You—Part TwoWhat the End of the Bush Tax Cuts Means for You—Part One , Procrastinator’s Curse: Filing Taxes After Deadline

This week in the It’s a WAHM Thing blog, spend a little time exploring the idea of making a living as a travel writer. Travel Writing – on IRS’ Dime

And on Jim Blasingame’s radio show yesterday, we talked about these fun topics: How to write off your vacation as a business expense legally How well did the IRS do its job in 2012? What wil the fiscal cliff mean to your taxes?

If you want to see all the TaxQuips from earlier in the week, drop by here. There are some interesting topics.

Most people have given up looking for a job during the holiday season. Perhaps this is the perfect time to be in the right place at the right time to get that special interview. If you’re looking for a job, an intern, or a new employee, please visit the new TaxMama Career center, partnered with JobTarget.com. For 15% off on any postings or orders, use the code: taxcareers

Next week, we learn about the Employee vs Independent Contractor issue – and the Top 10 Tax Issues of  2012 at https://www.cpelink.com/teamtaxmama/  – Remember – code “TaxMama” provides a discount to new students.

Also next week, join us at CPA WebEngage for IRS Rules and Responsibilities for PTIN Holders.

TaxMama’s EA Exam Review Course is all done. But you are welcome to sign up for the Self-Study class. There is still time to pass at least one part of the EA Exam before the end of February.  Join us. www.irsexams.com . (Note: if you sign up now, your course registration will be good for next year’s class, too.)

Remember to follow TaxMama®’s Tweets – https://twitter.com/TaxMama

Have you grabbed the TaxQuips Widget for your phone, social networking page, website, or…? You’ll get the TaxQuips as soon as they published – about an hour before they are distributed in by e-mail. It’s a fun gadget. Just pick up the code and paste into your site or phone app.

https://www.widgetbox.com/widget/taxmamas-taxquips-daily-tax-podcasts

Let’s address a few tidbits of news – and go back to work!

Remember TaxMama’s Tax Calendar has enough information to carry you through to the first quarter of 2013.

As always, we love your feedback, opinions and ideas.

You are what makes all this fun – and interesting!

https://taxmama.wpengine.com/asktaxmama/ask-taxmama-issue-666

TaxNerd gear makes a bold statement year-round.

Hugs from your favorite TaxNerd,

Eva Rosenberg, EA

Your TaxMama® www.TaxMama.com

 

TaxMama Calendar
_____________________

 

12/17/2012 Employers Make Monthly Payroll tax deposit on the 15th of each month
12/17/2012 Corporations – 4th Quarter Estimate Due
12/31/2012 Last Day to Open KEOGH account for 2012 deposits
01/15/2013 Individuals, Farmers & Fishermen Pay 4th Quarter Estimated Tax Payment
01/15/2013 Estates & Trusts 4th Estimated Tax Payment
01/15/2013 Employers Make Monthly Payroll tax deposit on the 15th of each month

—————————————–

SPECIAL DEALS

—————————————–

===> Do it Yourself Legal Material

NOLO is having a sale!

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/family-law-divorce/?img=17&kbid=1453

(disclosure – TaxMama receives a commission)

===> Need a Corp, LLC, Registered Agent

Incorp Services Inc. in Nevada – DISCOUNT

20% off on formation services.

Similar discounts on Registered Agent services.

Call 800.2.INCORP – use coupon code – TAXMAMA

https://vurl.bz/taxmama/Incorp – no coupon needed

===> Business Uniforms – 3 Choices:

Zazzle – Cafe Press – Queensboro

===> Use your art or others – and customize it

Great for promotions – and to gear up for tax season!

Zazzle your Imagination. Are you a TaxNerd?

Tell everyone – proudly!

https://www.zazzle.com/taxmama*

Create your own customized Calendar at Zazzle

https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-241922-10414512

Get volume discounts on orders of 2 or more.

Get extra discounts for yourself and friends after you order.

===> Stuff for Pets and Pregnant Moms

Cafe Press is the home of TaxMama® ‘s shops

https://www.cafepress.com/taxmama

You can upload your own art and graphics

https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-241922-10463747

Get extra discounts for yourself and friends after you order.

===>WOW! Embroidered Logo on ANYTHING – on sale!

Always a sale at the Queensboro Shirt Company

https://www.queensboro.com/index.html?ref_id=632192

(They have clothes and novelties – and all sizes)

They do a gorgeous job.

—————————————–

EA EXAM NEWS & SOLVING THE TAX PUZZLE

—————————————–

Take TaxMama®’s 2010 EA Exam Review Class

https://irsexams.com/

Tomorrow we will do the Part 3 – second Final Review session.

I got a funny note from a student who just passed the hardest part – Part 2, and is now done. He told me how my class not only helped him pass the EA Exam, but also to lose 10 pounds. I’ll tell you about it in next week’s EA Exam News.

– sign up now – and join the FUN!

https://irsexams.com/registration/

A flood of Tax Professionals are interested in

taking the EA Exam. We still have a few handy

dandy totes to hold all your books, notes and discs.

https://irsexams.com/registration/

Read the ebook – Everything You Wanted to Know About the EA Exam

https://taxmama.wpengine.com/free-member-resources/

=== CPA Exam Review

Looking for a great course?

You can’t do any better than this!

Phil Yaeger’s CPA Exam Review Course

https://www.yaegercpareview.com/